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Worksheets

Buddhist Beliefs

Total questions: 131

Worksheet time: 1hrs 21mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Which one of the following terms means 'compassion' in Buddhism?

a)

Metta

b)

Karma

c)

Zazen

d)

Karuna

2.

What is the definition of samsara?

a)

the language used in later Indian Buddhist texts

b)

the repeating cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth

c)

a demon that represents spiritual obstacles, especially temptation

d)

the Buddha’s teachings

3.

The five skandhas are: form, sensations, perceptions, mental activity and consciousness. What do Buddhists believe they represent?

a)

the five noble truths

b)

the five aspects that make up a person

c)

the fivefold path

d)

the five ascetics

4.

Dukkha, anicca and anatta are the three marks of existence. Is that true or false?

a)

True

b)

False

5.

Enlightenment means

a)

being reborn into another being - reincarnation

b)

three characteristics fundamental to all things: dukkha, anicca and anatta

c)

the gaining of true knowledge about the nature of reality

d)

a demon that represents spiritual obstacles, especially temptation

6.

Dukkha is...

a)

defined as suffering

b)

defined as impermanence

c)

emotional, physical and attachment

d)

caused by the three poisons

7.

Anicca is...

a)

defined as suffering

b)

defined as impermanence

c)

represented by the offerings made at shrines of the Buddha

d)

part of the Four Noble Truths

8.

Anatta is...

a)

defined as having no soul or self

b)

defined as impermanence

c)

used to teach about the uselessness of attachments

d)

a teaching recorded in the Buddha's final words

9.

The five aggregates (skandhas) are impermanent

a)

True

b)

False

10.

'Mind precedes all mental states' is a teaching relevant to which Buddhist belief?

a)

The Five Aggregates

b)

Karma

c)

Samsara

d)

The Tibetan Wheel of Life

11.

The Five Aggregates are

a)

Form, sensations, perception, mental formations and consciousness

b)

Form, sensations, perception, mental formations and conscience

c)

Form, sensations, imperceptible, mental formations and consciousness

d)

Form, sensational, perception, moral formations and consciousness

12.

The Four Noble Truths are...

a)

the old man, the sick man, the dead man, the holy man

b)

the four truths that the Buddha taught about suffering

13.

The Eightfold path is

a)

eight aspects that Buddhists practise and live by in order to achieve enlightenment

b)

a part of the Four Noble Truths

c)

the 'cure' to end suffering

d)

a description about reincarnation

14.

Meditation is a central practice of the Buddhist faith

a)

True

b)

False

15.

The Four Sights are:

a)

A teacher, a student, an actor and a doctor

b)

A doctor, a patient, an elderly man and a carer

c)

A vicar, an ill man, an old man and a dead man

d)

An ill man, an old man, a dead man and a holy man

16.

Someone who practices a simple and strict lifestyle with few pleasures or possessions is known as an:

a)

ameliorate

b)

anaesthetic

c)

aesthetic

d)

ascetic

17.

What kind of life did Siddhartha live before becoming the Buddha?

a)

Luxurious

b)

Languid

c)

Licentious

d)

Literary

18.

In Buddhism, the gaining of true knowledge the nature of reality and suffering is known as:

a)

Enlightenment

b)

Dependent Arising

c)

The Three Refuges

d)

The Eightfold Path

19.

The Buddha's teachings are called

a)

The Karma

b)

The Dharma

c)

The Nirvana

d)

The Sangha

20.

Siddhartha saw an old man, an ill man, a dead man, and a holy man. These are known as

a)

The Four Visions

b)

The Four Guests

c)

The Four People

d)

The Four Sights

21.

The Suttas are:

a)

A collection of Buddhist scriptures

b)

A collection of Buddhist monks

c)

A collection of Buddhist chants

d)

A collection of Buddhists

22.

Which of these are the three refuges?

a)

The Buddha

b)

The Sangha

c)

The Dharma

d)

The Karma

23.

What is an image that symbolises samsara, often found in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and temples...

a)

The Tibetan Pillar of Life

b)

The Tibetan Hat of Life

c)

The Tibetan Wheel of Life

d)

The Tibetan Triangle of Life

24.

