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Total Categories: 7
The Pali Canon is the primary collection of scriptures for the Mahayana Buddhist tradition.
Answer: False
The Pali Canon serves as the primary scriptural collection for the Theravada Buddhist tradition, not the Mahayana tradition.
The Pali Canon is preserved in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-European language.
Answer: False
The Pali Canon is preserved in the Pali language, a Middle Indo-Aryan language, rather than Sanskrit.
The Pali Canon is considered the most complete surviving collection of early Buddhist texts.
Answer: True
The Pali Canon is recognized as the most complete extant collection of early Buddhist texts.
The Pali Canon primarily originates from the Tamrashatiya school of Buddhism.
Answer: True
The Pali Canon primarily derives its lineage from the Tamrashatiya school, one of the early Buddhist traditions.
The Chinese Buddhist Canon and the Tibetan Kangyur are the only other major Buddhist canons besides the Pali Canon.
Answer: True
Beyond the Pali Canon, the principal Buddhist canons currently in use are the Chinese Buddhist Canon and the Tibetan Kangyur.
What is the Pali Canon primarily recognized as within Buddhist traditions?
Answer: The standard scripture collection for the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
The Pali Canon is the authoritative collection of scriptures for the Theravada Buddhist tradition.
In which language is the Pali Canon preserved?
Answer: Pali
The Pali Canon is preserved in the Pali language, a Middle Indo-Aryan language.
Which early Buddhist school is the Pali Canon primarily associated with?
Answer: Tamrashatiya
The Pali Canon is primarily associated with the Tamrashatiya school, one of the early Buddhist traditions.
The Pali Canon is divided into four main categories, known as pitakas.
Answer: False
The Pali Canon is divided into three main categories, known as pitakas (baskets): the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
The term 'Tipiṭaka' refers to the three main categories of texts within the Pali Canon.
Answer: True
Tipiṭaka, meaning 'three baskets,' refers to the three principal divisions of the Pali Canon: the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
The Nikayas are subdivisions of the Abhidhamma Pitaka, organizing texts by numerical order.
Answer: False
The Nikayas are subdivisions of the Sutta Pitaka, not the Abhidhamma Pitaka. They organize discourses according to length, subject matter, numerical order, or miscellaneous content.
The term 'pitaka' refers to commentaries written on the Buddhist scriptures.
Answer: False
In the context of the Pali Canon, 'pitaka' signifies 'basket,' denoting the receptacles traditionally used for storing palm-leaf manuscripts. The collective term for the Canon is Tipiṭaka, or 'three baskets'.
Which of the following is NOT one of the three main 'pitakas' or baskets of the Pali Canon?
Answer: Dharma Pitaka
The three main pitakas are the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka. 'Dharma Pitaka' is not one of these divisions.
Which of the following is NOT one of the five Nikayas within the Sutta Pitaka?
Answer: Vinaya Nikaya
The Vinaya Nikaya is not a subdivision of the Sutta Pitaka; the Sutta Pitaka comprises the Digha, Majjhima, Samyutta, Anguttara, and Khuddaka Nikayas.
What does the term 'Tipiṭaka' literally mean?
Answer: Three Baskets
The term 'Tipiṭaka' translates to 'three baskets,' denoting the three principal divisions of the Pali Canon.
The Vinaya Pitaka contains the discourses and teachings of the Buddha.
Answer: False
The Vinaya Pitaka primarily contains the rules and discipline for the monastic community. The Sutta Pitaka contains the discourses and teachings of the Buddha.
The Sutta Pitaka is the smallest of the three main divisions of the Pali Canon.
Answer: False
The Sutta Pitaka is the largest of the three main divisions of the Pali Canon.
The Khuddaka Nikaya is one of the five subdivisions of the Sutta Pitaka, containing long discourses.
Answer: False
The Khuddaka Nikaya is one of the five subdivisions of the Sutta Pitaka, but it contains miscellaneous shorter texts, not long discourses. The Digha Nikaya contains the long discourses.
What is the primary subject matter of the Vinaya Pitaka?
