Font size
WorksheetsBuddhist Beliefs
Total questions: 131
Worksheet time: 1hrs 21mins
Which one of the following terms means 'compassion' in Buddhism?
Metta
Karma
Zazen
Karuna
What is the definition of samsara?
the language used in later Indian Buddhist texts
the repeating cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth
a demon that represents spiritual obstacles, especially temptation
the Buddha’s teachings
The five skandhas are: form, sensations, perceptions, mental activity and consciousness. What do Buddhists believe they represent?
the five noble truths
the five aspects that make up a person
the fivefold path
the five ascetics
Dukkha, anicca and anatta are the three marks of existence. Is that true or false?
True
False
Enlightenment means
being reborn into another being - reincarnation
three characteristics fundamental to all things: dukkha, anicca and anatta
the gaining of true knowledge about the nature of reality
a demon that represents spiritual obstacles, especially temptation
Dukkha is...
defined as suffering
defined as impermanence
emotional, physical and attachment
caused by the three poisons
Anicca is...
defined as suffering
defined as impermanence
represented by the offerings made at shrines of the Buddha
part of the Four Noble Truths
Anatta is...
defined as having no soul or self
defined as impermanence
used to teach about the uselessness of attachments
a teaching recorded in the Buddha's final words
The five aggregates (skandhas) are impermanent
True
False
'Mind precedes all mental states' is a teaching relevant to which Buddhist belief?
The Five Aggregates
Karma
Samsara
The Tibetan Wheel of Life
The Five Aggregates are
Form, sensations, perception, mental formations and consciousness
Form, sensations, perception, mental formations and conscience
Form, sensations, imperceptible, mental formations and consciousness
Form, sensational, perception, moral formations and consciousness
The Four Noble Truths are...
the old man, the sick man, the dead man, the holy man
the four truths that the Buddha taught about suffering
The Eightfold path is
eight aspects that Buddhists practise and live by in order to achieve enlightenment
a part of the Four Noble Truths
the 'cure' to end suffering
a description about reincarnation
Meditation is a central practice of the Buddhist faith
True
False
The Four Sights are:
A teacher, a student, an actor and a doctor
A doctor, a patient, an elderly man and a carer
A vicar, an ill man, an old man and a dead man
An ill man, an old man, a dead man and a holy man
Someone who practices a simple and strict lifestyle with few pleasures or possessions is known as an:
ameliorate
anaesthetic
aesthetic
ascetic
What kind of life did Siddhartha live before becoming the Buddha?
Luxurious
Languid
Licentious
Literary
In Buddhism, the gaining of true knowledge the nature of reality and suffering is known as:
Enlightenment
Dependent Arising
The Three Refuges
The Eightfold Path
The Buddha's teachings are called
The Karma
The Dharma
The Nirvana
The Sangha
Siddhartha saw an old man, an ill man, a dead man, and a holy man. These are known as
The Four Visions
The Four Guests
The Four People
The Four Sights
The Suttas are:
A collection of Buddhist scriptures
A collection of Buddhist monks
A collection of Buddhist chants
A collection of Buddhists
Which of these are the three refuges?
The Buddha
The Sangha
The Dharma
The Karma
What is an image that symbolises samsara, often found in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and temples...
The Tibetan Pillar of Life
The Tibetan Hat of Life
The Tibetan Wheel of Life
The Tibetan Triangle of Life
Which of these are the three poisons?
Greed
Ignorance
Hatred
Mindfulness
Dukkha, anicca and anatta are the three marks of existence. Is that true or false?
True
False
Which one of the following terms means 'no fixed soul or self' in Buddhism?
Anatta
Dukkha
Samadhi
Tanha
Dependent arising is...
an image that symbolises samsara, often found in Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and temples
the Jataka tales which are popular stories about the lives of the Buddha
the three realisations that the Buddha made in order to achieve enlightenment
the idea that all things arise in dependence upon conditions; nothing is independent
Karuna is another word for
Connection
Compassion
Community
Compass
The first moral precept for Buddhists is ahimsa (non-injury), which means that
Buddhists support the death penalty
Buddhists oppose war
Buddhists disagree with corporal punishment
Buddhists want to increase suffering
Which term is this the definition for?
emptiness; the concept that nothing has a separate, independent ‘self’ or ‘soul’
Anicca
Sunyata
Arhat
Buddha-nature
Which term is this the definition for?
the idea that everyone has the essence of a Buddha inside them
Buddha-nature
Sunyata
Buddhahood
Theravada
Which faith was founded around 2500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama?
