SGI-USA Introductory Exam Quiz

What does 'lessening one’s karmic retribution' mean in Nichiren Buddhism?

• Avoiding hardships in life.

• Accumulating good fortune without effort.

• Ignoring the concept of karma.

• Receiving karma in a single lifetime and in a lighter form and extinguishing all of our negative karma

What does the Lotus Sutra’s principle of 'voluntarily assuming the appropriate karma' teach?

• To avoid all hardships in life.

• To relinquish rewards for pure deeds and choose compassion for others.

• To accumulate wealth and power.

• To ignore the suffering of others.

What is the purification of the six sense organs in Nichiren Buddhism?

• Cleansing the body through physical rituals.

• Purifying the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind to fully experience positive functions.

• Ignoring the senses to focus on meditation.

• Practicing silence to avoid distractions.

What are heavenly gods and benevolent deities in Buddhism?

• Forces that protect and support those who practice the correct Buddhist teaching.

• Mythical beings with no connection to human life.

• Deities that punish those who do not follow Buddhism.

• Imaginary figures in Buddhist stories.

What does 'Many in body, one in mind' mean in modern terms?

• It means everyone should look the same.

• It means people should share the same intention and purpose while respecting individual differences.

• It means people should compete with each other.

• It means people should focus only on their own goals.

What does 'Many in body, one in mind' mean in modern terms?

• It means everyone should look the same.

• It means people should share the same heart/intention while respecting individual differences.

• It means people should compete with each other.

• It means people should focus only on their own goals.

What does Nichiren Daishonin's writing “Regard your service to your lord as the practice of the Lotus Sutra” (WND-1, 905), teach about daily life and Buddhist practice?

• Daily life is separate from Buddhist practice.

• Daily life is the venue for Buddhist practice, where faith enables us to transform and lead fulfilling lives.

• Buddhist practice is only about rituals and ceremonies.

• Faith is not important in daily life.

What was the purpose of Shakyamuni Buddha's appearance in this world?

• To show people the best way to live as human beings.

• To perform miracles and gain followers.

• To create a new religion.

• To teach people how to build wealth.

What significant event took place on November 18, 1930, involving Tsunesaburo Makiguchi and Josei Toda?

• They founded a new country.

• Makiguchi published the first volume of his Soka kyoikugaku taikei (The system of value-creating education).

• They created a new form of government.

• Toda became the leader of a political party.

What is the meaning and significance of the word 'Soka'?

• Soka means destruction of value.

• Soka means creation of value, expressing the idea that value is integral to building happiness.

• Soka means competition and rivalry.

• Soka means isolation and independence.