Buddhist Principles

30 Grade 8 Religious Education (HRE) questions on Buddhist Principles, with worked marking schemes. 30 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   A monk teaches young Buddhists that the first of the Buddha's core teachings is the recognition that life involves dukkha. What does 'dukkha' mean?

   A. Joy

   B. Suffering

   C. Wealth

   D. Silence

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   A learner meditates daily to calm and steady her mind for study. Which element of the Eightfold Path is she developing?

   A. Right Livelihood

   B. Right Action

   C. Right Concentration

   D. Right Speech

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   The core teaching of the Buddha about suffering is summarised in the:

   A. Three Gunas

   B. Five Vedas

   C. Ten Commandments

   D. Four Noble Truths

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   4 marks

   Describe how the Buddhist principle of impermanence (anicca) can help a person cope with loss or change.

   (4 marks)

   Marking scheme

   4 marks: impermanence teaches that all things are constantly changing (1); nothing lasts forever, including pleasure and pain (1); understanding this reduces excessive attachment/clinging (1); therefore a person can accept loss with calm and inner peace rather than despair (1).

5. Question 5

   1 mark

   The Third Noble Truth teaches that:

   A. Suffering can be brought to an end

   B. Suffering is permanent

   C. Suffering has no cause

   D. Craving should be increased

   (1 mark)

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6. Question 6

   6 marks

   A Grade 8 class visits a Buddhist temple where the monk teaches them that suffering can be ended by following a balanced way of life rather than extreme luxury or extreme self-denial.

   (a) State the name Buddhists give to this balanced way of life. (2 marks)

   (b) Outline the Four Noble Truths taught by the Buddha. (4 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) The Middle Path (Majjhima Patipada / Middle Way). (2 marks) (b) The Four Noble Truths (1 mark each = 4 marks): 1. There is suffering (Dukkha) in life. 2. Suffering has a cause, which is craving/desire (Samudaya/Tanha). 3. Suffering can be ended/ceased (Nirodha). 4. There is a path that leads to the end of suffering, the Noble Eightfold Path (Magga). (4 marks)

7. Question 7

   1 mark

   Which of the following is the FIRST of the Four Noble Truths?

   A. Life involves suffering (dukkha)

   B. Suffering can be ended

   C. Craving causes suffering

   D. There is a path out of suffering

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   6 marks

   A visiting Buddhist monk tells your class that the Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths after his enlightenment, and that following the Eightfold Path leads to the end of suffering.

   (a) State the First Noble Truth taught by the Buddha. (2 marks)

   (b) The Eightfold Path includes 'Right Speech'. Give TWO examples of practising Right Speech. (4 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) The First Noble Truth is Dukkha: that life contains suffering/unsatisfactoriness (birth, sickness, old age, death and not getting what one wants all involve suffering). (2 marks) (b) Any TWO of: telling the truth and avoiding lies; avoiding harsh or hurtful words; not engaging in gossip or slander; avoiding idle/useless chatter; speaking words that are kind and helpful. (2 marks each = 4 marks)

9. Question 9

   1 mark

   The Buddhist principle of ahimsa emphasises:

   A. Daily meditation

   B. Giving generously to the poor

   C. Regular fasting

   D. Non-violence and non-harming of living things

   (1 mark)

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10. Question 10

    1 mark

    'Right Effort' in Buddhist practice mainly involves:

    A. Physical exercise

    B. Working long hours for money

    C. Attending many ceremonies

    D. Working to overcome negative thoughts and cultivate good ones

    (1 mark)

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11. Question 11

    1 mark

    While studying the Four Noble Truths, Kavita learns that the Buddha taught a practical way to end suffering made up of eight connected practices. What is this path called?

    A. The Five Precepts

    B. The Three Jewels

    C. The Noble Eightfold Path

    D. The Middle Doctrine of Karma

    (1 mark)

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12. Question 12

    4 marks

    A Grade 8 learner is angry because a classmate broke his pen. Using two Buddhist principles, advise him on how to respond.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any 2 explained (2 marks each): compassion/loving-kindness - forgive and understand it may have been accidental; ahimsa/non-violence - avoid revenge or fighting; Right Speech - talk calmly instead of insulting; overcoming craving/attachment - not being controlled by attachment to the object.

13. Question 13

    1 mark

    Which pair of qualities is MOST emphasised in Buddhist principles as the way to treat all living beings?

    A. Ambition and pride

    B. Wealth and status

    C. Silence and fasting

    D. Compassion and loving-kindness

    (1 mark)

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14. Question 14

    6 marks

    Explain three Buddhist principles that promote peaceful coexistence in a Kenyan school community.

