1. THE SIXTY ARAHATS

1. Who was the sixth disciple of the Buddha? Yasa, a rich man's son was His sixth disciple.

2. How was he converted? Disgusted of the world, he ran away from his house at night without informing anyone. Meeting the Buddha, he heard the Dhamma and became an Arahat.

3. What happened to his father? His father became the first lay-follower (Upasaka) who sought refuge in the Triple Gem.

4. What happened to his mother and wife? They became the Buddha's first Upasikas who sought refuge in the Triple Gem.

5. Had Yasa any friends? He had fifty-four noble friends.

6. Were they also converted? Yes, they too heard the Dhamma and became Arahats.

7. How many Arahats were there in the world then besides the Buddha? There were altogether sixty Arahats in the world.

8. Did the Buddha found any new Order? With these sixty Arahats the Buddha founded the Noble Order of the Sangha.

9. What was the advice of the Buddha to them? "Go forth. O Bhikkus, for the good of the many preach the Dhamma for the happiness of the many. Proclaim the Holy Life.

10. What did these first missionaries do? They went alone in various directions to preach to Dhamma.

11. What did the Buddha do? The Buddha also went alone on foot to preach His new Dhamma.

12. How long did the Buddha's ministry last? Forty-five years.

13. Was His ministry a success? His ministry was the most successful and longest of all the religious teachers.

14. What were the causes of His success? His noble personality, the greatness of the Dhamma and the methods used to teach the Dhamma.

15. Had He many supporters? Yes. He had many supporters like Kosala, King Bimbisara. Anathapindika, and Visakha.

16. Had He any opponents? Yes, Devadatta, His own cousin and pupil was His chief opponent.

17. Had He any oppositions? Yes, He had oppositions from rival sects, but He faced them bravely.

18. Whose kingdom did the Buddha visit first? The kingdom of King Bimbisara.

19. What did the Buddha preach there? The Buddha preached the Maha Narada Kasapa Jataka.

20. Was the King converted? Yes, the King became a Sotapanna.

21. Did the King make any offering? The King offered the Bamboo Grove (Veluvanarama) to the Buddha and the Sangha.

2. THE FIRST TWO DISCIPLES

22. Who were the Buddha's first two chief disciples? Venerable Sariputta and Moggalana.

23. Who was Sariputta? He was a son of a Brahmin lady named Sari.

24. Had he another name? His other name was Upatissa.

25. Who was Moggalana ? He was the son of a Brahmin lady named Moggali.

26. Had he another name? His other name was Kolita.

27. What did these two friends, Sariputta and Moggalana do? They realized the vanity of worldly pleasure and wanted to see Peace.

28. To whom did they go first? They went to a teacher named Sanjaya.

29. Were they pleased with his teaching? No, dissatisfied with his teaching they left him.

30. Whom did Sariputta meet later ? He met Arahat Assaji.

31. Did he preach the Dhamma to him? Yes, he preached on the law of Cause and Effect.

32. Recite the verse he preached. "Of things that proceed from a cause. Their cause, the Tathagata has told. And also their cessation: Thus teaches the Great Ascetic".

33. Was Sariputta able to understand the Dhamma? On hearing the first two lines, he became a Sotapanna.

34. What happened to Moggalana? When Sariputta went and repeated the verse to Moggalana, he also became a Sotapanna.

35. Did they go to see the Buddha later? Yes, they saw the Buddha and after hearing the Dhamma from Him, they attained Arahatship.

36. Did they make any request? They requested the Buddha to admit them into the Order.

37. How were they admitted? By the mere words ___ "Etha Bakkhave" ___ "Come, O Bhikkhus".

38. What positions were they given in the Order? The Buddha made Arahat Sariputta, His first disciple and Arahat Moggallana His second disciple.

3. THE BUDDHA VISITS HIS BIRTHPLACE

39. Did the Buddha visit His birthplace? The Buddha visited His birthplace as desired by His father

40. Who urged Him to do so? The Minister, Kaludayi, who was a playmate of the Buddha.

41. How long did the Buddha take to walk to kapilavatthu? As he went preaching the Dhamma on the way, it took Him two months.

