The question asks for the specific Buddhist term for suffering, which is considered an inherent part of human existence. To answer this, one needs to recall the fundamental concepts of Buddhist philosophy, particularly the Four Noble Truths.
Correct Option: C) Dukkha is the Buddhist term that directly translates to suffering, unsatisfactoriness, or unease, and is considered intrinsic to human existence as per the First Noble Truth.
The question asks about the last words of Buddha to his followers. This is a factual question related to Buddhist tradition and teachings. To answer correctly, one needs to recall the core tenets of Buddha's final message.
Correct Option: C) Be lamps unto yourselves as all of you must work out your own liberation
This option accurately reflects Buddha's final message, often summarized as "Be your own light" or "Be a lamp unto yourselves" (Atta deepo bhava). He emphasized that individuals must strive for their own salvation and not rely solely on external authority or guidance. This teaching underscores the importance of self-effort, mindfulness, and wisdom in achieving enlightenment.
The question asks to identify the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni (a fully ordained female monastic in Buddhism). This requires knowledge of early Buddhist history and key figures.
Mahapajapati Gotami was the Buddha's maternal aunt and foster mother. After the death of her sister, Queen Maya, she raised Siddhartha Gautama. Later, she approached the Buddha multiple times, requesting permission for women to join the monastic order. Initially, the Buddha was hesitant, but through the intercession of Ananda, his chief attendant, he eventually agreed to ordain women. Mahapajapati Gotami was the first woman to be ordained as a bhikkhuni, thus establishing the bhikkhuni sangha.
The question asks about a specific historical event in Buddhism: who played a crucial role in convincing Buddha to allow women into the monastic order (sangha). This requires knowledge of the Buddha's life and the early history of the Buddhist sangha.
B) Ananda was the one who persuaded the Buddha to allow women into the sangha, specifically advocating for Mahapajapati Gotami and other women.
The question asks for the specific term used in Buddhism for respected women who achieved liberation. This requires knowledge of Buddhist terminology related to its monastic orders and spiritual attainments.
D) Theris: In Buddhism, particularly in the Theravada tradition, "Theri" (feminine of Thera) refers to a respected senior nun or a female monastic who has attained a high level of spiritual realization, often liberation (arahantship). The collection of poems by these enlightened women is known as the Therigatha, meaning "Verses of the Elder Nuns."
The question asks about the origin of the 'Therigatha', a significant Buddhist scripture. To answer this, one needs to recall the historical context and authorship of early Buddhist texts.
C) Bhikkhunis (Buddhist nuns). The 'Therigatha' is a unique collection of verses composed by and attributed to the early Buddhist nuns, reflecting their spiritual journeys and experiences.