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any 3 explained (2 marks each): ahimsa/non-violence - resolving disputes without fighting; compassion (karuna) - caring for classmates in need; Right Speech - avoiding gossip, insults and lies; loving-kindness (metta) - treating everyone with goodwill; honesty/Right Action - not stealing or cheating.

15. Question 15

    1 mark

    According to the Second Noble Truth, the main cause of suffering is:

    A. Craving and attachment

    B. Lack of wealth

    C. Old age

    D. Ignorance of the Vedas

    (1 mark)

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16. Question 16

    4 marks

    State the Four Noble Truths taught by the Buddha.

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    4 marks (1 each): (1) there is suffering (dukkha) in life; (2) suffering is caused by craving/desire and attachment; (3) suffering can be ended (by removing craving); (4) the way to end suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path.

17. Question 17

    1 mark

    A Buddhist teacher tells learners that the cause of suffering, according to the Second Noble Truth, is craving and attachment. Which term names this craving?

    A. Nirvana

    B. Tanha

    C. Karuna

    D. Metta

    (1 mark)

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18. Question 18

    1 mark

    At a Buddhist temple, students hear devotees take refuge in three things: the Buddha, his teaching (Dhamma), and the community of monks (Sangha). These three are collectively known as the:

    A. Four Noble Truths

    B. Three Jewels (Triratna)

    C. Five Precepts

    D. Three Vedas

    (1 mark)

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19. Question 19

    1 mark

    'Right Mindfulness' encourages a person to:

    A. Forget the past completely

    B. Focus only on future rewards

    C. Ignore one's feelings

    D. Be fully aware of one's thoughts, words and actions in the present

    (1 mark)

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20. Question 20

    1 mark

    Which statement BEST captures the Buddhist attitude towards greed and craving?

    A. They only affect the wealthy

    B. They are unrelated to happiness

    C. They should be reduced because they lead to suffering

    D. They should be encouraged for progress

    (1 mark)

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21. Question 21

    1 mark

    A monk visiting the school explains that the Buddha's core teaching begins with recognising that life involves suffering, and that there is a path to end it. These central teachings are summarised in the:

    A. Ten Commandments

    B. Four Noble Truths

    C. Five Pillars

    D. Three Jewels

    (1 mark)

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22. Question 22

    3 marks

    Give three ways in which practising Right Livelihood benefits the wider community.

    (3 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any 3 (1 mark each): people are protected from harmful or dishonest trade; honesty builds trust in business; violence/exploitation is reduced; resources are used ethically; a peaceful and just society is promoted; consumers are not cheated.

23. Question 23

    1 mark

    'Right Speech' in the Noble Eightfold Path would require a learner to:

    A. Speak only in temples

    B. Remain completely silent

    C. Speak only to elders

    D. Avoid lying, gossip and harsh words

    (1 mark)

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24. Question 24

    1 mark

    Ananya learns that the Buddha taught a practical way to end suffering through right understanding, right speech, right action and other steps. This guide to ethical living is called the:

    A. Eightfold Path

    B. Path of Devotion

    C. Four Vedas

    D. Three Refuges

    (1 mark)

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25. Question 25

    5 marks

    List any five factors of the Noble Eightfold Path.

    (5 marks)

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26. Question 26

    6 marks

    Explain three challenges a young person in Kenya may face when trying to practise Buddhist principles such as non-violence and honesty.

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any 3 explained (2 marks each): peer pressure to fight or take revenge; temptation to cheat/steal for quick gain; a materialistic culture that promotes greed; ridicule from others for being 'too soft'; anger and difficulty controlling emotions; dishonest role models in society.

27. Question 27

    1 mark

    The practical way the Buddha taught for ending suffering is called the:

    A. Fourfold Duty

    B. Path of Sacrifice

    C. Noble Eightfold Path

    D. Middle Vedic Path

    (1 mark)

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28. Question 28

    1 mark

    A trader in a Kenyan market decides to earn his living honestly, avoiding cheating and selling harmful goods. Which part of the Eightfold Path does this reflect?

    A. Right Speech

    B. Right Effort

    C. Right Livelihood

    D. Right View

    (1 mark)

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29. Question 29

    1 mark

    A student refuses to buy a cheap answer sheet before an exam, saying it would be 'wrong action'. Which element of the Eightfold Path is he applying?

    A. Right Concentration

    B. Right Action

    C. Right View

    D. Right Mindfulness

    (1 mark)

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30. Question 30

    1 mark

    John notices a Buddhist teaching that everything in life is constantly changing and nothing lasts forever. This principle is known as:

    A. Rebirth

    B. Impermanence (anicca)

    C. Karma

    D. Enlightenment

    (1 mark)

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