SOWAs

Question 1

What does the Buddhavamsa 26 cover?

Answer 1

The history of the events in the life of the Buddha, including:
* Royalty
* Predestination as a great king or religious man
* Princely life
* Marriage and child
* The Four Sights
* Time as an ascetic
* Enlightenment

This text provides a narrative of the Buddha’s life leading up to his enlightenment.

Question 2

What are the 4 Noble Truths?

Answer 2

1. The nature of Dukkha
2. The nature of Samudaya (cause of dukkha)
3. The nature of Nirodha (the end of suffering)
4. The method to end suffering or Magga

The 4 Noble Truths form the foundation of Buddhist teachings.

Question 3

List the components of the 8 Fold Path.

Answer 3

• Right understanding
• Right view
• Right effort
• Right mindfulness
• Right contemplation
• Right speech
• Right action
• Right livelihood

The 8 Fold Path is essential for achieving enlightenment in Buddhism.

Question 4

What is the central message of the Dhammapada?

Answer 4

Mind precedes all mental states.

The Dhammapada emphasizes the importance of the mind in shaping our actions and experiences.

Question 5

True or False: ‘Hate is conquered by hate’ according to Buddhist teaching.

Answer 5

False

The correct teaching states that hate is conquered by love.

Question 6

What does ‘Karuna’ mean in Mahayana Buddhism?

Answer 6

Compassion

It is regarded as equally important as wisdom.

Question 7

Fill in the blank: ‘Metta’ is the act of _______.

Answer 7

[loving kindness]

Metta is a fundamental ethical teaching in Buddhism.

Question 8

What are the five precepts outlined in the Pancha Sila?

Answer 8

• Abstain from harm to sentient beings
• Abstain from lying
• Abstain from sexual misconduct
• Abstain from taking what is not freely given
• Abstain from intoxication

There are additional precepts for monks, making a total of ten.

Question 9

What are the paramitas in Buddhism?

Answer 9

• Generosity
• Morality
• Patience
• Energy
• Meditation
• Wisdom

These are virtues to be cultivated on the path to enlightenment.

Question 10

How does Nagasena explain ‘anatta’ to King Milinda?

Answer 10

Using the analogy of a chariot, illustrating that a name refers to parts, similar to how we refer to ourselves.

This teaching emphasizes the concept of non-self in Buddhism.

Question 11

What is the main teaching of the Mangala Sutta?

Answer 11

To associate with the wise and honor those worthy of honor is the greatest blessing.

This Sutta emphasizes the importance of wise companionship.

Question 12

What does the Kimsila Sutta emphasize?

Answer 12

Delighting in the Dhamma, devotion to the Dhamma, and skill in investigating the Dhamma.

This Sutta highlights the importance of engagement with Buddhist teachings.

Question 13

What is the significance of the Vakkali Sutta?

Answer 13

He who sees the Dhamma sees me.

This signifies the deep connection between understanding the Dhamma and understanding the Buddha.

Question 14

What does the Amitãyus Meditation Sutra explain?

Answer 14

How to reach the Pure Land by focusing on the Amitabha Buddha.

This Sutra guides practitioners in their meditation practices.

Question 15

What does the Bhaddali Sutta illustrate about confession?

Answer 15

Confession and reform are the main aims of punishment.

This highlights the importance of accountability and personal growth in Buddhist practice.

Question 16

What is the story of Milarepa about?

Answer 16

Milarepa was responsible for the deaths of 35 people but reformed and attained enlightenment, showing the potential for change.

His story emphasizes that anyone can reform and achieve enlightenment.

Question 17

What does the Brahmajala Sutta say about the ascetic Gotama?

Answer 17

The ascetic Gotama abandons taking life, refraining from it without stick or sword, being scrupulous and compassionate, and trembling for the welfare of all living beings.

Question 18

What are the three unwholesome roots mentioned in Itivuttaka 50?

Answer 18

The three unwholesome roots are greed, hate, and ignorance.

Question 19

What does the Cunda Kammaraputta Sutta emphasize?

Answer 19

It emphasizes that it is skilful to abstain from violence and ‘lay the knife down’.

Question 20

What is the message of the Kakacupama Sutta?

Answer 20

Even if sawn limb from limb, one should not respond with hatred or violence but only with metta.

Question 21

What does the Karaniya Metta Sutta advise?

Answer 21

It advises that one skilled in goodness should be peaceful, calm, wise, and skilful.

Question 22

What did the Dalai Lama express in his Nobel acceptance speech?

Answer 22

He expressed concern for all sentient beings who suffer, believing all suffering is caused by ignorance.

Question 23

What are the three poisons in Buddhism?

Answer 23

The three poisons are greed (cockerel), hatred (snake), and ignorance (pig).

Question 24

What does the Wheel of Life illustrate?

Answer 24

It illustrates kamma and paticca samupadda, showing how one thing arises from another.

Question 25

What is the significance of the Buddha in the Wheel of Life?

Answer 25

The Buddha is outside the cycle of samsara, pointing to the Moon which represents nibbana.

Question 26

What do the black and white effects in the Wheel of Life represent?

Answer 26

The black moving downwards represents negative kamma, while the white moving upwards represents positive kamma.

Question 27

What are the 6 realms in Buddhism?

Answer 27

The 6 realms are states we can move between after rebirth based on kamma, with only humans being able to achieve nibbana.