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Religions & SpiritualityMedium

Buddhism: From Siddhartha to Today

Siddhartha Gautama, born a prince in Nepal around 563 BCE, reached Enlightenment after six years of asceticism. Thailand today is 93% Buddhist with 40,000 Theravada temples.

15

Questions

2

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Tip: Use keys 1-4 to answer quickly

The 15 quiz questions

Question 1 : What is the birth name of the Buddha?

Possible answers:

  • Siddhartha Gautama
  • Bodhidharma
  • Mahavira
  • Ashoka Maurya

Explanation: Siddhartha Gautama was born a prince in Nepal around 563 BCE. After discovering the world's suffering, he attained Enlightenment (bodhi) under a fig tree and became the Buddha, "the Awakened One."

Question 2 : What fundamental Buddhist concept describes the cause of human suffering?

Possible answers:

  • The Four Noble Truths
  • The Ten Commandments
  • The Five Pillars
  • Yin and Yang

Explanation: The Four Noble Truths are: 1) life is suffering (dukkha), 2) suffering arises from desire (tanha), 3) it is possible to end suffering, 4) the path to cessation is the Noble Eightfold Path.

Question 3 : What does Nirvana refer to in Buddhism?

Possible answers:

  • Liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirths
  • Union with God
  • The Buddhist paradise
  • Reincarnation as a god

Explanation: Nirvana is the state of ultimate liberation, the extinction of suffering and the cycle of rebirths (samsara). It is not a place like Paradise, but a state of absolute peace and cessation of desire.

Question 4 : What does karma mean in Buddhism?

Possible answers:

  • The law of cause and effect of actions
  • Destiny fixed at birth
  • Divine punishment
  • Luck or bad luck

Explanation: Karma ("action" in Sanskrit) refers to the law of cause and effect: every action (good or bad) has consequences on present and future lives. It is the driving force of the cycle of rebirths (samsara).

Question 5 : In which country is Theravada Buddhism the official religion, with over 90% Buddhists?

Possible answers:

  • China
  • Thailand
  • Japan
  • India

Explanation: Thailand has over 93% Buddhists and Theravada Buddhism is the state religion. The country has more than 40,000 temples and about 300,000 monks.

Question 6 : How many principles make up the Noble Path, the way to end suffering?

Possible answers:

  • 4
  • 5
  • 8
  • 12

Explanation: The Noble Eightfold Path comprises 8 principles: right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.

Question 7 : Under what type of tree did the Buddha attain Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, India?

Possible answers:

  • A cherry tree
  • A banyan tree
  • A sacred fig tree
  • A giant lotus

Explanation: Siddhartha Gautama attained Enlightenment under a sacred fig tree (Ficus religiosa) at Bodh Gaya. This tree, called the Bodhi tree, became a symbol of Buddhism. A descendant of the original tree is still venerated there.

Question 8 : Of which branch of Buddhism is the Dalai Lama the spiritual leader?

Possible answers:

  • Tibetan Buddhism
  • Zen
  • Mahayana
  • Theravada

Explanation: The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana). The current Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the 14th. He has lived in exile in India since 1959 after the Chinese invasion of Tibet.

Question 9 : Which flower is the symbol of spiritual purity in Buddhism?

Possible answers:

  • The rose
  • The lotus
  • The orchid
  • The chrysanthemum

Explanation: The lotus grows in mud but blooms into an immaculate flower on the water's surface. This metaphor illustrates humanity's ability to rise above suffering to attain Enlightenment.

Question 10 : What is the most important Buddhist festival called, celebrating the birth, Enlightenment and death of the Buddha?

Possible answers:

  • Kathina
  • Vesak
  • Losar
  • Songkran

Explanation: Vesak (or Visakha Puja) is celebrated during the full moon of May. This festival simultaneously commemorates the three major events in the Buddha's life. It has been recognized by the UN since 1999.

Question 11 : What is the seated meditation practice central to Zen Buddhism called?

Possible answers:

  • Qi gong
  • Yoga
  • Tai chi
  • Zazen

Explanation: Zazen ("seated meditation") is the fundamental practice of Zen Buddhism. The meditator sits in lotus position facing a wall, focused on breathing and observing thoughts without attachment.

Question 12 : The "Three Jewels" in which every Buddhist takes refuge are the Buddha, the Dharma and...

Possible answers:

  • Karma
  • The Mantra
  • The Sangha
  • Nirvana

Explanation: The Three Jewels (Triratna) are: the Buddha (the Awakened One), the Dharma (his teaching) and the Sangha (the monastic community). Taking refuge in the Three Jewels is the fundamental act of becoming Buddhist.

Question 13 : Buddhism is often described as a religion without a creator god. What is this characteristic called?

Possible answers:

  • Polytheistic
  • Non-theistic
  • Atheistic
  • Monotheistic

Explanation: Buddhism is described as a non-theistic religion: it does not necessarily deny the existence of gods, but is not based on belief in a creator god. The Buddha is a guide, not a deity to be worshipped.

Question 14 : What color is the traditional robe of Theravada Buddhist monks?

Possible answers:

  • White
  • Red
  • Black
  • Saffron (orange)

Explanation: Theravada monks wear a saffron (orange) robe made of three pieces of cloth. This color symbolizes renunciation and simplicity. Zen monks typically wear black or gray robes.

Question 15 : Approximately how many Buddhists are there in the world?

Possible answers:

  • 1 billion
  • 100 million
  • 250 million
  • 500 million

Explanation: Buddhism has about 500 million practitioners, or 7% of the world population. It is the 4th largest religion after Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. The majority live in Asia.

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