Adult Group (Intermediate) Multiple Choice Questions

Transcription

1 (A) Adult Group (Intermediate) Multiple Choice Questions (B) 1. The Buddha was a (A) Heavenly being (B) Human being (C) Son of the heavenly world (D) 2. Wisdom is (A) To know the reality of suffering and its nature (C) To know what comprises the end of suffering (B) To know the source of suffering, (D) All of the above (D) 3. The Buddha was a great teacher because (A) He spreads the Dharma for over forty-nine years (B) He shared his knowledge with the world (C) He was tireless in helping others (D) All of the above (B) 4. The three unwholesome actions caused by the bodily actions are (A) Intoxication, beating and stealing (B) Killing, stealing and sexual misconduct (C) Killing, intoxication and stealing (B) 5. Within the five aggregates, physical objects belong to the (A) Perception aggregate (B) Form aggregate (C) Mental formation aggregate (A) 6. Buddhas from the three realms said that (A) Everything is created by the mind (B) Everything is up to fate (C) Everything is created by God (A) 7. To practice the Bodhisattva Path and benefit others, one must first awaken (A) Bodhicitta (the mind of enlightenment) (B) The mind of renunciation (C) The patience of meditation (A) 8. A fundamental teaching of Buddhism is (A) Four Noble Truths (B) Chanting mantras (C) Contemplation (C) 9. Which of the following precept does the Lay people in temple observe for the duration of one day and night? (A) The Five Precepts (B) The Bodhisattva Precepts (C) The Eight Precepts 1

2 (C) 10. The three basic factors that determine the order or direction of our karma are: (A) None karma was determined before birth (B) Previous storage karma, fate karma and future karma (C) The severity of the karma, our habits and our thoughts (B) 11. Many kinds of emptiness are discussed in Buddhist literature. They are emptiness of self or emptiness of life, supreme emptiness and (A) Emptiness of happiness (B) Emptiness of all things (C) Emptiness of wealth (D) 12. According to Buddhism, combination of the five aggregates is the source of all suffering. Form and consciousness are two of the five aggregates. What are the other three aggregates? I. Wealth II Feeling III. Perception IV Mental formation (A) I & II (B) I & IV (C) I,II &IV (D) II,III, &IV (E) 13. All phenomena of existence are impermanent as they pass through stages of (A) Being born (B) Staying (C) Decaying (D) Disappearing (E) All of the above (A) 14. The five aggregates that make up a human body are (A) Form, sensation, perception, mental formation and consciousness (B) Sight, sound, smell, taste and touch (C) Eyes, ears, nose, tongue and body (C) 15. Which of the following practices are antidotes to greed? (A) Compassion, patience and meditation (B) Learning, awareness and wisdom (C) Contentment, equanimity and precept (B) 16. Impermanence, no self-nature and Nirvana are called (A) Three types of impermanence (B) Three Dharma Seals (C) Three Vehicles (A) 17. The five desires that hinder our cultivation are (A) Wealth, beauty, fame, food and sleep (B) Killing, stealing, sex, lying and intoxication (C) Eating, drinking, dressing, urinating and sleeping (A) 18. The retribution of dwelling in the three evil realms is due to defilements such as (A) Greed, hatred and ignorance (B) Haughtiness, anger and deceit (C) Pride, attachments and false views 2

3 (C) 19. Towards people who practice another religion, Buddhists should (A) Discriminate (B) Disparage (C) Respect each other (A) 20. The ten wholesome deeds can be divided into three classes: body, speech and mind. The three types of wholesome deeds created by the mind are: (A) Eliminating greed, hatred and ignorance (B) Refraining from killing, stealing and sexual misconduct (C) Refraining from lying, slander and harsh speech (A) 21. The causes of our delusions are (our own mental defilements of) (A) Greed, hatred and ignorance (B) Craving, clinging and attachment (C) Arrogance, stinginess and jealousy (C) 22. Buddhist attitude toward social welfare should be one of (A) Indifference (B) Observation (C) Active participation with the intention of serving society (B) 23. The main motivation behind the Buddha s great renunciation was (A) To avoid family problems (B) To seek the truth and liberate all beings (C) To lead a single s lifestyle (C) 24. Which of the following is a Buddhist religious rite? (A) Attending a mass (B) Mind channelling to communicate with spirits of the other world (C) Taking refuge and observing the eight precepts (A) 25. The period of time when the Buddha first began teaching is called the (A) First Turning of the Dharma Wheel (B) Original Lesson (C) Enlightened Age (D) Awakened Time (A) 26. The best way to end suffering is to (A) Understand the Four Noble Truths (C) Isolate yourself from the world (B) Visit a doctor (D) Live in fear (C) 27. To prevent one from going astray in the practice of meditation, one should also (A) Practice charity and observe precepts (B) Arouse the mind of loving-kindness and compassion (C) Arouse the mind of compassion and observe pure precepts (D) 28. Even for people who has never experienced suffering, suffering will come when they realise that (A) They will die (B) Happy times must end (C) They live in a world of delusion (D) All of the above 3

