Buddhism MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Buddhism - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Siddhartha.Key Points

• Gautama Buddha -
  • He was born in Lumbini, near Kapilvastu, the then capital of the Shakya Republic, which is in Nepal.
  • His mother's name was Mahamaya who was from the Kolia dynasty and his father was Kshatriya king Shuddhodana.
  • He was named Siddhartha.
  • Being born in Gautam gotra, he was also called Gautam.​

Additional Information

• Charvaka Darshan -
  • It is an ancient Indian materialistic atheist philosophy.
  • It accepts only direct evidence and does not accept this theory of supernatural beings.
• Buddha gave maximum teaching skills in his life in the capital of the country, Shravasti.
• Mahatma Buddha gave his teachings in the Pali language.
• His main followers were the rulers-
  1. Bimbsaar
  2. Prasenjit
  3. Udayan
• Buddha died at the age of 80 at Kushinara after having a meal offered by Chunda. Which is called "Mahaparinirvana" in Buddhism.
• The holiest festival of Buddhism is Vaishakh Purnima which is also known as Buddha Purnima.
• Most of the Buddha statues were built under the Gandhara style.
• The first statue of Buddha was made under Mathura art.

Vardhamana Mahavira.

• Vardhamana Mahavira was the last and the 24th Tirthankara of Jainas.
• Mahavira was born in 540 BC at Kundagram near Vaishali.
• He left his home at 30 and wandered for 12 years.
• In his 13th year of penance, Mahavira attained kaivalya  i.e., omniscience at Jrimbhikagrama in Eastern Uttar Pradesh at the age of 42.
• He died at the age of 72 in 468 BC at Pavapuri near Rajgriha.
• Followers of Mahavira are known as Jainas, who lead very simple lives, begging for food.

The correct answer is Tripitaka.

Key Points

• Tripiṭaka is the traditional term for the Buddhist scriptures. 
• Tripitaka are of three types:
  • Vinay Pitaka rules of monastic discipline for monks.
  • Sutta Pitaka is a collection of Buddha's Sermon.
  • Abhidhamma Pitaka is the philosophies of Buddha's teachings.

Important Points

Buddhism

• Founder of Buddhism: Gautam Buddha was born in 563 BC at Lumbinivana(Rummindehi district, Nepal) on Vaisakha Purnima day in Sakya Kshatriya clan.
•  His father Suddhodhana and his mother Mahamaya.
• After his mother's early death, he was brought up by stepmother Gautami.
• He married at 16 to Yasodhara, enjoyed married life for 13 years, and had a son named Rahul.
• At the age of 29, he enounced home, this was his Mahabhinishkramana (geat going forth, Symbol - horse), and became a wandering ascetic.
• At the age of 35, under a pipal tree at Uruvella (Bodh Gaya) on the banks of river Niranjana(modern name Flagu), he attained Nirvana (enlightenment, Symbol - Bodhi tree) after 49 days of continuous meditation. 
• First Sermon at Sarnath to his five disciples known as Dharamachakra Pravartna (Symbol - 8 spoked wheel).
• He died at the age of 80 in 483 BC at Kushinagar district in Uttar Pradesh. This is known as Mahaparinirvana (Final Blowing out).

Additional Information

• Torah is the first part of the Jewish bible. It is the central and most important document of Judaism and has been used by Jews through the ages.
• ​The Avesta is the primary collection of religious texts of Zoroastrianism, composed in Avestan language and written by Zarathustra.
• Kalpa Sutra is a Jain text in Sanskrit containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, notably Parshvanatha and Mahavira.

Key Points

• Buddhacharita is a biographical poem composed by Ashvaghosha, an ancient Indian poet and philosopher.
• It is one of the earliest and most detailed accounts of the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who later became Buddha.
• The poem was written in classical Sanskrit and portrays Buddha's life, from his birth to his enlightenment and beyond.
• Buddhacharita is considered a significant literary and religious work in Buddhism and Indian history.

