MCQ on Buddhism: 40+ Objective Questions with Answer
Revise Buddhism in shorter time with the help of this table:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha |
| Birth | Circa 563 BCE |
| Enlightenment | Achieved Bodhi (enlightenment) around 528 BCE at Bodhgaya |
| First Sermon | Delivered in Sarnath, known as Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana, around 528 BCE |
| Passing Away | Circa 483 BCE, at Kushinagar, known as Mahaparinirvana |
| Four Noble Truths | - Life is filled with suffering (Dukkha) - Origin of suffering (Samudaya) - Cessation of suffering (Nirodha) - Path to end suffering (Eightfold Path) |
| Eightfold Path | - Right View - Right Intention - Right Speech - Right Action - Right Livelihood - Right Effort - Right Mindfulness - Right Concentration |
| First Buddhist Council | Around 483 BCE, under the patronage of King Ajatashatru |
| Second Buddhist Council | Around 383 BCE, in Vaishali, under the patronage of King Kalasoka |
| Third Buddhist Council | Around 250 BCE, in Patliputra, under the patronage of Emperor Ashoka |
| Fourth Buddhist Council | Around 72 CE, at Kundalvana, Kashmir, during King Kanishka's rule |
| Schools of Buddhism | - Mahayana - Hinayana/Theravada - Vajrayana - Zen |
| Ashoka's Missionary Efforts | Around 250 BCE, spread Buddhism to Gandhara, Kashmir, Greece, Sri Lanka, Burma, Egypt, and Thailand |
| Contributions to Culture | - Ahimsa - Architectural contributions - Educational establishments |
1. Who is regarded as the founder of Buddhism?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Siddhartha Gautama
[C] Mahavira
[D] Chandragupta Maurya
Answer: [B] Siddhartha Gautama
Explanation: Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, is considered the historical founder of Buddhism.
2. Where was Siddhartha Gautama born?
[A] Varanasi
[B] Lumbini
[C] Kapilvastu
[D] Bodhgaya
Answer: [B] Lumbini
Explanation: Siddhartha Gautama was born in Lumbini, situated near the Indo-Nepal border.
3. The event marking Buddha's enlightenment is known as:
[A] Nirvana
[B] Parinirvana
[C] Bodhi
[D] Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana
Answer: [C] Bodhi
Explanation: The Bodhi is the event marking Siddhartha Gautama's attainment of enlightenment.
4. How many Noble Truths are central to Buddhism?
[A] Three
[B] Four
[C] Five
[D] Six
Answer: [B] Four
Explanation: The Four Noble Truths are fundamental teachings in Buddhism, addressing the nature of suffering and its cessation.
5. Which of these is not part of the Noble Eightfold Path?
[A] Right Action
[B] Right Livelihood
[C] Right Belief
[D] Right Mindfulness
Answer: [C] Right Belief
Explanation: The Noble Eightfold Path consists of Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
6. Who convened the first Buddhist Council after the Buddha's passing?
[A] Moggaliputta Tissa
[B] Mahakasyapa
[C] Sabakami
[D] Vasumitra
Answer: [B] Mahakasyapa
Explanation: Mahakasyapa presided over the First Buddhist Council aimed at preserving the Buddha's teachings.
7. Which Buddhist school emphasizes the veneration of Buddha and Bodhisattvas?
[A] Theravada
[B] Vajrayana
[C] Mahayana
[D] Zen
Answer: [C] Mahayana
Explanation: Mahayana Buddhism emphasizes the veneration of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, embodying the ideal of compassion.
8. The Abhidhamma Pitaka focuses on:
[A] Rules of conduct and discipline
[B] Philosophical analysis
[C] Main teachings of Buddha
[D] Scholarly activities of the monks
Answer: [B] Philosophical analysis
Explanation: The Abhidhamma Pitaka consists of a systematic analysis and categorization of Buddhist teachings and philosophy.
9. At _____ Buddha delivered his first sermon.
[A] Kushinagar
[B] Bodhgaya
[C] Rajgir
[D] Sarnath
Answer: [D] Sarnath
Explanation: The first sermon of the Buddha, known as the Dharma-Chakra-Pravartana, was delivered in Sarnath.
10. The ultimate goal of Buddha's teaching is_____
[A] Wealth
[B] Nirvana
[C] Power
[D] Happiness
Answer: [B] Nirvana
Explanation: Nirvana, the state of liberation from suffering, is the ultimate goal of the Buddha's teachings.
11. The teachings of Buddha were first written down around:
[A] 100 B.C.E.
[B] 50 B.C.E.
[C] 25 B.C.E.
[D] 75 B.C.E.
Answer: [C] 25 B.C.E.