Which of these are the three poisons?

a)

Greed

b)

Ignorance

c)

Hatred

d)

Mindfulness

25.

Dukkha, anicca and anatta are the three marks of existence. Is that true or false?

a)

True

b)

False

26.

Which one of the following terms means 'no fixed soul or self' in Buddhism?

a)

Anatta

b)

Dukkha

c)

Samadhi

d)

Tanha

27.

Dependent arising is...

a)

an image that symbolises samsara, often found in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and temples

b)

the Jataka tales which are popular stories about the lives of the Buddha

c)

the three realisations that the Buddha made in order to achieve enlightenment

d)

the idea that all things arise in dependence upon conditions; nothing is independent

28.

Karuna is another word for

a)

Connection

b)

Compassion

c)

Community

d)

Compass

29.

The first moral precept for Buddhists is ahimsa (non-injury), which means that

a)

Buddhists support the death penalty

b)

Buddhists oppose war

c)

Buddhists disagree with corporal punishment

d)

Buddhists want to increase suffering

30.

Which term is this the definition for?


emptiness; the concept that nothing has a separate, independent ‘self’ or ‘soul’

a)

Anicca

b)

Sunyata

c)

Arhat

d)

Buddha-nature

31.

Which term is this the definition for?


the idea that everyone has the essence of a Buddha inside them

a)

Buddha-nature

b)

Sunyata

c)

Buddhahood

d)

Theravada

32.

Which faith was founded around 2500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama?

a)

Christianity

b)

Buddhism

c)

Judaism

d)

Islam

33.

Which school of Buddhism is considered to be traditional and conservative

a)

Mahayana

b)

Theravada

34.

Which school of Buddhism incorporated beliefs from other religions and includes Pure Land Buddhism?

a)

Theravada

b)

Mahayana

35.

Which keyword matches the following definition:

the four central beliefs which contain the essence of the teaching of the Buddha about suffering

a)

The Four Sights

b)

The Four Noble Truths

c)

The Four Poisons

d)

The Four Precepts

36.

The Four Noble Truths...

a)

Are an essential part of the Dharma

b)

Teach that nothing is permanent and unchanging.

c)

Teach about dukkha, tanha and nirvana

d)

Are all about the Sangha

37.

Which keyword means the first noble truth, and there is suffering?

a)

Dukkha

b)

Anicca

c)

Anatta

d)

Dharma

38.

Which keyword means impermanence; the idea that everything changes

a)

Dukkha

b)

Anicca

c)

Anatta

d)

Dharma

39.

Which keyword matches the definition: the foundational Buddhist beliefs about the nature of human existence.

a)

The Three Refuges

b)

The Three Poisons

c)

The Three Marks of Existences

d)

The Threefold Way

40.

Sunyata means

a)

a state of complete enlightenment, happiness and peace

b)

a school of Buddhism known for being traditional and placing emphasis on the three refuges

c)

when someone achieves enlightenment and becomes a Buddha

d)

emptiness; the concept that nothing has a separate, independent ‘self’ or ‘soul’

41.

What's the difference between Buddha-nature and Buddhahood? Select two answers:

a)

Buddhahood: when someone achieves enlightenment and becomes a Buddha

b)

Buddhahood: the idea that everyone has the essence of a Buddha inside them

c)

Buddha-nature: the idea that everyone has the essence of a Buddha inside them

d)

Buddha-nature: when someone achieves enlightenment and becomes a Buddha

42.

In Theravada Buddhism, someone who is enlightened is known as...

a)

a bodhisattva

b)

an arhat

c)

a sangha

d)

a Theravadan

43.

In Mahayana Buddhism, someone who has become enlightened but chooses to remain in the cycle of samsara to help others achieve enlightenment is known as...

a)

a Bodhisattva

b)

an arhat

c)

a sangha

d)

a Pure Land Buddhist

44.

Define: a state of complete enlightenment, happiness and peace

a)

Samsara

b)

Sunyata

c)

Nirvana

d)

Karma

45.

______: the final and ultimate stage of nirvana attained after death.

a)

Samsara

b)

Nidana

c)

Nirvana

d)

Parinirvana

46.