Additional Information

• Vinaya Pitaka: This is one of the three divisions of the Tripitaka (Buddhist scriptures) and focuses on monastic discipline and rules for monks and nuns.
• Sutta Pitaka: This is another section of the Tripitaka, which contains the teachings of Buddha in the form of discourses and sermons delivered to his followers.
• Abhidhamma Pitaka: This is the third section of the Tripitaka, which includes detailed philosophical and doctrinal analysis of the teachings of Buddha.

The correct answer is the Rules of the Buddhist Sangha.

• The Buddha (and other teachers) taught orally – through discussion and debate.
• Men and women (perhaps children as well) attended these discourses and discussed what they heard.
• None of the Buddha’s speeches was written down during his lifetime.

Important Points

• After the death of Buddha, his teachings were compiled by his disciples at a council of “elders” or senior monks at Vesali (Pali for Vaishali in present-day Bihar).
• These compilations were known as Tipitaka – literally, three baskets to hold different types of texts. 
  • Vinaya Pitaka included rules and regulations for those who joined the sangha or monastic order.
  • Sutta Pitaka: Buddha’s teachings.
  • Abhidhamma Pitaka dealt with philosophical matters.
• Each Pitaka comprised a number of individual texts. Later, commentaries were written on these texts by Buddhist scholars.

Thus, it is clear that Vinaya Pitaka is a book related to the rules of the Buddhist Sangha.

Additional Information

• First Buddhist Council:
  • Conducted under the patronage of King Ajatasatru of Haryanka dynasty.
  • It was held at Rajagriha.
• Second Buddhist Council:
  • Conducted under the patronage of King Kalasoka of Sisunaga dynasty.
  • It was held at Vaishali.
• Third Buddhist Council:
  • Conducted under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka of Maurya dynasty.
  • It was held in 250 BC at Pataliputra.
• Fourth Buddhist Council:
  • Conducted under the patronage of King Kanishka of Kushan dynasty.
  • It was held at Kundalvana in Kashmir.

The correct answer is Ambedkar.

Key Points

• The Dalit Buddhist movement (also known as the Neo-Buddhist movement) is a religious as well as a socio-political movement among Dalits in India which was started by B. R. Ambedkar.
  • It radically re-interpreted Buddhism and created a new school of Buddhism called Navayana.
• Hence option 4 is correct.

Additional Information

• Tenets of Buddhism
  • Buddha asked his followers to avoid the two extremes of indulgence in worldly pleasure and the practice of strict abstinence and asceticism.
  • He ascribed instead the 'Madhyam Marg' or the middle path which was to be followed.
  • According to him, everyone was responsible for their own happiness in life, stressing the individualistic component of Buddhism.
  • The main teachings of Buddhism are encapsulated in the basic concept of four noble truths or ariya-sachchani and eightfold path or astangika marg.
• Four noble truths:
  • Suffering (dukkha) is the essence of the world.
  • Every suffering has a cause – Samudya.
  • Suffering could be extinguished – Nirodha.
  • It can be achieved by following the Atthanga Magga (Eight-Fold Path). 

The correct answer is Buddha, dhamma(dharma), sangha.

Key Points

Triratna in Sanskrit means 'Three Jewels'

• The Buddha
• Dhamma(dharma): his teaching
• Sangha: the community of all those who follow his teachings.

​Buddhism

• It is faith that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama("the Buddha").
• Siddhartha Gautam, the Lord Buddha was born in 563 B.C at Lumbini in Nepal.
• Attained Nirvana under a Pipal tree at Bodh Gaya & henceforth known as Buddha(The enlightened one).
• Delivered his first sermon at Sarnath (Banaras) know called the Dhammacakkappavattana.
• Died at the age of 80 at Kushinagar (U.P).

