Buddhist Literature

Description: This quiz will test your knowledge of Buddhist Literature, a vast and diverse collection of texts that encompass the teachings, history, and practices of Buddhism.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: buddhism buddhist literature tripitaka sutras vinaya abhidhamma
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What is the collective name for the three main divisions of the Buddhist canon?

  1. Tripitaka

  2. Sutras

  3. Vinaya

  4. Abhidhamma


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Tripitaka, meaning "three baskets", is the traditional collection of Buddhist scriptures, consisting of the Sutras, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma.

Which of the following is NOT a type of Buddhist scripture?

  1. Sutras

  2. Vinaya

  3. Abhidhamma

  4. Upanishads


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Upanishads are Hindu scriptures, not Buddhist.

What is the primary focus of the Sutras?

  1. Teachings of the Buddha

  2. Monastic rules

  3. Philosophical discussions


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Sutras primarily contain the teachings and discourses of the Buddha, covering a wide range of topics such as ethics, meditation, and enlightenment.

The Vinaya Pitaka primarily deals with:

  1. Monastic rules

  2. Philosophical teachings

  3. Meditation techniques


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Vinaya Pitaka contains the rules and regulations governing the conduct of Buddhist monastics, including monks and nuns.

Which Buddhist scripture is known for its systematic analysis of Buddhist doctrines?

  1. Sutras

  2. Vinaya

  3. Abhidhamma

  4. Dhammapada


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Abhidhamma Pitaka is a collection of texts that provide a detailed and systematic analysis of Buddhist doctrines and concepts.

The Dhammapada is a collection of:

  1. Teachings of the Buddha

  2. Monastic rules

  3. Philosophical discussions

  4. Psalms


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Dhammapada is a collection of verses attributed to the Buddha, containing ethical teachings, wise sayings, and reflections on the nature of existence.

What is the central theme of the Lotus Sutra?

  1. Emptiness

  2. Dependent origination

  3. Universal Buddhahood

  4. Non-self


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Lotus Sutra teaches that all beings have the potential to attain Buddhahood, regardless of their circumstances or background.

The Heart Sutra is known for its concise expression of:

  1. Emptiness

  2. Dependent origination

  3. Universal Buddhahood

  4. Non-self


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Heart Sutra is a short but profound text that encapsulates the concept of emptiness, or the lack of inherent existence of all phenomena.

The Lankavatara Sutra is associated with which school of Buddhism?

  1. Theravada

  2. Mahayana

  3. Vajrayana

  4. Zen


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Lankavatara Sutra is a Mahayana Buddhist text that emphasizes the importance of direct experience and intuition in the path to enlightenment.

The Pali Canon is the primary collection of scriptures for which Buddhist tradition?

  1. Theravada

  2. Mahayana

  3. Vajrayana

  4. Zen


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Pali Canon is the collection of Buddhist scriptures used by the Theravada tradition, which is prevalent in Southeast Asia.

Which Buddhist scripture is known for its emphasis on compassion and loving-kindness?

  1. Karaniya Metta Sutta

  2. Metta Sutta

  3. Loving-Kindness Sutra

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Karaniya Metta Sutta, Metta Sutta, and Loving-Kindness Sutra are all Buddhist scriptures that emphasize the cultivation of compassion and loving-kindness towards all beings.

The MilindapaƱha is a collection of:

  1. Dialogues between a king and a Buddhist monk

  2. Teachings of the Buddha

  3. Monastic rules

  4. Philosophical discussions


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The MilindapaƱha is a collection of dialogues between King Milinda and the Buddhist monk Nagasena, exploring various philosophical and religious questions.

Which Buddhist scripture is known for its detailed descriptions of meditative practices?

  1. Visuddhimagga

  2. Satipatthana Sutta

  3. Anapanasati Sutta

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Visuddhimagga, Satipatthana Sutta, and Anapanasati Sutta all provide detailed instructions and guidance on various meditative practices.

The Bodhicharyavatara is a Mahayana Buddhist text written by:

  1. Nagarjuna

  2. Aryadeva

  3. Shantideva

  4. Asanga


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Bodhicharyavatara is a Mahayana Buddhist text written by the Indian scholar and yogi Shantideva.

Which Buddhist scripture is known for its emphasis on the importance of wisdom and insight?

  1. Prajnaparamita Sutras

  2. Diamond Sutra

  3. Heart Sutra

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Prajnaparamita Sutras, Diamond Sutra, and Heart Sutra all emphasize the importance of wisdom and insight in the path to enlightenment.

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