Which keyword means: the six qualities or virtues that Mahayana Buddhists try to develop in order to live as Bodhisattvas

a)

The Six Teachings

b)

The Six Perfections

c)

The Six Precepts

d)

The Noble Sixfold Path

47.

Which keyword is a Mahayana form of Buddhism based on belief in Amitabha Buddha and the pure land he created for all who chant his name

a)

Pure Land Buddhism

b)

Zen Buddhism

c)

Tibetan Buddhism

d)

Vajrayana Buddhism

48.

Who is the Buddha worshipped by Pure Land Buddhists?

a)

Siddhartha Gautama

b)

Sukhavati

c)

Amitabha

d)

Mahayana

49.

What is the name of the suffering-free paradise where Amitabha Buddha lives, and where Pure Land Buddhists aim to be reborn by chanting Amitabha’s name?

a)

Nirvana

b)

Samsara

c)

Sukhavati

d)

Enlightenment

50.

Pure Land Buddhism has a focus on:

a)

Faith in Amitabha

b)

Following the Four Noble Truths

c)

Becoming an Arhat

d)

Achieving enlightenment in Sukhavati

51.

What do Buddhists believe they must do to gain spiritual wisdom that arises from true understanding of reality - enlightenment?

a)

Meditate

b)

Pray

c)

Fast

d)

Suffer

52.

Which keyword means: the three realisations that the Buddha made in order to achieve enlightenment?

a)

The Three Poisons

b)

The Three Watches of the Night

c)

The Three Marks of Existence

d)

The Three Refuges

53.

Which keyword means: popular tales told about the Buddha?

a)

The Sutta Tales

b)

The Jakata Tales

c)

The Pali Tales

d)

The Magga Tales

54.

Dukkha is the First Noble Truth, which means...

a)

there is suffering

b)

there are causes of suffering

c)

suffering can be stopped

d)

the way to stop suffering; the Eightfold Path

55.

Samudaya is the Second Noble Truth, which means...

a)

there is suffering

b)

there are causes of suffering

c)

suffering can be stopped

d)

the way to stop suffering; the Eightfold Path

56.

Nirodha is the Third Noble Truth, which means...

a)

there is suffering

b)

there are causes of suffering

c)

suffering can be stopped

d)

the way to stop suffering; the Eightfold Path

57.

Magga is the Fourth Noble Truth, which means...

a)

there is suffering

b)

there are causes of suffering

c)

suffering can be stopped

d)

the way to stop suffering; the Eightfold Path

58.

What is the Buddha's first sermon about?

a)

The Three Marks of Existence

b)

The Difference between Theravada and Mahayana

c)

The necessity of asceticism

d)

The Four Noble Truths

59.

The Noble Eightfold Path and the Threefold Way are the same thing

a)

True

b)

False

60.

The eight aspects that Buddhists practise and live by in order to achieve enlightenment are called...

a)

The Noble Eightpart Path

b)

The Noble Eightyfold Path

c)

The Noble Eight Path

d)

The Noble Eightfold Path

61.

Sila means

a)

ethics: a section of the threefold way that emphasises the importance of skilful action as the basis for spiritual progress

b)

meditation: a section of the threefold way that emphasises the role of meditation in the process of spiritual development

c)

wisdom: a section of the threefold way that deals with Buddhist approaches to understanding the nature of reality

d)

the foundational Buddhist beliefs about the nature of human existence

62.

Samadhi means

a)

ethics: a section of the threefold way that emphasises the importance of skilful action as the basis for spiritual progress

b)

meditation: a section of the threefold way that emphasises the role of meditation in the process of spiritual development

c)

wisdom: a section of the threefold way that deals with Buddhist approaches to understanding the nature of reality

d)

the foundational Buddhist beliefs about the nature of human existence

63.

Panna means

a)

ethics: a section of the threefold way that emphasises the importance of skilful action as the basis for spiritual progress

b)

meditation: a section of the threefold way that emphasises the role of meditation in the process of spiritual development

c)

wisdom: a section of the threefold way that deals with Buddhist approaches to understanding the nature of reality

d)

the foundational Buddhist beliefs about the nature of human existence

64.

Which is the correct keyword for the following definition?

a person’s actions; the idea that skilful actions result in happiness and unskilful ones in suffering

a)

Karuna

b)

Karma

c)

Dharma

d)

Sangha

65.

