Origins and Tenets of Buddhism

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Questions and Answers

What is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the founder of Buddhism?

Kapilvastu (correct)

Bodhgaya

Sarnath

Kushinagar

What significant event is known as Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana?

Buddha's enlightenment

Buddha's death

Buddha's ascetic lifestyle

Buddha's first sermon (correct)

Which of the following is part of the Eightfold Path in Buddhism?

Right temptation

Right action (correct)

Right outcome

Right wisdom

What lifestyle did Siddhartha Gautam embrace after leaving his royal life?

Asceticism Signup and view all the answers

At what age did Siddhartha Gautam attain enlightenment?

49 Signup and view all the answers

According to Buddhism, what is the essence of the world?

Suffering Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Madhyam Marg' refer to in Buddhism?

The middle path Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the belief in deities in Buddhism?

Buddhism does not have a supreme god or deity Signup and view all the answers

What is the literal meaning of Mahayana?

Great Vehicle Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a belief of the Hinayana school?

Idol worship Signup and view all the answers

Which school of Buddhism is closest to the original teachings of the Buddha?

Hinayana Signup and view all the answers

Where did Vajrayana Buddhism primarily develop?

India Signup and view all the answers

What defining characteristic is associated with Zen Buddhism?

Meditation Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Sangha within Buddhism?

Spread Buddha’s teachings Signup and view all the answers

Which event prompted Emperor Ashoka to adopt the policy of Dhamma conquest?

The bloodbath in the Kalinga conquest Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following regions is NOT predominantly associated with Theravada Buddhism?

Japan Signup and view all the answers

Which area did Ashoka NOT send Buddhist missions to?

Sub-Saharan Africa Signup and view all the answers

What is considered the chief contribution of Buddhism to Indian culture?

Concept of ahimsa Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Buddhism as a form of soft power is true?

It aims for shared cultural development. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these universities is associated with the promotion of Buddhist education?

Nalanda University Signup and view all the answers

What facilitated the spread of Indian culture to other parts of Asia through Buddhism?

The language of Pali and local dialects Signup and view all the answers

Which values does Buddhism impart that are essential for Asian emotional bonding?

Peace, accommodation, inclusiveness, and compassion Signup and view all the answers

Which initiative is suggested to enhance India's international association with Buddhism?

Promoting Buddhist tourism Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Dalai Lama play in the context of Buddhism in India?

He symbolizes India's global Buddhist influence. Signup and view all the answers

What is nibbana in Buddhism?

An experience that can be achieved in this life Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the Five Precepts in Buddhism?

Refraining from meditation Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred during the First Council of Buddhism?

The division of teachings into the Three Pitakas Signup and view all the answers

Which Pitaka contains the main teachings or Dhamma of Buddha?

Sutta Pitaka Signup and view all the answers

Who presided over the Second Council of Buddhism?

Sabakami Signup and view all the answers

What was a key outcome of the Buddhist Councils?

Division into two major schools: Theravada and Mahayana Signup and view all the answers

Which text consists of the rules of conduct for monks and nuns?

Vinaya Pitaka Signup and view all the answers

In which year was the Third Council of Buddhism held?

250 BC Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Origins of Buddhism

Buddhism originated in India over 2,600 years ago as a transformative way of life.
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, born in Lumbini near the Indo-Nepal border in circa 563 BCE.
At 29, Gautama left his privileged life to pursue asceticism.
After 49 days of meditation, he attained enlightenment at Bodhgaya in Bihar, under a pipal tree.
His first sermon was delivered in Sarnath, near Benares, known as Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana (turning of the wheel of law).
Buddha died at the age of 80 in 483 BCE in Kushinagara, an event known as Mahaparinibban.

Main Tenets of Buddhism

Buddha advocated for the "Madhyam Marg" or middle path, avoiding extremes of indulgence and asceticism.
He emphasized individual responsibility for happiness, highlighting the individualistic aspect of Buddhism.
The core teachings are encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths (ariya-sachchani) and the Eightfold Path (astangika marg).

Four Noble Truths

Suffering (dukkha) is inherent in the world.
Suffering has a cause (Samudya).
Suffering can be extinguished (Nirodha).
This can be achieved through the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path

Right view
Right intention
Right speech
Right action
Right livelihood
Right mindfulness
Right effort
Right concentration
The essence of Buddhism is attaining enlightenment, avoiding self-indulgence and self-denial.
There is no supreme god or deity in Buddhism.
The ultimate goal is attaining nibbana, an experience, not a place.
Buddha established codes of conduct for monks and laypeople called the Five Precepts or Pancasil:
- Avoiding violence
- Refraining from stealing
- Avoiding sexual misconduct
- Avoiding lying or gossip
- Avoiding intoxicating substances (drugs or drink)

Major Buddhist Texts

Buddha's teachings were originally oral, memorized by the Sangha and passed down through recitations.
They were formally codified and divided into three Pitakas at the First Council in 483 BCE.
The teachings were written down around 25 BCE in Pali.

