0

The Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma

Description: The Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma is a concept in Buddhism that refers to three major teachings given by the Buddha during his lifetime. These teachings are believed to represent different stages in the development of the Buddha's understanding of the path to enlightenment. This quiz will test your knowledge about the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma.
Number of Questions: 10
Created by:
Tags: buddhism three turnings of the wheel of dharma buddha's teachings
Attempted 0/10 Correct 0 Score 0

What is the first turning of the Wheel of Dharma?

  1. The Four Noble Truths

  2. The Noble Eightfold Path

  3. The Three Jewels

  4. The Five Precepts


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The first turning of the Wheel of Dharma is associated with the Buddha's initial teachings after his enlightenment, where he revealed the Four Noble Truths: Dukkha (suffering), Samudaya (the origin of suffering), Nirodha (the cessation of suffering), and Magga (the path to the cessation of suffering).

What is the second turning of the Wheel of Dharma?

  1. The Perfection of Wisdom

  2. The Diamond Sutra

  3. The Heart Sutra

  4. The Lotus Sutra


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The second turning of the Wheel of Dharma is associated with the Buddha's teachings on the Perfection of Wisdom (Prajnaparamita), which emphasizes the importance of understanding the emptiness (sunyata) of all phenomena.

What is the third turning of the Wheel of Dharma?

  1. The Tathagatagarbha Doctrine

  2. The Buddha-Nature Doctrine

  3. The One Vehicle Doctrine

  4. The Pure Land Doctrine


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The third turning of the Wheel of Dharma is associated with the Buddha's teachings on the Tathagatagarbha Doctrine, which asserts that all beings possess the potential for enlightenment (Buddhahood) within themselves.

Which of the following is not considered one of the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma?

  1. The Four Noble Truths

  2. The Perfection of Wisdom

  3. The Tathagatagarbha Doctrine

  4. The Middle Way


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Middle Way is a fundamental teaching of Buddhism that emphasizes the avoidance of extremes and the pursuit of a balanced and moderate path. While it is an important concept in Buddhism, it is not considered one of the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma.

In which city did the Buddha deliver his first turning of the Wheel of Dharma?

  1. Varanasi

  2. Sarnath

  3. Bodh Gaya

  4. Lumbini


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Buddha delivered his first turning of the Wheel of Dharma in the Deer Park at Sarnath, near Varanasi, India.

Which sutra is considered to be the central text of the Perfection of Wisdom teachings?

  1. The Diamond Sutra

  2. The Heart Sutra

  3. The Lotus Sutra

  4. The Lankavatara Sutra


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Heart Sutra is considered to be the central text of the Perfection of Wisdom teachings, known for its concise and profound exposition of the emptiness (sunyata) of all phenomena.

What is the central teaching of the Tathagatagarbha Doctrine?

  1. All beings possess the potential for enlightenment.

  2. The Buddha is the ultimate reality.

  3. The world is an illusion.

  4. Nirvana is the highest goal of life.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Tathagatagarbha Doctrine teaches that all beings possess the potential for enlightenment (Buddhahood) within themselves, regardless of their current state or circumstances.

Which of the following is not a characteristic of the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma?

  1. They represent different stages in the development of the Buddha's understanding.

  2. They are mutually exclusive and contradictory.

  3. They are all equally important and essential for the path to enlightenment.

  4. They are based on the Buddha's direct experience of reality.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma are not mutually exclusive or contradictory. They represent different aspects and stages of the Buddha's teachings, and they are all essential for the path to enlightenment.

How many times did the Buddha turn the Wheel of Dharma?

  1. One

  2. Two

  3. Three

  4. Four


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

The Buddha is said to have turned the Wheel of Dharma three times during his lifetime, each time revealing a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the path to enlightenment.

What is the significance of the Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma for Buddhist practitioners?

  1. They provide a roadmap for the path to enlightenment.

  2. They offer different perspectives on the nature of reality.

  3. They help practitioners overcome obstacles and challenges on the path.

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Three Turnings of the Wheel of Dharma provide a roadmap for the path to enlightenment, offer different perspectives on the nature of reality, and help practitioners overcome obstacles and challenges on the path.

- Hide questions