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Buddhist ethics, termed 'sila', is primarily focused on external rules and obligations rather than internal ethical awareness.
Answer: False
Explanation: Buddhist ethics, referred to by the term 'sila', is characterized by an emphasis on internal ethical awareness and personal resolve rather than solely on external rules or obligations. It is seen as a connection to one's innate ethical compass, refined through practice.
The Three Jewels foundational to Buddhist ethics are the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'Three Jewels'—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—serve as the foundational pillars of Buddhist ethical orientation and practice, representing the teacher, the teachings, and the community of practitioners, respectively.
In Buddhism, right action is considered a prerequisite for developing right view and right intention.
Answer: False
Explanation: Buddhist teachings generally posit that 'right view' or correct understanding is a prerequisite for developing 'right intention' and subsequently 'right action'. A correct ethical framework is informed by wisdom and understanding.
The Four Noble Truths are central to Buddhist ethics, defining skillful actions as those that contribute to the elimination of craving and suffering.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Four Noble Truths provide the fundamental framework for Buddhist ethics. Skillful actions, as defined within this framework, are those that align with the Noble Eightfold Path and contribute to the cessation of suffering (dukkha) by addressing its root causes, such as craving.
The Sigalovada Sutta outlines ethical responsibilities within families and communities, emphasizing reciprocity and mutual support.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Sigalovada Sutta is a significant discourse for lay Buddhists, detailing ethical conduct and responsibilities within social structures, including family and community, based on principles of reciprocity and mutual respect.
The concept of 'dependent origination' suggests that actions have isolated consequences, unrelated to other phenomena.
Answer: False
Explanation: Dependent origination (Pratītyasamutpāda) posits that all phenomena arise in dependence upon other phenomena, emphasizing interconnectedness. This principle underscores that actions have far-reaching consequences within a web of causality, not isolated effects.
What is the primary ethical framework in Buddhism, referred to by the Sanskrit/Pali term 'sila'?
Answer: Buddhist ethics or morality, characterized by virtue and skillful conduct.
Explanation: Sila (Pali/Sanskrit) refers to Buddhist ethics or morality, encompassing virtue, moral discipline, and skillful conduct. It is a fundamental component of the path to liberation, guiding practitioners toward actions that reduce suffering.
How does Buddhist 'sila' fundamentally differ from the Western concept of morality?
Answer: Sila is seen as a resolve to connect with one's innate ethical compass, refined through practice, unlike Western morality's focus on obligation.
Explanation: Buddhist 'sila' emphasizes a personal resolve to align with one's inner ethical awareness and cultivate skillful conduct through practice. This contrasts with some Western conceptions of morality that may focus more on external obligations or adherence to codified rules.
Which of the following are identified as the 'Three Jewels' foundational to Buddhist ethics?
Answer: The Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
Explanation: The 'Three Jewels'—the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha—are the core elements of refuge in Buddhism and serve as foundational principles for ethical orientation and practice.
According to Buddhist teachings, what is considered a necessary prerequisite for right ethical conduct?
Answer: Having a 'right view' or correct understanding.
Explanation: Buddhist teachings emphasize that 'right view' (samma ditthi), encompassing correct understanding of the Dharma, is a crucial prerequisite for developing right intention and right action, thereby guiding ethical conduct.
Which statement accurately describes the relationship between the Four Noble Truths and Buddhist ethics?
Answer: Ethical actions are considered skillful if they contribute to the elimination of suffering (dukkha) by following the Noble Eightfold Path.
Explanation: The Four Noble Truths provide the foundational context for Buddhist ethics, defining skillful actions as those that align with the Noble Eightfold Path and lead to the cessation of suffering (dukkha).
How does the concept of 'dependent origination' influence Buddhist ethics?
Answer: It promotes a sense of interconnectedness and shared responsibility.
Explanation: Dependent origination highlights the interconnectedness of all phenomena, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and influencing ethical considerations by demonstrating the far-reaching impact of actions.
Karma in Buddhism is understood as a system of divine judgment or fate determining one's destiny.
Answer: False
Explanation: Within Buddhist philosophy, karma is not understood as a system of divine judgment or predetermined fate, but rather as a natural principle of cause and effect based on intentional actions. It shapes future experiences but does not dictate destiny in a fatalistic manner.