Skilful actions are good, ethical actions or behaviour

a)

False

b)

True

66.

Unskilful actions bring about negative consequences. The consequences can come in this lifetime, the next one or many lifetimes away.

a)

True

b)

False

67.

Many Buddhists believe in merit-making.

This means building good karma by good deeds – which offsets previous bad karma.

a)

True

b)

False

68.

Good karma can lead to an unfavourable rebirth

a)

False

b)

True

69.

The five moral precepts are...

a)

a section of the threefold way that emphasises the importance of skilful action as the basis for spiritual progress

b)

compassion; feeling concerned for the suffering of other people and wanting to relieve their suffering

c)

five principles that Buddhists try to follow to live ethically and morally

d)

loving-kindness; showing a benevolent, kind, friendly attitude towards other people

70.

The Five Moral Precepts are:

a)

to refrain from harming living beings

b)

to refrain from unmindful states due to alcoholic drinks or drugs

c)

to refrain from true speech

d)

to refrain from giving generously

e)

to refrain from misconduct concerning sense-pleasures

71.

It is impossible to break a Precept in the mind; only as an action.

a)

True

b)

False

72.

The six perfections are...

a)

principles that Buddhists try to follow to live ethically and morally

b)

qualities or virtues that Mahayana Buddhists try to develop in order to live as Bodhisattvas

c)

when someone achieves enlightenment and becomes a Buddha

d)

‘insight meditation’; a type of meditation that involves developing understanding of the nature of reality

73.

Trungpa said: 'a Bodhisattva is simply a person who perfects the 6 qualities…'

What are the 6 qualities?

a)

generosity, mortality, patients, energy, mediation and wizard

b)

generalities, emotions, parents, elegy, motivation and wimple

c)

to refrain from harming living beings; to refrain from taking what is not given; to refrain from misconduct concerning sense-pleasures; to refrain from false speech; to refrain from unmindful states due to alcoholic drinks or drugs

d)

generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation and wisdom

74.

Metta means

a)

compassion; feeling concerned for the suffering of other people and wanting to relieve their suffering

b)

loving-kindness; showing a benevolent, kind, friendly attitude towards other people

75.

Another word for loving-kindness is...

a)

Metta

b)

Karuna

c)

Sila

d)

Pranna

76.

The Four Sublime states are...

a)

old age, illness, death, and a holy man; these four sights led the Buddha to leave his life of luxury in the palace

b)

the four qualities of love, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity (calmness) which the Buddha taught that Buddhists should develop

c)

the four central beliefs which contain the essence of the teaching of the Buddha about suffering

d)

The Buddha's first four students

77.

Someone who practices a simple and strict lifestyle with few pleasures or possessions is known as an:

a)

ameliorate

b)

anaesthetic

c)

aesthetic

d)

ascetic

78.

Match the following

a)

Ascetic

1.

Someone who practicises asceticism

b)

Aesthetic

2.

Concerned with beauty

c)

Asceticism

3.

living a simple and strict lifestyle

d)

The Five Ascetics

4.

The Buddha's first students

79.

Why did Siddhartha practise asceticism?

a)

So he could learn how to suffer.

b)

So he could learn how to overcome suffering.

c)

So he could appreciate the beauty of nature.

d)

So he would appreciate poverty.

80.

Did Siddhartha reach enlightenment through asceticism

a)

Yes

b)

No

81.

Siddhartha practised ​ (a)   for ​​ (b)   years with five other ascetics. Siddhartha would ​ (c)   and ​ (d)   for long hours. However, after all the years, he was no closer to ​ (e)   . He decided to turn away from asceticism and find a Middle Way.

Choose from the below words
asceticism
six
fast
meditate
enlightenment
dukkha
meditation
luxury
pray
nirvana
82.

Siddhartha lived a life of extremes. His early life was a life of extreme ​ (a)   . After he saw the ​ (b)   , he renounced his royalty and practised ​ (c)   for six years. However, this extreme life of ​ self-denial and meditation did not lead him to be any closer to ​​ (d)   . After these experiences Siddhartha set out to find a Middle Way between the extremes of luxury and asceticism. This Middle Way is what we now call ​ (e)   .

