Buddhism MCQ: Hinayana-Mahayana Philosophy & the Buddhist Tripitaka

Attempt the quiz above first, then review every question with its correct answer and a short explanation below.

1. Q1.The fundamental difference between Hinayana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism is regarding -

   • A.Non-violence
   • B.Caste system
   • C.Treating Buddha as God✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Truth

   Explanation: The fundamental difference is regarding treating Buddha as God. Hinayana believes in Buddha as a great man, whereas Mahayana started worshipping Buddha through idols treating him as God.

2. Q2.The Doctrine of void (Shunyata) was propounded by the Buddhist philosopher:

   • A.Nagarjuna✓ Correct Answer
   • B.Nagasena
   • C.Ananda
   • D.Ashvaghosha

   Explanation: Nagarjuna's primary contribution to Buddhist philosophy was the use of the concept of Sunyata or doctrine of void.

3. Q3.Who is also known as the 'Indian Einstein'?

   • A.Ashvaghosha
   • B.Nagarjuna✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Vasumitra
   • D.Buddhaghosa

   Explanation: Nagarjuna discussed the theory of relativity in his book 'Madhyamika Karika'. He is also known as the Indian Einstein.

4. Q4.Who among the following is a future Buddha, yet to come to save the world?

   • A.Avalokiteshvara
   • B.Lokesvara
   • C.Maitreya✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Padmapani

   Explanation: 'Maitreya' has been called 'future Buddha' in Buddhist tradition.

5. Q5.In Mahayana Buddhism, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara was also known as:

   • A.Vajrapani
   • B.Manjusri
   • C.Padmapani✓ Correct Answer
   • D.Maitreya

   Explanation: 'Padmapani' or 'Lotus-Bearer' is one of the most common epithets of Avalokiteshvara.

6. Q6.Who amongst the following is known as the 'Light of Asia'?

   • A.Jesus Christ
   • B.Lord Buddha✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Paigamber Mohammad
   • D.Zarathustra

   Explanation: Gautama Buddha is known as 'Light of Asia' or the Light Beam.

7. Q7.Who wrote the book 'The Light of Asia' based on the life of Buddha?

   • A.Edwin Arnold✓ Correct Answer
   • B.T.S. Eliot
   • C.John Milton
   • D.William Shakespeare

   Explanation: The book 'Light of Asia' on the life of Gautama Buddha was written by Edwin Arnold.

8. Q8.Vikramshila Mahavihara was established by which ruler?

   • A.Kumaragupta
   • B.Dharmapala✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Gopala
   • D.Ashoka

   Explanation: Vikramshila Mahavihara was established by Pala King Dharmapala.

9. Q9.Nalanda was the main centre for which sect of Buddhism?

   • A.Hinayana
   • B.Mahayana✓ Correct Answer
   • C.Vajrayana
   • D.Theravada

   Explanation: Nalanda was the main centre for the education for Mahayana Buddhism and Vallabhi for Hinayana Buddhism.

10. Q10.Which Gupta ruler initially gave donations to Nalanda Buddhist Vihara?

    • A.Chandragupta I
    • B.Samudragupta
    • C.Kumaragupta I✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Skandagupta

    Explanation: Initially Kumaragupta - I gave donations to Nalanda Buddhist Vihara.

11. Q11.Which of the following is not included in the 'Triratna' of Buddhism?

    • A.Buddha
    • B.Dhamma
    • C.Sangha
    • D.Ahimsa✓ Correct Answer

    Explanation: The Triratna (Three Jewels) of Buddhism are Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha. Ahimsa is a virtue but not one of the Triratnas.

12. Q12.Which Buddhist text contains the rules of discipline for the monastic life?

    • A.Sutta Pitaka
    • B.Vinaya Pitaka✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Abhidhamma Pitaka
    • D.Dipavamsa

    Explanation: The Vinaya Pitaka contains the rules and regulations (discipline) for the Buddhist monks and nuns (Sangha).

13. Q13.The 'Sutta Pitaka' consists of:

    • A.Rules of discipline
    • B.Philosophy of Buddhism
    • C.Sermons and teachings of Buddha✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Biographies of monks

    Explanation: The Sutta Pitaka contains the main teachings, sermons, and dialogues of Gautama Buddha.

14. Q14.Which Pitaka deals with the philosophical matters of Buddhism?

    • A.Vinaya Pitaka
    • B.Sutta Pitaka
    • C.Abhidhamma Pitaka✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Jatakas

    Explanation: The Abhidhamma Pitaka deals with the philosophy and psychology of Buddhism.

15. Q15.In which language were the early Buddhist texts (Tripitakas) written?

    • A.Sanskrit
    • B.Pali✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Prakrit
    • D.Ardhamagadhi

    Explanation: The early Buddhist scriptures, including the Tripitakas, were written in the Pali language to be accessible to the common masses.

16. Q16.The 'Milindapanho' is a dialogue between King Menander and which Buddhist monk?

    • A.Nagarjuna
    • B.Nagasena✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Ashvaghosha
    • D.Vasumitra

    Explanation: Milindapanho (Questions of Milinda) is a famous Buddhist text recording the dialogue between the Indo-Greek King Menander (Milinda) and the monk Nagasena.

17. Q17.Who is the author of 'Buddhacharita'?

    • A.Vasumitra
    • B.Nagarjuna
    • C.Ashvaghosha✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Charaka

    Explanation: Ashvaghosha was the court poet of Kanishka and wrote 'Buddhacharita', the biography of Buddha in Sanskrit.

18. Q18.Which of the following universities was founded by the Pala king Gopala?

    • A.Nalanda
    • B.Vikramshila
    • C.Odantapuri✓ Correct Answer
    • D.Taxila

    Explanation: Odantapuri University in Bihar was established by Gopala, the founder of the Pala dynasty.

19. Q19.At which age did Gautam Buddha leave his home?

    • A.29✓ Correct Answer
    • B.35
    • C.40
    • D.25

    Explanation: Gautam Buddha left his home at the age of 29 years in search of truth. This event is called Mahabhinishkramana.

20. Q20.Under which tree did Gautam Buddha attain enlightenment?

    • A.Banyan
    • B.Pipal✓ Correct Answer
    • C.Mango
    • D.Neem

    Explanation: He attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya under a Pipal tree (Bodhi Tree) at the age of 35.