Colombo Ymba Dhamma Exam 2002

1. The five ascetics left the ascetic Gautama because he

Wanted to be alone

Became very weak and lean

Gave up austerities

Boycotted them

The correct answer is "gave up austerities". This means that Gautama, who was an ascetic, stopped practicing his strict and disciplined way of life. This could have been a significant change for the five ascetics, who may have believed in the importance of austerities and saw Gautama's decision as a betrayal of their shared beliefs and practices.

Explanation

The correct answer is "gave up austerities". This means that Gautama, who was an ascetic, stopped practicing his strict and disciplined way of life. This could have been a significant change for the five ascetics, who may have believed in the importance of austerities and saw Gautama's decision as a betrayal of their shared beliefs and practices.

2. Prince Siddartha renounced at the age of _________ years.

29

25

31

32

Prince Siddartha renounced at the age of 29 years.

Explanation

Prince Siddartha renounced at the age of 29 years.

3. In order to subdue the passions the Bodhisatta practised penances (austerities) with the five ascetics for

6 months

12 months

6 years

12 years

Guide to the Study of Theravada Buddhism, Book 2, pg 5

Explanation

Guide to the Study of Theravada Buddhism, Book 2, pg 5

4. The first sermon was preached by the Buddha at

Veluvana

Jetavana

Savatthi

Isipatana

Guide to the Study of Theravada Buddhism, Book 2, pg 14

Explanation

Guide to the Study of Theravada Buddhism, Book 2, pg 14

5. The Ratana Sutta was chanted in Vesali to dispel 3 fears. One of the following does not belong to those three. It is fear from

Famine

Illness

Non-humans

Thieves

"The city of Vesali was afflicted by a famine, causing death, especially to the poor folk. Due to the presence of decaying corpses the evil spirits began to haunt the city; this was followed by a pestilence. Plagued by these three fears of famine, non-human beings and pestilence, the citizens sought the help of the Buddha who was then living at Rajagaha."
Ratana Sutta: The Jewel Discourse
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/snp.2.01.piya.html

Explanation

"The city of Vesali was afflicted by a famine, causing death, especially to the poor folk. Due to the presence of decaying corpses the evil spirits began to haunt the city; this was followed by a pestilence. Plagued by these three fears of famine, non-human beings and pestilence, the citizens sought the help of the Buddha who was then living at Rajagaha."
Ratana Sutta: The Jewel Discourse
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/snp/snp.2.01.piya.html

6. What should one regard as important according to the stanza 'Na paresan...'?

Fault of others

What others have done

What others have not done

One's own deeds done and not done

Dhammapada 50. Guide to the Study of Theravada Buddhism, Book 2, pg 85.

Explanation

Dhammapada 50. Guide to the Study of Theravada Buddhism, Book 2, pg 85.

7. The Jataka story connected with renunciation from worldly happiness is

Vessantara

Makhadeva

Temiya

Ummagga

The Jataka story connected with renunciation from worldly happiness is Makhadeva. This story tells the tale of Prince Makhadeva who, despite being born into a life of luxury and comfort, chooses to renounce his worldly possessions and become an ascetic. He willingly gives up his kingdom, wealth, and even his family to pursue a life of spiritual enlightenment and liberation. This story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to detach themselves from material desires and find true happiness and fulfillment through renunciation.

Explanation

The Jataka story connected with renunciation from worldly happiness is Makhadeva. This story tells the tale of Prince Makhadeva who, despite being born into a life of luxury and comfort, chooses to renounce his worldly possessions and become an ascetic. He willingly gives up his kingdom, wealth, and even his family to pursue a life of spiritual enlightenment and liberation. This story serves as an inspiration for those seeking to detach themselves from material desires and find true happiness and fulfillment through renunciation.

8. In the noble eightfold path, the number classified as vocal (of words) is

3

2

4

5

answer taken from stylomilo.com/dhamma but no explanation given.

Explanation

answer taken from stylomilo.com/dhamma but no explanation given.

9. The first teacher to whom the Bodhisatta went for spiritual guidance after renunciation was

Sarvamitra

Bhaggave

Alara Kalama

Uddaka Ramaputta

Guide to the Study of Theravada Buddhism, Book 2, pg 5

Explanation

Guide to the Study of Theravada Buddhism, Book 2, pg 5

10. Metta Sutta was preached for the benefit of ______, who wish their welfare

Devas

Humans

Yakkhas

Bhikkhus

The Metta Sutta was preached for the benefit of bhikkhus, who wish their welfare. The sutta teaches the practice of metta, which is loving-kindness and goodwill towards all beings. By preaching this sutta to the bhikkhus, it is believed that they would cultivate metta within themselves and extend it towards others, promoting harmony, peace, and well-being for all.

Explanation

The Metta Sutta was preached for the benefit of bhikkhus, who wish their welfare. The sutta teaches the practice of metta, which is loving-kindness and goodwill towards all beings. By preaching this sutta to the bhikkhus, it is believed that they would cultivate metta within themselves and extend it towards others, promoting harmony, peace, and well-being for all.