41. Which of the following cut down the famous Bodhi tree in the second century BCE?
- Ashoka
- King Shashanka
- King Pushyamitra Shunga
- Mahapadma Nanda
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Correct Answer: King Pushyamitra Shunga
The famous Bodhi tree was indeed cut down by King Pushyamitra Shunga in the second century BCE, and King Shashanka is also believed to have damaged the tree in 600 CE. The Bodhi tree is significant as it is traditionally believed to be the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
42. Buddha delivered his first Sermon at which of the following places?
- Kushinagar
- Lumbini
- Gaya
- Sarnath
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Correct Answer: Sarnath
The Buddha’s first sermon, known as the DhammaChakka-Pavattana Sutta or “Turning the Wheel of Dharma,” was delivered at the deer park in Sarnath. This sermon is a fundamental teaching in Buddhism, and the location remains a sacred site.
43. Buddha attained parinibbana at which age?
- 70
- 75
- 80
- 85
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Correct Answer: 85
Gautama Buddha attained parinirvana, which refers to his final passing away or death, at the age of 80. This event is of great significance in Buddhist history as it marks the end of his physical presence in the world.
44. Which of the following are the three important pillars of the teachings of Buddha?
1. Buddha
2. Dhamma
3. Sangha
4. Nirvana
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
- Only 1 & 2
- Only 2, 3 & 4
- Only 1, 2 & 3
- Only 1, 2 & 4
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Correct Answer: Only 1, 2 & 3
The three important pillars of the teachings of Buddha include “Buddha,” representing the founder and teacher (Gautam Buddha), “Dhamma,” referring to the teachings and doctrines, and “Sangha,” representing the community of Buddhist monks and nuns who carry forward the teachings.
45. Arrange the following realms in ascending order as per Buddhism:
1. Buddha
2. Pratyeka Buddha
3. Bodhisattva
4. Human beings
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
- 1, 2, 3, 4
- 1, 4, 3, 2
- 2, 1, 4, 3
- 1, 3, 2, 4
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Correct Answer: 2, 1, 4, 3
The correct order of the realms in ascending order in Buddhism is as follows: Human beings, Bodhisattva, Pratyeka Buddha, and Buddha. This order represents various stages of spiritual development and attainment.
46. Who among the following was the president of the first Buddhist council?
- Nagasena
- Ananda
- Ajatashatru
- Mahakassapa
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Correct Answer: Mahakassapa
Mahakassapa served as the president of the first Buddhist council, which was convened soon after the Mahaparinirvana (passing away) of Gautam Buddha. The council took place in the Saptaparni cave near Rajgriha, focusing on preserving and reciting the teachings of Buddha.
47. Where was the second Buddhist council held?
- Rajgriha
- Kashi
- Vaishali
- Sarnath
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Correct Answer: Vaishali
The Second Buddhist Council took place in Vaishali and was presided over by the monk Sabbakami. It occurred in 383 BCE and primarily dealt with disputes and disagreements within the Buddhist monastic community.
48. Under the reign of which of the following kings was the third Buddhist council held?
- Kanishka
- Harshvardhana
- Ashoka
- Kalasoka
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Correct Answer: Ashoka
The Third Buddhist Council was convened at Patliputra (modern-day Patna) in 250 BCE under the patronage of King Ashoka. The primary objective of the third council was to purify Buddhism from what were considered opportunistic factions and to maintain the purity of the teachings.
49. Who among the following presided over the Buddhist council held under the patronage of King Kanishka?
- Udayana
- Dharmasena
- Vasumitra
- Nagarjuna
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Correct Answer: Vasumitra
The Fourth Buddhist Council was presided over by the monk Vasumitra and held in the 1st century CE. It took place in Kashmir and focused on composing commentaries on the Tripitaka, contributing to the development of Buddhism.
50. Which among the following is not included in the five aggregates of Buddhism?
- Rupa
- Vedana
- Moksha
- Sanna
Show Answer
Correct Answer: Moksha
The “five aggregates” (Pancha-khanda or Pancha-skandha) in Buddhism refer to the components of human experience and existence. They include Rupa (form), Vedana (feeling), Sanna (perception), Sankharas (mental formations), and Vinnana (consciousness). Moksha, however, refers to liberation and is not part of the five aggregates.