Three Pitakas

Vinaya Pitaka: Rules of conduct and discipline for monks and nuns.
Sutta Pitaka: Main teachings (Dhamma) of Buddha, divided into five Nikayas:
- Digha Nikaya
- Majjhima Nikaya
- Samyutta Nikaya
- Anguttara Nikaya
- Khuddaka Nikaya
Abhidamma Pitaka: Philosophical analysis and systematization of teachings and monastic scholarly activity.
Other important Buddhist texts include:
- Divyavadana
- Dipavamsa
- Mahavamsa
- Milind Panha etc.

Buddhist Councils

Marked significant turning points in early Buddhism.
Contributed to sectarian clashes and eventually the Great Schism, leading to Theravada and Mahayana schools.
Four major councils were convened:

First Council

Held soon after Buddha's death in 483 BCE under King Ajatshatru.
Presided by Mahakasyapa.
Held at the Sattapani cave in Rajgriha.
Purpose was to preserve Buddha's teachings and rules for disciples.
Divided teachings into three Pitakas.

Second Council

Held in Vaishali, Bihar, in 383 BCE under King Kalasoka.
Presided by Sabakami.

Third Council

Held in Patliputra in 250 BCE under Ashoka.
Presided by Moggaliputta Tissa.

Fourth Council

Held in 72 AD at Kundalvana, Kashmir.
Presided by Vasumitra, with Asvaghosa as deputy, under King Kanishka of Kushan.
Contributed to the division of Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana.

Schools of Buddhism

Two Main Schools:

Mahayana

"Great Vehicle", emphasizes the heavenliness of Buddha and idol worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas embodying Buddha Nature.
Originated in Northern India and Kashmir, spreading to Central Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.
Includes Buddhist traditions in China, Korea, Tibet, and Japan.

Hinayana

"Lesser Vehicle", emphasizing original teachings of Buddha or the "Doctrine of elders".
Doesn't believe in idol worship and focuses on individual salvation through discipline and meditation.
Theravada is a Hinayana sect.

Theravada

Oldest extant branch of Buddhism.
Closest to original teachings of Buddha.
Developed in Sri Lanka and spread to Southeast Asia.
Dominant religion in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.

Vajrayana

"Vehicle of the Thunderbolt", also known as Tantric Buddhism.
Developed in India around 900 CE.
Emphasizes esoteric elements and complex rituals compared to other schools.

Zen

School of Mahayana Buddhism, originated in China as the Chan school.
Developed into various schools and spread to Japan in 7th century.
Distinctive feature is meditation.

Spread of Buddhism

Buddha had monks (bhikshus) and lay worshippers (upasikas).
Monks were organized into the Sangha to spread teachings.
The Sangha was democratic and enforced discipline.
Buddhism spread rapidly in North India during Buddha's lifetime.
Following Buddha's death, his followers continued to spread his teachings.
For 200 years, Buddhism was overshadowed by Hinduism until the reign of Ashoka.
After the Kalinga conquest, Ashoka embraced Dhamma conquest and sent missions to Gandhara, Kashmir, Greece, Sri Lanka, Burma, Egypt, and Thailand.
Ashoka's efforts transformed a local sect into a world religion.

Buddhism's Contribution to Indian Culture

Key contribution: The concept of ahimsa (non-violence).
Significant contributions to art and architecture: Stupas at Sanchi, Bharhut, and Gaya.
Promoted education through residential universities like Taxila, Nalanda, and Vikramasila.
Developed Pali and local languages through teachings.
Spread Indian culture to other parts of Asia.

Buddhism as Soft Diplomacy

Focus on shared cultural development rather than cultural export.
Values of peace, accommodation, inclusiveness, and compassion prevalent in Indian society are attributed to Buddhist teachings.
Buddhist ideals intersect with political and economic contexts of many Asian nations.
Buddhism strengthens Asian emotional bonding and connectivity, embedded in their nationalistic thinking.
Beyond Asia, Buddhism has generated spiritual awakening and influenced philosophical traditions.

Way Forward

Revitalizing Nalanda University and promoting Buddhist studies in universities can unite the international community.
Promoting Buddhist tourism akin to the "Incredible India" campaign is crucial to popularising India's association with the faith.
Effective implementation of the government's strategies is essential.

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Description

Explore the fascinating history of Buddhism from its inception in India to the key teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. This quiz covers important events in the life of Buddha and central concepts such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Test your understanding of how Buddhism advocates for a balanced and responsible approach to life.