The Buddha defined karma primarily as the physical act itself, regardless of the intention behind it.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Buddha defined karma primarily as intention (cetana). He stated that it is intention that constitutes karma, emphasizing that the volition or mental state behind an action is the key determinant of its ethical and karmic consequence.
Greed, hatred, and delusion are considered the 'three good roots' leading to skillful actions in Buddhism.
Answer: False
Explanation: Greed, hatred, and delusion are identified in Buddhism as the 'three unskillful roots' or 'three poisons' that lead to suffering and unskillful actions. The 'three good roots' are typically considered to be non-attachment, benevolence, and wisdom.
'Merit' (punna) in Buddhism refers to negative karmic results generated by unskillful actions.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Merit' (puñña) in Buddhist ethics refers to the positive karmic results generated by skillful actions and wholesome intentions, contributing to spiritual progress and well-being.
The three primary bases for making merit according to early Buddhist texts are giving, moral virtue, and mental cultivation.
Answer: True
Explanation: Early Buddhist texts identify giving (dana), moral virtue (sila), and mental cultivation (bhavana) as the three primary bases for generating merit (puñña).
In Buddhism, karma is understood as:
Answer: A natural process of cause and effect based on intentional actions.
Explanation: Karma in Buddhism refers to the principle of cause and effect driven by intentional actions (cetana). It is understood as a natural law governing the consequences of volitional deeds, rather than divine judgment or fate.
What did the Buddha identify as the primary component of karma?
Answer: The intention or volition behind the action.
Explanation: The Buddha emphasized that intention (cetana) is the primary component of karma. It is the volition or mental state behind an action that determines its ethical quality and karmic impact.
Which trio represents the 'three negative roots' that condition unskillful actions in Buddhism?
Answer: Greed, hatred, and delusion.
Explanation: Greed, hatred, and delusion are identified as the 'three poisons' or 'unskillful roots' in Buddhism, serving as the primary drivers of unskillful actions and suffering.
What does 'merit' (punna) signify in the context of Buddhist ethics?
Answer: Positive karmic results generated by skillful actions and wholesome intentions.
Explanation: Merit (puñña) in Buddhism refers to the positive karmic consequences arising from skillful actions and wholesome intentions, contributing to well-being and spiritual progress.
According to early Buddhist texts, what are the three main ways to generate merit?
Answer: Giving, moral virtue, and mental cultivation.
Explanation: Early Buddhist texts identify giving (dana), moral virtue (sila), and mental cultivation (bhavana) as the three primary methods for generating merit (puñña).
The Six Paramitas are virtues central to the Mahayana path, including generosity, ethical conduct, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Six Paramitas, often translated as 'perfections,' are indeed central virtues cultivated on the Mahayana path. They comprise generosity (dana), ethical conduct (sila), patience (kshanti), diligence (virya), meditation (dhyana), and wisdom (prajna).
The Five Precepts are mandatory commandments for all Buddhists, enforced by religious authorities.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Five Precepts are voluntary training guidelines undertaken by Buddhists, not mandatory commandments enforced by authorities. They are commitments made by practitioners to cultivate ethical conduct and reduce suffering.
The Five Precepts include abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and consuming intoxicants.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Five Precepts are specific training guidelines that include abstaining from taking life, taking what is not given, sexual misconduct, false speech, and consuming intoxicants that lead to heedlessness.
The first Buddhist precept prohibits killing only humans, not animals.
Answer: False
Explanation: The first precept, rooted in the principle of non-harming (ahimsa), prohibits the taking of life from all sentient beings, including animals, not just humans.
The 'ten wholesome actions' include abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, divisive speech, harsh speech, and idle chatter, along with cultivating non-covetousness, benevolence, and right view.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 'ten wholesome actions' (dasa-kusala-kammapatha) encompass three bodily actions (abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct), four verbal actions (abstaining from lying, divisive speech, harsh speech, idle chatter), and three mental actions (non-covetousness, benevolence, and right view).
The Four Divine Abidings (Brahmaviharas) are goodwill, compassion, hatred, and equanimity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Four Divine Abidings (Brahmaviharas) are goodwill (metta), compassion (karuna), empathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha). Hatred is antithetical to this set of virtues.
Heedfulness (Appamada) in Buddhism involves a lack of effort and mindfulness, leading to moral carelessness.
Answer: False
Explanation: Heedfulness (Appamada) is a crucial quality in Buddhist ethics, characterized by diligent effort and mindful awareness. It is the opposite of moral carelessness and is essential for cultivating skillful actions.
