18 Questions
What steps did the monks (bikkhus) take to preserve the teachings of the Buddha?
Chanting them during communal meetings and recording them.
How many rules are there for nuns in the monastic rules (Pratimoksa)?
311 rules
What event lead to the expulsion of some groups of monks?
Competition among orders and lineages during Buddhist councils.
Who was the greatest supporter of Buddhism and why did he convert to Buddhism?
King Ashoka; To correct the abuses caused by the war against the Kalinga people.
What factor contributed to the decline of Buddhism in Northern India?
Rise of the Turks, who were devout Muslims.
What challenge did Buddhism face in terms of syncretism with other belief systems?
The challenge of syncretism, particularly with Hinduism.
What were the efforts of the bhikkus and bhikkunis in preserving Buddha's teachings?
They preserved the Buddha's teachings and established monastic rules (Pratimoka).
Why were Buddhist councils called?
To preserve the unity of the Sangha due to competition among different orders and lineages.
Where was the Third Council held and what was its significance?
The Third Council was held during the reign of King Ashoka in Pataliputra. The Theravada school established itself as an orthodox interpretation of Buddha's teachings.
What was the outcome of the Second Council?
The group of monks (Mahasanghikas) adhering to more lax rules were defeated and withdrew from the majority of the Buddhist sangha.
Where was the Fourth Council held and what was its main achievement?
The Fourth Council was held in Jullundhar under the reign of King Kanishka. It produced the Mahá-Vibháshá and translated major Buddhist canonical works into Sanskrit.
Which school of Buddhism gained prominence during the Fourth Council?
The Mahayana school gained prominence during the Fourth Council.
What are the three major schools of Buddhism?
Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana
What is the Pali Canon also known as in Theravada Buddhism?
Tipitaka
Which school of Buddhism primarily uses the Sanskrit language for its scriptures?
Mahayana
What are the two divisions of the Mahayana canon?
Agamas, Vinayas, Abhidhamma
In which language are the scriptural texts of Vajrayana Buddhism primarily written?
Tibetan
What are the two divisions of the Tibetan canon in Vajrayana Buddhism?
bKángjur, bStan-gyur (Tanjur)
Explore the sacred texts of Buddhism, including the suttas spoken by the Buddha, the disciples' code of conduct, and stories about the Buddha's life. Learn about the three major schools of Buddhism: Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, each with their own canonical scriptures.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
