December 8 is celebrated in some countries as the day that Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. In commemoration of this day, let’s test your knowledge of Sri Gautama Buddha and Buddhism.
1. The founder of the Buddhist religion
A. Guru Nanak
B. Ashoka
C. Siddhartha
One of the major branches of Buddhism which means “The School of the Elders” and the oldest form of Buddhism
A. Theravada
B. Mahayana
C. Vajrayana
3. The birth place of Gautama Buddha
A. Lumbini
B. Katmandu
C. Kapilavastu
4. The form of Buddhism that was popularly known in China, Korea and Japan that lays the emphasis on meditation
A. Zen Buddhism
B. Tantric Buddhism
C. Nikaya Buddhism
5. One who is on the path to “Buddhahood” or the path towards enlightenment is sometimes referred to by Buddhists as
A. Bodhisattva
B. Arahant
C. Buddhas
The place of Gautama Buddha’s attainment of enlightenment
A. Bodhgaya
B. Kushinagar
C. Nalanda
7. Bodhgaya is situated on the banks of the river
A. Lilanjan
B. Ganga
C. Brahmaputra
8. The first teaching of Gautama Buddha after attaining enlightenment
A. The four noble truths
B. Middle way
C. Nirvana
9. What does the term “Bodhi” connote
A. Peace
B. Awakening
C. Suffering
Compiled By
Ramya Srinivasan, San Jose, CA
Answers:
1-C, 2-A, 3-A, 4-A, 5-A, 6-A, 7-A, 8-A,9-B