Choose from the below words
luxury
Four Sights
asceticism
enlightenment
Buddhism
Hinduism
parinirvana
Four Noble Truths
aesthetician
dukkha
83.

The Buddha almost starved himself to death trying to reach enlightenment

a)

True

b)

False

84.

Dukkha is the same as the Dharma

a)

True

b)

False

85.

Siddhartha was closer to enlightenment as an ascetic compared to his life of luxury.

a)

True

b)

False

86.

The five ascetics Siddhartha practised with became his first students when he attained Buddhahood, despite abandoning him at first.

a)

True

b)

False

87.

Siddhartha reached nirvana as an ascetic

a)

True

b)

False

88.

The Four Sights inspired Siddhartha to be an ascetic

a)

True

b)

False

89.

Which of the Four Sights inspired Siddhartha to be an ascetic?

a)

Dead man

b)

Old man

c)

Sick man

d)

Holy man

90.

What was the Buddha's name before he became enlightened?

(a)  

91.

What kind of lifestyle did Siddhartha lead growing up?

(a)  

92.

Match the following

a)

Ascetic

1.

Someone who practicises asceticism

b)

Aesthetic

2.

Concerned with beauty

c)

Asceticism

3.

living a simple and strict lifestyle

d)

The Five Ascetics

4.

The Buddha's first students

93.

What do Buddhists believe they must do to gain spiritual wisdom that arises from true understanding of reality - enlightenment?

a)

Meditate

b)

Pray

c)

Fast

d)

Suffer

94.

A demon in Buddhist belief that represents spiritual obstacles, especially temptation, is called

a)

Mara

b)

Mars

c)

Moro

d)

Morey

95.

​ (a)   : “Let only my sin, sinews and ​ (b)   remain and let the flesh and blood in my body dry up; but not until I attain the supreme ​ (c)   will I give up this seat of ​ (d)  

Choose from the below words
Enlightenment
bone
meditation
Jataka
Parinirvana
dukkha
brain
asceticism
96.

Reorder the following

a)

Dhammapada 165:

b)

No one saves us but ourselves.

c)

No one can and no one may

d)

We ourselves must walk the path

e)

but Buddha has clearly shown the way

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
97.

What did Siddhartha promise to himself under the tree?

a)

He would not leave his seat until he gained enlightenment

b)

He was too old to gain parinirvana

c)

He would fight Mara's armies

d)

He would never reach enlightenment as a prince

98.

Mara tried to

a)

help Siddhartha to meditate

b)

tempt Siddhartha to stop meditating

c)

scare Siddhartha to stop meditating

d)

feed Siddhartha whilst he was meditating

99.

How long did Siddhartha meditate for to reach enlightenment?

a)

1 day

b)

4 days

c)

7 days

d)

8 days

100.

How was Siddhartha able to overcome Mara's temptations?

a)

A show of strength

b)

Ignoring Mara

c)

A disciplined mind

d)

Intellectual debate

101.

Meditation is...

a)

the three realisations that the Buddha made in order to achieve enlightenment

b)

the Buddha’s teachings

c)

a practice of calming and focusing the mind, and reflecting deeply on specific teachings to penetrate their true meaning

d)

the repeating cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth

102.

The realisations Siddhartha made due to his ​ (a)   are the basis of the ​ (b)   : ​ (c)   , ​ (d)   , ​ (e)   . These teachings have the status of ‘law’ to Buddhists.

Choose from the below words
enlightenment
Dharma
dependent arising
The Three Marks of Existence
The Four Noble Truths
dukkha
asceticism
Theravada
bodhisattva
Sangha
103.

The Buddha meditated under the bodhi tree until he became enlightened.

a)

True

b)

False

104.

Mara tried to obstruct Siddhartha's path to ​ (a)  

Choose from the below words
enlightenment
samsara
dukkha
bodhisattva
parinirvana
105.

Enlightenment is

(a)  

106.

How many realisations did Siddhartha make that enabled his enlightenment during his meditation?

a)

1

b)

3

c)

5

d)

8

107.

The Buddha has taught the path for others to reach enlightenment.

a)

True

b)

False

108.