Noble truth by Buddha

• The world is full of sorrow.
• People suffer on account of desires
• If desires are conqueredNirvana can be achieved i.e., free from the cycle of birth and death can be achieved by following 8 fold path(ashtangika marga)
  • Right Understanding
  • Right Determination
  • Right Speech
  • Right Action
  • Right Livelihood
  • Right Exercise
  • Right Mindfulness
  • Right Medication

Teaching by Buddha

• Buddha was a practical reformer and did not believe in the soul or God or the metaphysical world and concerned himself with worldly problems.
• Suggested that a person should avoid an excess of both luxury & austerity and prescribed a middle path.
• Laid great emphasis on Karma(Varna based on action not on birth) & Ahimsa.
• Opposed the varna system and laid down the principle of social equality.
• Buddhist Text
  • Tripitaka's: All written in Pali Language
  • Sutta-Pitaka
  • Vinaya-Pitaka
  • Abhidhamma-Pitaka
• Buddhist Councils

The correct answer is Death.

Key Points

• Kushinagar(Uttar Pradesh) is the place where Buddhists believe Gautama Buddha attained Parinirvana after his death.
• Mahaparinirvana is a Sanskrit word meaning 'Final Death.
• After the death of Buddha, his followers built a stupa where the relics of Buddha were kept.

Additional Information

• Events related to Buddha and representing Symbol:

The correct answer is Buddhism.

Key Points

• Jataka tales are works of literature that are about Gautam Buddha's previous births. 
• Buddhism: Buddhism is a faith that was founded by Siddhartha Gautama ("the Buddha") in 5th Century B.C.
• The Buddhism religion is based upon the teachings, life experience of its founder Siddhartha Gautam, born in circa 563 BCE.

Additional Information

• Lingayat: Lingayat also called Virashaiva, a member of a Hindu sect with a wide following in southern India that worships Shiva as the only deity.
• Shaivism: Shaivism is the branch of Hinduism that worships Shiva as the supreme deity. It is one of the major branches of Hinduism.
• Jainism: Jainism is a religion that emphasizes complete non - violence, and asceticism.
  • Followers of Jainism are called Jains.
  • J ainism came into prominence in the 6th century B.C, when Lord Mahavira propagated the religion. 
  • There were 24 great teachers, the last of whom was Lord Mahavira.
  • The first Tirthankara was Rishabnatha. 

The correct answer is Kalasoka.

Key Points

• Kalasoka convened the second Buddhist Council in Vaishali (383 BC).
• Results of Council- Schism into Sthavira-Vadins and Mahasanghikas.

The correct answer is Raigad.

Key Points

• Ashta Mahasthana associated with the life of the Buddha are :
  • Lumbini
  • Bodh Gaya
  • Sarnath
  • Kushinagar
  • Shravasti
  • Sankissa
  • Rajgriha
  • Vaishali
• Gautama Buddha was born in the Lumbini village of Kapilavastu, Nepal in 563 B.C,  in the Shakya Kshatriya clan.​​

Important Points

• Mahabhiniraskramana or the Great Going Forth is the event when Gautama Buddha left his home.
• Buddha visited Vaishali and learnt Sankhya darshan.
• He went to Rajgriha and learnt yoga, went to Uruvela where he attained enlightenment.
• He went on to Sarnath where he delivered his first sermon also called Dharmachakrapravartana.
• He died in 483 B.C near Kushinara and the event is known as Mahaparinirvana.

The correct answer is Buddhist texts.

Key Points

• The Digha Nikaya is a Buddhist scripture, the first of the five Nikayas, in the Sutta Pitaka, which is one of the three baskets that compose the Pali Tipitaka of Buddhism. 
• Digha Nikaya which means the long collection, a Sanskrit Dirghagama that contains 34 long suttas including doctrinal expositions, legends, and moral rules.