42. Did the elderly Sakyans give Him due respect? No, they were proud and they put forward younger ones to salute Him.

43. How did the Buddha overcome their pride? By rising into the sky and showing the "Twin Wonder" (Yamaka Padihariya).

44. What is this Twin Wonder? By His mental powers the Buddha makes water and fire issue from the pores of His body at the same time.

45. Seeing this Wonder, what did the King do? He saluted Him at once saying that it was his third salutation.

46. What did the other Sakyans do then? They also paid Him due respect.

47. What was, the name of the jataka. The Buddha Vessantara jataka.

48. What did the Buddha do on the day after His arrival? With bowl in hand. He went from house to house seeking alms in to streets of Kapilavatthu.

49. Hearing that He was seeking alms, what did the King do? He went up to Him and asked Him why He was disgracing him thus.

50. What was the Buddha's reply? The Buddha replied that it was the custom of all the Buddhas.

51. Did the King see the Light of Truth? The King at first became a Sotapanna. Then he be came a Sakadagami. Hearing the Dhammapala jataka, he became an Anagmi. On his death he be came an Arahat.

52. What do you mean by a Sakadagami ? Sakadagami means a Once-Returner. He who attains this Second Stage of Sainthood is born in this world only once more.

53. What do you mean by Anagami? Anagami means a Never-Returner. He who attains this Third Stage of Sainthood is no more reborn in this world again. After death he is born in the pure abodes till he attains Arahatship.

54. What do you mean by an Arahat? Arahat means a Worthy One. He who attains this Fourth Stage of Sainthood is no more reborn any where after death. He attains Parinibbana.

55. Did Princess Yasodhara come to salute the Buddha? She thought," Surely if there is any virtue in me, the Noble Lord Himself will come to see me. Then I will pay my respect."

56. Did the Buddha go to see her? Out of compassion the Buddha went to see her.

57. What did she do on seeing the Buddha? She clasped His ankles and placing her head on His feet. She paid respect to Him to her heart's desire.

58.What did King Suddhodana say about her? He praised her and told the Buddha about her loyalty.

59. Did she enter the Order? She later entered the Order and became and Arahat.

60. What happened to His step-brother Nanda? He also entered the Order and became and Arahat.

61. Seeing the Buddha what did Prince Rahula do? As advised by the mother, he went up to the Buddha and asked for his inheritance.

62. Did Rahula say anything? He said. "O, ascetic, even your shadow is pleasing to me."

63. What was his age then? He was only seven years old.

64. Did he enter the Order? He was admitted into the Order at seven. Later, he became and Arahat.

65. Who was Ananda ? He was a cousin of the Buddha.

66. Did he join the Order? He joined the Order and became a Sotapanna.

67. What position did the hold in the Order? He became the treasurer of the Dhamma. He was also the favourite attendant of the Buddha.

68. When did he attain Arahatship? He attained Arahatship after the death of the Buddha.

69. Did he do any important thing?He rehearsed the Dhamma at the First Buddhist Council.

70. Did he do any service to women? He pleaded for the establishment of the Order of Nuns. (Bhikkhuni)

Who was Devadatta? Devadatta was the cousin and brother-in-law of the Buddha.

72. What can you say of his life? He joined the Order and was at first a good Bhikkhu. Later, he became the greatest enemy of the Buddha.

73. What did he do to the Buddha? He tried to kill the Buddha.

74. What was his end? Owing to his evil deeds, he was born in Hell.

75. What will be his future state? He will become a Private Buddha named Atthissara.

76. What happened to Maha Pajapati Gotami? After the death of King Suddhodana, she joined the Order of Nuns. Became an Arahat.