Christianity
Buddhism
Judaism
Islam
Which school of Buddhism is considered to be traditional and conservative
Mahayana
Theravada
Which school of Buddhism incorporated beliefs from other religions and includes Pure Land Buddhism?
Theravada
Mahayana
Which keyword matches the following definition:
the four central beliefs which contain the essence of the teaching of the Buddha about suffering
The Four Sights
The Four Noble Truths
The Four Poisons
The Four Precepts
The Four Noble Truths...
Are an essential part of the Dharma
Teach that nothing is permanent and unchanging.
Teach about dukkha, tanha and nirvana
Are all about the Sangha
Which keyword means the first noble truth, and there is suffering?
Dukkha
Anicca
Anatta
Dharma
Which keyword means impermanence; the idea that everything changes
Dukkha
Anicca
Anatta
Dharma
Which keyword matches the definition: the foundational Buddhist beliefs about the nature of human existence.
The Three Refuges
The Three Poisons
The Three Marks of Existences
The Threefold Way
Sunyata means
a state of complete enlightenment, happiness and peace
a school of Buddhism known for being traditional and placing emphasis on the three refuges
when someone achieves enlightenment and becomes a Buddha
emptiness; the concept that nothing has a separate, independent ‘self’ or ‘soul’
What's the difference between Buddha-nature and Buddhahood? Select two answers:
Buddhahood: when someone achieves enlightenment and becomes a Buddha
Buddhahood: the idea that everyone has the essence of a Buddha inside them
Buddha-nature: the idea that everyone has the essence of a Buddha inside them
Buddha-nature: when someone achieves enlightenment and becomes a Buddha
In Theravada Buddhism, someone who is enlightened is known as...
a bodhisattva
an arhat
a sangha
a Theravadan
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 Bodhisattva
an arhat
a sangha
a Pure Land Buddhist
Define: a state of complete enlightenment, happiness and peace
Samsara
Sunyata
Nirvana
Karma
______: the final and ultimate stage of nirvana attained after death.
Samsara
Nidana
Nirvana
Parinirvana
Which keyword means: the six qualities or virtues that Mahayana Buddhists try to develop in order to live as Bodhisattvas
The Six Teachings
The Six Perfections
The Six Precepts
The Noble Sixfold Path
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
Pure Land Buddhism
Zen Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism
Vajrayana Buddhism
Who is the Buddha worshipped by Pure Land Buddhists?
Siddhartha Gautama
Sukhavati
Amitabha
Mahayana
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?
Nirvana
Samsara
Sukhavati
Enlightenment
Pure Land Buddhism has a focus on:
Faith in Amitabha
Following the Four Noble Truths
Becoming an Arhat
Achieving enlightenment in Sukhavati
What do Buddhists believe they must do to gain spiritual wisdom that arises from true understanding of reality - enlightenment?
Meditate
Pray
Fast
Suffer
Which keyword means: the three realisations that the Buddha made in order to achieve enlightenment?
The Three Poisons
The Three Watches of the Night
The Three Marks of Existence
The Three Refuges
Which keyword means: popular tales told about the Buddha?
The Sutta Tales
The Jakata Tales
The Pali Tales
The Magga Tales
Dukkha is the First Noble Truth, which means...
there is suffering
there are causes of suffering
suffering can be stopped
the way to stop suffering; the Eightfold Path
Samudaya is the Second Noble Truth, which means...
there is suffering
there are causes of suffering
suffering can be stopped
the way to stop suffering; the Eightfold Path
Nirodha is the Third Noble Truth, which means...
there is suffering
there are causes of suffering
suffering can be stopped
the way to stop suffering; the Eightfold Path
Magga is the Fourth Noble Truth, which means...
there is suffering
there are causes of suffering
suffering can be stopped
the way to stop suffering; the Eightfold Path
What is the Buddha's first sermon about?
The Three Marks of Existence
The Difference between Theravada and Mahayana
The necessity of asceticism
The Four Noble Truths
The Noble Eightfold Path and the Threefold Way are the same thing
True
False
The eight aspects that Buddhists practise and live by in order to achieve enlightenment are called...