Answer: Rules and discipline for the monastic community (Sangha).
The Vinaya Pitaka meticulously details the rules, regulations, and disciplinary codes governing the Buddhist monastic community (Sangha).
Which subdivision of the Sutta Pitaka contains the longest discourses?
Answer: Digha Nikaya
The Digha Nikaya, meaning 'long discourses,' is the subdivision of the Sutta Pitaka that contains the longest sermons and dialogues.
The Abhidhamma Pitaka focuses on the rules and discipline for Buddhist monks and nuns.
Answer: False
The Abhidhamma Pitaka focuses on the scholastic and systematic analysis of Buddhist doctrines. The Vinaya Pitaka deals with the rules and discipline for monks and nuns.
The Abhidhamma Pitaka is considered a strictly Theravada collection with few parallels to the Abhidhamma works of other early Buddhist schools.
Answer: True
Scholarly analysis indicates that the Abhidhamma Pitaka is a distinctively Theravada compilation with fewer parallels to the Abhidhamma works of other early Buddhist schools compared to the Vinaya and Sutta Pitakas.
Western scholars estimate the Abhidhamma Pitaka began composition around 300 BCE.
Answer: True
Western scholarship suggests that the composition of the Abhidhamma Pitaka likely commenced around 300 BCE, potentially drawing upon earlier traditions.
The traditional view considers 'abhidhamma' to be the absolute teaching, while suttas are seen as adapted to the listener.
Answer: True
The traditional view posits 'abhidhamma' as the absolute teaching, in contrast to the suttas, which are considered adapted to the listener's comprehension. Scholarly interpretation often regards the abhidhamma as a systematic elaboration of sutta doctrines.
The Abhidhamma Pitaka is largely consistent with the Abhidhamma works of Mahayana Buddhism.
Answer: False
The Abhidhamma Pitaka constitutes a distinctly Theravada compilation, exhibiting substantial divergence from the Abhidhamma literature acknowledged by other Buddhist traditions, including Mahayana.
The Abhidhamma Pitaka consists of eight books, including the Patthana.
Answer: False
The Abhidhamma Pitaka is composed of seven principal texts, one of which is the Patthana.
Scholars consider the Abhidhamma Pitaka to be older than the Vinaya Pitaka and the first four Nikayas.
Answer: False
Scholarly consensus typically posits that the Vinaya Pitaka and the initial four Nikayas of the Sutta Pitaka represent earlier compositions, whereas the Abhidhamma Pitaka is regarded as a later, distinctively Theravada compilation.
What does the Abhidhamma Pitaka primarily focus on?
Answer: Scholastic and systematic explanation of Buddhist doctrines.
The Abhidhamma Pitaka is characterized by its systematic and analytical approach to Buddhist philosophy and psychology.
How does the source describe the relationship between the Abhidhamma Pitaka and similar texts from other Buddhist schools?
Answer: It is considered a later compilation with fewer parallels to other schools' Abhidhamma works.
The Abhidhamma Pitaka constitutes a distinctly Theravada compilation, exhibiting fewer parallels with the Abhidhamma literature of other early Buddhist schools.
What is the scholarly consensus regarding the relative age of the Vinaya and Sutta Pitakas compared to the Abhidhamma Pitaka?
Answer: The Vinaya and Sutta Pitakas are generally considered earlier.
Scholarly consensus typically posits that the Vinaya Pitaka and the Sutta Pitaka, particularly their earlier strata, predate the Abhidhamma Pitaka.
The teachings within the Pali Canon were initially preserved through written manuscripts immediately after the Buddha's passing.
Answer: False
Following the Buddha's passing, the teachings were initially preserved through oral recitation by the Sangha for several centuries before being committed to writing.
The Pali Canon was first written down in India during the First Buddhist Council.
Answer: False
The Pali Canon was first written down in Sri Lanka during the Fourth Buddhist Council in 29 BC, not in India during the First Buddhist Council.
The geographical settings described in the Pali Canon are primarily located in southern India.
