How Buddhist Are You?

1. Many people associate Buddhist religious practice with silent, interior meditation. But the practice of vocalizing, reciting and chanting various teachings has played a vitally important role in the history of Buddhism. Nichiren’s practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo encompasses both. Rather than simply exploring and withdrawing into the private realms of the inner life, our religious practice is focused on bringing forth our highest inner potential in relation to and for the benefit of our fellow humans and human society.

True

False

Neither - it's all nothingness

Both - it's all Tao

The passage states that the practice of vocalizing, reciting, and chanting teachings has played an important role in the history of Buddhism. It mentions Nichiren's practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which suggests that vocalization is a part of Buddhist religious practice. The passage also emphasizes that the purpose of this practice is to bring forth our highest inner potential for the benefit of others. Therefore, it can be inferred that the statement "Many people associate Buddhist religious practice with silent, interior meditation" is false, and the correct answer is true.

Explanation

The passage states that the practice of vocalizing, reciting, and chanting teachings has played an important role in the history of Buddhism. It mentions Nichiren's practice of chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, which suggests that vocalization is a part of Buddhist religious practice. The passage also emphasizes that the purpose of this practice is to bring forth our highest inner potential for the benefit of others. Therefore, it can be inferred that the statement "Many people associate Buddhist religious practice with silent, interior meditation" is false, and the correct answer is true.

2. The belief of some is like ____ while that of others is like water. When the former listen to the teachings, their passion flares up like ___, but as time goes on, they tend to discard their faith. To have faith like water means to believe continuously without ever regressing. ~ Writings of Nichiren, pg. 899

The correct answer, "fire," is used to describe the belief of some individuals. This analogy suggests that their passion and enthusiasm for their beliefs are intense and powerful, similar to the fierce and consuming nature of fire. However, the passage also implies that this fervor eventually diminishes over time, leading these individuals to abandon their faith. In contrast, having faith like water signifies a continuous and unwavering belief without any regression.

Explanation

The correct answer, "fire," is used to describe the belief of some individuals. This analogy suggests that their passion and enthusiasm for their beliefs are intense and powerful, similar to the fierce and consuming nature of fire. However, the passage also implies that this fervor eventually diminishes over time, leading these individuals to abandon their faith. In contrast, having faith like water signifies a continuous and unwavering belief without any regression.

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3. Who is the 'disciple'?

A person who practices this faith and embodies the vow of the mentor

"There can only be one!"

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Explanation

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4. What are the 'Ten Worlds'?

Courtship, Infancy, Go-Go, Adolescence, Prime, Stability, Aristocracy, Recrimination, Bureaucracy, Death

Larry, Moe, Curly, Curly Joe, Shemp, Beppo, Zeppo, Groucho, Dagwood, Blondie

Appearance, nature, entity, power, influence, inherent cause, relation, latent effect, manifest effect, and their consistency from beginning to end.

Hell, hunger, animaility, anger, tranquility, rapture, learning, realization, bodhisattva, and Buddha

The correct answer describes the 'Ten Worlds' as Hell, hunger, animality, anger, tranquility, rapture, learning, realization, bodhisattva, and Buddha. These worlds are related to Buddhism and represent different states of existence or consciousness that individuals can experience. They range from negative states of suffering and delusion (Hell, hunger, animality, anger) to positive states of enlightenment and compassion (tranquility, rapture, learning, realization, bodhisattva, and Buddha). This concept is used to understand the different mental and emotional states that individuals can go through in their spiritual journey.

Explanation

The correct answer describes the 'Ten Worlds' as Hell, hunger, animality, anger, tranquility, rapture, learning, realization, bodhisattva, and Buddha. These worlds are related to Buddhism and represent different states of existence or consciousness that individuals can experience. They range from negative states of suffering and delusion (Hell, hunger, animality, anger) to positive states of enlightenment and compassion (tranquility, rapture, learning, realization, bodhisattva, and Buddha). This concept is used to understand the different mental and emotional states that individuals can go through in their spiritual journey.

5. Again, contrary to certain assumptions, Buddhism does not consider (1)____ to be fixed and unchangeable. Our (2) _____ energy, which Buddhist texts describe as the "raging current" of the alaya-consciousness (8th consciousness0, interacts with the other layers of consciousness. It is at this deepest level that human beings exert influence upon one another, on their surroundings and on all life.

(1) karma; (2) karmic

(1) the universe; (2) universal

(1) life ; (2) lifestate

(1) our constitution; (2) constituent

(1) the 'Force' ; (2) the Jedi's energy

Buddhism does not view karma as fixed and unchangeable. The energy of karma, described as the "raging current" of the alaya-consciousness, interacts with other layers of consciousness. This deepest level of consciousness allows human beings to exert influence on each other, their surroundings, and all life.