Explanation: The teachings of Buddha were initially transcribed into written texts around 25 B.C.E. in the Pali language.
12. The Buddhist Council that led to the division of Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana occurred during the reign of_____
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Harsha
Answer: [B] Kanishka
Explanation: The Fourth Buddhist Council during the reign of Kanishka led to the division of Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana traditions.
13. What does the Vinaya Pitaka primarily consist of?
[A] Rules of conduct and discipline
[B] Philosophical teachings
[C] The life of Buddha
[D] Meditative practices
Answer: [A] Rules of conduct and discipline
Explanation: The Vinaya Pitaka contains rules and guidelines for the monastic life of Buddhist monks and nuns.
14. Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under a tree known as:
[A] Banyan Tree
[B] Peepal Tree
[C] Neem Tree
[D] Mango Tree
Answer: [B] Peepal Tree
Explanation: Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment, or Bodhi, under the Bodhi Tree or Peepal Tree.
15. Who presided over the Fourth Buddhist Council?
[A] Moggaliputta Tissa
[B] Vasumitra
[C] Asvaghosa
[D] Mahakasyapa
Answer: [B] Vasumitra
Explanation: Vasumitra presided over the Fourth Buddhist Council, while Asvaghosa served as his deputy.
16. The Buddhist text that consists of the rules of conduct for monastic life is known as:
[A] Dhammapada
[B] Vinaya Pitaka
[C] Sutta Pitaka
[D] Abhidhamma Pitaka
Answer: [B] Vinaya Pitaka
Explanation: The Vinaya Pitaka primarily contains rules and guidelines for the monastic life of Buddhist monks and nuns.
17. Which Buddhist council was convened during the reign of Emperor Ashoka?
[A] First Council
[B] Second Council
[C] Third Council
[D] Fourth Council
Answer: [C] Third Council
Explanation: The Third Buddhist Council took place during Emperor Ashoka's reign, led by Moggaliputta Tissa.
18. The philosophical analysis and systematization of Buddhist teachings are found in:
[A] Vinaya Pitaka
[B] Sutta Pitaka
[C] Abhidhamma Pitaka
[D] Khuddaka Nikaya
Answer: [C] Abhidhamma Pitaka
Explanation: The Abhidhamma Pitaka focuses on the systematic analysis and categorization of Buddhist teachings and philosophy.
19. The Mahayana tradition originated primarily in which region?
[A] Southern India
[B] Northern India
[C] Central India
[D] Western India
Answer: [B] Northern India
Explanation: The Mahayana tradition of Buddhism primarily originated in Northern India and later spread to other regions.
20. Who was the chief disciple of Buddha?
[A] Ananda
[B] Mahakasyapa
[C] Sariputta
[D] Moggallana
Answer: [C] Sariputta
Explanation: Sariputta was one of the two chief disciples of Buddha known for his wisdom and understanding of Buddhist teachings.
21. The Five Precepts (Pancasil) in Buddhism include refraining from:
[A] All emotions
[B] Violence, lying, and stealing
[C] Excessive meditation
[D] Material possessions
Answer: [B] Violence, lying, and stealing
Explanation: The Five Precepts in Buddhism include refraining from actions like violence, lying, stealing, sexual misconduct, and taking intoxicants.
22. The concept of 'Dukkha' in Buddhism refers to:
[A] Eternal happiness
[B] The nature of suffering
[C] Absolute enlightenment
[D] Self-realization
Answer: [B] The nature of suffering
Explanation: 'Dukkha' in Buddhism refers to the fundamental nature of dissatisfaction or suffering in life.
23. The spread of Buddhism was greatly facilitated by:
[A] Emperor Harsha
[B] Emperor Chandragupta
[C] Emperor Ashoka
[D] Emperor Akbar
Answer: [C] Emperor Ashoka
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka played a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism through his patronage and missionary efforts.
24. Which Buddhist text contains the life stories of the Buddha's previous births?
[A] Dhammapada
[B] Anguttara Nikaya
[C] Dipavamsa
[D] Divyavadana
Answer: [D] Divyavadana
Explanation: The Divyavadana contains stories of the Buddha's previous lives as a bodhisattva.
25. Which Buddhist school focuses on complex rituals and esoteric elements?
[A] Vajrayana
[B] Zen
[C] Theravada
[D] Mahayana
Answer: [A] Vajrayana
Explanation: Vajrayana Buddhism emphasizes complex rituals and esoteric practices compared to other Buddhist schools.
26. The Buddha emphasized that enlightenment could be achieved:
[A] Only in the afterlife
[B] Through material possessions
[C] In this lifetime
[D] By renouncing meditation
Answer: [C] In this lifetime
Explanation: The Buddha taught that enlightenment, or Nirvana, could be attained within one's lifetime through practice and understanding.