Giving (Dana) is considered a foundational virtue in Buddhism, fostering spiritual wealth and non-attachment.
Answer: True
Explanation: Giving (Dana) is recognized as a fundamental virtue and often the starting point for ethical development in Buddhism. It cultivates generosity, non-attachment, and spiritual wealth.
Wisdom (Prajñā) in Buddhism is seen as detrimental to ethical conduct, encouraging detachment from moral considerations.
Answer: False
Explanation: Wisdom (Prajñā) is considered essential for ethical conduct in Buddhism. It illuminates the nature of reality, reduces selfish motivations, and guides practitioners toward skillful actions, thereby supporting moral development.
The Six Paramitas, central to the Mahayana path, are best described as:
Answer: Perfections or virtues cultivated for liberation.
Explanation: The Six Paramitas are perfections or virtues, such as generosity, patience, and wisdom, that are cultivated by Bodhisattvas on the Mahayana path to achieve enlightenment for oneself and others.
The Five Precepts in Buddhism are best understood as:
Answer: Voluntary guidelines undertaken for training and spiritual progress.
Explanation: The Five Precepts are voluntary commitments and training rules undertaken by practitioners to cultivate ethical conduct and foster spiritual progress, rather than strict, externally enforced commandments.
Which of the following is NOT one of the specific prohibitions outlined in the Five Precepts?
Answer: Disrespecting parents.
Explanation: The Five Precepts specifically prohibit abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and consuming intoxicants. While respecting parents is a virtue, it is not one of the five core prohibitions.
The principle of non-harming (ahimsa) underlies which Buddhist precept?
Answer: Abstaining from killing.
Explanation: The precept of abstaining from killing is directly rooted in the principle of non-harming (ahimsa), which extends compassion and kindness to all sentient beings.
The 'ten wholesome actions' include specific guidelines for bodily, verbal, and which other type of action?
Answer: Mental actions.
Explanation: The 'ten wholesome actions' are categorized into three types: bodily actions, verbal actions, and mental actions (non-covetousness, benevolence, and right view).
Which set correctly lists the Four Divine Abidings (Brahmaviharas)?
Answer: Goodwill, compassion, empathetic joy, and equanimity.
Explanation: The Four Divine Abidings (Brahmaviharas) are cultivated states of mind: goodwill (metta), compassion (karuna), empathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha).
What quality is described as a combination of energy/effort and mindfulness, crucial for right action in Buddhist morality?
Answer: Appamada (Heedfulness).
Explanation: Heedfulness (Appamada) is defined as a combination of energy and mindfulness, essential for maintaining awareness and cultivating right action in Buddhist ethics.
The practice of giving (Dana) in Buddhism is considered:
Answer: The starting point for ethical development, fostering non-attachment.
Explanation: Giving (Dana) is viewed as a foundational virtue in Buddhist ethics, initiating ethical development, cultivating non-attachment, and fostering spiritual growth.
What role does wisdom (Prajñā) play in Buddhist ethics?
Answer: It is a prerequisite for moral action, helping to reduce selfish motivations.
Explanation: Wisdom (Prajñā) is crucial in Buddhist ethics as it provides the insight necessary to understand the nature of reality, reduce selfish motivations, and guide practitioners toward skillful and ethical conduct.
Which of the following is NOT explicitly mentioned as one of the 'ten bases of meritorious action' (Dasa Puñña-kiriya Vatthu) in Theravada Buddhism?
Answer: Worshipping idols.
Explanation: The 'ten bases of meritorious action' in Theravada Buddhism typically include giving, morality, mental cultivation, paying respect, helping others, sharing merit, rejoicing in others' merit, teaching the Dhamma, listening to the Dhamma, and straightening one's views. Worshipping idols is not explicitly listed among these meritorious actions.
Mahayana Buddhism's ethical focus primarily centers on individual liberation (arhatship) and is identical to Theravada's ethical framework.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mahayana Buddhism's ethical focus emphasizes universal awakening and compassion for all beings, contrasting with Theravada's primary emphasis on individual liberation (arhatship). Their ethical frameworks, while sharing common roots, diverge in their ultimate aspirations and scope.
Buddhism considers humans ethically superior to animals, granting them dominion over the animal kingdom.
Answer: False
Explanation: Buddhism does not assert human ethical superiority or dominion over animals. Instead, it emphasizes the interconnectedness of all sentient beings and advocates for compassion and non-harming towards animals, recognizing their capacity for suffering.