4 (C) 29. To propagate Buddhism is the duty of (A) Monastic (B) Lay people (C) All of the above (A) 30. In the four great physical elements, water element is characterised as fluid. Which components of the human body belong to this element? (A) Saliva, blood, tears and urine (B) Hair, nails, teeth, skin, muscles and bones (C) Body temperature (B) 31. The karma that determines one s next rebirth is called (A) Perfecting karma (B) Directive karma (C) Karmic hindrance (B) 32. In Buddhism, all phenomena in the universe happen in accordance with (A) Chance (B) Dependent origination (C) Predestination (D) The chaos theory (C) 33. Pureland is: (A) Heaven (B) Earth (C) A world manifested through pure practice (A) 34. The main shrine in a Buddhist temple is called (A) Buddha Hall (B) Great Compassion Hall (C) Earth Store Hall (D) 35. The cause of rebirth depends on one s (A) Karmic energy (B) Habit (C) Last moment of thought (D) all of the above (E) None of the above (B) 36. When Prince Siddhartha renounced the world, he first practiced asceticism. Afterwards, he abandoned such practice because (A) He had lost faith in the Path (B) Asceticism is not the right path to eliminate the fetters of life (C) He was unable to bear the difficult practice (A) 37. Buddha taught the disciples to examine the authenticity of the Buddha Dharma according to (A) The Three Dharma Seals (B) The Four Noble Truths (C) The Law of Dependent Origination (D) 38. Buddha and Bodhisattvas have perfected their virtues and nature. Therefore, we pay homage to them because we wish (A) To show our respect and veneration (B) To see Buddha and Bodhisattvas as our example in practice (C) To cultivate our inner Buddha nature (D) All of the above 4

5 (A) 39. The Three Poisons are (A) Greed, hatred and ignorance (B) Killing, stealing and sex (C) Three types of drugs (D) 40. When practicing patience, one must (A) Bear anger when wrongly accused (B) Face insult (C) Face hardship for the Dharma and physical hardship (D) All of the above (E) None of the above (C) 41. Buddhism teaches us to practice compassion, so when Buddhism is being wrongly accused, we should (A) Step back (B) Follow the conditions (C) Defend it with one s wisdom (A) 42. In Buddhism, the world that we live in is called (A) Saha (B) Siljavato (C) Tusita (A) 43. The Buddha was born in (A) Lumbini Park (B) Sravasti (C) Sarnath (D) Magadha (A) 44. Why is meditation an important Buddhist practice? (A) To help understand the mind and see our Buddha nature (C) To be different from others (B) To get supernatural powers (D) All of the above (C) 45. Buddhists advocate a vegetarian diet because (A) It is healthy (B) It preserves beauty (C) It helps one cultivate compassion (C) 46. The purpose of practicing the Dharma is to (A) Self liberate (B) Liberate others (C) Liberate oneself and others (C) 47. In Buddhism, the lotus blossom is symbolic of (A) Magnificence (B) Purity (C) All of the above (B) 48. Which is the most favourable realm to cultivate within the six realms of rebirth? (A) Celestial realm (B) Human realm (C) Asura realm (C) 49. The Buddha attained enlightenment through (A) The blessing of a mighty God (B) The prayers of his parents (C) His personal investigation of all phenomena of existence 5

6 (B) 50. Before coming to fruition, all karmic seeds (A) May be destroyed or cancelled (B) Will not lose their potential to come to fruition (C) May be overcome by external wealth (A) 51. To understand Dependent Origination is to understand that (A) Our feelings arise from contact with external objects (B) We should depend on our parents for a livelihood (C) We must greet our employer to gain a wage rise (C) 52. Which of the following belongs to the mind aggregate? (A) Eyes, ears, nose and tongue (B) Sight, sound, smell and taste (C) Sensation, perception, mental formation and consciousness (C) 53. Dependent Origination depends first on the presence of a cause and then on the presence of (A) Right effect (B) Right mind (C) Right conditions (C) 54. The significance of the Buddha s teaching on Dependent Origination is that (A) We should say grace before eating our food (B) We should attend university before we can obtain our degree (C) All things arise dependent on a cause (A) 55. The Dharma Wheel in Buddhism represents (A) The teachings of the Buddha (B) Good blessings (C) Wisdom (C) 56. The meaning of the title Buddha is (A) The Awakened One (B) The Liberated One (C) All of the above (B) 57. Buddhism originated in (A) Japan (B) India (C) China (D) Tibet (B) 58. What are the three kinds of feelings that we experience? (A) Joy, sadness and envy (B) Painful, neutral and pleasant sensations (C) Compassion, love and hatred (C) 59. Buddhists should (A) Pay homage to the Triple Gem (B) Uphold the precepts (C) All of the above (B) 60. Buddhists believe that everyone is able to become (A) God (B) Buddha (C) Immortal 6

7 (A) 61. In order to differentiate good from evil, one should possess (A) Right view (B) Right speech (C) Right livelihood (C) 62. The human realm can be achieved by (A) Making offerings to Gods (B) Taking refuge in the Triple Gem (C) Practicing the Five Precepts (C) 63. After a person dies, he/she will (A) Become a ghost (B) Always go to heaven (C) Be reborn in the realm of existence determined by his/her karma (C) 64. During the first turning of the Dharma Wheel, the Buddha taught the five bhikkhus (A) The Six Paramitas (B) The Five Precepts (C) The Four Noble Truths (B) 65. In the Noble Eightfold Path, morality belongs to (A) Right Understanding and Right Thoughts (B) Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort and Right Speech (C) Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration (C) 66. Why should Buddhists observe the precepts? (A) To perfect the Noble Eightfold Path (B) To cultivate their virtues (C) All of the above (C) 67. Buddha taught that the fundamental cure for all greed, anger and ignorance is to understand that these mental states are inherently (A) Memorable (B) Sorrowful (C) Empty (B) 68. Inequality of humankind can be explained by (A) Twelve Links of Dependent Origination (B) Law of Cause and Effect (C) The Principle of Rebirth (A) 69. In the four great physical elements, the earth element is characterised as solid. Which components of the human body belong to this element? (A) Hair, nails, teeth, skin, muscles and bones (B) Saliva, blood, tears and urine (C) Body temperature 7

8 (C) 70. In the teaching of the eight sufferings, the sufferings arising from the Five Aggregates are referring to (A) Eyes, ears, nose, tongue and body (B) Earth, water, fire, wind and space (C) Form, sensation, perception, mental formation and consciousness (C) 71. A spiritually wise friend is (A) One who has great knowledge and does many good things (B) One who is able to speak eloquently (C) One who is virtuous and able to give guidance that leads one to the right path (D) 72. Which of the following is not one of the Four Noble Truths? (A) The truth of suffering (B) The truth of the cessation of suffering (C) The truth of the way that leads to the cessation of suffering (D) The truth of the existence of the soul (A) 73. Wholesome actions, like good conduct, charity and mental development, are the cause of rebirth in the happy realm. The three realms of happy states are (A) Heaven, asura and human realms (B) Animal, hungry ghost and human realms (C) Heaven, human and animal realms (B) 74. The Eighteen Realms refer to (A) Eighteen planes (B) Six sense organs, six sense objects and six consciousnesses (C) Eighteen actions (C) 75. Any intentional actions, whether good or bad, will be stored in the (A) Sixth consciousness (B) Seventh consciousness (C) Eighth consciousness or Alaya-vijnana consciousness (C) 76. In Buddhism, chanting the sutra is to (A) Show our sincerity and reverence (B) Demonstrate one s excellent practice (C) Hear and reflect upon the teachings of the Buddha and purify one s mind (D) Benefit the deceased only (C) 77. The three unwholesome actions caused by the mind are (A) Covetousness, resentment and envy (B) Ill will, wrong view and jealousy (C) Covetousness, ill will and wrong view 8

9 (D) 78. The main cause of our suffering is (A) Other people (B) Our family (C) Politicians (D) Our own desires (A) 79. If we look at what makes us unhappy, we will notice that (A) It is subject to change (B) It is permanent (C) It is easy to hold on to (D) It is valuable (D) 80. The two sufferings are (A) Monetary and emotional sufferings (C) Real and imagined sufferings (B) Physical and mental sufferings (D) Internal and external sufferings (A) 81. The four unwholesome actions caused by speech are (A) Lying, slandering, harsh words and frivolous talk (B) Lying, tongue biting, wrong views and irritation (C) Slandering, ill will, harsh words and killing (A) 82. Which of the following from the Noble Eightfold Path relates to the development of wisdom? (A) Right thought (B) Right speech and right livelihood (C Right concentration and right effort (C) 83. In the Six Paramitas, patience may overcome which defilement? (A) Laziness (B) Ignorance (C) Anger (A) 84. Karma is defined as (A) Law of Cause and Effect (B) Universal Law (C) Fate (B) 85. If one creates evil karma, one will fall into the three evil paths. The three evil paths are (A) Celestial, human and asura paths (B) Hell, hungry ghosts and animal paths (C) Sravaka, Pratyekabuddha and Bodhisattva paths (A) 86. In Buddhism, hatred means (A) When one is unable to bear unfavourable conditions (B) One chases the five desires and strongly attached to them (C) One cannot rightly differentiate between good and evil (B) 87. The six dusts or six environments, which induce the impurities in the mind, are (A) Eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind (B) Sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and mind (C) Earth, water, fire, wind, space and consciousness 9