The Noble Eightpart Path
The Noble Eightyfold Path
The Noble Eight Path
The Noble Eightfold Path
Sila means
ethics: a section of the threefold way that emphasises the importance of skilful action as the basis for spiritual progress
meditation: a section of the threefold way that emphasises the role of meditation in the process of spiritual development
wisdom: a section of the threefold way that deals with Buddhist approaches to understanding the nature of reality
the foundational Buddhist beliefs about the nature of human existence
Samadhi means
ethics: a section of the threefold way that emphasises the importance of skilful action as the basis for spiritual progress
meditation: a section of the threefold way that emphasises the role of meditation in the process of spiritual development
wisdom: a section of the threefold way that deals with Buddhist approaches to understanding the nature of reality
the foundational Buddhist beliefs about the nature of human existence
Panna means
ethics: a section of the threefold way that emphasises the importance of skilful action as the basis for spiritual progress
meditation: a section of the threefold way that emphasises the role of meditation in the process of spiritual development
wisdom: a section of the threefold way that deals with Buddhist approaches to understanding the nature of reality
the foundational Buddhist beliefs about the nature of human existence
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
Karuna
Karma
Dharma
Sangha
Skilful actions are good, ethical actions or behaviour
False
True
Unskilful actions bring about negative consequences. The consequences can come in this lifetime, the next one or many lifetimes away.
True
False
Many Buddhists believe in merit-making.
This means building good karma by good deeds – which offsets previous bad karma.
True
False
Good karma can lead to an unfavourable rebirth
False
True
The five moral precepts are...
a section of the threefold way that emphasises the importance of skilful action as the basis for spiritual progress
compassion; feeling concerned for the suffering of other people and wanting to relieve their suffering
five principles that Buddhists try to follow to live ethically and morally
loving-kindness; showing a benevolent, kind, friendly attitude towards other people
The Five Moral Precepts are:
to refrain from harming living beings
to refrain from unmindful states due to alcoholic drinks or drugs
to refrain from true speech
to refrain from giving generously
to refrain from misconduct concerning sense-pleasures
It is impossible to break a Precept in the mind; only as an action.
True
False
The six perfections are...
principles that Buddhists try to follow to live ethically and morally
qualities or virtues that Mahayana Buddhists try to develop in order to live as Bodhisattvas
when someone achieves enlightenment and becomes a Buddha
‘insight meditation’; a type of meditation that involves developing understanding of the nature of reality
Trungpa said: 'a Bodhisattva is simply a person who perfects the 6 qualities…'
What are the 6 qualities?
generosity, mortality, patients, energy, mediation and wizard
generalities, emotions, parents, elegy, motivation and wimple
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
generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation and wisdom
Metta means
compassion; feeling concerned for the suffering of other people and wanting to relieve their suffering
loving-kindness; showing a benevolent, kind, friendly attitude towards other people
Another word for loving-kindness is...
Metta
Karuna
Sila
Pranna
The Four Sublime states are...
old age, illness, death, and a holy man; these four sights led the Buddha to leave his life of luxury in the palace
the four qualities of love, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity (calmness) which the Buddha taught that Buddhists should develop
the four central beliefs which contain the essence of the teaching of the Buddha about suffering
The Buddha's first four students
Someone who practices a simple and strict lifestyle with few pleasures or possessions is known as an:
ameliorate
anaesthetic
aesthetic
ascetic
Match the following
Ascetic
Someone who practicises asceticism
Aesthetic
Concerned with beauty
Asceticism
living a simple and strict lifestyle
The Five Ascetics
The Buddha's first students
Why did Siddhartha practise asceticism?
So he could learn how to suffer.
So he could learn how to overcome suffering.
So he could appreciate the beauty of nature.
So he would appreciate poverty.
Did Siddhartha reach enlightenment through asceticism
Yes
No
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.
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) .
The Buddha almost starved himself to death trying to reach enlightenment
True
False
Dukkha is the same as the Dharma
True
False
Siddhartha was closer to enlightenment as an ascetic compared to his life of luxury.
True
False
The five ascetics Siddhartha practised with became his first students when he attained Buddhahood, despite abandoning him at first.
True
False
Siddhartha reached nirvana as an ascetic
True
False
The Four Sights inspired Siddhartha to be an ascetic
True
False
Which of the Four Sights inspired Siddhartha to be an ascetic?
Dead man
Old man
Sick man
Holy man
What was the Buddha's name before he became enlightened?
(a)
What kind of lifestyle did Siddhartha lead growing up?
(a)
Match the following
Ascetic
Someone who practicises asceticism
Aesthetic
Concerned with beauty
Asceticism
living a simple and strict lifestyle
The Five Ascetics
The Buddha's first students
What do Buddhists believe they must do to gain spiritual wisdom that arises from true understanding of reality - enlightenment?
