Colombo Ymba Dhamma Exam 2009

1. Ascetic Gotama promised to King Bimbisara

To make his first visit to the Kingdom after Enlightenment

To rule the Kingdom jointly with the King

To reside permanently in the Kingdom of Magadha

The correct answer is "to make his first visit to the Kingdom after Enlightenment". This means that Ascetic Gotama promised King Bimbisara that he would visit the Kingdom after attaining Enlightenment. This suggests that Ascetic Gotama wanted to share his newfound wisdom and teachings with the King and the people of the Kingdom. It also implies that Ascetic Gotama considered the Kingdom and its people important enough to prioritize visiting them after his spiritual awakening.

Explanation

The correct answer is "to make his first visit to the Kingdom after Enlightenment". This means that Ascetic Gotama promised King Bimbisara that he would visit the Kingdom after attaining Enlightenment. This suggests that Ascetic Gotama wanted to share his newfound wisdom and teachings with the King and the people of the Kingdom. It also implies that Ascetic Gotama considered the Kingdom and its people important enough to prioritize visiting them after his spiritual awakening.

2. After Enlightenment, Buddha contemplated on Patthāna of the Abhidhamma Pitaka during

The third week

The fourth week

Fifth week

During the fourth week after his enlightenment, Buddha contemplated on the Patthāna of the Abhidhamma Pitaka. The Abhidhamma Pitaka is one of the three divisions of the Pali Canon, which is the sacred scripture of Theravada Buddhism. It consists of detailed analysis and categorization of phenomena, aiming to deepen the understanding of the mind and reality. This contemplation during the fourth week shows Buddha's dedication to gaining insight and wisdom, furthering his spiritual journey after attaining enlightenment.

Explanation

During the fourth week after his enlightenment, Buddha contemplated on the Patthāna of the Abhidhamma Pitaka. The Abhidhamma Pitaka is one of the three divisions of the Pali Canon, which is the sacred scripture of Theravada Buddhism. It consists of detailed analysis and categorization of phenomena, aiming to deepen the understanding of the mind and reality. This contemplation during the fourth week shows Buddha's dedication to gaining insight and wisdom, furthering his spiritual journey after attaining enlightenment.

3. The four grave offences of the Vinaya Pitaka causing a Bhikkhu to lose the status of a Bhikkhu are called

Parajika offences

Sanghadisesa offences

Pacittiya offences

The four grave offences of the Vinaya Pitaka that cause a Bhikkhu to lose their status as a Bhikkhu are known as Parajika offences. These offences are considered to be the most serious transgressions in the monastic code and include crimes such as killing a human being, engaging in sexual intercourse, stealing, and falsely claiming to have attained higher spiritual states. Committing any of these offences leads to immediate expulsion from the monastic community and the loss of the Bhikkhu status.

Explanation

The four grave offences of the Vinaya Pitaka that cause a Bhikkhu to lose their status as a Bhikkhu are known as Parajika offences. These offences are considered to be the most serious transgressions in the monastic code and include crimes such as killing a human being, engaging in sexual intercourse, stealing, and falsely claiming to have attained higher spiritual states. Committing any of these offences leads to immediate expulsion from the monastic community and the loss of the Bhikkhu status.

4. Dhammapada Stanza 204, first line, reads "Arogya paramā labhā" …. According to this line, the highest gift of human is ……..

Contentment

Health

Trustfulness

According to the first line of Dhammapada Stanza 204, the highest gift of human is health. This means that having good physical and mental well-being is considered the greatest blessing or gift that one can possess.

Explanation

According to the first line of Dhammapada Stanza 204, the highest gift of human is health. This means that having good physical and mental well-being is considered the greatest blessing or gift that one can possess.

5. The first lay follower to take refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha was

Householder Yasa

Father of Yasa

Upaka Ajivaka

The correct answer is "father of Yasa." This means that the first lay follower to take refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha was the father of Yasa.

Explanation

The correct answer is "father of Yasa." This means that the first lay follower to take refuge in the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha was the father of Yasa.

6. The first Buddhist Council was held under the patronage of

King Ajatasattu

King Asoka

King Vattagamini

The first Buddhist Council was held under the patronage of King Ajatasattu. This council was convened shortly after the death of Buddha to preserve and recite his teachings. Ajatasattu, the king of Magadha, was a supporter of Buddhism and played a crucial role in the establishment of the council. The council was led by Mahakassapa and attended by 500 arhats (enlightened disciples of Buddha). Its main purpose was to compile and recite the teachings of Buddha, known as the Tripitaka, to ensure their accuracy and preservation.

Explanation

The first Buddhist Council was held under the patronage of King Ajatasattu. This council was convened shortly after the death of Buddha to preserve and recite his teachings. Ajatasattu, the king of Magadha, was a supporter of Buddhism and played a crucial role in the establishment of the council. The council was led by Mahakassapa and attended by 500 arhats (enlightened disciples of Buddha). Its main purpose was to compile and recite the teachings of Buddha, known as the Tripitaka, to ensure their accuracy and preservation.

7. The sixth Great Buddhist Council (1954-56) was held in the city of

Mandalay

Rangoon (Yangon)

Pataliputra

The correct answer is Rangoon (Yangon). The sixth Great Buddhist Council was held in Rangoon (Yangon). This council took place from 1954 to 1956 and was an important event in the history of Buddhism. It was convened with the aim of preserving and promoting the teachings of Buddhism and bringing together scholars and monks from different countries. Rangoon (Yangon) was chosen as the location for this council, making it a significant city in the Buddhist world during that time.

Explanation

The correct answer is Rangoon (Yangon). The sixth Great Buddhist Council was held in Rangoon (Yangon). This council took place from 1954 to 1956 and was an important event in the history of Buddhism. It was convened with the aim of preserving and promoting the teachings of Buddhism and bringing together scholars and monks from different countries. Rangoon (Yangon) was chosen as the location for this council, making it a significant city in the Buddhist world during that time.