27. Which region became a significant center for Theravada Buddhism?
[A] Cambodia
[B] China
[C] Korea
[D] Japan
Answer: [A] Cambodia
Explanation: Cambodia became a significant center for Theravada Buddhism, which later spread to other Southeast Asian countries.
28. The council held to resolve doctrinal disputes and led to the formation of the Mahayana tradition is known as the:
[A] First Council
[B] Second Council
[C] Third Council
[D] Fourth Council
Answer: [D] Fourth Council
Explanation: The Fourth Buddhist Council held during the reign of Kanishka led to doctrinal disputes and the formation of the Mahayana tradition.
29. The essence of Buddhism is:
[A] Materialism
[B] The pursuit of power
[C] The attainment of enlightenment
[D] Accumulation of wealth
Answer: [C] The attainment of enlightenment
Explanation: The essence of Buddhism lies in the pursuit of enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
30. Who succeeded the Buddha as the leader of the Sangha after his Parinirvana?
[A] Mahakasyapa
[B] Ananda
[C] Sariputta
[D] Moggallana
Answer: [A] Mahakasyapa
Explanation: Mahakasyapa succeeded the Buddha as the leader of the Sangha, the Buddhist monastic community, after his passing.
31. The Buddhist site recognized by UNESCO that is associated with the Buddha's enlightenment is located in:
[A] Kushinagar
[B] Bodhgaya
[C] Sanchi
[D] Ajanta
Answer: [B] Bodhgaya
Explanation: Bodhgaya, where the Mahabodhi Temple Complex is located, is recognized by UNESCO and associated with the Buddha's enlightenment.
32. What term describes the essence of the Buddhist doctrine that asserts life is filled with suffering?
[A] Nirvana
[B] Dukkha
[C] Bodhi
[D] Karma
Answer: [B] Dukkha
Explanation: Dukkha encapsulates the concept that life is permeated by suffering or dissatisfaction.
33. Who was the ruler responsible for spreading Buddhism beyond the Indian subcontinent?
[A] Ashoka
[B] Kanishka
[C] Chandragupta Maurya
[D] Harsha
Answer: [A] Ashoka
Explanation: Emperor Ashoka significantly contributed to spreading Buddhism beyond India's borders through his missionary efforts.
34. The collection of dialogues and discourses attributed to the Buddha is known as:
[A] Dhammapada
[B] Vinaya Pitaka
[C] Sutta Pitaka
[D] Abhidhamma Pitaka
Answer: [C] Sutta Pitaka
Explanation: Sutta Pitaka comprises dialogues and discourses attributed to the Buddha.
35. What does the term "Anatta" in Buddhism refer to?
[A] Impermanence
[B] No-self
[C] Enlightenment
[D] Compassion
Answer: [B] No-self
Explanation: Anatta refers to the doctrine of "no-self" or the absence of a permanent, unchanging self or soul.
36. Which Buddhist council was responsible for compiling the Buddhist scriptures into written form?
[A] First Council
[B] Second Council
[C] Third Council
[D] Fourth Council
Answer: [C] Third Council
Explanation: The Third Council saw the compilation of Buddhist scriptures into written form, in the Pali language.
37. Which region was known for being a center of Buddhist learning and education in ancient times?
[A] Nalanda
[B] Pataliputra
[C] Varanasi
[D] Ujjain
Answer: [A] Nalanda
Explanation: Nalanda was a renowned center of Buddhist learning, housing an ancient university attracting scholars from various parts of the world.
38. Who is considered the historical Buddha's closest companion and cousin?
[A] Sariputta
[B] Ananda
[C] Mahakasyapa
[D] Moggallana
Answer: [B] Ananda
Explanation: Ananda, the cousin of the Buddha, was his attendant and a significant figure in preserving the Buddha's teachings.
39. Which Buddhist school emphasizes meditation and direct experience of the nature of reality?
[A] Zen
[B] Theravada
[C] Vajrayana
[D] Mahayana
Answer: [A] Zen
Explanation: Zen Buddhism places a strong emphasis on meditation (zazen) and direct experiential realization of truth.
40. What is the significance of the "Turning of the Wheel of Law" in Buddhism?
[A] Buddha's enlightenment
[B] Buddha's first sermon
[C] Buddha's birth
[D] Buddha's passing away
Answer: [B] Buddha's first sermon
Explanation: The "Turning of the Wheel of Law" refers to Buddha's first sermon in Sarnath, where he taught the Four Noble Truths.
41. The Buddha achieved enlightenment at the age of:
[A] 25
[B] 35
[C] 45
[D] 55
Answer: [B] 35
Explanation: Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment at the age of 35 under the Bodhi Tree in Bodhgaya.
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