China/Belief Systems Test

Based on the information on this map, which location represents the easternmost spread of Buddhism from its starting point of expansion?

• Korea

• Japan

• Yun-gang

• Chang’an

Answer explanation

Japan is at the end of the arrow that shows the direction of the spread of Buddhism.  Korea served as a bridge from mainland Asia to Japan.

Which belief system is most closely associated with the terms Eightfold Path, Four Noble Truths, and nirvana?

• Buddhism

• Christianity

• Judaism

• Shinto

Answer explanation

Buddhism is founded on these principles.  Basic to this belief system is casting off desire.   This belief system was founded around 500 B.C. in India by a Hindu prince, Siddhartha Gautama.  He became known as Buddha, or the Enlightened One.

Which belief system is described in this passage?

• Buddhism

• Christianity

• Islam

• Confucianism

Answer explanation

Buddhism stresses the righteous paths to reach nirvana.  The Four Noble Truths state the need to give up desire, and an Eightfold Path sets steps to follow in order to achieve nirvana.

One way in which the Five Relationships, the Ten Commandments, and the Eightfold Path are similar is that they:

• promote polytheism

• establish gender equality

• provide codes of behavior

• describe secularism

Answer explanation

The Five Relationships (Confucianism), Ten Commandments (Judaism and Christianity), and the Eightfold Path (Buddhism) are all sets of rules of different religions. Each specifically states how a person should act toward other people and toward the religion’s deity.

The religious terms Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, and nirvana are most closely associated with

• Judaism

• Islam

• Shintoism

• Buddhism

Answer explanation

All of these terms are associated with Buddhism, a religion developed in India in the 500s BC. Its founder was Siddhartha Gautama, who took the name Buddha, the Enlightened One. Key to this religion is the idea that one must give up desire to find true peace.

Which religion or belief system is most closely associated with the social class system illustrated in the diagram?

• Hinduism

• Daoism

• Catholicism

• animism

Answer explanation

One of the key tenets of the Hindu faith is the caste system, a hierarchal social class system.

Which belief is most closely associated with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)?

• People are born into a specific caste.

• Believers must follow the Ten Commandments.

• Followers must fast during Ramadan.

• People can overcome their desires by following the Eight-Fold Path.

Answer explanation

Buddhism developed in India in the 500’s BC. The basic belief of the religion is that all life is suffering and suffering is caused by desire. The righteous behaviors of the Eightfold Path will help a person overcome desires.

Before the use of the Silk Road, how did geography affect early China?

• The mountains and deserts in western and southwestern China slowed the exchange of ideas.

• The northwestern region provided many fertile areas suitable for farming.

• The three major river systems provided barriers against invasion.

• The lack of deep-water ports on the eastern coast prevented China from developing trade with other nations.

Answer explanation

Due to the lack of deep-water ports on its eastern coast, China was unable to develop trade with other nations. The Silk Road opened China to its western neighbors, the Middle East, and Europe.

Which belief is shared by Hindus and Buddhists?

• Everyone should have the same social status.

• People should pray five times a day.

• The soul can be reincarnated.

• Material wealth is a sign of the blessing of the gods.

Answer explanation

Both Hinduism and Buddhism teach that every soul is on a journey to unite with a universal spirit. Thus a person lives many consecutive lives, being born again and again (reincarnation).

This statue is most closely associated with which religion?

• Buddhism

• Islam

• Jainism

• Christianity

Answer explanation

This is a statue of Siddhartha Guatama who is referred to as Buddha or the "enlightened one. Islam does not allow any statues of Allah. Christianity would show Christ, his mother Mary or the Saints. Jainism is a faith that believes in the immortality of the soul but does not believe in a Supreme Being.