- 1. Buddhism plays a significant role in the cultural and spiritual life of Thailand. With a majority of the population practicing Theravada Buddhism, the country is adorned with beautiful temples and statues of the Buddha. Monks are highly respected and play a central role in society, offering spiritual guidance and participating in various rituals and ceremonies. The practice of meditation is also deeply ingrained in Thai Buddhist tradition, with many retreat centers and monasteries offering training in mindfulness and inner peace. Overall, Buddhism in Thailand serves as a guiding light for many, promoting compassion, wisdom, and the pursuit of inner enlightenment.
Who is considered the founder of Buddhism?
A) Confucius
B) Dalai Lama
C) Siddhartha Gautama
D) Bodhidharma
- 2. What is the ultimate goal in Buddhism known as?
A) Dharma
B) Karma
C) Nirvana
D) Samsara
- 3. What is a common form of meditation practiced in Thai Buddhism?
A) Metta
B) Zazen
C) Vipassana
D) Samatha
- 4. What is the traditional gesture of greeting in Thailand called?
A) Sawasdee
B) Wai
C) Suk San Wan Songkran
D) Namaste
- 5. What is the holiest temple in Thailand that houses the Emerald Buddha?
A) Wat Arun
B) Wat Pho
C) Wat Phra Kaew
D) Wat Benchamabophit
- 6. What is the Thai term for a Buddhist monk?
A) Monkai
B) Pra
C) Phra
D) Monkarat
- 7. In Thai culture, what day of the week is associated with the color yellow, symbolizing Buddhism?
A) Saturday
B) Sunday
C) Monday
D) Wednesday
- 8. What is the Thai Buddhist tradition of giving alms to monks called?
A) Songkran
B) Kathina
C) Tak Bat
D) Loi Krathong
- 9. What is the Thai New Year festival called, during which water fights are common?
A) Chakri Day
B) Visakha Bucha
C) Loi Krathong
D) Songkran
- 10. What is the title of the Supreme Patriarch of Thai Buddhism?
A) Lama
B) Venerable
C) Abbot
D) Sangharaja
- 11. What is the Thai term for a Buddhist temple?
A) Wat
B) Chedi
C) Pagoda
D) Stupa
- 12. Which famous Thai monk is known for his teaching of Dhammakaya meditation?
A) Maha Bua
B) Luang Pu Sodh Candasaro
C) Luang Por Thong
D) Ajahn Chah
- 13. What is the five-day retreat observed by monks during the rainy season called?
A) Kathina
B) Vassa
C) Loi Krathong
D) Songkran
- 14. What is the former name of Thailand before its independence?
A) Cambodia
B) Siam
C) Laos
D) Burma
- 15. What is the largest statue of a reclining Buddha in Thailand known as?
A) Wat Benchamabophit
B) Wat Phra Keaw
C) Wat Arun
D) Wat Pho
- 16. What is the predominant religion in Thailand?
A) Buddhism
B) Islam
C) Hinduism
D) Christianity
- 17. Which branch of Buddhism is primarily practiced in Thailand?
A) Mahayana
B) Vajrayana
C) Theravada
D) Zen
- 18. What is the traditional color of Buddhist robes worn by monks in Thailand?
A) Saffron
B) Yellow
C) Red
D) White
- 19. What is the official language used in Thai Buddhist ceremonies and scripture?
A) English
B) Thai
C) Sanskrit
D) Pali
- 20. Which symbol represents the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in Buddhism?
A) Wheel of Dharma
B) Vajra
C) Lotus Flower
D) Bodhi Tree
- 21. What is the name of the spiritual tattooing tradition in Thailand practiced by Buddhist monks?
A) Sak Yant
B) Yant Grao Paetch
C) Thakrud
D) Ha Taew
- 22. Which Thai king is credited with establishing Buddhism as the state religion of Thailand?
A) King Bhumibol Adulyadej
B) King Chulalongkorn
C) King Mongkut
D) King Rama I
- 23. What is the significance of the Bodhi tree in Buddhism?
A) It is a popular tree in Thai gardens
B) It symbolizes Nirvana
C) It is used for making sacred charms
D) It is the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment
- 24. Which literary work is considered the Thai national epic and has themes related to Buddhism?
A) Ramakien
B) Jataka Tales
C) Mahabharata
D) Tripitaka
- 25. What does the lotus flower symbolize in Thai Buddhism?
A) Peace and harmony
B) Growth and prosperity
C) Purity and enlightenment
D) Eternal beauty
- 26. Who is considered the founder of Thai massage, a practice with roots in Buddhist healthcare traditions?
A) Wat Pho
B) Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha
C) King Rama IX
D) Phra Acharn Dr. Therd Phra Acharn Thawn
- 27. What is the traditional Thai dance-drama which often showcases stories from the Jataka tales?
A) Lakorn
B) Likay Nai
C) Likay
D) Khon
- 28. Which river in Bangkok is famous for its role in Thai history and is often used for traditional ceremonies?
A) Chao Phraya River
B) Mae Klong River
C) Nan River
D) Ping River
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