10 (A) 88. Commonly, people say love is possessive. In Buddhism, to tirelessly help and deliver all beings with an undiscriminating mind is called (A) Compassion (B) Love (C) Tolerance (B) 89. The Noble Eightfold Path belongs to which of the Four Noble Truths? (A) The cessation of suffering (B) The path that leads to the cessation of suffering (C) The origin of suffering (C) 90. When taking refuge in the Triple Gem, the Triple Gem refers to (A) Precept, meditative concentration and wisdom (B) Sutra, Vinaya and Abhidharma (C) Buddha, Dharma and Sangha (D) 91. Right mindfulness means to contemplate (A) The body (B) One s feelings (C) The mind and mental objects (D) All of the above (C) 92. To listen to the Dharma teachings, one should (A) Deeply study the teachings (B) Contemplate the teachings (C) All of the above (C) 93. The type of Buddhism that Fo Guang Shan teaches is (A) Forest Buddhism (B) Ascetic Buddhism (C) Humanistic Buddhism (B) 94. Who is today s promoter of Humanistic Buddhism? (A) Venerable Hung Yi (B) Venerable Master Hsing Yun (C) Kukai Daishi (A) 95. The main teachings of Mahayana Buddhism are (A) To benefit (both) others and oneself (B) To self benefit (C) To benefit others only (B) 96. My family members are against my practice of Buddhism, I should (A) Show indifference and fight with them (B) Make positive changes in myself first, so they understand that Buddhism is enriching my life with positive thinking and good deeds (C) Force them to change their views 10

11 (D) 97. What are the fourfold Mindfulness which is also called The Four Areas of Mindfulness? (I) the body is impure (II) Sensations will always result in suffering (III) Knowing the law of cause and effect (V) the mind is impermanent (V) All Dharmas are without a nature of their own (A) I, II, III, V (B) II, III, IV,V (C) I, III, IV,V (C) I, II, IV,V (B) 98. The four Rules to Observe are (I) Follow the Dharma, not the teacher (II) Follow the meaning, not the words (III) Follow wisdom, not knowledge (IV) Follow the impermanent, not the permanent (V) Follow the ultimate truth, not the apparent truths (A) I, II, III, IV (B) I, II, III, V (C) II, III, IV,V (D) I, II, IV, V (A) 99. Which eminent Chinese monk travelled to India during the Tang Dynasty (7 th century) and brought back many Buddhist scriptures? (A) Xuan Zang (B) Yi Qing (C) Fa Xian (C) 100. If a loved one has passed away, one should help the deceased (A) Cultivate more merits by practising generosity on their behalf (B) Recite prayers and chant sutras for repentance (C) All of the above 11

12 (B) Fill in the Blanks Questions 1. The five roots are [faith], [diligence], [mindfulness], [concentration] and wisdom. These five virtues, if practiced with determination, are called roots because they give rise to virtues. 2. The seven branches of enlightenment are [mindfulness], [investigation of the Dharma], diligence, joy, easefulness, [concentration] and [equanimity]. 3. Offering [lamps] means to brighten our view and lead us to absolute wisdom. 4. When the Buddha became enlightened under the Bodhi tree, he said that [All sentient beings have Buddha nature]. 5. Paramita is a Sanskrit word that literally means [crossing over to the other shore] or is translated as [perfection]. 6. The root cause of our being trapped within the cycle of birth and death is clinging to a false sense of [self] by engaging in acts of greed, anger, [ignorance], [pride] and [doubt]. 7. The six roots of our sense organs are [eyes], ears, [nose], [tongue], body and [mind]. 8. The six objects of sensory perception or realms by the sense organs are [sights or forms], [sounds], [smells], tastes, [touch] and thought. 9. The three realms of samsara are the [desire] realm, the [form] realm and the formless realm. 10. [Compassion], [kindness], [joy] and [equanimity] are the four immeasurable states of mind. 11. Karmic force traps us in the cycle of birth and death in the [heavenly realm], [asura realm], [human realm], [ghosts], animals realm and hell realm. These are also termed the six realms of existence. 12. Of all the six realms, the realm of [human beings] is considered the most desirable because the conditions for attaining Nirvana are better. 13. There are four ways to be a Bodhisattva. The first approach is to practice the [six paramitas]. The second approach is to learn [skillful means or expedient means]. The third approach is being of benefit to others and the fourth approach is to seek enlightenment for oneself and others. 12

13 14. The [Buddha] is like a skilled physician who is able to heal the sickness of defilements. The [Dharma] is like a rightly applied medicine and the Sangha is like a caring nurse who administers the medicine and helps the sick to restore their health. 15. Name three most important features of the Buddhist teaching: [Dependent Origination] [Cause and Effect] and Karma. 16. The essence of all Buddhas teachings is to [not do evil], cultivate good and [purify one s mind]. 17. The definition of generosity is a [mind] that does not cling and renounces its own belongings. It makes sacrifices for the well being of others. 18. There are three kinds of generosity: [material], emotional, and [Dharma generosity]. 19. [Earth] is the element of solidity. [Water] is the element of cohesion. [Fire] is the element of heat. [Air] is the element of motion. These natures of elements co-exist and are not separated, but one may predominate over another. 20. The precepts against killing, stealing and [sexual misconduct] are concerned primarily with acts of the body, whilst the precept against lying is concerned primarily with [speech]. 21. The Triple Gem means the [Buddha], Dharma and [Sangha]. 22. [Right Speech] should be truthful, harmonious, kind and meaningful; that is, refraining from lying, slandering, saying harsh and vulgar words, and frivolous talking or gossiping. 23. To have [Right View] is to have a clear understanding of Dependent Origination, the Law of Cause and Effect, Karma, the Four Noble Truths and the difference between good and bad. 24. Right Thought is thought that is free from the three poisons of [greed], hatred and [ignorance]. 25. There are four basic guidelines concerning right speech that all of us can and should follow. They are [telling the truth], [being compassionate in speech], [being encouraging] and [being helpful]. 26. [Right Views] are placed first among the eight aspects of the Noble Eightfold Path because it shows us which direction to go in, like a compass on a ship. 27. Wisdom is to know [the reality] of suffering and its nature, the cause of suffering and what comprises [the end of suffering]. 13

14 28. Relay on the [Dharma, not people], [Wisdom, not just accumulation of knowledge], [the meaning of words] and the [complete meaning of the text] when studying the Dharma. 29. The Buddha is a fully [enlightened] being. The present Buddha is called [Sakyamuni]. 30. The Buddha was born in [Lumbini], Nepal. In Bodhigaya, he experienced the Great [Enlightenment], which revealed the way of salvation from suffering. 31. Shortly after his enlightenment, the Buddha taught the [Four Noble Truths] to the five disciples in Deer Park near Varanasi. 32. Please state the six characteristics of Humanistic Buddhism: [Humanism], [Emphasis on daily Life], Altruism, Joyfulness, Timeliness, Universality. 33. [Dharma] means the natural truth of the universe that was discovered by the Buddha. It also refers to the [teachings] of the Buddha. 34. Dharma, as expounded by the Buddha, is for enquiry and [self-realisation]. 35. In Dependent Origination, we learn the [Twelve Links of Causation]. 36. [Cause] and [Effect] are two sides of the same coin. Every cause contains effect just as every effect contains a cause. 37. Mindfulness means contemplation of the [Body], [Feelings], [Mind] and [Mental objects]. 38. [Right Mindfulness] avoids misdirected attention, and prevents the mind from paying attention to things in a false way. 39. The Buddha taught the Four Foundations of Mindfulness to help us achieve and maintain the right mind. They are the contemplation of [uncleaniless of the body], the contemplation of [suffering], the contemplation of [impermanence] and the contemplation of the [no self nature]. 40. The Noble Eightfold Path are [Right Understanding or View], [Right Thought], [Right Speech], Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and [Right Concentration]. 41. [Nirvana] means cessation of suffering, cessation of delusion and cessation of birth and death. 42. The three types of karma are [good], bad and [neutral]. 43. The Noble Eightfold Path is based on the Threefold Training; these are [precepts], meditative concentration and [wisdom]. 14