Meditate
Pray
Fast
Suffer
A demon in Buddhist belief that represents spiritual obstacles, especially temptation, is called
Mara
Mars
Moro
Morey
(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) ”
Reorder the following
Dhammapada 165:
No one saves us but ourselves.
No one can and no one may
We ourselves must walk the path
but Buddha has clearly shown the way
What did Siddhartha promise to himself under the tree?
He would not leave his seat until he gained enlightenment
He was too old to gain parinirvana
He would fight Mara's armies
He would never reach enlightenment as a prince
Mara tried to
help Siddhartha to meditate
tempt Siddhartha to stop meditating
scare Siddhartha to stop meditating
feed Siddhartha whilst he was meditating
How long did Siddhartha meditate for to reach enlightenment?
1 day
4 days
7 days
8 days
How was Siddhartha able to overcome Mara's temptations?
A show of strength
Ignoring Mara
A disciplined mind
Intellectual debate
Meditation is...
the three realisations that the Buddha made in order to achieve enlightenment
the Buddha’s teachings
a practice of calming and focusing the mind, and reflecting deeply on specific teachings to penetrate their true meaning
the repeating cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth
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.
The Buddha meditated under the bodhi tree until he became enlightened.
True
False
Mara tried to obstruct Siddhartha's path to (a)
Enlightenment is
(a)
How many realisations did Siddhartha make that enabled his enlightenment during his meditation?
1
3
5
8
The Buddha has taught the path for others to reach enlightenment.
True
False
What does the concept of dependent arising suggest about life?
Life is a solitary journey
Life is an interdependent web of conditions
Life is eternal and unchanging
Life is independent of conditions
What leads to good actions in the cycle of life?
Good (skillful) intentions
Wealth
Power
Fame
What is the consequence of good actions according to the principle of karma?
A more favorable rebirth
Immediate wealth
Eternal life
Power and control
What is the ultimate goal of breaking the cycle of samsara?
To end suffering
To gain wealth
To achieve power
To live forever
What is nirvana in Buddhism?
A state of liberation, peace, and happiness
A place of eternal suffering
A ritual performed by monks
A type of meditation practice
What is the significance of the three poisons being at the center of the wheel?
They are the most important teachings of Buddhism.
They are considered the forces that keep the wheel spinning.
They are the symbols of ultimate wisdom.
They are the guardians of the Buddhist temple.
What is the primary cause of suffering according to Buddhism?
Desire and attachment
Ignorance of history
Lack of wealth
Absence of power
What practice is essential for achieving mindfulness in Buddhism?
Accumulating wealth
Practicing meditation
Engaging in debates
Traveling extensively
Bodhisattvas vow to (select all the correct answers):
relieve the suffering of others
help others reach enlightenment
try to make others aware of the dharma
never return to samsara
Pure Land Buddhists will...
chant Amitabha's name regularly
only chant Amitabha's name on their death bed
only chant Siddhartha's name when they are close to death
only chant regularly when they have a life threatening illness
Pure Land Buddhists believe they will be (a) into the Pure Land (Sukhavati).
Do Buddhists believe suffering can be overcome?
Yes
No
The core of the Dharma; the subject of the Buddha's first sermon; the Buddha's teaching about how to overcome dukkha:
(a)
The Buddha founded this faith: (a)
Someone who commits to the three refuges is known as a (a) .
Siddhartha Gautama became the (a) after enlightenment.
Which part of the Four Noble Truths is the Noble Eightfold Path?
Dukkha
Samudaya
Nirodha
Magga
Which part of the Four Noble Truths is the Noble Eightfold Path?
The First Noble Truth
The Second Noble Truth
The Third Noble Truth
The Fourth Noble Truth
Siddhartha saw an old man, an ill man, a dead man, and a holy man. These are known as
The Four Watches of the Night
The Four Marks of Existence
The Four Noble Truths
The Four Sights
The Four Sights are:
The truth of suffering, the cause of suffering, suffering can be stopped, the path to end suffering
A doctor, a patient, an elderly man and a carer
Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha, Magga
An ill man, an old man, a dead man and a holy man
The Five Skandhas are (a) , (b) , (c) , (d) and (e) .
Which Buddhist teaching might guide a Buddhist response to protests and riots?
The Five Moral Precepts
The Four Noble Truths
The Three Marks of Existence
The Three Watches of the Night
Choose two answers:
The first moral precept for Buddhists is ahimsa (non-injury), which means that
Buddhists support the death penalty
Buddhists oppose war
Buddhists disagree with violence and rioting
Buddhists want to increase suffering
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) .’