What does the concept of dependent arising suggest about life?

a)

Life is a solitary journey

b)

Life is an interdependent web of conditions

c)

Life is eternal and unchanging

d)

Life is independent of conditions

109.

What leads to good actions in the cycle of life?

a)

Good (skillful) intentions

b)

Wealth

c)

Power

d)

Fame

110.

What is the consequence of good actions according to the principle of karma?

a)

A more favorable rebirth

b)

Immediate wealth

c)

Eternal life

d)

Power and control

111.

What is the ultimate goal of breaking the cycle of samsara?

a)

To end suffering

b)

To gain wealth

c)

To achieve power

d)

To live forever

112.

What is nirvana in Buddhism?

a)

A state of liberation, peace, and happiness

b)

A place of eternal suffering

c)

A ritual performed by monks

d)

A type of meditation practice

113.

What is the significance of the three poisons being at the center of the wheel?

a)

They are the most important teachings of Buddhism.

b)

They are considered the forces that keep the wheel spinning.

c)

They are the symbols of ultimate wisdom.

d)

They are the guardians of the Buddhist temple.

114.

What is the primary cause of suffering according to Buddhism?

a)

Desire and attachment

b)

Ignorance of history

c)

Lack of wealth

d)

Absence of power

115.

What practice is essential for achieving mindfulness in Buddhism?

a)

Accumulating wealth

b)

Practicing meditation

c)

Engaging in debates

d)

Traveling extensively

116.

Bodhisattvas vow to (select all the correct answers):

a)

relieve the suffering of others

b)

help others reach enlightenment

c)

try to make others aware of the dharma

d)

never return to samsara

117.

Pure Land Buddhists will...

a)

chant Amitabha's name regularly

b)

only chant Amitabha's name on their death bed

c)

only chant Siddhartha's name when they are close to death

d)

only chant regularly when they have a life threatening illness

118.

Pure Land Buddhists believe they will be (a)   into the Pure Land (Sukhavati).

119.

Do Buddhists believe suffering can be overcome?

a)

Yes

b)

No

120.

The core of the Dharma; the subject of the Buddha's first sermon; the Buddha's teaching about how to overcome dukkha:

(a)  

121.

The Buddha founded this faith: (a)  

122.

Someone who commits to the three refuges is known as a (a)   .

123.

Siddhartha Gautama became the (a)   after enlightenment.

124.

Which part of the Four Noble Truths is the Noble Eightfold Path?

a)

Dukkha

b)

Samudaya

c)

Nirodha

d)

Magga

125.

Which part of the Four Noble Truths is the Noble Eightfold Path?

a)

The First Noble Truth

b)

The Second Noble Truth

c)

The Third Noble Truth

d)

The Fourth Noble Truth

126.

Siddhartha saw an old man, an ill man, a dead man, and a holy man. These are known as

a)

The Four Watches of the Night

b)

The Four Marks of Existence

c)

The Four Noble Truths

d)

The Four Sights

127.

The Four Sights are:

a)

The truth of suffering, the cause of suffering, suffering can be stopped, the path to end suffering

b)

A doctor, a patient, an elderly man and a carer

c)

Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha, Magga

d)

An ill man, an old man, a dead man and a holy man

128.

The Five Skandhas are ​ ​ (a)   ​, (b)   , ​ (c)   ​ , (d)   ​and (e)   .

Choose from the below words
form
mental formations
sensations
consciousness
perception
suffering
impermanence
parinivarna
gompa
vipassana
129.

Which Buddhist teaching might guide a Buddhist response to protests and riots?

a)

The Five Moral Precepts

b)

The Four Noble Truths

c)

The Three Marks of Existence

d)

The Three Watches of the Night

130.

Choose two answers:

The first moral precept for Buddhists is ahimsa (non-injury), which means that

a)

Buddhists support the death penalty

b)

Buddhists oppose war

c)

Buddhists disagree with violence and rioting

d)

Buddhists want to increase suffering

131.

The Buddha said:
‘All beings love
​ (a)   and ​ (b)   . Taking yourself for comparison, you should neither ​ (c)   or ​ (d)   , nor cause to harm or kill another ​ (e)   .’

Choose from the below words
harm
kill
being
happiness
life
arhat
blessed one
joy
curse
suffering