15 44. The Three Dharma Seals are [all actions are impermanent], all things are selfless and [nirvana is ultimately tranquil]. 45. When studying the Dharma, one should cause the four states of mind. They are [faith], [doubt], [awakened mind] and [no mind]. 46. The Buddha divided (human) karma into three types; (these are) 1. Karma generated by acts of body, 2. Karma generated by acts of [speech] and 3. Karma generated by acts of [mind]. 47. The Law of Cause and Effect means every action produces an [effect]. 48. Gods or demons do not administer karma. We are responsible for [our own actions]. 49. Good begets good and bad begets bad. This is the [Law of Cause and Effect]. 50. The bad karmic forces caused by bodily actions are [killing], stealing and [sexual misconduct]. 51. The bad karmic forces caused by [speech] are lying, [slandering], harsh words and [frivolous talk]. 52. The bad karmic forces caused by the mind are covetousness, [ill will] and [wrong views]. 53. [Generosity], [morality] and respect of others are some of the meritorious actions one can perform. 54. All of our intentional acts produce seeds that are stored in our [Alaya vijnana]. 55. The moral foundation of Buddha s teachings is contained in the [Five Precepts]. 56. According to the Buddha, all phenomena of existence are [impermanent]. 57. The cause of suffering is [craving] for sensual desires. 58. The state where the causes of suffering have been eliminated is called [Nirvana]. 59. The Sanskrit word dukkha has been translated into the English word for [ suffering ]. 60. The five skandhas are [form], [sensation], [perception], [activity or volition] and consciousness. 61. The Three Sages of Avatamsaka are [Vairocana], Manjursi and [Samantabhadra]. 62. Buddha s Light International Association is a worldwide [Buddhist Citizens Organisation]. 15

16 63. A human is composed of [the four great elements] and [the five skandhas], therefore, one is called a sentient being. 64. The verse that states, one may not born in the world (Western Pureland) with few merits and virtues comes from [the Amitabha Sutra]. 65. Nirvana means [extinction] and [liberation]. 66. FGS Buddhist Order belongs to the [Linji] sect of Chan Buddhism. 67. The three Pure Land Sutras are [Amitabha Sutra], Amitayus Sutra and [Amitayurdhyana Sutra]. 68. All things are in constant flux. Therefore, those of which comes to be will eventually decay and cease from existence. This is the principle of [all actions are impermanent]. 69. Dependent Origination teaches that [ignorance] is the root of all rebirths. 70. The four etiquettes (right postures) are [walking like a breeze], [standing like a pine], [sitting like a bell] and [lying like a bow]. 71. The three prerequisites for taking rebirth in the Pureland of Ultimate Bliss are [faith], [vow] and practice. 72. To cultivate the Dharma, one must possess the three Wisdoms of observation, [contemplation] and [cultivation]. 73. Please state the Five Vehicles of Buddhism [Human], Celestial, Sravaka, [Pratyeka-Buddha], Bodhisattva. 74. Please write down the three sutras that you know: [Lotus Sutra], Amitabha Sutra and [Heart Sutra]. 75. In Chinese Buddhism, evening meal is called [medicine]. 76. The four great Bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism represent the ideal of [Compassion], [Wisdom], [Vow] and [Practice]. 77. A Bodhisattva who listens to the cries of the world and liberates (those) suffering beings with great compassion is the [Avalokitesvara] Bodhisattvas. 78. The smiling Bodhisattva with a big belly that sits at the entrance of a Chinese Buddhist temple is the [Maitreya] Bodhisattva. 16

17 79. A modern great propagator of Humanistic Buddhism is [Venerable Master Hsing Yun] of FGS. 80. Everyone possesses Buddha nature, therefore, we should cultivate and refrain from all evil acts and practice all good deeds. With a pure mind, every person may attain [Buddhahood]. 81. All evils that I have committed in the past are caused by greed, hatred and ignorance since the timeless beginning. They have all arisen from the deeds of my body, speech and thought. I now fully and sincerely [repent]. 82. The fundamental teacher of the Western Pureland of Ultimate Bliss is [Amitabha Buddha] who has made [forty-eight vows] to deliver sentient beings. 83. The basic principle of Buddhist practice is based upon wisdom and compassion. Using a human body as an analogy: [wisdom] is our eyes and [compassion] is our feet. 84. The Three Sages of Sukhavati are [Amitabha], Avalokitesvara and [Mahasthamaprapta]. 85. A Buddha is [self enlightened], could enlighten others and has [perfected the cultivation of enlightenment]. 86. A Bodhisattva is a being who seeks Buddha s guidance in order to attain enlightenment to [deliver all sentient beings]. 87. Within all offerings, the offering of [Dharma] is most supreme. 88. The celebration of the Sangha Day usually takes place in [July] on the lunar calendar. 89. FoGuang University is a Buddhist sponsored university located in [Taiwan]. 90. I take refuge in the Buddha, wishing all sentient beings [realise the Great Path and give rise to the Supreme Vow]. 91. I take refuge in the Dharma, wishing all sentient beings [study deeply the Sutra Pitaka and attain an ocean of wisdom]. 92. I take refuge in the Sangha, wishing all sentient beings [lead the congregation in harmony without hindrances]. 93. The four points of mindfulness are [contemplation of the body as impure], [sensations as suffering], [mind as impermanent and unstable] and [things as ungraspable and selfless]. 94. Before the Buddha entered Parinirvana, Buddha told the disciples that they should regard the [Vinaya or Precepts] as their guide. 17

