Quiz on Buddha and Early Buddhism

Which of the following is one of the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?

• The truth of suffering

• The truth of karma

• The truth of rebirth

• The truth of meditation

What is the Pali term for the Buddha's departure from home?

• Parinirvana

• Mahaparinirvana

• Abhiniskramana

• Jhana

What is the Pāli Canon also known as?

• Tripitaka

• Mahāvastu

• Mahāyāna

• Sutta

What is the significance of the Bo tree in the Buddha's enlightenment?

• It is where he achieved enlightenment

• It is where he was born

• It is where he died

• It is where he gave his first sermon

What is the first stage of the Buddha's enlightenment called?

• Jhana

• Nirvana

• Samsara

• Karma

What term was used to describe the chosen followers who had attained the penultimate state of perfection?

• Bhikkhus

• Arhats

• Sangha

• Monks

What is the term for the Buddhist community of monks, nuns, and laypeople?

• Sangha

• Bhikkhu

• Arhat

• Bodhisattva

What was the main concern of the Mahāsāṅghikas?

• The exact teaching of the Buddha

• The handling of money by monks

• The personal quest for liberation

• The expansion of the Mauryan empire

What percentage of Buddhists are estimated to be Theravāda?

• 38 percent

• 56 percent

• 24 percent

• 12 percent

Which Buddhist tradition is known for its emphasis on compassion and wisdom?

• Theravāda

• Mahāyāna

• Zen

• Vajrayāna