Origins of Buddhism
Who is the historical founder of Buddhism?
A. Confucius
B. Jesus Christ
C. Siddhartha Gautama
D. Laozi
C. Siddhartha Gautama
Which of the following is the most traditional vocation in Buddhism?
A. Community organizer
B. Monk or nun
C. Farmer
D. Pilgrim
B. Monk or nun
How does Buddhism define marriage?
A. A divine sacrament performed by monks
B. A sacred bond recognized in temples
C. A personal social agreement without religious obligation
D. A ritual passage into spiritual maturity
C. A personal social agreement without religious obligation
What animated TV show featured a character who reincarnates in each season, inspired by Buddhist ideas?
A. The Legend of Korra
B. Rick and Morty
C. The Simpsons
D. Avatar: The Last Airbender
D. Avatar: The Last Airbender
Where did Buddhism originate?
A. China
B. Nepal/India region
C. Japan
D. Thailand
B. Nepal/India region
Which Buddhist value most influences careers in caregiving and healthcare?
A. Upekkha (Equanimity)
B. Mudita (Joy)
C. Karuṇā (Compassion)
D. Sacca (Truth)
C. Karuṇā (Compassion)
How can marriage serve as a spiritual path in Buddhism?
A. By enforcing religious control
B. By avoiding worldly duties
C. Through mutual support, patience, and mindfulness
D. Through temple vows
C. Through mutual support, patience, and mindfulness
What were the Four Sights?
A. Fire, water, earth, air
B. Child, warrior, sage, priest
C. Old man, sick man, dead body, & ascetic
D. Angel, demon, ghost, monk
C. Old man, sick man, dead body, & ascetic
Buddhism began as a reaction to:
A. Hindu caste system and ritualism
B. Judaism
C. Taoist philosophy
D. Western colonization
A. Hindu caste system and ritualism
Why is activism a legitimate Buddhist vocation under Engaged Buddhism?
A. It turns compassion into social transformation
B. It supports karma-cleansing rituals
C. It satisfies personal ambition
D. It is a modern reinterpretation of Nirvana
A. It turns compassion into social transformation
What is the role of the Five Precepts in family life?
A. Religious identity badge
B. Guideline for social status
C. Foundation for ethical conduct in daily relationships
D. Rules for chanting practice
C. Foundation for ethical conduct in daily relationships
Which Buddhist monk won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989?
A. Thich Nhat Hanh
B. Dalai Lama
C. Ajahn Brahm
D. Shunryu Suzuki
B. Dalai Lama
What event led to Siddhartha Gautama’s spiritual quest?
A. Becoming king
B. Meeting a Zen monk
C. Witnessing suffering (sickness, old age, death)
D. Losing a war
C. Witnessing suffering (sickness, old age, death)
What activity would fall under Environmental Stewardship in Buddhism?
A. Hunting
B. Oil drilling
C. Marketing
D. Sustainable farming
D. Sustainable farming
What do the four “virtues of compatibility” (samajivi-dhamma) emphasize?
A. Physical attraction and lifestyle habits
B. Wealth, beauty, karma, and devotion
C. Faith, moral discipline, generosity, and wisdom
D. Prayer, offerings, puja, and rituals
C. Faith, moral discipline, generosity, and wisdom
What tree did Siddhartha meditate under?
A. Neem
B. Banyan
C. Bodhi tree
D. Tamarind
C. Bodhi tree
In which region did Siddhartha Gautama attain enlightenment?
A. Lumbini
B. Sarnath
C. Bodh Gaya
D. Kushinagar
C. Bodh Gaya
What is the goal of someone choosing a monastic path?
A. Career success
B. Enlightenment
C. Fame
D. World travel
B. Enlightenment
What Sutta contains the Buddha’s guidance for spouses?
A. Dhammapada
B. Kalama Sutta
C. Metta Sutta
D. Sigalovada Sutta
D. Sigalovada Sutta
What caste was the Buddha born into?
A. Brahmin
B. Kshatriya
C. Vaishya
D. Shudra
B. Kshatriya