Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of the Khuddaka Patha?
Which text discusses the questions posed to Kumara Kassapa by the Buddha?
What is the term for the higher ordination that Kumara Kassapa received at a young age?
In what format is the Dhammapada primarily presented?
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According to the teachings received by Kumara Kassapa, what sustains life?
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Which of the following texts details the super-mundane attainments of an Arahat?
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What is the essence captured in the first gatha of the Dhammapada?
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What does the canonical literature of Buddhism primarily consist of?
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What is the significance of the term 'Nama-rupa' in the context of Kumara Kassapa's teachings?
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Which of the following texts has not been preserved in complete form in Sanskrit?
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Which of these texts is known to be a commentary on the Pali Tipitaka?
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The Mulasarvastivadins were known to possess which of the following?
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What type of literature does the Mahavastu represent?
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Which of the following is considered a masterly original work by Buddhaghosa?
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The Sarvastivada school is believed to have possessed which component?
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What distinguishes the texts preserved in the Gilgit Manuscripts?
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What is the primary purpose of a commentary in the context of Indian tradition?
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What was a significant resource for resolving disputed questions during the life of the Buddha?
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Which groups engaged in serious discussions that influenced the growth of Buddhist commentaries?
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What role did contemporary events play in the discussions among the bhikkhus?
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In what way did the interpretation of the Buddha's words serve the members of the Samgha?
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What is the primary focus of the Therigatha?
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What do the moral principles embedded in the Jataka stories primarily aim to highlight?
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Which of the following works was written by Venerable Sariputta?
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In the Abhidhamma Pitaka, how are phenomena treated?
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What does the Cariyapitaka illustrate?
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Which book provides a biographical account of Gotama Buddha?
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What are the five groups of existence referred to in the Abhidhamma?
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Which of the following virtues is NOT one of the ten to be developed as mentioned in the Jataka?
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What is the primary significance of the Abhidhammavatara in relation to Abhidhamma?
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Which work is considered the chief commentary of Buddhadatta as noted by Rohan L.Jayetilleke?
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What role did the Kalabhra Accyutavikkhanta have concerning Buddhadatta?
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Which of the following books is a supplement to the Vinaya-Vinicchaya?
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What does Rûparûpavibhàga primarily explain?
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Why was the Abhidhammavatara composed using verses?
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What is the primary focus of both Vinaya-Vinicchaya and Uttara-vinicchaya?
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What were the challenges regarding the study of Abhidhamma around the last century B.C.?
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Study Notes
History of Buddhism
- Canonical literature in Pali includes the Tipitaka and the Milinda-panha.
- Non-canonical works consist of significant texts like the Milinda-panha, various commentaries by Buddhaghosa and Dhammapala.
- Key chronicles include the Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa, and Culavamsa which document the history of Buddhism in Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
- The Visuddhimagga by Buddhaghosa serves as a comprehensive exposition on early Buddhism.
- No complete canon of Buddhist texts in Sanskrit exists; however, remnants like the Agamas and Abhidharma texts from the Sarvastivada school are present.
- Independent texts from different schools, like the Mahavastu, reveal variations from Pali teachings while sharing fundamental similarities.
Important Texts
- Khuddaka Patha: Contains critical teachings, including Kumara Panha, where young novice Kumara Kassapa answered fundamental spiritual questions.
- Dhammapada: A collection of 423 verses embodying the essence of Buddha's teachings, translated globally.
- Therigatha: Similar to Theragatha, this text features teachings from enlightened nuns (Arahat theris).
- Jataka: A collection of 550 stories detailing the Buddha's past lives (Bodhisattva), focusing on moral teachings.
- Niddesa: Commentary by Venerable Sariputta on important suttas from the Suttanipata, divided into Mahaniddesa and Culaniddesa.
- Patisambhida Magga: Analyses Buddha's teachings with an emphasis on doctrinal analysis.
- Apadana: Contains past and present life stories of Arahat Theras and Theris alongside narratives about Gotama Buddha and earlier Buddhas.
- Buddhavamsa: A verse biography of Gotama Buddha and 23 preceding Buddhas.
- Cariyapitaka: Features 35 Jatakas illustrating virtues (Paramis) leading up to Buddhahood.
Abhidhamma Pitaka
- Distinct from the Sutta Pitaka, focuses on ultimate reality, resolving phenomena into element components.
- Employs an objective language void of conventional terms like "I" or "tree", emphasizing Khandha, Ayatana, Dhatu, and Sacca.
Commentaries
- Originated from early interpretations of Buddha's words, essential for guiding the Samgha.
- Discussions among early teachers were pivotal in developing Buddhist literature, particularly commentaries.
- Buddhadatta summarized Buddhaghosa's commentaries on the Abhidhamma and Vinaya, with his work Abhidhammavatara gaining significant recognition.
- Collaboration between scholars like Buddhaghosa and Buddhadatta contributed to evolving interpretations and advancements in Buddhist literature.
Buddhadatta's Contributions
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Authored several significant texts including:
- Abhidhamma-avatara: An introduction to Abhidhamma that simplifies complex concepts.
- Vinaya-Vinicchaya: Addresses faults of monks within the Vinaya framework.
- Rupārūpavibhāga: Detailed explanations of nama-rupa (name and form).
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Emphasized the importance of understanding and memorizing complex doctrinal principles while also noting the challenges within deeper comprehension of Abhidhamma.
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Description
Explore the rich history of Buddhism through its canonical and non-canonical literature, including pivotal texts like the Tipitaka and Dhammapada. This quiz delves into significant chronicles documenting Buddhism's evolution in Sri Lanka and key commentaries that shape understanding of early Buddhism. Test your knowledge of the foundational texts and teachings that define the Buddhist tradition.