Answer: False
The geographical settings described in the Pali Canon predominantly correspond to northeastern India, including regions like Kosala, Magadha, and Vajji, aligning with the historical context of the Buddha's life.
Linguists agree that the Pali language of the Canon is identical to the Magadhi language spoken by the Buddha.
Answer: False
While tradition equates Pali with Magadhi, linguistic analysis suggests Pali is closer to western Indian Prakrits and differs from extant examples of Magadhi, indicating a potential transposition of the original teachings.
The 'Calcutta-Bairat edict' of Ashoka provides evidence that some Pali Canon texts existed before his reign.
Answer: True
The 'Calcutta-Bairat edict' issued by Emperor Ashoka enumerates several texts identifiable within the Pali Canon, thereby substantiating the existence and fixation of these texts prior to Ashoka's reign (304–232 BC).
Ancient Pali manuscripts are abundant and well-preserved due to the favorable climate in Theravada countries.
Answer: False
The prevailing climatic conditions in many Theravada regions present significant challenges to the preservation of ancient manuscripts. Consequently, extant Pali manuscripts are scarce, with the oldest known examples dating from the late 15th century.
The Pali Canon avoids using Brahmanical terminology to distinguish itself from Hindu traditions.
Answer: False
The Pali Canon integrates numerous Brahmanical terms and concepts, serving dual purposes: to forge connections with Brahmanical beliefs and practices, and conversely, to draw unfavorable comparisons, thereby underscoring the distinctiveness of Buddhist teachings.
The Mahavamsa states the Pali Canon was written down in Burma during the reign of King Vattagamani.
Answer: False
The Mahavamsa chronicle asserts that the Pali Canon was committed to writing in Sri Lanka during the reign of King Vattagamani, not in Burma.
Scholars debate whether the Pali Canon accurately reflects the language spoken by the Buddha, with linguistic analysis suggesting it's closer to western Indian Prakrits.
Answer: True
A scholarly debate exists concerning the fidelity of the Pali Canon's language to the vernacular spoken by the Buddha. Linguistic analyses suggest Pali aligns more closely with western Indian Prakrits than with Magadhi, positing a potential transposition of the original teachings.
The Pali Canon's use of Brahmanical language helps establish connections with Brahmanical culture and highlight Buddhist distinctiveness.
Answer: True
The incorporation of Brahmanical language and concepts within the Pali Canon serves multifaceted purposes, including fostering common ground with Brahmanical culture and, through contrast, emphasizing the distinctiveness or perceived superiority of Buddhist doctrines.
According to tradition, when and where was the Pali Canon first committed to writing?
Answer: In Sri Lanka during the Fourth Buddhist Council in 29 BC.
Tradition holds that the Pali Canon was first committed to writing in Sri Lanka during the Fourth Buddhist Council, which convened in 29 BC.
According to linguistic analysis mentioned in the source, what is the relationship between Pali and Magadhi?
Answer: Pali is closer to western Indian Prakrits than Magadhi.
Linguistic studies suggest that the Pali language of the Canon bears a closer resemblance to western Indian Prakrits than to Magadhi, the language traditionally associated with the Buddha, positing a potential transposition of the original teachings.
The 'Calcutta-Bairat edict' of Emperor Ashoka provides evidence for what regarding the Pali Canon?
Answer: The existence of specific texts within the Canon before Ashoka's reign.
The 'Calcutta-Bairat edict' lists texts identifiable within the Pali Canon, demonstrating their circulation and recognition prior to Ashoka's rule.
The Pali Canon incorporates Brahmanical terms and concepts for what purposes?
Answer: To establish connections and sometimes draw unfavorable comparisons.
The Pali Canon utilizes Brahmanical terminology and concepts to engage with existing cultural frameworks, sometimes establishing connections and at other times highlighting contrasts to assert Buddhist distinctiveness.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a geographical area mentioned in the Pali Canon?
Answer: Gandhara
The Pali Canon frequently mentions geographical areas such as Kosala, Magadha, and Vajji, which were prominent in northeastern India during the Buddha's time. Gandhara, located further northwest, is less frequently referenced in this context.
