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Is Buddhist poetry exclusively a genre focused on the biographical narrative of Siddhartha Gautama?
Answer: False
Explanation: Buddhist poetry is understood as a literary form expressing themes and ideas related to Buddhism broadly, not solely confined to the life story of Siddhartha Gautama.
Are the earliest examples of Buddhist poetry found within traditional scriptures such as the Dhammapada?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, the earliest known examples of Buddhist poetry are situated within traditional scriptures, notably the Dhammapada.
Were the verses attributed to Siddhartha Gautama within the Dhammapada originally composed in Sanskrit?
Answer: False
Explanation: The verses attributed to Siddhartha Gautama in the Dhammapada were originally composed in Pali, not Sanskrit.
Within traditional Buddhist sutras, are *gatha* prose passages that poetically summarize the teachings?
Answer: False
Explanation: *Gatha* are not prose passages; they are verses that poetically summarize or reiterate the themes presented in the preceding prose sections of Buddhist sutras.
Was the primary function of *gatha* in early Buddhist discourse artistic expression?
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary function of *gatha* in early Buddhist discourse was as a mnemonic device to aid memorization and recitation of doctrinal maxims, rather than solely for artistic expression.
Does linguistic analysis suggest that the verse components of Buddhist sutras are generally later additions compared to the prose?
Answer: False
Explanation: Linguistic analysis often indicates the opposite: the prose components may have undergone later editing, while the verse components frequently contain older linguistic forms, suggesting they may represent earlier material.
Did Hajime Nakamura posit that the prose components of the Pali Canon predated the verse components?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Hajime Nakamura's scholarship suggested that the verse components of the Pali Canon often predate the prose, serving as a method for oral transmission and memorization.
Is Buddhist poetry typically classified into two main categories: poetry attributed to the Buddha and poetry written by lay followers?
Answer: False
Explanation: A common classification distinguishes between 'Buddha Speech' (poetry attributed to the Buddha) and poetry composed by other Buddhist practitioners, rather than solely focusing on lay followers.
According to the provided material, what constitutes the primary definition of Buddhist poetry?
Answer: A literary form expressing themes and ideas related to Buddhism.
Explanation: Buddhist poetry is defined as a literary form that expresses themes and ideas pertinent to Buddhism, forming a part of Buddhist discourse.
In which canonical texts are the earliest known examples of Buddhist poetry situated?
Answer: Within traditional scriptures like the Dhammapada.
Explanation: The earliest known examples of Buddhist poetry are found within traditional scriptures, most notably the Dhammapada.
In what language were the verses attributed to Siddhartha Gautama within the Dhammapada originally composed?
Answer: Pali
Explanation: The verses attributed to Siddhartha Gautama in the Dhammapada were originally composed in Pali.
Was Vangisa recognized by the Buddha as being preeminent in spontaneous poetic composition?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, Vangisa was acknowledged by the Buddha as foremost in spontaneity of speech, capable of composing poetry extemporaneously.
Is the *Therigatha* a collection of verses composed by elder monks?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the *Therigatha* is a collection of verses composed by elder nuns (*theri*).
Does the *Therigatha* represent the earliest known collection of women's literature originating from India?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, the *Therigatha* is recognized as the earliest known compilation of women's literature from India.
Is the *Therigatha* classified within the *Sutta Pitaka* as part of the *Digha Nikaya*?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the *Therigatha* is classified within the *Sutta Pitaka* as part of the *Khuddaka Nikaya*.
Do the poems within the *Therigatha* primarily focus on the philosophical distinctions between male and female spiritual attainment?
Answer: False
Explanation: The poems in the *Therigatha* primarily affirm the equality of women and men in spiritual attainment and address issues pertinent to women's experiences.
Is the *Bhikkhuni-Sangha* a collection of poems by nuns that complements the *Therigatha*?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the *Bhikkhuni-Sangha* refers to discourses concerning nuns within the *Samyutta Nikaya*, not a collection of poems.
What is the nature and significance of the *Therigatha*?
Answer: The earliest known collection of women's literature from India, composed of verses by elder nuns.
Explanation: The *Therigatha* is recognized as the earliest known collection of women's literature from India, comprising verses composed by elder nuns.
In which section of the Pali Canon is the *Therigatha* canonically situated?
Answer: Sutta Pitaka, Khuddaka Nikaya
Explanation: The *Therigatha* is canonically situated within the *Khuddaka Nikaya*, a collection of short books within the *Sutta Pitaka* of the Pali Canon.
Which of the following themes is conspicuously absent from the *Therigatha*?
Answer: The philosophical differences between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism.
Explanation: The *Therigatha* focuses on themes of spiritual attainment, personal liberation, and women's experiences within the early Buddhist community, not on sectarian philosophical debates between Mahayana and Theravada schools.
Is the *Therigatha* a collection of verses composed by elder monks?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the *Therigatha* is a collection of verses composed by elder nuns (*theri*).
Does the *Therigatha* represent the earliest known collection of women's literature originating from India?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, the *Therigatha* is recognized as the earliest known compilation of women's literature from India.
Is the *Therigatha* classified within the *Sutta Pitaka* as part of the *Digha Nikaya*?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the *Therigatha* is classified within the *Sutta Pitaka* as part of the *Khuddaka Nikaya*.
Do the poems within the *Therigatha* primarily focus on the philosophical distinctions between male and female spiritual attainment?
Answer: False
Explanation: The poems in the *Therigatha* primarily affirm the equality of women and men in spiritual attainment and address issues pertinent to women's experiences.
Is the *Bhikkhuni-Sangha* a collection of poems by nuns that complements the *Therigatha*?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the *Bhikkhuni-Sangha* refers to discourses concerning nuns within the *Samyutta Nikaya*, not a collection of poems.
Is Ashvaghosha primarily known for composing Buddhist poetry exclusively in Pali?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Ashvaghosha is renowned for his significant contributions to Buddhist poetry in Sanskrit.
Does the *Buddhacarita* narrate the life story of Gautama Buddha?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, the *Buddhacarita*, attributed to Ashvaghosha, is an epic poem detailing the life and enlightenment of Gautama Buddha.
Is Ashvaghosha's poetry primarily characterized by complex philosophical arguments rather than evocative imagery?
Answer: False
Explanation: Ashvaghosha's poetry is noted for its evocative imagery and suggestive similes, which serve to convey Buddhist teachings, rather than solely relying on complex philosophical argumentation.
In the Indic tradition, is versification the sole distinguishing feature of literary diction?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, versification is not the sole distinguishing feature of literary diction in the Indic tradition, as various texts, including philosophical and medical works, were often composed in verse for mnemonic purposes.
Is the *Nāgānanda* a Sanskrit drama composed by King Harṣadeva?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, the *Nāgānanda* is a significant Sanskrit drama attributed to King Harṣadeva.
Is Harṣadeva's *Nāgānanda* devoid of Buddhist reflections, focusing exclusively on courtly conventions?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Harṣadeva's *Nāgānanda*, while incorporating courtly elements, is imbued with Buddhist themes such as compassion and impermanence.
Does *Subhāṣita* refer to a genre of Buddhist poetry characterized by proverb-like verses?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, *Subhāṣita* denotes a genre of Buddhist poetry comprising proverb-like verses that often convey universally applicable principles.
Did Vidyākara compile a small collection of Buddhist good sayings?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Vidyākara compiled one of the largest extant Sanskrit anthologies of good sayings, known as the *Subhāṣitaratnakośa*.
Is Śāntideva's *Bodhicaryāvatāra* primarily a collection of devotional hymns?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Śāntideva's *Bodhicaryāvatāra* functions as a comprehensive compendium of Mahāyāna practice, covering the six perfections, rather than solely devotional hymns.
Is Nāgārjuna's *Suhr̥llekhā* an example of a Buddhist guide to spiritual practice presented as a versified letter?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, Nāgārjuna's *Suhr̥llekhā* is a notable example of a Buddhist guide to spiritual practice composed in the form of a versified letter.
Were Buddhist hymns of praise solely intended for devotional purposes, without expounding philosophical ideas?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Buddhist hymns of praise often served a dual purpose: devotional expression and the didactic exposition of philosophical concepts.
Is Jñānaśrīmitra's *Vr̥ttamālāstuti* notable for simultaneously praising Mañjuśrī and elucidating Sanskrit prosody?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, Jñānaśrīmitra's *Vr̥ttamālāstuti* is distinguished by its dual function of praising Mañjuśrī while also providing instruction on Sanskrit prosody.
Does Pali poetry significantly differ from Sanskrit poetry in terms of prosody and genre?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Pali poetry generally exhibits considerable similarity to Sanskrit poetry in its prosody, vocabulary, and genre conventions.
How does Ashvaghosha's poetry typically convey Buddhist teachings?
Answer: Using simple, suggestive verses with evocative similes.
Explanation: Ashvaghosha's verses are characterized by their simplicity and suggestive power, employing evocative similes to render key Buddhist teachings memorable and accessible.
What is the *Nāgānanda*?
Answer: A Sanskrit drama composed by King Harṣadeva.
Explanation: The *Nāgānanda* is a notable Sanskrit drama authored by King Harṣadeva.
Which Buddhist themes are present in Harṣadeva's *Nāgānanda*?
Answer: Compassion, impermanence, and the futility of hatred.
Explanation: Harṣadeva's *Nāgānanda* is imbued with Buddhist reflections on compassion, the futility of hatred, and the concept of impermanence, woven into its dramatic narrative.
What does the genre of *subhāṣita* in Buddhist poetry typically consist of?
Answer: Proverb-like verses with universally applicable principles.
Explanation: *Subhāṣita* poetry is characterized by proverb-like verses that often articulate universally applicable principles, extending beyond strictly Buddhist doctrine.
Who compiled one of the largest known Sanskrit anthologies of good sayings?
Answer: Vidyākara
Explanation: Vidyākara, a Buddhist abbot, compiled one of the most extensive extant Sanskrit anthologies of good sayings, known as the *Subhāṣitaratnakośa*.
What is the significance of Śāntideva's *Bodhicaryāvatāra*?
Answer: It functions as a compendium of Mahāyāna practice, covering the six perfections.
Explanation: Śāntideva's *Bodhicaryāvatāra* is significant as a comprehensive exposition of Mahāyāna practice, detailing the six perfections, rather than being solely a collection of hymns.
Which of the following is an example of a Buddhist guide to spiritual practice written as a versified letter?
Answer: *Suhr̥llekhā*
Explanation: *Suhr̥llekhā*, authored by Nāgārjuna, exemplifies a Buddhist guide to spiritual practice composed in the format of a versified letter.
What dual purpose did Buddhist hymns of praise often serve?
Answer: Didactic exposition of philosophical ideas and aiding meditation.
Explanation: Buddhist hymns of praise frequently served a dual function: fostering devotion and providing didactic instruction on philosophical concepts, thereby aiding meditative practice.
What is unique about Jñānaśrīmitra's *Vr̥ttamālāstuti*?
Answer: It praises Mañjuśrī while simultaneously explaining Sanskrit prosody.
Explanation: Jñānaśrīmitra's *Vr̥ttamālāstuti* is distinctive for its simultaneous praise of Mañjuśrī and its function as an instructional text on Sanskrit prosody.
How does Pali poetry generally compare to Sanskrit poetry?
Answer: Pali poetry follows patterns very similar to Sanskrit poetry regarding prosody, vocabulary, and genres.
Explanation: Pali poetry exhibits considerable similarity to Sanskrit poetry in its prosody, vocabulary, and genre conventions, reflecting a strong interrelationship between the two literary traditions.
Does the work *Sri Gautama Buddha Panchakam* by the modern Indian Sanskrit poet Vanikavi Dr. Manomohan Acharya employ a complex, archaic Sanskrit?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, *Sri Gautama Buddha Panchakam* by Vanikavi Dr. Manomohan Acharya is noted for its use of simple and lucid Sanskrit.
Is Ashvaghosha primarily known for composing Buddhist poetry exclusively in Pali?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Ashvaghosha is renowned for his significant contributions to Buddhist poetry in Sanskrit.
Does the *Buddhacarita* narrate the life story of Gautama Buddha?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, the *Buddhacarita*, attributed to Ashvaghosha, is an epic poem detailing the life and enlightenment of Gautama Buddha.
Is Ashvaghosha's poetry primarily characterized by complex philosophical arguments rather than evocative imagery?
Answer: False
Explanation: Ashvaghosha's poetry is noted for its evocative imagery and suggestive similes, which serve to convey Buddhist teachings, rather than solely relying on complex philosophical argumentation.
In the Indic tradition, is versification the sole distinguishing feature of literary diction?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, versification is not the sole distinguishing feature of literary diction in the Indic tradition, as various texts, including philosophical and medical works, were often composed in verse for mnemonic purposes.
Is the *Nāgānanda* a Sanskrit drama composed by King Harṣadeva?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, the *Nāgānanda* is a significant Sanskrit drama attributed to King Harṣadeva.
Is Harṣadeva's *Nāgānanda* devoid of Buddhist reflections, focusing exclusively on courtly conventions?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Harṣadeva's *Nāgānanda*, while incorporating courtly elements, is imbued with Buddhist themes such as compassion and impermanence.
Does *Subhāṣita* refer to a genre of Buddhist poetry characterized by proverb-like verses?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, *Subhāṣita* denotes a genre of Buddhist poetry comprising proverb-like verses that often convey universally applicable principles.
Did Vidyākara compile a small collection of Buddhist good sayings?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Vidyākara compiled one of the largest extant Sanskrit anthologies of good sayings, known as the *Subhāṣitaratnakośa*.
Is Śāntideva's *Bodhicaryāvatāra* primarily a collection of devotional hymns?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Śāntideva's *Bodhicaryāvatāra* functions as a comprehensive compendium of Mahāyāna practice, covering the six perfections, rather than solely devotional hymns.
Is Nāgārjuna's *Suhr̥llekhā* an example of a Buddhist guide to spiritual practice presented as a versified letter?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, Nāgārjuna's *Suhr̥llekhā* is a notable example of a Buddhist guide to spiritual practice composed in the form of a versified letter.
Were Buddhist hymns of praise solely intended for devotional purposes, without expounding philosophical ideas?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Buddhist hymns of praise often served a dual purpose: devotional expression and the didactic exposition of philosophical concepts.
Is Jñānaśrīmitra's *Vr̥ttamālāstuti* notable for simultaneously praising Mañjuśrī and elucidating Sanskrit prosody?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, Jñānaśrīmitra's *Vr̥ttamālāstuti* is distinctive for its dual function of praising Mañjuśrī while also providing instruction on Sanskrit prosody.
Does Pali poetry significantly differ from Sanskrit poetry in terms of prosody and genre?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Pali poetry generally exhibits considerable similarity to Sanskrit poetry in its prosody, vocabulary, and genre conventions.
Does the work *Sri Gautama Buddha Panchakam* by the modern Indian Sanskrit poet Vanikavi Dr. Manomohan Acharya employ a complex, archaic Sanskrit?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, *Sri Gautama Buddha Panchakam* by Vanikavi Dr. Manomohan Acharya is noted for its use of simple and lucid Sanskrit.
Has Buddhist poetry exclusively flourished in Pali and Sanskrit languages?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Buddhist poetry has flourished in a wide array of languages across diverse cultures, not being limited to Pali and Sanskrit.
Are Milarepa's works considered notable examples of Buddhist poetry within the Chinese tradition?
Answer: False
Explanation: Milarepa's works are prominent examples of Buddhist poetry within the Tibetan and Himalayan traditions, not the Chinese tradition.
Does the Chinese Buddhist tradition often exhibit a tension between secular and Buddhist poetic expression?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, the Chinese Buddhist tradition frequently displays a dynamic tension between secular and Buddhist poetic expression, leading to unique philosophical approaches.
Did Bai Juyi believe poetic expression was essential for conveying Buddhist enlightenment?
Answer: False
Explanation: Bai Juyi expressed a critical view, suggesting that poetic expression could be considered 'deranged words and embellished language,' implying it was not essential for conveying Buddhist enlightenment.
Did Chan Buddhism discourage the use of indirect language, suggestion, and metaphor in poetry?
Answer: False
Explanation: Chan Buddhism actively prized and developed a language that utilized indirection, suggestion, ambiguity, paradox, and metaphor to convey spiritual insights.
Were images like the moon and clouds in Chan poetry used for straightforward explanations of Buddhist doctrine?
Answer: False
Explanation: Images such as the moon and clouds in Chan poetry were employed to convey subtle spiritual insights and profound realization through complex connotations, rather than for straightforward doctrinal explanations.
Does Hanshan's poem use the image of the mind like an autumn moon to illustrate the clarity of profound realization?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, Hanshan's poem employs the metaphor of the mind resembling an autumn moon to illustrate the clarity and purity associated with profound spiritual realization.
Did Korean Buddhist poets primarily write their poetry in the Korean vernacular language?
Answer: False
Explanation: Korean Buddhist poets predominantly composed their works in Classical Chinese, reflecting the historical influence of Chinese literary traditions.
Which statement best describes the Chinese Buddhist tradition's approach to poetry?
Answer: It exhibited a tension between secular and Buddhist expression, with unique philosophical approaches.
Explanation: The Chinese Buddhist tradition is characterized by a notable tension between secular and Buddhist poetic expression, fostering unique philosophical perspectives on the art form.
How did Chan Buddhism contribute to Buddhist poetry?
Answer: By developing a language that prized indirection, suggestion, and metaphor.
Explanation: Chan Buddhism significantly contributed by cultivating a literary style that valued indirection, suggestion, ambiguity, paradox, and metaphor as essential tools for conveying spiritual insights.
What is the significance of Hanshan's poem mentioned in the text?
Answer: It serves as an example of specialized Buddhist metaphor for profound realization.
Explanation: Hanshan's poem is significant as an illustration of specialized Buddhist metaphor, utilizing imagery to convey the ineffable nature of profound spiritual realization.
In what language did Korean poets primarily write their Buddhist poetry?
Answer: Classical Chinese
Explanation: Korean poets predominantly composed their Buddhist poetry in Classical Chinese, a practice reflecting the historical cultural and literary influence of China.
Which statement best describes the Chinese Buddhist tradition's approach to poetry?
Answer: It exhibited a tension between secular and Buddhist expression, with unique philosophical approaches.
Explanation: The Chinese Buddhist tradition is characterized by a notable tension between secular and Buddhist poetic expression, fostering unique philosophical perspectives on the art form.
How did Chan Buddhism contribute to Buddhist poetry?
Answer: By developing a language that prized indirection, suggestion, and metaphor.
Explanation: Chan Buddhism significantly contributed by cultivating a literary style that valued indirection, suggestion, ambiguity, paradox, and metaphor as essential tools for conveying spiritual insights.
What is the significance of Hanshan's poem mentioned in the text?
Answer: It serves as an example of specialized Buddhist metaphor for profound realization.
Explanation: Hanshan's poem is significant as an illustration of specialized Buddhist metaphor, utilizing imagery to convey the ineffable nature of profound spiritual realization.
In what language did Korean poets primarily write their Buddhist poetry?
Answer: Classical Chinese
Explanation: Korean poets predominantly composed their Buddhist poetry in Classical Chinese, a practice reflecting the historical cultural and literary influence of China.
Did Kūkai, founder of the Shingon school, contribute to the Buddhist poetic tradition in Classical Chinese?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, Kūkai, the founder of the Shingon school, made significant contributions to Buddhist poetic tradition, notably through his works in Classical Chinese.
Is the *Man'yōshū* the earliest known collection of Japanese Buddhist prose texts?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the *Man'yōshū* is Japan's earliest extant poetry collection, containing early Buddhist themes, rather than being exclusively a collection of prose texts.
Are *Bussokusekika* the oldest known Buddhist *waka* and do they focus on the physical characteristics of the Buddha?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, *Bussokusekika* are considered the oldest known Buddhist *waka* and are characterized by their focus on the physical attributes of the Buddha.
Is *Shakkyōka* a genre of Japanese Buddhist poetry that includes poems by Saigyō and Dōgen?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, *Shakkyōka* is a genre of Japanese Buddhist poetry, and prominent figures such as Saigyō and Dōgen are associated with its development.
Do the ten motifs used to subdivide *shakkyōka* include only natural phenomena?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the ten motifs used to subdivide *shakkyōka* encompass a broader range, including Buddhas, eminent monks, sutra passages, religious experiences, and natural phenomena with Buddhist allusions.
Does Jien's poem in the *Hyakunin Isshu* express the suffering of the world from the perspective of a monk on Mount Hiei?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, Jien's poem within the *Hyakunin Isshu* conveys the suffering of the world as perceived by a monk residing in seclusion on Mount Hiei.
Did *renga* and *haiku* evolve independently of *tanka* in Japanese poetry?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, *renga* and *haiku* evolved from *tanka*, gradually overshadowing it while continuing the tradition of Buddhist poetry.
Bashō's haiku, juxtaposing chrysanthemums and old Buddha statues in Nara, evokes which aesthetic ideals?
Answer: sabi and yūgen
Explanation: The imagery in Bashō's haiku evokes the aesthetic ideals of *sabi* and *yūgen*, suggesting a profound experience conveyed through subtle suggestion and layered meaning.
Does Kobayashi Issa's poem concerning the 'world of dew' employ the dewdrop as an allegory for the permanence of life?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Issa's poem utilizes the dewdrop as a classical Buddhist allegory for the transience and ephemerality of life, particularly in the context of personal grief.
Does Miyazawa Kenji's poem *Ame ni mo Makezu* draw its thematic inspiration from the *Diamond Sutra*?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Miyazawa Kenji's poem *Ame ni mo Makezu* draws its thematic inspiration from the *Lotus Sutra*, a text he deeply revered.
Is the *Iroha* poem significant because it contains every *kana* character exactly once?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, the *Iroha* poem is significant for its unique property of containing every Japanese *kana* character precisely once.
Which of the following is a prominent poet associated with the Japanese *shakkyōka* genre?
Answer: Saigyō
Explanation: Saigyō is recognized as a prominent poet associated with the Japanese *shakkyōka* genre.
What does Jien's poem in the *Hyakunin Isshu* convey?
Answer: The suffering of the world from a monk's perspective in seclusion.
Explanation: Jien's poem in the *Hyakunin Isshu* conveys the profound sense of suffering experienced in the world, articulated from the contemplative perspective of a monk in seclusion on Mount Hiei.
How did *tanka* evolve in Japanese poetry?
Answer: It was gradually overshadowed by *renga* and *haiku*, which derived from it.
Explanation: *Tanka* gradually evolved into *renga* and *haiku*, which, while derived from *tanka*, became distinct and highly influential poetic forms in Japanese literature.
What is the significance of Kobayashi Issa's poem about the "world of dew"?
Answer: It uses the dewdrop allegory to express grief over loss and the transience of life.
Explanation: Issa's poem employs the dewdrop allegory to articulate profound grief over personal loss, highlighting the Buddhist concept of life's transience and ephemerality.
What Buddhist text inspired Miyazawa Kenji's poem *Ame ni mo Makezu*?
Answer: The Lotus Sutra
Explanation: Miyazawa Kenji's poem *Ame ni mo Makezu* draws its thematic inspiration from the *Lotus Sutra*, a text central to his Buddhist convictions.
Why is the *Iroha* poem significant in Japanese education?
Answer: It contains every *kana* character precisely once and is used for literacy.
Explanation: The *Iroha* poem holds significance in Japanese education because it uniquely contains every *kana* character exactly once, serving as a foundational text for literacy and the ordering of traditional dictionaries.
Is the *Man'yōshū* the earliest known collection of Japanese Buddhist prose texts?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the *Man'yōshū* is Japan's earliest extant poetry collection, containing early Buddhist themes, rather than being exclusively a collection of prose texts.
Are *Bussokusekika* the oldest known Buddhist *waka* and do they focus on the physical characteristics of the Buddha?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, *Bussokusekika* are considered the oldest known Buddhist *waka* and are characterized by their focus on the physical attributes of the Buddha.
Is *Shakkyōka* a genre of Japanese Buddhist poetry that includes poems by Saigyō and Dōgen?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, *Shakkyōka* is a genre of Japanese Buddhist poetry, and prominent figures such as Saigyō and Dōgen are associated with its development.
Do the ten motifs used to subdivide *shakkyōka* include only natural phenomena?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, the ten motifs used to subdivide *shakkyōka* encompass a broader range, including Buddhas, eminent monks, sutra passages, religious experiences, and natural phenomena with Buddhist allusions.
Does Jien's poem in the *Hyakunin Isshu* express the suffering of the world from the perspective of a monk on Mount Hiei?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, Jien's poem within the *Hyakunin Isshu* conveys the profound sense of suffering experienced in the world, articulated from the contemplative perspective of a monk in seclusion on Mount Hiei.
Did *renga* and *haiku* evolve independently of *tanka* in Japanese poetry?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, *renga* and *haiku* evolved from *tanka*, gradually overshadowing it while continuing the tradition of Buddhist poetry.
Bashō's haiku, juxtaposing chrysanthemums and old Buddha statues in Nara, evokes which aesthetic ideals?
Answer: sabi and yūgen
Explanation: The imagery in Bashō's haiku evokes the aesthetic ideals of *sabi* and *yūgen*, suggesting a profound experience conveyed through subtle suggestion and layered meaning.
Does Kobayashi Issa's poem concerning the 'world of dew' employ the dewdrop as an allegory for the permanence of life?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Issa's poem utilizes the dewdrop as a classical Buddhist allegory for the transience and ephemerality of life, particularly in the context of personal grief.
Does Miyazawa Kenji's poem *Ame ni mo Makezu* draw its thematic inspiration from the *Diamond Sutra*?
Answer: False
Explanation: No, Miyazawa Kenji's poem *Ame ni mo Makezu* draws its thematic inspiration from the *Lotus Sutra*, a text he deeply revered.
Is the *Iroha* poem significant for its unique property of containing every *kana* character exactly once?
Answer: True
Explanation: Yes, the *Iroha* poem is significant for its unique property of containing every Japanese *kana* character precisely once.
Which of the following is a prominent poet associated with the Japanese *shakkyōka* genre?
Answer: Saigyō
Explanation: Saigyō is recognized as a prominent poet associated with the Japanese *shakkyōka* genre.
What does Jien's poem in the *Hyakunin Isshu* convey?
Answer: The suffering of the world from a monk's perspective in seclusion.
Explanation: Jien's poem in the *Hyakunin Isshu* conveys the profound sense of suffering experienced in the world, articulated from the contemplative perspective of a monk in seclusion on Mount Hiei.
How did *tanka* evolve in Japanese poetry?
Answer: It was gradually overshadowed by *renga* and *haiku*, which derived from it.
Explanation: *Tanka* gradually evolved into *renga* and *haiku*, which, while derived from *tanka*, became distinct and highly influential poetic forms in Japanese literature.
What is the significance of Kobayashi Issa's poem about the "world of dew"?
Answer: It uses the dewdrop allegory to express grief over loss and the transience of life.
Explanation: Issa's poem employs the dewdrop allegory to articulate profound grief over personal loss, highlighting the Buddhist concept of life's transience and ephemerality.
What Buddhist text inspired Miyazawa Kenji's poem *Ame ni mo Makezu*?
Answer: The Lotus Sutra
Explanation: Miyazawa Kenji's poem *Ame ni mo Makezu* draws its thematic inspiration from the *Lotus Sutra*, a text central to his Buddhist convictions.
Why is the *Iroha* poem significant in Japanese education?
Answer: It contains every *kana* character precisely once and is used for literacy.
Explanation: The *Iroha* poem holds significance in Japanese education because it uniquely contains every *kana* character exactly once, serving as a foundational text for literacy and the ordering of traditional dictionaries.
Is the study of Buddhist poetry considered distinct from the broader literary field due to its religious nature?
Answer: False
Explanation: Current Buddhological scholarship generally regards Buddhist texts, including poetry, as products of literary composition, thus integrating their study within the literary field.