Buddhism was founded in the 6th century BC by Gautam Buddha, the "Light of Asia", as a reform movement against ritualism and the caste system. Born a prince at Lumbini, he renounced the world, attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya, and preached the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path as the middle way to end suffering. These notes cover Buddha's life, his teachings, the four Buddhist Councils, literature, symbols, and the major sects.
Buddhism began in India over 2,600 years ago as a way of life that could transform a person, and grew into one of the major religions of South and South-East Asia.
By what title is Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, popularly known?
Which name means 'sage of the Shakya clan'?
The childhood name of Gautam Buddha was .
Buddha was also known as , meaning 'one who has attained the truth'.
Gautam Buddha was born a prince of the Shakya clan, and his family details are a very high-yield exam topic.
In which year was Gautam Buddha born?
Who was the father of Gautam Buddha?
Buddha was born at near Kapilavastu in present-day Nepal.
Buddha's foster-mother who gave him the title 'Gautam' was .
The turning points of Buddha's life — his renunciation, enlightenment, first sermon, and death — form the core of the chapter and are best remembered as a journey.
At what age did Buddha leave his palace in the Great Renunciation?
Buddha attained Enlightenment under which tree at Bodh Gaya?
Buddha attained Enlightenment at the age of at Bodh Gaya.
The term for Buddha's Great Renunciation is .
Buddha's first sermon and his death are landmark events, each linked to a specific place that examiners love to ask.
Where did Buddha deliver his First Sermon?
At which place did Buddha attain Mahaparinirvana in 483 BC?
Buddha's First Sermon at Sarnath is called Dharmachakra Pravartana or the Turning of the Wheel of .
Buddha gave his maximum sermons at .
Each major event of Buddha's life is represented by a symbol — a classic match-the-following exam table.
| Event | Symbol |
|---|---|
| Birth | Lotus and Bull |
| Great Departure / Renunciation | Horse |
| Enlightenment (Nirvana) | Bodhi (Pipal) Tree |
| First Sermon (Dharmachakra Pravartana) | Wheel (the Noble Path) |
| Death (Mahaparinirvana) | Stupa and Footprint |
Which symbol represents Buddha's Enlightenment (Nirvana)?
The Wheel symbolises which event of Buddha's life?
The Great Departure or Renunciation of Buddha is symbolised by the .
Buddha's Death (Mahaparinirvana) is symbolised by the Stupa and the .
The Four Noble Truths are the foundation of all Buddhist teaching — they diagnose suffering and prescribe the path out of it.
According to the Four Noble Truths, what is the cause of suffering?
By following what path can desire be conquered according to the Four Noble Truths?
The first Noble Truth states that the world is full of suffering, called .
Suffering can be ended by conquering desire, a state called .
Buddha prescribed the Eightfold Path as the middle way between extreme indulgence and extreme austerity; it must be followed in Buddhism.
| # | Path (Samyak) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Samyak Dristi | Right Understanding / View |
| 2 | Samyak Sankalpa | Right Resolve / Thought |
| 3 | Samyak Vani | Right Speech |
| 4 | Samyak Karma | Right Action |
| 5 | Samyak Ajiv | Right Living / Livelihood |
| 6 | Samyak Vyayam | Right Efforts |
| 7 | Samyak Smriti | Right Mindfulness / Thought |
| 8 | Samyak Samadhi | Right Self-Concentration |
The Eightfold Path is also known as?
In the Eightfold Path, 'Samyak Dristi' means?
Buddha prescribed the Eightfold Path as the way between indulgence and austerity.
In the Eightfold Path, Samyak Vani means Right .
After Buddha's death, monks gathered four times to compile his teachings and settle disputes — the place, ruler, and presiding monk of each council are extremely high-yield.
| Council | Year / Place | Ruler (Patron) | President / Chairman |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Council | 483 BC — Rajgir (Rajagriha) | Ajatashatru | Mahakassapa |
| Second Council | 383 BC — Vaishali | Kalasoka | Sabakami (Sabbakami) |
| Third Council | 250 BC — Pataliputra | Ashoka | Moggaliputta Tissa |
| Fourth Council | 72 AD — Kashmir (Kundalvan) | Kanishka | Vasumitra (Vice-Chairman: Ashwaghosha) |
Where was the First Buddhist Council held in 483 BC?
During which council did Buddhism split into Mahayana and Hinayana?
The Third Buddhist Council at Pataliputra was held under the patronage of .
The First Buddhist Council was chaired (presided over) by .
Buddhist scriptures were commonly written in the Pali language and are collectively called the Tripitaka.
In which language are the Tripitaka written?
Which Pitaka deals with the rules of discipline for Buddhist monasteries?
The largest Pitaka, a collection of Buddha's sermons, is the .
The Buddhist scriptures collectively called the Three Baskets of Wisdom are the .
After the Fourth Council, Buddhism divided into major vehicles (yanas), each with its own approach and regions of influence.
Which sect of Buddhism believes in idol worship of Buddha and Bodhisattvas?
Which Buddhist sect is known as the 'Thunderbolt Vehicle' relying on tantra and magic?
The sect of Buddhism meaning 'Lesser Vehicle' that follows the original teachings of Buddha is .
The Buddhist tradition that developed mainly in Japan and China is .
A quick fact-bank of the most repeated one-liners about Buddha and Buddhism.
Which is NOT one of the four holy places of Buddhism?
The Sangha, Dhamma and Buddha together form what?
Buddha's enlightenment tree is the (Bodhi) tree.
Among the four holy places, Sarnath is associated with Buddha's first .
Take 5 questions at a time — tap an option to check. After each round, revise the notes above and take the retest for 5 fresh questions, until you've mastered the whole chapter.