The Theravada tradition views the Pali Canon as entirely composed by the Buddha and his immediate disciples, with no later additions.
Answer: False
While the Theravada tradition largely attributes the Canon to the Buddha and his disciples, it acknowledges that some parts, particularly in the Abhidhamma Pitaka, may include later additions or interpretations.
Scholars believe the earliest part of the Pali Canon consists mainly of verse works.
Answer: False
Most Western scholars posit that the earliest identifiable stratum of the Pali Canon primarily consists of prose works, such as the Vinaya and the first four Nikayas of the Sutta Pitaka.
Peter Harvey observed that the Pali Canon sometimes contains material contradicting later Theravada orthodoxy.
Answer: True
Scholar Peter Harvey noted that the Pali Canon includes material that occasionally conflicts with later Theravada orthodoxy, reflecting the conservative nature of text preservation.
Rupert Gethin views the history of Buddhism as an expansion upon the implications found in the earliest scriptures.
Answer: True
Rupert Gethin posits that the comprehensive trajectory of Buddhist history can be conceptualized as the progressive elaboration and application of the implications inherent in the earliest scriptural strata.
Richard Gombrich argues that the main teachings in the Vinaya and Sutta Pitaka were likely authored by a committee of Buddha's followers.
Answer: False
Richard Gombrich contends that the coherence and logical structure of the primary teachings within the Vinaya and Sutta Pitaka indicate their authorship by a singular individual, the Buddha, rather than a collective of disciples.
The Suttanipata is considered by some scholars to be the latest scripture within the Pali Canon.
Answer: False
Some scholars consider the Suttanipata to be among the earliest scriptures within the Pali Canon, not the latest.
Scholars generally agree that the earliest books of the Pali Canon contain no later additions.
Answer: False
Scholarly consensus generally acknowledges the potential inclusion of later additions within the early books of the Pali Canon, though the precise dating and scope of such accretions remain subjects of ongoing academic debate.
The inclusion of teachings attributed to disciples in the Pali Canon suggests it is a literal transcription of the Buddha's exact words.
Answer: False
The presence of teachings attributed to disciples, in addition to those ascribed to the Buddha, signifies that the Canon is understood as a compilation of teachings preserved by the community, rather than a verbatim transcription of the Buddha's pronouncements.
Which scholar argues that the main preachings in the Vinaya and Sutta Pitaka are likely the work of the Buddha himself?
Answer: Richard Gombrich
Richard Gombrich contends that the coherence and logical structure of the primary teachings within the Vinaya and Sutta Pitaka indicate their authorship by a singular individual, the Buddha, rather than a collective of disciples.
Which statement best reflects the scholarly view on the earliest stratum of the Pali Canon?
Answer: It primarily consists of prose works like the Vinaya and the first four Nikayas.
Scholarly consensus suggests that the earliest stratum of the Pali Canon is predominantly composed of prose works, including the Vinaya Pitaka and the first four Nikayas of the Sutta Pitaka.
Why might the Pali Canon contain material that sometimes conflicts with later Theravada orthodoxy, according to Peter Harvey?
Answer: Theravadins were generally conservative in preserving earlier material, despite potential additions.
Peter Harvey suggests that Theravada conservatism in preserving earlier texts, even with potential later additions or inconsistencies, accounts for the presence of material that may conflict with later orthodoxy.
What is the traditional Theravada view regarding the origin of the Pali Canon's content?
Answer: It originated from the Buddha and his immediate disciples, with minor later additions.
The traditional Theravada view attributes the content of the Pali Canon primarily to the Buddha and his immediate disciples, with the understanding that minor later additions may exist.
Buddhaghosa's Visuddhimagga is a primary source for the traditional Theravada interpretation of the Pali Canon.
Answer: True
Buddhaghosa's Visuddhimagga is a seminal work that comprehensively summarizes the traditional Theravada interpretation of the Pali Canon's doctrines.
