Colombo YMBA Abhidhamma Exam 2000

1.

The Abhidhamma work composed by Mogaliputta Tissa Thera was
- A.
  
  Vibhanga
- B.
  
  Kathavathu
- C.
  
  Patthana
- D.
  
  Abhidhammatthasangha
Correct Answer
B. Kathavathu

Explanation
Kathavathu (Points of Controversy)

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2.

The Kamaloka comprises of ___ worlds
- A.
  
  08
- B.
  
  09
- C.
  
  10
- D.
  
  11
Correct Answer
D. 11

Explanation
Four woeful states (Niraya, Tirrachanna, Petas, Asuras, ) + Seven Sensuous Blissful States (Manussa, Catumaharajika, Tavatimsa, Yama, Tusita, Nimmanarati, Paranimmitavasavatti)
Please note that the worlds are interpreted as mental worlds in Abhidhamma sense, hence the comparative use of the words 'worlds' and 'states'. See 'A Manual of Abhidhamma by Narada Thera' pg 233 onwards for detailed analysis.

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3.

Patthanappakarana is the _______ book of the Abhidhamma Pitaka
- A.
  
  1st
- B.
  
  3rd
- C.
  
  5th
- D.
  
  7th
Correct Answer
D. 7th

Explanation
Patthanappakarana, or 'The Book of Causal Relations', is the 7th treatise and also the most important and voluminous book of th Abhidhamma Pitaka. 'Pa' = Various; 'Thana' =Relation/Condition. Deals with the 24 modes of causal relations and the triplets (tika) and couplets (duka) already mentioned in the Dhammasangani, and which comprises the essence of the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
Answer extracted from 'A Manual of Abhidhamma by Narada Thera' pg 5.

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4.

The basic technical term used in Abhidhamma to imply all mental and material forms is
- A.
  
  Nama-rupa
- B.
  
  Dhamma
- C.
  
  Kusalakusala
- D.
  
  Tilakkhana
Correct Answer
A. Nama-rupa

Explanation
Tilakkhana: The 3 Characteristics of Impermanence (anicca, dukkha, anatta)
Definition extracted from 'Buddhist Dictionary - Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines' by Nyanatiloka, pg 179

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5.

The term 'sankhara' is used to denote a group of ________ cetasikas.
- A.
  
  51
- B.
  
  50
- C.
  
  49
- D.
  
  48
Correct Answer
B. 50

Explanation
Total number of cetasikas is 52, otherwise known in class as 50+1+1, because feelings (vedana) and perceptions (sanna) are taken as two standalone aggregates out of the 5 aggregates (the other three being form (rupa), mental formations (sankhara) and consciousness (vinnana)) that make up the being (satta).

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6.

Which one is the inappropriate term?
- A.
  
  Nama
- B.
  
  Vinnana
- C.
  
  Citta
- D.
  
  Vedana
Correct Answer
D. Vedana

Explanation
Vedana (feeling) as the odd one out as the rest are group nouns that refer to the mind or consciousness dependent on the context they are used in.

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7.

The types of immoral consciousness based on illusion or ignorance (moha) are ___ in number.
- A.
  
  02
- B.
  
  03
- C.
  
  04
- D.
  
  05
Correct Answer
A. 02

Explanation
All akusala consciousness are rooted in moha. However, for those with only one root (moha), there are 2.
Upekkha sahagatam vicikiccha sampayuttam / one citta, accompanied by equanimity, sceptical doubt associated
Upekkha sahagatam uddhacca sampayuttam / one citta, accompanied by equanimity, restlessness associated

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8.

The type of consciousness common to all evil (akusala) is
- A.
  
  Lobha
- B.
  
  Dosa
- C.
  
  Moha
- D.
  
  Kiriya
Correct Answer
C. Moha

Explanation
Kiriya / Kriya: Functional

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9.

Metta (Loving-Kindness) comes under _______ consciousness.
- A.
  
  Alobha
- B.
  
  Adosa
- C.
  
  Amoha
- D.
  
  Vipaka
Correct Answer
B. Adosa

Explanation
Vipaka: Result/ Resultant

Adosa (Non-hatred) is the mental factor that promotes Loving-Kindness (metta) and the welfare of other living beings. Extracted from Guide to the Study of Theravada Buddhism, Book 2, pg 119.

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10.

Sabbacittasadharana mental factors do not include
- A.
  
  Phassa
- B.
  
  Sanna
- C.
  
  Cetana
- D.
  
  Sati
Correct Answer
D. Sati

Explanation
Sabbacittasadharana - The Universals. Guide to the Study of Theravada Buddhism, Book 2, pg 96-101. They consist of:
1. Contact (Phassa)
2. Feeling (Vedana)
3. Perception (Sanna)
4. Volition (Cetana)
5. One-pointedness (Ekaggata)
6. Mental Life Faculty (Jitvitindriya)
7. Attention (Manasikara)

Mindfulness (Sati) appears as the 2nd Sobhana (Beautiful) Cetasika. See Guide to the Study of Theravada Buddhism, Book 2, pg 117.

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Colombo Ymba Abhidhamma Exam 2000

The Abhidhamma work composed by Mogaliputta Tissa Thera was

The Kamaloka comprises of ___ worlds

Patthanappakarana is the _______ book of the Abhidhamma Pitaka

The basic technical term used in Abhidhamma to imply all mental and material forms is

The term 'sankhara' is used to denote a group of ________ cetasikas.

Which one is the inappropriate term?

The types of immoral consciousness based on illusion or ignorance (moha) are ___ in number.

The type of consciousness common to all evil (akusala) is

Metta (Loving-Kindness) comes under _______ consciousness.

Sabbacittasadharana mental factors do not include