Explanation

Buddhism does not view karma as fixed and unchangeable. The energy of karma, described as the "raging current" of the alaya-consciousness, interacts with other layers of consciousness. This deepest level of consciousness allows human beings to exert influence on each other, their surroundings, and all life.

6. Who is the 'mentor'?

A person who expounds the principles of the Ongi Kuden, the Orange Catholic Bible and the Maka Shikan

My shop teacher, Mr. Saganaki

Basically, it's a person who expounds the principles of the Lotus Sutra

The world is my teacher

The correct answer states that a mentor is someone who expounds the principles of the Lotus Sutra. This suggests that a mentor is someone who guides and teaches others based on the teachings and principles of the Lotus Sutra, which is a Buddhist scripture. The Lotus Sutra is highly regarded in Buddhism and is believed to contain profound teachings on enlightenment and the nature of reality. Therefore, a mentor who expounds these principles would likely be knowledgeable and experienced in Buddhist teachings, and would provide guidance and instruction based on these principles.

Explanation

The correct answer states that a mentor is someone who expounds the principles of the Lotus Sutra. This suggests that a mentor is someone who guides and teaches others based on the teachings and principles of the Lotus Sutra, which is a Buddhist scripture. The Lotus Sutra is highly regarded in Buddhism and is believed to contain profound teachings on enlightenment and the nature of reality. Therefore, a mentor who expounds these principles would likely be knowledgeable and experienced in Buddhist teachings, and would provide guidance and instruction based on these principles.

7. In the Gohonzon, a scroll on which are inscribed Chinese and Sanskrit characters, Nichiren symbolically depicted the life state of ___________, which all people possess.

Hunger

Animality

Inner Peace

The 'Schwartz'

Buddhahood

In the Gohonzon, Nichiren depicted the life state of Buddhahood, which all people possess. Buddhahood is the state of enlightenment and awakening, where one realizes their true nature and potential. By inscribing Chinese and Sanskrit characters on the scroll, Nichiren symbolically represented this universal life state, emphasizing that every individual has the capacity to attain Buddhahood and manifest their highest wisdom and compassion.

Explanation

In the Gohonzon, Nichiren depicted the life state of Buddhahood, which all people possess. Buddhahood is the state of enlightenment and awakening, where one realizes their true nature and potential. By inscribing Chinese and Sanskrit characters on the scroll, Nichiren symbolically represented this universal life state, emphasizing that every individual has the capacity to attain Buddhahood and manifest their highest wisdom and compassion.

8. When was Nichiren Daishonin born and where?

10th day of the 9th month of 1271, on the beach near Tatsunokuchi (The Dragon's Mouth)

The year of the Tiger, hour of the Ox, in the capital of Kamakura

16th day of the 2nd month, 1222, in a fishing village of Kataumi

Nichiren Daishonin was born on the 16th day of the 2nd month, 1222, in a fishing village of Kataumi.

Explanation

Nichiren Daishonin was born on the 16th day of the 2nd month, 1222, in a fishing village of Kataumi.

9. Which came first? The Buddha or enlightenment?

An ascetic, a mendicant, and a Spartan walked into a bar...

All of the above

None of the above --- for now

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Explanation

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10. The teachings of Nichiren thus stress the transformation, rather than the elimination, of ____. ________ and attachments are seen as fueling the quest for enlightenment. As he is recorded as teaching: "Now Nichiren and others who chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo...burn the firewood of earthly _______ and behold the fire of enlightened wisdom..."

The teachings of Nichiren emphasize the transformation of desires rather than eliminating them. Desires and attachments are seen as the driving force behind the pursuit of enlightenment. Nichiren teaches that by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, individuals can burn the firewood of earthly desires and attain the fire of enlightened wisdom. This suggests that desires can be harnessed and redirected towards spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Explanation

The teachings of Nichiren emphasize the transformation of desires rather than eliminating them. Desires and attachments are seen as the driving force behind the pursuit of enlightenment. Nichiren teaches that by chanting Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, individuals can burn the firewood of earthly desires and attain the fire of enlightened wisdom. This suggests that desires can be harnessed and redirected towards spiritual growth and enlightenment.

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11. The invocation of Nam-myoho-renge-kyo was established by Nichiren on _______ (date & month). Having studied widely among all the Buddhist sutras, he had concluded that the Lotus Sutra contains the ultimate truth of Buddhism: that everyone without exception has the potential to attain Buddhahood.

June 3, 1942

May 1, 1253

February 10, 1222

April 28, 1253

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Explanation

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12. "It takes ______ to become happy -- ______ to remain true to one's convictions, ______ not to be defeated by one's weaknesses and negativity, _______to take swift action to help those who are suffering."

The answer "courage" fits the context of the statement as it is mentioned that it takes courage to become happy, to remain true to one's convictions, to not be defeated by weaknesses and negativity, and to take swift action to help those who are suffering. Courage is the quality or mindset required to face challenges, overcome fears, and take action in difficult situations. It aligns with the idea of being strong, resilient, and proactive in order to achieve happiness and make a positive impact on others.