All Buddhist traditions mandate strict vegetarianism for both monastics and lay followers.
Answer: False
Explanation: While vegetarianism is widely practiced and encouraged, particularly in Mahayana traditions, it is not universally mandated across all Buddhist traditions. Early Buddhist texts and Theravada traditions generally permit the consumption of meat under specific conditions (e.g., if the animal was not killed specifically for the consumer).
Buddhist teachings identify greed, hatred, and delusion as the root causes of conflict and war.
Answer: True
Explanation: Buddhist philosophy identifies greed, hatred, and delusion—the 'three poisons'—as the fundamental roots of suffering, conflict, and war, stemming from attachment and ignorance.
Buddhism universally condemns abortion under all circumstances, viewing it as equivalent to killing an enlightened being.
Answer: False
Explanation: Buddhism generally rejects abortion due to the destruction of life, viewing it as an unskillful action with negative karmic consequences. However, interpretations can vary, and exceptions are sometimes considered, particularly if the mother's life is at risk.
Buddhist ethics views suicide and euthanasia as skillful actions that can lead to liberation from suffering.
Answer: False
Explanation: Buddhist ethics views suicide and euthanasia as unskillful actions that create negative karma and hinder spiritual progress. They are seen as attempts to escape suffering through death, which is considered a form of craving that perpetuates the cycle of rebirth.
Buddhist texts like the Dhammapada strongly advocate for non-violence towards all creatures, generally opposing capital punishment.
Answer: True
Explanation: The principle of non-violence (ahimsa) is central to Buddhist ethics, as exemplified in texts like the Dhammapada. Consequently, capital punishment is generally opposed as it violates the precept against taking life.
Buddhist justice focuses on retribution and punishment for individuals who commit wrongdoings.
Answer: False
Explanation: Buddhist ethics conceives of justice not primarily as retribution or punishment, but as the transformation of suffering through skillful actions, compassion, and understanding. It emphasizes restorative principles and addressing the root causes of harmful behavior.
Buddhism views humans as separate from nature, with ethical considerations primarily focused on human interactions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Buddhist ethics emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings and views humans as an integral part of nature, not separate from it. Ethical considerations extend to the environment and all living things, guided by principles of non-harming.
Early Buddhist texts suggest women possess inferior spiritual capacities compared to men, limiting their path to enlightenment.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Buddha taught that women possess the same spiritual capacities as men and are equally capable of achieving enlightenment. While some later texts and societal interpretations may reflect biases, the core teachings affirm gender equality in spiritual potential.
The Buddhist precept against sexual misconduct strictly prohibits any same-gender sexual activity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The interpretation of the precept against sexual misconduct varies across Buddhist traditions. While it generally prohibits harmful or exploitative sexual acts, it does not strictly prohibit all same-gender sexual activity, with some traditions considering consensual, non-harmful relationships acceptable.
Buddhist economic ethics critiques modern consumerism, advocating for contentment and simple living over the multiplication of wants.
Answer: True
Explanation: Buddhist economic ethics aligns with principles of contentment and simple living, critiquing the endless pursuit of material wealth and consumption characteristic of modern consumerism. It emphasizes ethical livelihood and well-being over accumulation.
'Engaged Buddhism' is a movement focused solely on monastic meditation practices and detachment from worldly affairs.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Engaged Buddhism' is a movement that actively applies Buddhist principles and ethics to address social, political, and environmental issues, integrating spiritual practice with social action rather than focusing solely on monastic detachment.
The 'Bodhisattva' ideal in Mahayana Buddhism is characterized by a dedication to achieving enlightenment for all sentient beings out of great compassion.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Bodhisattva ideal is central to Mahayana ethics, representing an individual committed to attaining enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings, motivated by profound compassion.
Buddhist ethics views the ecological crisis as stemming primarily from external factors unrelated to human desire or consumption.
Answer: False
Explanation: Buddhist ethics attributes the ecological crisis largely to internal factors such as excessive desire, attachment, and ignorance, which lead to harmful exploitation of the environment. It emphasizes interconnectedness and non-harming towards nature.
How does the ethical focus of Mahayana Buddhism primarily differ from that of Theravada Buddhism?
Answer: Mahayana shifts focus towards universal awakening and compassion for all beings, unlike Theravada's focus on individual liberation.
