Question 1

In its teaching about the sacred, Theravada Buddhism is __________.

Accepted Answer

Theravada Buddhism is atheistic, as it does not believe in a personal God or gods who control the universe or intervene in human affairs. Instead, it emphasizes individual enlightenment through the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Question 2

Outline Theravada Buddhist tradition using the "framework for understanding" developed in Chapter 1. Then write a letter to a friend who wants to understand this worldview, explaining why it makes sense in the twenty-first century.

Accepted Answer

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Question 3

According to Theravada Buddhist teaching, all reality is __________.

Accepted Answer

According to Theravada Buddhist teaching, all reality is impermanent or anicca. This is one of the three characteristics of existence, along with dukkha (suffering) and anatta (non-self). Theravada Buddhism emphasizes the importance of recognizing the impermanent and changing nature of all phenomena in order to develop insight and wisdom.

Question 4

Discuss this assertion: Since Buddhism teaches that "all is suffering," it provides no incentive to work for justice in this world.

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

The Buddha taught that "all is impermanent." Human biologists tell us that all the cells in our bodies are replaced every six months. Physical chemistry shows that every "solid" object really is a conglomeration of constantly moving atoms in the gravitational pull of a constantly moving planet, which is orbiting a moving Sun in a continuously moving galaxy. Are scientists saying essentially the same thing as the Buddha? How would you evaluate the commonalities and differences between contemporary science and the teaching of the Buddha.

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

Explain and defend the following claim: Theravada Buddhism is "atheistic," but not in the sense this term is commonly understood.

Accepted Answer

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Question 7

Summarize the Buddha's "Parable of the Mustard Seed" and discuss how it expresses the heart of the Four Noble Truths.

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

In the twenty-first century Theravada Buddhism has begun to revive in __________, where it had almost vanished.

Accepted Answer

Theravada Buddhism, which had almost vanished in India, the country of its origin, has begun to revive in the twenty-first century. This is due to efforts by various Buddhist groups to re-establish the presence of Buddhism in India, where it had declined after the 12th century due to the rise of Hinduism and Islam.

Question 9

After the age of destruction in the current cosmic cycle, Buddhists believe that __________ will usher in a new age of cosmic harmony.

Accepted Answer

According to Buddhist beliefs, Maitreya is the future Buddha who will appear on Earth after the current teachings of Siddhartha Gautama have been forgotten, and will usher in a new age of cosmic harmony.

Question 10

Evaluate the following assertion: Siddartha Gautama's "great renunciation" involved a callous abandonment of his wife and child. He shirked his duty to them to pursue his own selfish desire for spiritual enlightenment. On these grounds alone, we should reject the teachings he left behind.

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

What is your assessment of the Theravada Buddhist idea that, when it comes to finding spiritual truth, we are on our own?

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

Describe the three major turning points in the life of Siddhartha Gautama (according to the religious biography accepted by his followers).

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

After the age of destruction in the current cosmic cycle, according to Theravada teaching, a new Buddha, known as __________, will usher in a new age of cosmic harmony.

Accepted Answer

According to Theravada teaching, after the age of destruction, a new Buddha known as Maitreya will appear and bring about a new age of cosmic harmony. The other options (A) Arjuna, (B) Ashoka the Great, (C) Mahatma, and (E) Prajapati are not believed to be the name of the future Buddha in Theravada Buddhism.

Question 14

Why is it wrong to speak of nirvana as a "Buddhist heaven"?

Accepted Answer

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Question 15

Draw on the Buddha's Four Noble Truths to explain the distinctive teachings of Theravada Buddhism.

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Compare and contrast the Theravada Buddhist and Hindu teachings, using the "framework for understanding" developed in Chapter 1. Which religious worldview do you prefer? Why?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 4: Theravada Buddhism The Middle Way