18 95. To have right view of the world, Buddha taught one must have correct understanding that there are [good and evil], [karma and retributions], [past and future lives] and [common beings and sages]. 96. A ten volume repentance sutra complied by Venerable Master Baozhi with the invitation of Emperor Wu of Liang dynasty is called [The Repentance Sutra of Emperor Liang]. 97. According to the theory of karma, karmic causes and retribution may be divided into three periods of [present life retribution], next life retribution, and [undetermined time retribution]. 98. The four orders of Buddhist disciples are [bhikshu and bhikshuni], who are monastics and [upasaka], a male lay Buddhist, and upasika, a female lay Buddhist. 99. The six dusts are [form], sound, [smell], [taste], [touch] and idea or thought The fifty-two stages of Bodhisattva are [ten levels of faith], [ten levels of dwelling], [ten levels of practice], [ten levels of dedicating merits], ten levels of ground, [equal enlightenment] and supreme enlightenment. 18

19 (C) Short Answer Questions 1. In what way did the four auspicious sights move Prince Siddharta to seek a solution to suffering in life? The prince witnessed human sufferings of old age, sickness and death, which caused him to deeply ponder the impermanence of life. The sight of the ascetic motivated him to live a religious life 2. What lesson can we learn from Prince Siddhartha s life of luxury and his practice of selfmortification? The two extreme ways of life did not help in bringing about freedom from life and death. Therefore, the Buddha forsook austerities and practised in a way that did not seek suffering or joy. We too should awaken to the principle of the middle way through examining our own practice. 3. What does no self-nature mean, and how can you apply this teaching in your daily life? All beings and phenomena arise and cease based on relative mutual relations and conditions. Hence nothing can exist in absolute independence of other things. Thus nothing remains permanent and unchanging. We can apply this teaching in our daily life by having the attitude of following causes and conditions when we treat others and perceive phenomena in the world. It would enable us to handle with patience and composure various issues in human relationship and in life. 4. What does emptiness mean, and how can you apply this teaching in your daily life? Emptiness does not imply nothingness. It comes from understanding the true essence of dependent origination and non-substantiality of all phenomena. All things will arise and cease depending on the union and separation of all the causes and relations. Therefore, all existence is temporary existence. By realising that all phenomena are but illusory existence, we can be relieved of our attachment to possessions. 5. What are the causes of rebirth and suffering? Greed, Hatred and Ignorance 6. How does one get out of the cycle of birth and death? Following the Noble Eightfold Path, practice the Threefold Training, and eliminating the causes of rebirth and suffering. 7. What is Humanistic Buddhism? Venerable Master Hsing Yun says, "Humanistic Buddhism is a part and parcel of life, not separate from it. The rationale for Humanistic Buddhism derives from the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, because the Buddha was born, cultivated the path, became enlightened, and strived to enlighten others in this world. For the Buddha, it is this world that should take precedence. He lived among the people, and what he transmitted is Humanistic Buddhism." 19

20 Humanistic Buddhism is the bodhisattva way; to be an energetic, enlightened, and endearing person who strives to help all sentient beings liberate themselves and to transform our world into a Pureland of peace and bliss. We direct our efforts towards purifying our minds and bodies, right here and now in the present moment. Humanistic Buddhism stresses the purification of life through ethical thought and the elevation of both mind and spirit. If you believe in the Law of Cause and Effect, and practice it in your life, then the Law of Cause and Effect is Humanistic Buddhism. If you believe in compassion, and practice it in your life, then compassion is Humanistic Buddhism. 8. Name the fourfold practice of mindfulness: Mindfulness of body (regard the body as filthy); Mindfulness of feelings (regard sensation as suffering), Mindfulness of mind (regard the mind as impermanent); Mindfulbess of Dharmas (regard no lasting identity in the Dharma) 9. What is the Noble Eightfold Path? Select a path and explain how you apply it in your daily life? Right view or understanding, Right thought, Right speech, Right action, Right livelihood, Right effort, Right mindfulness, and Right concentration 10. What are the Three Dharma Seals? Impermanence, non self, and nirvana. 11. What are the Four Reliances for studying the Dharma? Do not rely on the individual, but on the Dharma. Do not on the words, but on the meaning. Do not rely on the provisional meaning, but on the definitive meaning. Do not rely on the ordinary mind, but rely on wisdom. 12. Briefly state the meaning of Nirvana? The concept of Nirvana cannot be expressed in words. Quotes from the Pali canon explain what Nirvana is: Nirvana is the complete destruction of lust and greed. Cessation of conditioned states and extinction of all defilements. Distance oneself from arrogance, sever longings, uproot attachment, terminate all that continues, and extinguish greed and lust. Annihilation of greed, anger and foolishness. Abandon and extinguish lust and greed for this body of the five components. Suffering will cease. Nirvana is the cessation of the continuity of life and death. 13. Why should we take refuge in the Triple Gem and observe the Five Precepts? Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem is the first step in becoming a Buddhist. Without the basis of precepts, one cannot attain any level of enlightenment no matter what fundamental Dharma one practises. 20

21 14. Define karma and briefly describe the principles of karma. Our expressions of our words, thoughts and deeds is known as karma. Karma has influence over our experiences in the present and futures lives, as well as our unique character. Who I am now is the result of actions in the past, and my present action will influence how I will be in the future. 15. What are the four types of rightful efforts to eradicate evil and accumulate good? (The Four Right Efforts) overcome negative states of mind; prevent negative states of mind; maintaining positive states of mind; cultivating positive states of mind 16. Venerable Master Hsing Yun emphasises that we should do good deeds, say good words, and think good thoughts. Explain the relationship between this and karma. Karma relates to our actions resulting from our body, speech and mind. 17. Please choose three of the ten great disciples of the Buddha and describe their special characteristics. Sariputra-foremost in Wisdom Maudgalyana foremost in supernatural powers Mahakasyapa- foremost in ascetic practices Ananda-foremost in hearing the sutras Subhuti- foremost in understanding emptiness Katyayana-foremost in explaining the Dharma Aniruddha-foremost in clairvoyance Purna-foremost in expounding the Dharma Upali-foremost in observing precepts Rahula-formost in inconspicuous practice 18. What precept did the Buddha teach in order to allow lay disciples to experience a full day of monastic living? The Eight Precepts 19. What is the Motto of FGS? 1) Offer others confidence 2) Offer others joy 3) Offer others hope 4) Offer others convenience 21

22 20. In a few words, please describe the meaning of the five precepts? 1) Do not kill (Unintentional killing is considered less offensive) 2) Do not steal (Including misappropriating someone's property) 3) Do not engage in improper sexual conduct 4) No lying 5) No intoxication 21. Describe the reasons why Buddhas and Bodhisattvas make their vows? All Buddhas and Bodhisattvas essentially practise the principle of great compassion without great compassion, one cannot be called a Buddha. -Nirvana Sutra Unconditional kindness and selfless great compassion is characterised by equality and altruism. Only when one love and care universally by eliminating the narrow and small self, can we attain no self that encompasses all. 22. Whilst practicing generosity, the three entities must be emptied in order to practice true giving. What are these three entities? The perceiver is perceived as Empty of self identity. The gift is perceived as Empty of self nature. The recipient is perceived as Empty of other identity. In other words, there is no giver, gift and recipient as three discrete or separate entities. 23. What are the six ways to harmonious living in a Buddhist community? (1) Doctrinal unity in views and explanations to ensure common views and understanding; (2) Moral unity in observing the precepts to achieve equality for all under the rules, (3) Economic unity in community of goods to effect fair distribution of economic interests, (4) Mental unity in belief to provide mutual support in spiritual cultivation, (5) Oral unity in speech to nurture compassion and love (6) Bodily unity in behavior to assure nonviolence and harmonious living. 24. What are the 12 links of Dependent Origination 1) Ignorance 2) Activity or behavior 3) Individual consciousness or karmic consciousness 4) Name and form 5) The sensory organs 6) Contact 7) Sensation 8) Desire 9) Clinging or attachment 10) Existence 11) Birth or arising 12) Old age and death 22

23 25. What are the seven assemblies of Buddhist disciples? Monks or bhiksu, nuns or bhiksuni, probationary nuns or siksamana, male novices or sramenera, female novices or sramenerika, male and female lay devotees or upaska and upasika 26. Within the six modes of existence, why is the human realm the best place for cultivation? Because there is just enough suffering to motivate us to seek liberation (unlike in the god realms, where we are easily distracted by pleasure), but not so much that we cannot hear and practice the teachings (unlike in the lower realms, where we are so consumed by our suffering that we cannot practice. 27. In what year was FGS established? What are the ten great vows of Samantabhadra? (1) espect all Buddhas (2) raise athagata 3) Make offerings extensively (4) epent karmic obstacles 5) ejoice at others meritorious deeds 6) equest the turning of the harma wheel (7) equest the Buddha to remain in this world (8) onstantly follow the Buddha s teachings (9) Accommodate all sentient beings (10) edicate all merits universally 29. Greed, hatred and ignorance are the three root defilements of life. How could one overcome them? To overcome greed, we learn to cultivate selflessness, generosity, detachment and contentment. To overcome hatred, we learn to cultivate loving kindness, compassion, patience and forgiveness. To overcome delusion, we cultivate wisdom, insight and right understanding. 30. Describe your experiences in working as a volunteer in serving others and your local community. 23