Explanation: Mahayana Buddhism's ethical emphasis is on the Bodhisattva ideal, aiming for the enlightenment of all beings through compassion, whereas Theravada Buddhism primarily focuses on individual liberation (arhatship) through adherence to the Dharma.
From an ethical standpoint, how does Buddhism view the relationship between humans and animals?
Answer: Humans have a responsibility to protect animals due to their shared capacity for suffering and moral potential.
Explanation: Buddhism emphasizes the interconnectedness of all sentient beings and advocates for compassion towards animals, recognizing their capacity for suffering and their place within the cycle of existence. Humans are seen as having a responsibility to protect them.
What is a key reason for the divergence of views on vegetarianism within Buddhism?
Answer: Early Buddhist texts permit meat consumption under certain conditions, unlike some later Mahayana interpretations.
Explanation: The divergence arises because early Buddhist scriptures allow for meat consumption under specific conditions, whereas many Mahayana traditions, influenced by compassion, advocate for strict vegetarianism based on broader interpretations of non-harming.
According to Buddhist teachings, what are the root causes of war and conflict?
Answer: Greed, hatred, and delusion stemming from craving.
Explanation: Buddhist philosophy identifies greed, hatred, and delusion—the 'three poisons'—as the fundamental roots of conflict and war, arising from attachment and ignorance.
What is the traditional Buddhist stance on abortion?
Answer: It is generally rejected due to the destruction of life, though exceptions exist for the mother's health.
Explanation: Traditional Buddhist ethics generally views abortion as the termination of a life and thus an unskillful action with negative karmic implications. However, exceptions are often considered when the mother's health or life is at risk.
How does Buddhism view suicide and euthanasia?
Answer: As unskillful actions that create negative karma and hinder spiritual progress.
Explanation: Buddhist ethics regards suicide and euthanasia as unskillful actions that generate negative karma and impede spiritual development, as they represent an attempt to escape suffering rather than transform it.
What statement best reflects the Buddhist perspective on capital punishment?
Answer: It is generally opposed as it violates the precept against killing.
Explanation: Due to the fundamental principle of non-harming, Buddhist ethics generally opposes capital punishment as it constitutes the taking of life, violating the first precept.
In Buddhist ethics, justice is primarily understood as:
Answer: The transformation of suffering through skillful actions and compassion.
Explanation: Buddhist ethics views justice not as punitive retribution, but as the process of transforming suffering by cultivating skillful actions, compassion, and wisdom, leading to ethical harmony.
How does Buddhist ethics view the relationship between humans and the environment?
Answer: Humans are part of nature, and harming the environment is unethical due to non-harming principles.
Explanation: Buddhist ethics posits that humans are intrinsically connected to nature. Harming the environment is considered unethical due to the principle of non-harming (ahimsa) and the recognition of the interdependence of all life.
What is the Buddhist perspective on gender roles and equality?
Answer: The Buddha taught that women possess the same spiritual capacities as men and can achieve enlightenment.
Explanation: The Buddha affirmed that women possess the same potential for spiritual realization and enlightenment as men, challenging prevailing societal views of gender inferiority.
The Buddhist precept against 'sexual misconduct' typically includes refraining from all of the following EXCEPT:
Answer: Consensual same-gender relationships.
Explanation: While the precept against sexual misconduct prohibits harmful acts such as adultery, rape, and molestation, consensual same-gender relationships are not universally condemned and are often considered outside the scope of misconduct in various Buddhist interpretations.
How does Buddhist economic ethics view wealth creation and consumption?
Answer: It advocates for wealth creation only if conducted morally, critiquing excessive consumerism and promoting contentment.
Explanation: Buddhist economic ethics supports ethical wealth creation through right livelihood but critiques excessive consumerism, advocating for contentment, simple living, and the use of resources for well-being rather than endless accumulation.
What is the primary goal of 'Engaged Buddhism'?
Answer: To apply Buddhist ethics to address social, political, and environmental issues.
Explanation: Engaged Buddhism seeks to integrate Buddhist principles and practices with active engagement in addressing contemporary social, political, and environmental challenges for the benefit of all beings.
The 'Bodhisattva' ideal in Mahayana Buddhism is characterized by:
Answer: A dedication to achieving enlightenment for all sentient beings out of compassion.
Explanation: The Bodhisattva ideal embodies a profound commitment to achieving enlightenment not only for oneself but for all sentient beings, driven by immense compassion and wisdom.