Memorization and recitation are no longer considered important practices related to the Pali Canon since it exists in written form.
Answer: False
Memorization and recitation remain significant practices within Buddhist traditions related to the Pali Canon, serving as forms of meditation and knowledge transmission, even with its written form.
The first complete printed edition of the Pali Canon was published in Sri Lanka in the late 19th century.
Answer: False
The first complete printed edition of the Pali Canon, comprising 38 volumes, was published in Burma in 1900.
The Pali Text Society edition of the Canon is available in Roman script.
Answer: True
The Pali Text Society published a significant edition of the Pali Canon that is available in Roman script.
The term 'Buddhist Hybrid English' refers to a style of translation that is clear and accessible to a general audience.
Answer: False
'Buddhist Hybrid English' denotes a style of translation characterized by stylistic awkwardness, rendering it comprehensible predominantly to specialists in Buddhist studies rather than a general readership.
The Visuddhimagga, authored by Buddhaghosa, explains the Pali Canon and is based on earlier, lost materials.
Answer: True
Buddhaghosa's Visuddhimagga serves as a comprehensive explanation of the Pali Canon, drawing upon antecedent, now lost, source materials.
The website Sutta Central provides free access to new translations of the entire Pali Canon's five Nikayas.
Answer: True
The website Sutta Central offers open access to contemporary translations of the complete five Nikayas of the Pali Canon, released into the public domain by Bhikkhu Sujato.
The phrase 'Thus have I heard' traditionally opens suttas and signifies direct knowledge by the Buddha.
Answer: False
The phrase 'Thus have I heard' (evam me sutam) traditionally commences numerous suttas, signifying that the discourse was directly perceived by the disciple reciting it, commonly Ananda, and subsequently transmitted via the oral tradition.
Commentaries (Atthakatha) on the Pali Canon were compiled by monks like Buddhaghosa to explain the texts.
Answer: True
Commentaries (Atthakatha), compiled by figures such as Buddhaghosa, serve to explicate the Pali Canon, frequently drawing upon antecedent lost materials.
The Sixth Council Tipitaka edition, published in Burma, is noted for having numerous variant readings compared to the Thai edition.
Answer: False
The Sixth Council Tipitaka, published in Rangoon (1954-1956), is a significant edition presented in Burmese script, recognized for its relatively fewer variant readings compared to other editions and its utility as a foundation for subsequent electronic transcriptions.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Thus have I heard' (evam me sutam) in the Pali Canon?
Answer: It signifies the discourse was heard by the disciple reciting it, preserving the oral tradition.
The phrase 'Thus have I heard' (evam me sutam) traditionally commences numerous suttas, signifying that the discourse was directly perceived by the disciple reciting it, commonly Ananda, and subsequently transmitted via the oral tradition.
What is the Pali Text Society known for in relation to the Canon?
Answer: It published a significant edition of the Canon in Roman script.
The Pali Text Society edition of the Canon, published over several decades (1877-1927, with subsequent revisions), is notable for its availability in Roman script and comprises 57 volumes, inclusive of indices.
What is Buddhaghosa's Visuddhimagga?
Answer: A comprehensive summary of traditional Theravada interpretation of the Canon.
The Visuddhimagga is a foundational text in Theravada Buddhism, providing a systematic exposition of the path to purification based on the Pali Canon.
What is the significance of the Sutta Central website mentioned in the text?
Answer: It offers new, free translations of the Pali Canon's Nikayas.
Sutta Central provides open access to contemporary translations of the Pali Canon's Nikayas, facilitating broader study.
The first complete printed edition of the Pali Canon, published in 1900, was produced in which country?
Answer: Burma
The first complete printed edition of the Pali Canon, comprising 38 volumes, was published in Burma in 1900.
What criticism is associated with the term 'Buddhist Hybrid English'?
Answer: It is stylistically awkward and mainly comprehensible to specialists.
'Buddhist Hybrid English' denotes a style of translation characterized by stylistic awkwardness, rendering it comprehensible predominantly to specialists in Buddhist studies rather than a general readership.