Additional Information

• Buddhism started in India over 2,600 years ago as a way of life that had the potential of transforming a person.
• It is one of the important religions of South and South-Eastern Asian countries.
• The religion is based upon the teachings, life experiences of its founder Siddhartha Gautam.
• Major Buddhist Texts -
  • ​The Vinaya Pitaka consists of rules of conduct and discipline applicable to the monastic life of the monks and nuns.
  • The Sutta Pitaka consists of the main teaching or Dhamma of Buddha. It is divided into five Nikayas or collections:
    • Digha Nikaya
    • Majjhima Nikaya
    • Samyutta Nikaya
    • Anguttara Nikaya
    • Khuddaka Nikaya
  • The Abhidhamma Pitaka is a philosophical analysis and systematization of the teaching and the scholarly activity of the monks.
  • Other important Buddhist texts include Divyavadana, Dipavamsa, Mahavamsa, Milind Panha, etc.​

The correct answer is ​Buddhism.

• Pitaka has great importance in Buddhist literature.

Key Points

• These are Vinayapitaka, Sutpitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka. The simple meaning of Literature consists of a total of three pieces of literature.
• They were composed by disciples of Buddha after attaining Nirvana of Mahatma Buddha.
• In Vinayapitaka, thoughts related to the conduct of Buddhist monks are found.
• Sutapitaka contains a collection of sermons by Mahatma Buddha, while Abhidhamma Pitaka discusses Buddhist philosophy.
• These Pitakas are also called ‘Tipitaka’.
• The language of Tripitaka is 'Pali'.

Additional Information

The correct answer is Ajatashatru.

Key Points

• The First Buddhist council was convened in the year following the Buddha's parinirvana (death), which is 543–542 BCE according to Theravada tradition in Rajgir (Rajgriha).
• It was organised by Ajathasatru.

Additional Information

Details of Buddhist Councils:

The correct answer is Mahabhinishkraman.

Key Points

• Mahabhinishkraman refers to the departure of Siddhartha from his home at the age of 29. 

Important Points

• Dharmachakrapravartana refers to Siddhartha’s first religious sermon at Sarnath.
• Nirvana refers to the attainment of knowledge by Buddha at Bodh Gaya.
• Parinirvana refers to the death of Siddhartha at Kushinagar.

The correct answer is Tripitaka.

Key Points

• Tripiṭaka is the traditional term for the Buddhist scriptures. 
• Tripitaka are of three types:
  • Vinay Pitaka rules of monastic discipline for monks.
  • Sutta Pitaka is a collection of Buddha's Sermon.
  • Abhidhamma Pitaka is the philosophies of Buddha's teachings.

Important Points

Buddhism

• Founder of Buddhism: Gautam Buddha was born in 563 BC at Lumbinivana(Rummindehi district, Nepal) on Vaisakha Purnima day in Sakya Kshatriya clan.
•  His father Suddhodhana and his mother Mahamaya.
• After his mother's early death, he was brought up by stepmother Gautami.
• He married at 16 to Yasodhara, enjoyed married life for 13 years, and had a son named Rahul.
• At the age of 29, he enounced home, this was his Mahabhinishkramana (geat going forth, Symbol - horse), and became a wandering ascetic.
• At the age of 35, under a pipal tree at Uruvella (Bodh Gaya) on the banks of river Niranjana(modern name Flagu), he attained Nirvana (enlightenment, Symbol - Bodhi tree) after 49 days of continuous meditation. 
• First Sermon at Sarnath to his five disciples known as Dharamachakra Pravartna (Symbol - 8 spoked wheel).
• He died at the age of 80 in 483 BC at Kushinagar district in Uttar Pradesh. This is known as Mahaparinirvana (Final Blowing out).

Additional Information

• Torah is the first part of the Jewish bible. It is the central and most important document of Judaism and has been used by Jews through the ages.
• ​The Avesta is the primary collection of religious texts of Zoroastrianism, composed in Avestan language and written by Zarathustra.
• Kalpa Sutra is a Jain text in Sanskrit containing the biographies of the Jain Tirthankaras, notably Parshvanatha and Mahavira.