21. Kushinara or Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha attained parinirvana, was located in which among the following provinces of ancient India?
- Anga
- Magadha
- Malla
- Vatsa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Malla Kushinara or Kushinagar, where Lord Buddha attained parinirvana (passing away), was located in the Malla region of ancient India. It was a village about 180 km from Varanasi, in the present-day state of Uttar Pradesh, India.
Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports secured over 84 percent on-time departures in the recent review.
22. The word “Vihara” in Buddhism means:
- Residence of Monks
- Hall of Worship
- Congregation Hall
- Garden
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Residence of Monks
The term “Vihara” in Buddhism refers to a dwelling place or residence for monks. Viharas are essential for monastic life, where monks live, meditate, study, and engage in religious practices.
23. Which among the following Buddhist Canon is related to dealing with rules for monks and nuns?
- Vinaya Pitaka
- Sutta Pitaka
- Abhidhamma Pitaka
- None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Vinaya Pitaka
The Vinaya Pitaka is one of the three main sections of the Buddhist Canon. It primarily deals with rules and regulations for monks and nuns, providing guidance on monastic discipline, ethical conduct, and the organization of the monastic community.
24. Which among the following is true about Buddha?
- He accepted the existence of God
- He didn’t accept the existence of God
- He neither accepted nor rejected the existence of God
- None of the above
Show Answer
Correct Answer: He didn’t accept the existence of God
Gautama Buddha’s teachings indeed focused on human experience, suffering, and the path to enlightenment. While Buddhism recognizes various divine beings, Buddha did not emphasize the existence of a creator God in his teachings. Instead, he emphasized personal transformation and the cessation of suffering through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
25. Which Buddhist council was held during the reign of Kanishka?
- 1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
- 4th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: 4th
The Fourth Buddhist Council was held during the reign of Kanishka, the Kushan king. It took place at Kundalvana, Kashmir, in 72 AD. Vasumitra presided over the council, with Aśvaghosa as his deputy. This council marked the distinct division of Buddhism into two sects: Mahayana and Hinayana.
26. Sarnath is associated with which aspect of Buddha’s life?
- Birth
- Residence
- First sermon
- Death
Show Answer
Correct Answer: First sermon
Sarnath is indeed a significant location in Buddhism. It’s where Gautama Buddha gave his first sermon, known as the “Dhammachakra Parivartan” or “Turning the Wheel of Dharma.” This event is crucial in Buddhist history, as it marked the beginning of Buddha’s teachings to others after his enlightenment.
27. In which of the following Buddhist Councils did the compilation of Dhamma Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka take place?
- 1st
- 2nd
- 3rd
- 4th
Show Answer
Correct Answer: 1st
The compilation of the Dhamma Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka did not take place during the First Buddhist Council but was a part of the process of collecting and preserving the Buddhist scriptures. The First Buddhist Council, held at the Sataparni caves near Rajgriha, focused on reciting and orally preserving the teachings of Buddha, not compiling written texts.
28. Hemis festival is dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), venerated as the representative reincarnate of Buddha. In which part of India is it held every year?
- Himachal Pradesh
- Assam
- Ladakh
- Orissa
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Ladakh
The Hemis festival is an annual celebration in Ladakh, dedicated to Lord Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who is revered in Tibetan Buddhism. While it’s a significant festival in the region, it is not directly related to Gautama Buddha, as Padmasambhava was a different historical figure.
29. The Fourth Buddhist Council was held at?
- Kapilvastu
- Kashmir
- Sarnath
- Bodhgaya
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Kashmir
The Fourth Buddhist Council indeed took place in Kashmir in the 1st century AD, organized under the patronage of King Kanishka. The primary aim of this council was to compose commentaries on the Tripitaka, the traditional Buddhist scriptures. This event played a pivotal role in the development of Buddhism and the division into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.
30. Why did most Greeks, Kushanas & Shakas embrace Buddhism rather than Hinduism when they established their rule in India?
- Buddhism has risen and it eclipsed Hinduism
- A policy of war and violence was to be renounced before embracing Buddhism
- Hinduism was caste-ridden and was not able to attract them
- It was easy to access Indian society by embracing Buddhism
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Hinduism was caste-ridden and was not able to attract them
The Greeks, Kushanas, and Shakas embraced Buddhism instead of Hinduism because Hinduism was deeply rooted in the caste system, which created social divisions and limited their acceptance. Buddhism, on the other hand, provided a more inclusive and accessible path to spiritual enlightenment.
