Self and Karma in Buddhism

Description: This quiz covers the fundamental concepts of Self and Karma in Buddhism. Assess your understanding of the Buddhist perspective on the nature of self, the cycle of rebirth, and the role of karma in shaping one's destiny.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: buddhism self karma rebirth
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What is the fundamental teaching of Buddhism regarding the nature of self?

  1. The self is an unchanging, permanent entity.

  2. The self is an illusion, a temporary construct.

  3. The self is a combination of physical and mental elements.

  4. The self is a product of karma and rebirth.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Buddhism teaches that the self is not a fixed, unchanging entity, but rather a constantly changing process, composed of various mental and physical elements. It is an illusion created by our attachment to impermanent phenomena.

What is the concept of 'Anatta' in Buddhism?

  1. The absence of a permanent self.

  2. The impermanence of all things.

  3. The law of cause and effect.

  4. The cycle of rebirth.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Anatta' means 'not-self' and refers to the Buddhist teaching that there is no permanent, unchanging self. It emphasizes the impermanence and interconnectedness of all phenomena.

What is the Buddhist term for the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth?

  1. Samsara

  2. Nirvana

  3. Karma

  4. Dukkha


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Samsara refers to the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that individuals experience due to their attachment to desires and ignorance. It is a fundamental concept in Buddhism and is seen as a source of suffering.

What is the primary cause of suffering in Buddhism?

  1. Attachment

  2. Ignorance

  3. Desire

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Buddhism teaches that suffering (Dukkha) arises from attachment, ignorance, and desire. These three factors lead to the cycle of Samsara and perpetuate suffering.

What is the law of cause and effect in Buddhism known as?

  1. Karma

  2. Dharma

  3. Anatta

  4. Dukkha


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Karma is the law of cause and effect in Buddhism. It states that every action, whether physical or mental, has consequences that shape an individual's future experiences and destiny.

What is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice?

  1. To attain Nirvana

  2. To escape Samsara

  3. To eliminate suffering

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The ultimate goal of Buddhist practice is to attain Nirvana, which is a state of liberation from Samsara, suffering, and the cycle of rebirth. It involves eliminating attachment, ignorance, and desire.

Which Buddhist school emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry and meditation to attain enlightenment?

  1. Theravada

  2. Mahayana

  3. Zen Buddhism

  4. Vajrayana


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Zen Buddhism, a branch of Mahayana Buddhism, places a strong emphasis on self-inquiry and meditation as a means to attain enlightenment. It seeks to directly experience the true nature of reality and transcend the limitations of the ego.

What is the concept of 'Bodhisattva' in Mahayana Buddhism?

  1. A person who has attained enlightenment.

  2. A person who vows to help others attain enlightenment.

  3. A person who has achieved a high level of spiritual development.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

In Mahayana Buddhism, a Bodhisattva is an individual who has attained a high level of spiritual development and vows to help others achieve enlightenment before seeking their own. They embody the ideal of compassion and selflessness.

Which Buddhist text is considered the foundation of Theravada Buddhism?

  1. The Tripitaka

  2. The Pali Canon

  3. The Lotus Sutra

  4. The Diamond Sutra


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Pali Canon, also known as the Tipitaka, is the primary collection of sacred texts in Theravada Buddhism. It consists of three parts: the Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules), the Sutta Pitaka (discourses of the Buddha), and the Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical teachings).

What is the central teaching of the Heart Sutra in Mahayana Buddhism?

  1. The emptiness of all phenomena.

  2. The interconnectedness of all things.

  3. The impermanence of all things.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Heart Sutra is a profound text in Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the emptiness of all phenomena, the interconnectedness of all things, and the impermanence of all existence. It teaches the importance of transcending dualities and realizing the true nature of reality.

Which Buddhist practice involves the repetition of a mantra or phrase to achieve a meditative state?

  1. Vipassana

  2. Metta Bhavana

  3. Japa

  4. Samatha


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Japa is a Buddhist practice that involves the repetition of a mantra or phrase to achieve a meditative state. It is often used in conjunction with other meditation techniques to focus the mind and cultivate mindfulness.

What is the concept of 'Dukkha Nirodha' in Buddhism?

  1. The cessation of suffering.

  2. The attainment of Nirvana.

  3. The elimination of desire.

  4. The realization of the true nature of reality.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

'Dukkha Nirodha' refers to the cessation of suffering, which is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice. It involves breaking the cycle of Samsara and achieving liberation from suffering through the elimination of attachment, ignorance, and desire.

Which Buddhist school emphasizes the importance of ritual, symbolism, and esoteric practices?

  1. Theravada

  2. Mahayana

  3. Zen Buddhism

  4. Vajrayana


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Vajrayana, also known as Tantric Buddhism, is a school of Buddhism that emphasizes the importance of ritual, symbolism, and esoteric practices. It seeks to accelerate the path to enlightenment through the use of mantras, mandalas, and other ritualistic techniques.

What is the concept of 'Bodhicitta' in Mahayana Buddhism?

  1. The awakening mind.

  2. The desire to attain enlightenment.

  3. The compassion for all beings.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Bodhicitta in Mahayana Buddhism refers to the awakening mind, the desire to attain enlightenment, and the compassion for all beings. It is the aspiration to liberate oneself and others from suffering and to work towards the benefit of all sentient beings.

Which Buddhist practice involves the development of mindfulness and insight through focused attention on the breath?

  1. Vipassana

  2. Metta Bhavana

  3. Japa

  4. Samatha


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Vipassana is a Buddhist meditation practice that involves the development of mindfulness and insight through focused attention on the breath. It aims to cultivate awareness of the impermanence and interconnectedness of all phenomena, leading to a deeper understanding of the true nature of reality.

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