Buddhism and Its Historical Context

What was Angulimala's initial intention when he encountered the old monk?

• To ask for forgiveness

• To seek guidance

• To offer him food

• To collect his fingers

Why is the historical accuracy of Buddha's life not a primary concern in Buddhism?

• Buddhism focuses on rituals rather than stories

• Buddha's life was too complex to document

• There are no historical records available

• Buddhism values the moral lessons over historical facts

What was a significant factor in the spread of Buddhism within 45 years?

• Buddha's military conquests

• The invention of printing

• Buddha's message resonating with many people

• The decline of other religions

How did urbanization contribute to the functioning of Buddhist monks?

• It allowed them to collect alms from the community

• It provided them with a place to meditate

• It helped them avoid political conflicts

• It enabled them to travel more easily

What role did laypeople play in the Buddhist community?

• They led religious ceremonies

• They provided food and support to monks

• They were responsible for writing scriptures

• They were the only ones allowed to meditate

What was a notable aspect of Buddhism's approach to social hierarchy?

• It was indifferent to social structures

• It only allowed the wealthy to become monks

• It rejected the caste system and promoted equality

• It strictly adhered to the caste system

What was Buddha's stance on the inclusion of women in monastic life?

• He prohibited women from joining

• He was initially reluctant but eventually allowed it

• He fully supported it without any conditions

• He encouraged women to lead the monastic community

What was the primary reason for recording Buddha's teachings after his death?

• To translate them into other languages

• To prevent them from being lost or altered

• To sell them as religious texts

• To create a new religious doctrine

What was the outcome of the first conference after Buddha's death?

• The establishment of a new monastic order

• The documentation of Buddha's teachings

• The division of Buddhism into multiple schools

• The creation of a new religious sect

Who played a key role in the spread of Buddhism across Asia?

• A king named Ashoka

• A monk named Ananda

• A merchant from India

• A Chinese philosopher