View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The three defilements are also known as _____.

2. What does the word duhkha mean?

3. The Vinaya contains _____ for the corporate acts of the monastic collective.

4. The author concentrates on sustained expositions of Buddhist _____.

5. The history of Buddhism stretches over _____ years.

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the author believe that there is some basis in history for the existence of the Buddha?

2. How does the author compare Buddha and the four truths to modern medicine?

3. How were the first Buddhist nuns acknowledged? What was the reaction of the Buddha to this?

4. How is food addressed in the Vinaya?

5. What is the general Buddhist and Indian world view concerning life and death?

6. Why did the Buddha possibly refuse to give categorical answers to the ten undetermined questions?

7. What is the responsibility of a Buddha regarding teaching?

8. What does the author say about satya in relation to a Buddhist creed?

9. According to the author, what does the term 'Buddhism' refer to?

10. How did the Buddha respond when Malunkya said he would stop training with him if he didn't answer the ten undetermined questions?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the oral tradition of Buddhism. Why is it considered an oral tradition?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of dharma. How does this relate to Buddhism?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the Theraveda tradition of Buddhism. Where is it practiced? How does it relate in doctrine and practice to ancient Buddhism?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 680 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample