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Study Guide: Prajnaparamita Sutras: Core Concepts and Historical Transmission

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Prajnaparamita Sutras: Core Concepts and Historical Transmission Study Guide

Core Concepts and Terminology

In Mahayana Buddhism, does Prajnaparamita refer solely to a specific collection of scriptures?

Answer: False

Explanation: The term Prajnaparamita encompasses both the perfected wisdom itself and the collection of scriptures that expound this wisdom. It is not limited solely to the textual corpus.

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Does the Sanskrit term 'paramita' within Prajnaparamita mean 'wisdom'?

Answer: False

Explanation: The Sanskrit term 'prajna' signifies wisdom, while 'paramita' denotes perfection or transcending. Therefore, 'paramita' itself does not mean wisdom.

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What is the primary meaning of the Sanskrit term "Prajnaparamita" in Mahayana Buddhism?

Answer: Both "Perfection of Wisdom" and "Transcendental Knowledge"

Explanation: The Sanskrit term Prajnaparamita is etymologically derived from 'prajna' (wisdom) and 'paramita' (perfection or transcending), signifying 'Perfection of Wisdom' or 'Transcendental Knowledge.' It refers to both the perfected understanding of reality and the body of scriptures expounding it.

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What does the Sanskrit term 'prajna' mean in the context of Prajnaparamita?

Answer: Wisdom

Explanation: In the context of Prajnaparamita, the Sanskrit term 'prajna' signifies wisdom or profound knowledge.

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Central Philosophical Doctrines

Is the concept of emptiness (śūnyatā) unrelated to Prajnaparamita teachings?

Answer: False

Explanation: The concept of emptiness (śūnyatā) is a cornerstone of Prajnaparamita philosophy, representing the lack of inherent existence in all phenomena.

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Is a central theme in Prajnaparamita sutras the inherent existence (svabhāva) of all phenomena?

Answer: False

Explanation: A central theme of the Prajnaparamita sutras is the negation of inherent existence (svabhāva) in all phenomena, emphasizing their emptiness (śūnyatā).

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Do the Prajnaparamita sutras describe reality as permanent and unchanging, like a solid mountain?

Answer: False

Explanation: While the ultimate nature of reality (Tathātā) is described as unchanging, the Prajnaparamita sutras characterize conventional phenomena as impermanent, illusory, and devoid of fixed substance, rather than permanent and solid.

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Does the concept of 'non-arising' (anutpada) signify that phenomena have a definite, independent origin?

Answer: False

Explanation: The concept of 'non-arising' (anutpada) signifies that phenomena are ultimately unborn and lack any true, independent origin or essence, directly contradicting the notion of a definite, independent origin.

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Does 'empty' mean that dharmas possess a unique, independent essence that defines them?

Answer: False

Explanation: The concept of emptiness applied to dharmas signifies their lack of any inherent, independent essence or 'own-being' (svabhava), contrary to possessing a unique defining essence.

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Does the Prajnaparamita sutra suggest that illusions and Nirvana are fundamentally distinct concepts?

Answer: False

Explanation: The Prajnaparamita sutras suggest that illusions and Nirvana are not fundamentally different, implying that the ultimate reality transcends such conceptual dualities.

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Which of the following concepts is NOT closely associated with Prajnaparamita according to the source?

Answer: The Four Immeasurable States (Brahmaviharas)

Explanation: The Four Immeasurable States (Brahmaviharas) are not closely associated with the core doctrines of Prajnaparamita as presented in this material. Concepts such as emptiness (śūnyatā), the illusory nature of phenomena (māyā), and the lack of inherent essence (svabhāva) are central.

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The Prajnaparamita sutras describe reality as being like all of the following EXCEPT:

Answer: A solid, unchanging substance

Explanation: The Prajnaparamita sutras employ similes such as dreams, mirages, and illusions to depict the nature of reality, explicitly contrasting it with a solid, unchanging substance.

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What is the primary philosophical theme consistently highlighted in the Prajnaparamita sutras?

Answer: Emptiness (śūnyatā), the lack of inherent existence

Explanation: The primary philosophical theme consistently highlighted in the Prajnaparamita sutras is emptiness (śūnyatā), understood as the lack of inherent existence or self-nature in all phenomena.

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What does it mean for dharmas to be 'empty' according to the Prajnaparamita sutras?

Answer: They lack any inherent, independent existence or 'own-being'.

Explanation: According to the Prajnaparamita sutras, for dharmas to be 'empty' signifies that they lack any inherent, independent existence or 'own-being' (svabhāva), being rather conventionally real and dependent.

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The Prajnaparamita sutra suggests that illusions and Nirvana are:

Answer: Not fundamentally different.

Explanation: The Prajnaparamita sutras suggest that illusions and Nirvana are not fundamentally different, implying that the ultimate reality transcends such conceptual dualities and conventional distinctions.

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Historical Origins and Transmission

Did Edward Conze estimate the Prajnaparamita Sutras were composed primarily in China between 100 BCE and 600 CE?

Answer: False

Explanation: Edward Conze estimated the composition of the Prajnaparamita Sutras to have occurred on the Indian subcontinent, not in China, during the period of approximately 100 BCE to AD 600.

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Did Esoteric Prajnaparamita texts, produced from the 8th to 11th centuries CE, primarily contain philosophical treatises?

Answer: False

Explanation: Esoteric Prajnaparamita texts from the 8th to 11th centuries CE are characterized by their brevity and content, typically featuring mantras and dhāraṇīs rather than extensive philosophical treatises.

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Were the Prajnaparamita sutras extensively translated in China starting in the second century CE?

Answer: True

Explanation: The extensive translation of Prajnaparamita sutras into Chinese commenced in the second century CE, profoundly impacting the development of East Asian Madhyamaka and Buddhism in China.

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Were the Prajnaparamita sutras first brought to Tibet during the reign of King Trisong Detsen, between 742 and 796 CE?

Answer: True

Explanation: The introduction of Prajnaparamita sutras to Tibet occurred during the reign of King Trisong Detsen (742-796 CE), facilitated by prominent scholars and translators.

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According to Edward Conze's estimation, during which period were the Prajnaparamita Sutras likely composed?

Answer: 100 BCE to 600 CE on the Indian subcontinent

Explanation: Edward Conze estimated the composition period for the Prajnaparamita Sutras to be between approximately 100 BCE and AD 600, situated on the Indian subcontinent.

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During the reign of which Tibetan King were the Prajnaparamita sutras first introduced to Tibet?

Answer: Trisong Detsen

Explanation: The Prajnaparamita sutras were first introduced to Tibet during the reign of King Trisong Detsen, who ruled between 742 and 796 CE.

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Key Texts and Scholarly Contributions

Is the Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajnaparamita Sutra traditionally considered the earliest sutra in the Prajnaparamita class by Western scholars?

Answer: True

Explanation: Western scholarship traditionally identifies the Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajnaparamita Sutra ('Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines') as the earliest text within this genre, with its composition likely dating to the 1st century BCE.

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Did Guang Xing propose that Prajnaparamita teachings originated with the Theravada school?

Answer: False

Explanation: Guang Xing posited that the Mahayana Prajnaparamita teachings likely originated not with the Theravada school, but rather with the Caitika subsect of the Mahāsāṅghikas in the Andhra region of India.

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Is the PaƱcaviį¹ƒÅ›atisāhasrikā Prajnaparamita Sutra known for being one of the shortest Prajnaparamita texts?

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the assertion of brevity, the PaƱcaviį¹ƒÅ›atisāhasrikā Prajnaparamita Sutra ('Perfection of Wisdom in 25,000 Lines') is recognized as one of the most substantial and significant texts within the Prajnaparamita corpus.

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Is the Dazhidulun a commentary translated into Chinese by the scholar Asanga?

Answer: False

Explanation: The Dazhidulun, a significant commentary on the PaƱcaviį¹ƒÅ›atisāhasrikā Prajnaparamita Sutra, was translated into Chinese by KumārajÄ«va, not Asanga.

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Is the world's earliest printed book a Sanskrit manuscript of the Diamond Sutra?

Answer: False

Explanation: The world's earliest printed book is not a Sanskrit manuscript, but rather a Chinese translation of the Diamond Sutra (Vajracchedikā Prajnaparamita Sutra) from Dunhuang, dated circa 868 CE.

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Which sutra is traditionally considered the earliest by Western scholars, and when was it likely written?

Answer: The Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajnaparamita Sutra, 1st century BCE

Explanation: Western scholars traditionally identify the Aṣṭasāhasrikā Prajnaparamita Sutra ('Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines') as the earliest text in this genre, with its composition likely dating to the 1st century BCE.

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Guang Xing proposed that the Mahayana Prajnaparamita teachings might have originated from which group?

Answer: The Mahāsāṅghika Caitika subsect along the Kṛṣṇā River

Explanation: Guang Xing proposed that the Mahayana Prajnaparamita teachings may have originated with the Caitika subsect of the Mahāsāṅghikas, located in the Andhra region along the Kṛṣṇā River in India.

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Which of the following is the largest Prajnaparamita sutra mentioned in the text?

Answer: The Perfection of Wisdom in 100,000 Lines (Śatasāhasrikā)

Explanation: The Śatasāhasrikā Prajnaparamita Sutra, translating to 'Perfection of Wisdom in 100,000 Lines,' is identified as the largest Prajnaparamita sutra mentioned in the provided material.

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Who was the renowned Buddhist scholar responsible for translating the Dazhidulun into Chinese?

Answer: Kumārajīva

Explanation: The renowned Buddhist scholar responsible for translating the Dazhidulun into Chinese was Kumārajīva.

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What was Xuanzang's primary contribution to the study of Prajnaparamita in China?

Answer: He ensured an unabridged and faithful rendition of the Prajnaparamita collection.

Explanation: Xuanzang's primary contribution was ensuring an unabridged and faithful rendition of the Prajnaparamita collection through his extensive translation efforts, resulting in the 'Xuanzang Prajnaparamita Library'.

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The world's earliest printed book, mentioned in the source, is a translation of which Prajnaparamita sutra?

Answer: The Diamond Sutra (Vajracchedikā Prajnaparamita Sutra)

Explanation: The world's earliest printed book, as noted in the source, is a translation of the Diamond Sutra (Vajracchedikā Prajnaparamita Sutra).

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Application and Interpretation in Practice

Did Hajime Nakamura describe the use of negation in Prajnaparamita texts as the 'logic of affirmation'?

Answer: False

Explanation: Hajime Nakamura characterized the use of negation in Prajnaparamita texts not as the 'logic of affirmation,' but as the 'logic of not,' referring to its function in negating conventional reality to indicate ultimate truth.

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Did Edward Conze mention 'attachment' as a key psychological quality associated with Prajnaparamita practice?

Answer: False

Explanation: Edward Conze identified 'non-attachment' as a key psychological quality associated with Prajnaparamita practice, rather than 'attachment' itself.

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According to the Prajnaparamita sutras, what is the ultimate goal for a Bodhisattva?

Answer: To attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.

Explanation: The ultimate goal for a Bodhisattva, as delineated in the Prajnaparamita sutras, is to attain Buddhahood not merely for personal liberation but for the benefit and liberation of all sentient beings.

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How do the Prajnaparamita sutras often use negation to explain reality?

Answer: By using apophatic statements like "A is not A" to point to emptiness.

Explanation: The Prajnaparamita sutras frequently employ negation, utilizing apophatic statements such as 'A is not A,' to deconstruct conventional conceptualizations and direct the understanding towards the ultimate reality of emptiness.

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What does Hajime Nakamura mean by the 'logic of not' in relation to Prajnaparamita texts?

Answer: The use of negation to point towards ultimate truth (emptiness).

Explanation: Hajime Nakamura's concept of the 'logic of not' refers to the Prajnaparamita method of employing negation to dismantle conventional understandings and thereby indicate the ultimate truth of emptiness.

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Which of the following is NOT listed by Edward Conze as a psychological quality associated with Prajnaparamita practice?

Answer: Intense desire for worldly success

Explanation: Edward Conze's enumeration of psychological qualities associated with Prajnaparamita practice does not include 'intense desire for worldly success.' Instead, it highlights qualities such as non-apprehension, non-attachment, and non-assertion.

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Prajnaparamita in Tibetan Buddhism

In Tibetan Buddhism, is Prajnaparamita primarily studied through the lens of the RatnaguṇasaƱcaya Gāthā?

Answer: False

Explanation: Within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Prajnaparamita is predominantly studied through the framework of the Abhisamayālaṃkāra ('Ornament of Clear Realization') and its associated commentaries, rather than primarily through the RatnaguṇasaƱcaya Gāthā.

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In Tibetan Buddhism, how are the Prajnaparamita sutras primarily studied?

Answer: Through the Abhisamayālaṃkāra ('Ornament of Clear Realization')

Explanation: In Tibetan Buddhism, the Prajnaparamita sutras are primarily studied through the framework of the Abhisamayālaṃkāra ('Ornament of Clear Realization') and its extensive commentaries.

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