Buddhism

Total Questions: 138

121. Out of two statement below first is Assertion (A) and second is Reason (R), carefully read both statements - [41st B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996]

Assertion (A) : Till the end of twelfth century Nalanda Mahavihara lost its glory
Reason (R) : State protection ceased to be available to Mahavihara.
With respect to the above-mentioned two statements, which of the following is true ?

Correct Answer: (a) (A) and (R) both are true, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Solution:In ancient India, Nalanda was a famous centre of Buddhist learning and University as well. It was located at Rajgriha (at present Rajgir) in Bihar. Nalanda University came into existence during the period of Guptas.

By the end of the twelfth century, Mahavihara waned due to Muslim invasion. The importance of Nalanda started declining due to the Pala rulers of Bengal as they started giving protection to Vikramshila University.

122. 'Nav Nalanda Mahavihar' is famous for - [48ᵗʰ to 52nd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2008]

Correct Answer: (c) Pali Research Centre
Solution:Nav Nalanda Mahavihar is a modern Pali and Buddhist reserach centre. Its foundation stone was laid on 20 November, 1951.

123. Which of the following were common to both Buddhism and Jainism ? [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 1996]

1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas
3. Denial of efficiency of rituals
4. Non-injury to animal life
Select the answer using the code given below :
Code :

Correct Answer: (b) 2, 3 and 4
Solution:The avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment was a trait in Buddhism, not in Jainism. While denail of the efficiency of rituals, indifference to the authority of Vedas and injury to animals are prohibited by both religions. Both of them followed the path of Ahimsa.

124. With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism ? [U.P.S.C. (Pre) 2012]

1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment.
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas.
3. denial of the efficiency of rituals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Correct Answer: (b) Only 2 and 3
Solution:The avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment was a trait in Buddhism, not in Jainism. While denail of the efficiency of rituals, indifference to the authority of Vedas and injury to animals are prohibited by both religions. Both of them followed the path of Ahimsa.

125. Which one of the following is not common between Buddhism and Jainism ? [44ᵗʰ B.P.S.C. (Pre) 2000]

Correct Answer: (c) Self-mortification
Solution:The avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment was a trait in Buddhism, not in Jainism. While denail of the efficiency of rituals, indifference to the authority of Vedas and injury to animals are prohibited by both religions. Both of them followed the path of Ahimsa.

126. Lord Buddha preached the following four noble truths. Put them in correct order using the codes given below : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006]

A. There is suffering.
B. There is a cessation of suffering.
C. There is a path leading to the cessation of suffering.
D. There is the cause of suffering.
Code :

Correct Answer: (a) ADBC
Solution:After attaining enlightenment, to preach his thoughts, Gautama Buddha arrived at Rishipattan (Sarnath), where he delivered his sermon to five Brahmans. It is also known as Dharmachakra Pravartana. The sermon was related to sufferings, the cause of suffering and its solution.

The concept of eight-fold path forms the theme of 'Dharma Chakra Pravarana Sutta' which means sermon of the turning of the wheel of law. He prescribed 'Noble Eightfold Path' and 'Four Noble Truths' which were accepted as basic tenets by all Buddhist sects.
The four noble truths in chronological order are as follows -
i. There is suffering.
ii. There is the cause of suffering.
iii. There is a cessation of suffering.
iv. There is a path leading to the cessation of suffering.

127. Both Jainism and Buddhism believe that : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1996]

Correct Answer: (a) Philosophy of Karma and transmigration of soul were correct
Solution:Both Buddhism and Jainism believe in the concept of Karma, which states that our past actions affect our present and future life. One could do evil in this life and be reborn as a worm in the next life.

Similarly, afflictions in this life are often explained away as the effect of Karma of a previous life (or from misdeeds earlier in this life). Both of them believe in the philosophy of Karma and rebirth.

128. According to philosophy of Buddhism : [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2006]

Assertion (A) : Rejected the concept of Rebirth.
Reason (R) : Soul is mortal.
Choose the correct option :

Correct Answer: (d) (A) is untrue, but (R) is true.
Solution:Pratiyasamutpada is the essence of Buddhist teachings. The invincibility of Vedas and immortalization of soul propounded by Brahmin Grantha's was inadmissible in Buddhism. Even though they rejected the immortalization theory of soul, they accepted the principle of rebirth and theory of Karma.

According to them, life originates due to the causes of various preconditions which are interdependent. One type of state comes into being as a result of another previous state.

129. Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct about Buddhism ? [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 1998]

1. It did not reject caste and class.
2. It challenged highest social ranked Brahmins.
3. It pointed certain castes as low.
Choose the correct answer from the code given below
Code :

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 3
Solution:Although Buddhism had accepted the caste system up to some extent but they challenged the social rank of Brahmins who were at the top during that period. In Buddhism, some of the castes were places as low.

130. The reason included in the expansion of Buddhism - [U.P.P.C.S. (Pre) 2009]

1. The simplicity of religion
2. Special appeal towards Dalits
3. Missionary concept of religion
4. Regional language
5. The soundness of Vedic spirit by Philosophers -
Code :

Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Solution:The main reason for the spread of Buddhism was its simplicity. Its eight-fold path known as 'Arya-Satya' and concept of non-violence were simple and understandable by the common people.

Buddha spread his message in the simple language or the language of common people. Buddhism did not believe in caste-distinctions. The non-Brahmins, particularly Dalits were attracted by the simplicity of Buddhism. The also followed the missionary concept.