Basic Knowledge TestBasic Knowledge TestBasic Knowledge TestBasic Knowledge Test

BuddhismBuddhism

• You can work through these slides for revision• Set up a timer for each question• This is good practice for the exam• The answers are a sample of the things that

you should be including in your own answer• A specimen paper has been included at the

end, there are no answers to this• Bring it in and I will mark it for you

You have 8 minutes to answer the

following questions 1. Name 2 countries where Mahayana Buddhism is practiced2. Name 2 countries where Theravada Buddhism is practiced3. What is Samsara?4. What 3 emotions are at the centre of the wheel of life?5. What are they called?6. What are the Three marks of Existence?7. Which form of Buddhism is known as the Way of the

Elders?8. What are the Three Jewels or refuges? 9. What is the 2nd Noble Truth10. How does the Fourth Noble Truth link with the Noble Eight

Fold Path?

Answers 2 minutes1. You could have any of the following: Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal,

Burma, China, Japan, North/South Korea, Vietnam or Mongolia.

2. You can have any of the following: Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Bangladesh or Laos.

3. The cycle of birth, death and rebirth.4. They are greed, hatred and ignorance.5. They are the Three Poisons or defilements.6. Anicca, anatta and dukkha.7. Theravada Buddhism because it is the oldest and original

form.8. They are the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha.9. Suffering is caused by craving or desire.10. The Fourth Noble Truth is the means to end suffering, it is

the Noble Eight Fold Path

Answer this question in 4 Minutes.

How would a Buddhist explain nibbana? 6AE

Answers• It is very difficult to explain as it must be experienced to be

understood. • It is a state of mind• it is a state of perfect bliss• it is the end of suffering, the end of tanha• the end of kamma• It is not a place that one can go to• it is not heaven • it is experienced in life• It is not conditioned nor is it caused by anything • It is beyond space and time. • It is like a cool cave or cool water that relieves a fever.

Take 5 minutes to answer this question

• What is kamma and how does it affect the life of a Buddhist? 5KU

AnswerKamma means action, it is the law of cause and effect related to

intentional action. All actions have consequences, the motivation behind the action determines whether the kamma which results will be good or bad. Kamma affects rebirth, it keeps beings trapped in the cycle of birth death and rebirth. If our actions are motivated by the three poisons the kamma will be bad and a less favourable rebirth will result. So Buddhists are encouraged to act in a way that does not cause hurt or suffering to others and to be aware of their actions. If actions are motivated by compassion and wisdom, the karmic effect will be good and a better rebirth will result. Lay Buddhists in Theravada countries help the monks in their daily lives and gain good merit for this. The Noble Eight Fold Path encourages a middle way, a life between the extremes.

3 minutes to answer the question 4KU

Explain 1 part of the Noble Eight Fold Path.

Answer• Right action: acting in a way towards others that

causes no harm. • These actions should be skilful in order to reduce

the suffering caused. • The motivation for one’s action is very important

and should be performed for the sake of others. • Action should be performed from compassion and

wisdom to enable one to see the effect of their action and the karmic consequences that result from them.

• When actions are performed from wisdom this enables the unenlightened to move closer to enlightenment.

Right Speech• Right speech is important as it can be a very

destructive force. • In Buddhism one is discouraged from gossip, talking

behind someone’s back, swearing or lying• Speech can have a profound effect a profound effect for

good or for bad• Being in control of oneself means that one is acting

through the cultivation of wisdom.• Knowing that the things that we say can be good or

bad and can inflict more suffering• Bad speech can carry karmic consequences