Explanation

The answer "courage" fits the context of the statement as it is mentioned that it takes courage to become happy, to remain true to one's convictions, to not be defeated by weaknesses and negativity, and to take swift action to help those who are suffering. Courage is the quality or mindset required to face challenges, overcome fears, and take action in difficult situations. It aligns with the idea of being strong, resilient, and proactive in order to achieve happiness and make a positive impact on others.

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13. What is the purpose of life? If one were to express this in just a word, it would have to be "____________." The purpose of education must therefore accord with the purpose of life. ' ~ Tsunesaburo Makiguchi

The purpose of life, according to Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, can be summarized in one word: happiness. This suggests that the ultimate goal and reason for living is to find and experience happiness. Makiguchi also implies that the purpose of education should align with this goal, meaning that education should aim to cultivate and promote happiness in individuals' lives.

Explanation

The purpose of life, according to Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, can be summarized in one word: happiness. This suggests that the ultimate goal and reason for living is to find and experience happiness. Makiguchi also implies that the purpose of education should align with this goal, meaning that education should aim to cultivate and promote happiness in individuals' lives.

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14. "Buddhism is put into action through 'jihi,' meaning _____. 'Ji' is to offer joy to others, and 'hi' means to alleviate their pain." ~ Josei Toda

The correct answer is compassion. In Buddhism, the concept of 'jihi' is about putting the teachings of Buddhism into practice. 'Ji' refers to offering joy to others, while 'hi' means to alleviate their pain. Therefore, 'jihi' encompasses the idea of showing compassion towards others by bringing them joy and relieving their suffering.

Explanation

The correct answer is compassion. In Buddhism, the concept of 'jihi' is about putting the teachings of Buddhism into practice. 'Ji' refers to offering joy to others, while 'hi' means to alleviate their pain. Therefore, 'jihi' encompasses the idea of showing compassion towards others by bringing them joy and relieving their suffering.

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15. The ____-_____relationship has always been a key to Buddhist practice. In the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni exhorted his disciples to always practice the sutra true to the spirit in which it was taught. But the aim of the ____-______relationship in Buddhism is not that the mentor exacts obedience from the disciple, but that the mentor seeks to train the disciple to achieve an even greater state of development than that of the mentor.

The mentor-disciple relationship in Buddhism is crucial for the practice of Buddhism. In the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni emphasized the importance of practicing the sutra in its true spirit. However, the aim of this relationship is not for the mentor to demand obedience from the disciple. Instead, the mentor's goal is to train the disciple to surpass the mentor's level of development and achieve an even greater state of enlightenment.

Explanation

The mentor-disciple relationship in Buddhism is crucial for the practice of Buddhism. In the Lotus Sutra, Shakyamuni emphasized the importance of practicing the sutra in its true spirit. However, the aim of this relationship is not for the mentor to demand obedience from the disciple. Instead, the mentor's goal is to train the disciple to surpass the mentor's level of development and achieve an even greater state of enlightenment.

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16. Faith in the Daishonin’s Buddhism is always based on the ___. We practice the ___, and we spread the ___. Achieving the lofty and great objectives of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime and realizing kosen-rufu require that we unite in spirit and advance with unity of purpose. Toward that end a teacher who correctly practices the ___ is vital.

Faith in the Daishonin's Buddhism is always based on the Law. This means that our belief and trust in this Buddhism is rooted in the principles and teachings of the Law, which is the ultimate truth and the guiding force in our practice. We practice the Law, meaning that we actively engage in the study, chanting, and application of the teachings in our daily lives. By doing so, we are able to manifest the benefits of the Law and deepen our understanding of it. Additionally, we spread the Law by sharing the teachings with others and introducing them to the practice. In order to achieve the objectives of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime and realizing kosen-rufu, which is the widespread propagation of Buddhism, it is crucial that we unite in spirit and advance with unity of purpose. And to guide us in this journey, a teacher who correctly practices the Law is vital.

Explanation

Faith in the Daishonin's Buddhism is always based on the Law. This means that our belief and trust in this Buddhism is rooted in the principles and teachings of the Law, which is the ultimate truth and the guiding force in our practice. We practice the Law, meaning that we actively engage in the study, chanting, and application of the teachings in our daily lives. By doing so, we are able to manifest the benefits of the Law and deepen our understanding of it. Additionally, we spread the Law by sharing the teachings with others and introducing them to the practice. In order to achieve the objectives of attaining Buddhahood in this lifetime and realizing kosen-rufu, which is the widespread propagation of Buddhism, it is crucial that we unite in spirit and advance with unity of purpose. And to guide us in this journey, a teacher who correctly practices the Law is vital.

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