Buddhism and Its Texts

Front

True or false. All Buddhists agree which of their sacred texts are authoritative.

Back

False. There is no agreement among various branches of Buddhism on which texts are authoritative.

Front

Did the Buddha write any sacred texts and, if so, what were they called?

Back

Unlike Islam, Buddhism initially had no written texts by its founder.

Front

How were the Buddha's teachings originally preserved? Hint: It's the same way Christianity's early teachers were preserved.

Back

Through ORAL TRADITION.

Front

Early Buddhist scriptures are known as the Tripitaka. Do you know what that term means?

Back

Tripitaka means "Three Baskets."

Front

Do you recall the primitive languages in India that Hindu scriptures were also written in?

Back

Sanskrit and Pali are both languages used in ancient Indian texts.

Front

True of false. The Tripitaka is not considered definitive by Mahayana Buddhists.

Back

True. The Mahayana Buddhists are the more progressive branch of Buddhism and they don't accept the Tripitaka as definitive.

Front

True or false. Theravada Buddhism is more conservative compared to Mahayana.

Back

True. The Theravada Buddhists, or the "Smaller Vehicle," are more conservative theologically.

Front

Mahayana Buddhists have sacred writings called "sutras." The most famous of these is called the what?

Back

The Lotus Sutra

Front

Mahayana Buddhists consider the Lotus Sutra to be

Back

The Buddha’s final teaching

Front

The Lotus Sutra teaches that, all people, not just religious monks or theolgians can attain what?

Back

Enlightenment! The goal of all Buddhists.