Q1. Which of the following is correctly matched?
| Event in Buddha’s Life | Place |
| 1. First Sermon | Sarnath |
| 2. Mahaparinirvana | Kushinagar |
| 3. Enlightenment | Lumbini |
| 4. Birth | Bodh Gaya |
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q1. (A) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Pair 1: First Sermon — Sarnath (Correct)
- After attaining enlightenment, the Buddha delivered his first sermon at Sarnath.
- This event is called Dharmachakra Pravartana (“Turning of the Wheel of Dharma”).
Pair 2: Mahaparinirvana — Kushinagar (Correct)
- The Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana at Kushinagar around the age of 80.
Pair 3: Enlightenment — Lumbini (Incorrect)
- Enlightenment was attained under the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya.
- Lumbini is associated with his birth.
Pair 4: Birth — Bodh Gaya (Incorrect)
- Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama.
Q2. The first sermon of Gautama Buddha is known as:
A) Mahaparinibbana Sutta
B) Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
C) Sigalovada Sutta
D) Satipatthana Sutta
Q2. (B) Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
Explanation:
- “Dhammacakkappavattana” means Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dharma.
- This discourse marks the formal beginning of Buddhist teaching.
Key Teachings in the Sermon:
- Four Noble Truths
- Middle Path
- Noble Eightfold Path
Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
- Mahaparinibbana Sutta describes the Buddha’s final days.
- Sigalovada Sutta deals with ethics and household duties.
- Satipatthana Sutta focuses on mindfulness meditation.
Q3. The Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta was delivered to:
A) Emperor Ashoka
B) Five ascetics (Panchavargiya Bhikkhus)
C) Ananda and Mahakashyapa
D) Merchants Tapassu and Bhallika
Q3. (B) Five ascetics (Panchavargiya Bhikkhus)
Explanation:
- The sermon was delivered to the Buddha’s former companions who had practiced austerities with him.
The Five Ascetics:
- Kondanna
- Vappa
- Bhaddiya
- Mahanama
- Assaji
Historical Importance:
- Kondanna became the first monk to understand the Buddha’s teaching.
- This marked the beginning of the Buddhist Sangha.
Q4. Which of the following teachings were first expounded in the Buddha’s first sermon?
- Four Noble Truths
- Middle Path
- Noble Eightfold Path
- Doctrine of Anatta (Non-Self)
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 2 and 4 only
D) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q4. (B) 1, 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Included in the First Sermon:
- Four Noble Truths
- Existence of suffering (Dukkha)
- Cause of suffering (Samudaya)
- Cessation of suffering (Nirodha)
- Path to cessation (Magga)
- Middle Path
- Avoidance of both extreme asceticism and indulgence.
- Noble Eightfold Path
- Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration.
Not Included:
- Anatta (Non-Self) was elaborated later in the Anattalakkhana Sutta.
Q5. Which Buddhist Council was convened under the patronage of Ashoka?
A) First Buddhist Council
B) Second Buddhist Council
C) Third Buddhist Council
D) Fourth Buddhist Council
Q5. (C) Third Buddhist Council
Explanation:
- Held at Pataliputra around 250 BCE.
- Convened by Emperor Ashoka.
- Presided over by Moggaliputta Tissa.
Major Outcomes:
- Purification of the Sangha by removing doctrinal deviations.
- Compilation of the Kathavatthu, an Abhidhamma text.
- Dispatch of Buddhist missionaries to Sri Lanka, Central Asia, and West Asia.
Important Mission:
- Ashoka’s son Mahinda introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka.
