Deck 4: Theravada Buddhism The Middle Way

Question 1

The Noble Eightfold Path has three sets of guidelines dealing with morality, concentration, and __________.

A) asceticism
B) atheism
C) economics
D) ethics
E) wisdom

Answer 1

E

Question 2

Among the Ten Precepts is the prohibition "Do not gaze upon spectacles such as __________.

A) dancing and singing
B) educational Internet sites
C) newspapers
D) religious rituals
E) video games (APPLY;

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Buddhism teaches the "middle way" between self-denial and __________.

A) self-criticism
B) self-fulfillment
C) self-indulgence
D) self-loathing
E) self-reflection

Answer 3

C

Question 4

The "prajna" section of the Noble Eightfold Path includes right belief and right __________.

A) aspiration
B) ethics
C) mindfulness
D) service
E) worship

Question 5

The Deer Park Sermon was the Buddha's first public proclamation of the __________.

A) Three Jewels
B) Four Noble Truths
C) Eight Beatitudes
D) Ten Commandments
E) Twelve Disciples

Question 6

The "concentration" section of the Noble Eightfold Path includes right effort, right __________, and meditation.

A) character
B) ethics
C) mindfulness
D) service
E) worship

Question 7

The Pali Canon includes the __________.

A) Brahmin
B) Kundalini
C) Maitreya
D) Tripitaka
E) Vinadana

Question 8

Theravadans believe that desire for spiritual ends leads to __________.

A) attachment
B) help from the Gods
C) liberation
D) love
E) spirituality

Question 9

Buddhism is a rich religious tradition with three main strands, Hinayana or __________, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.

A) Brahmin
B) Kshatriya
C) Sakyamuni
D) Theravada
E) Vaisnavaya

Question 10

The spread of Buddhism beyond India began when King __________ sent missionaries to carry the Buddha's teachings to Sri Lanka, Greece, and even Egypt.

A) Arjuna
B) Ashoka
C) Devi
D) Maurya
E) Sariputta

Question 11

The "morality" section of the Noble Eightfold Path includes right speech, right action, and right __________.

A) attitudes
B) beliefs
C) ethics
D) livelihood
E) service

Question 12

Siddartha Gautama became the Buddha when he __________.

A) awakened
B) died
C) gave up his attachment to all material things, including food
D) placed his faith in the love of the Supreme Lord
E) realized that he was one with Brahman

Question 13

The name for the community of those who follow the teachings of the Buddha is the __________.

A) Ananda
B) Church
C) Masjid
D) Sangha
E) Synagogue

Question 14

Nirvana literally means __________.

A) blowing out
B) heaven
C) love
D) oneness
E) the top of the universe

Question 15

According to Theravada Buddhist teaching, what appear to be our separate identities really are__________.

A) extensions of the Buddha
B) the moment-by-moment coming together of five forces, brought together by karma
C) our eternal souls
D) particles of the Supreme Lord
E) totally inexplicable anomalies

Question 16

The "Parable of the Arrow" teaches the Buddhist to __________.

A) avoid speculation on esoteric questions
B) avoid warfare
C) love is an emotion to overcome
D) no one can shoot straight if their vision is off-kilter
E) wear spiritual armor against "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune"

Question 17

The Second Noble Truth states __________.

A) craving leads back to birth
B) desire for existence to end will make it happen
C) don't care about anyone but yourself
D) go for the gusto
E) none of the above

Question 18

Which of these "four passing sights" showed Siddartha Gautama a potential way to escape the suffering of existence?

A) a dead man
B) a man racked by illness
C) a monk
D) a pregnant young woman
E) a sorrowful old man

Question 19

Which of the following Theravada Buddhist precepts is required for monks and nuns but not for lay people.

A) Refrain from taking life (ahimsa)
B) Do not take what is not given
C) Do not lie or deceive
D) Do not take intoxicants
E) Do not ornament your body

Question 20

The "Middle Way" is defined by the __________.

A) First Noble Truth
B) Noble Eightfold Path
C) Oracle of Delphi
D) Three Jewels
E) Tripitaka

Question 21

In its teaching about the sacred, Theravada Buddhism is __________.

A) atheistic
B) monistic
C) monotheistic
D) pantheistic
E) polytheistic

Question 22

Outline Theravada Buddhist tradition using the "framework for understanding" developed in Chapter 1. Then write a letter to a friend who wants to understand this worldview, explaining why it makes sense in the twenty-first century.

Question 23

According to Theravada Buddhist teaching, all reality is __________.

A) alive
B) created
C) illusiory
D) impermanent
E) One

Question 24

Discuss this assertion: Since Buddhism teaches that "all is suffering," it provides no incentive to work for justice in this world.

Question 25

The Buddha taught that "all is impermanent." Human biologists tell us that all the cells in our bodies are replaced every six months. Physical chemistry shows that every "solid" object really is a conglomeration of constantly moving atoms in the gravitational pull of a constantly moving planet, which is orbiting a moving Sun in a continuously moving galaxy. Are scientists saying essentially the same thing as the Buddha? How would you evaluate the commonalities and differences between contemporary science and the teaching of the Buddha.

Question 26

Explain and defend the following claim: Theravada Buddhism is "atheistic," but not in the sense this term is commonly understood.

Question 27

Summarize the Buddha's "Parable of the Mustard Seed" and discuss how it expresses the heart of the Four Noble Truths.

Question 28

In the twenty-first century Theravada Buddhism has begun to revive in __________, where it had almost vanished.

A) Bangladesh
B) India
C) Pakistan
D) Sri Lanka
E) Thailand

Question 29

After the age of destruction in the current cosmic cycle, Buddhists believe that __________ will usher in a new age of cosmic harmony.

A) Ashoka
B) Jesus Christ
C) Kisa Gotami
D) Maitreya
E) Siddartha

Question 30

Evaluate the following assertion: Siddartha Gautama's "great renunciation" involved a callous abandonment of his wife and child. He shirked his duty to them to pursue his own selfish desire for spiritual enlightenment. On these grounds alone, we should reject the teachings he left behind.

Question 31

What is your assessment of the Theravada Buddhist idea that, when it comes to finding spiritual truth, we are on our own?

Question 32

Describe the three major turning points in the life of Siddhartha Gautama (according to the religious biography accepted by his followers).

Question 33

After the age of destruction in the current cosmic cycle, according to Theravada teaching, a new Buddha, known as __________, will usher in a new age of cosmic harmony.

A) Arjuna
B) Ashoka the Great
C) Mahatma
D) Maitreya
E) Prajapati

Question 34

Why is it wrong to speak of nirvana as a "Buddhist heaven"?

Question 35

Draw on the Buddha's Four Noble Truths to explain the distinctive teachings of Theravada Buddhism.

Question 36

Compare and contrast the Theravada Buddhist and Hindu teachings, using the "framework for understanding" developed in Chapter 1. Which religious worldview do you prefer? Why?