77. Who requested the Buddha to found the Order of Nuns? Maha Pajapati Gotami.

78. Who were the two chief disciples in the Order of Nuns? Khema and Uppalavanna were the two chief female disciples.

79. Who founded the first society for women? The Buddha founded the first society for women.

80. Does the Order of Nuns still exist? The Order of Nuns is extinct now

4. BUDDHA'S SUPPORTERS

81. Who helped the Buddha to make His mission a success? Kings and millionaires helped Him.

82. Who were His Royal Patrons? King Bimbisara. king Kosala and King Ajatasatthu.

83. Who was His chief male supporter Dayaka ? Anathapindika, the millionaire.

84. Did he offer the Buddha a monastery? He offered the Jetavanrama.

85. Who was His chief female supporter Dayika ? Visakha, a very generous lady.

86. What was the name of the temple she offered? Pubbarama.

87. In which monasteries did the Buddha spend most of His time? In Jetavanarama and Pubbarama at Savatthi.

88. Are their ruins still to be seen? Their ruins can still be seen at Sahet-Mahet.

5. THE BUDDHAS PARINIBBANA

89. What was the Buddhas last advice? Strive on with diligence.

90. Motion it in Pali. Appamadena Sampadetha.

91. What did the Buddha say with regard to the best form of worship ? The Buddha said, "He who honours me best practises my teaching best".

92. Who gave the Buddha's last meal? Cunda, the smith.

93. What were the most meritorious meals given to the Buddha? The first meal before He became a Buddha and the last meal before He passed away.

94. Who was the Buddha's last convert? The ascetic Subhadda was the last convert.

95. Did the Buddha appoint a successor before He passed away? No. He advised His disciples to regard His teachings as their teacher.

96. How did the Buddha pass away? He attained to Jhana and passed away without any sorrow.

97. Where did the Buddha pass away? The Buddha passed away at Kusinara.

98. In which year did He pass away? In His 80th year.

99. On what fullmoon day? On the Vesak a fullmoon day.

100. How many years before Christ did the Buddha pass away? 543 years before Christ.

101. Can we see the Buddha today? Yes, the Buddha said, "He who sees the Dhamma sees me".

102. What was done to His sacred body? His sacred body was cremated three months after His death.

103. What happened to His relics? They were distributed among His distinguished followers.

104. Are these relics still to be seen ? Yes. the Tooth Relic is still to be seen at the Temple of the Tooth in Sri Lanka and another one in China.

105. Did any important event take place after the cremation? Four months after the cremation the First Buddhist Council was held to recite the Dhamma and the Vinaya of the Buddha.

106. Where was this council held? At Rajagaha.

107. Who presided at the First Buddhist Council? Arahat Kassapa.

108. Who were chosen to recite the Vinaya and the Dhamma? Arahat Upali for Vinaya and Arahat Ananda for Dhamma.

109. Why was this Council held? In order that the Teaching of the Buddha may last long in all its purity.

110. What is the Pali word for the whole Teaching of the Buddha? Tipitaka, which means Three Basket.

111. Does this Tipitaka still exist? Yes, the Tipitaka still exists in its purity.

112. When was the Tipitaka first written? The Tipitaka was first written in Sri Lanka about 80 B.C.

113. What is the first Pitaka? The first is the Vinaya Pitaka, - the Basket of Discipline.

114. What is the second Pitaka? The second is the Suttanta Pitaka, - the Basket of Discourses.

115. What is the third Pitaka? The third is the Abhidhamma Pitaka, - the Basket of Higher Doctrine or Ultimate Things.

1. THE DHAMMA

1. What is the goal of all Buddhists? Nibbana is the goal of all Buddhists.

2. How do you gain Nibbana? By becoming a Samma Sambuddha, a Pacceka Buddha or an Arahat.

3. What do you mean by a Samma Sambuddha? A Samma Sambuddha is a Fully Enlightened One.

4. Who is a Pacceka Buddha? A Paceeka Buddha is a Private Enlightened One.

5. What is the difference between a Samma Sambuddha and a Pacceka Buddha? A Samma Sambuddha understands the Dhamma Himself and teaches the Dhamma to others. A Pacceka Buddha understands the Dhamma himself but does not teach the Dhamma to others.

6. Who is an Arahat ? An Arahat realizes Nibbana by hearing the Dhamma from another.

7. What must you do to be a Samma Sambuddha, A Pacceka Buddha or an Arahat? We must practise the Perfections (Parami).

2. PARAMI

8. What are Parami? Parami are perfections of higher virtue.

9. What do you mean by Parami? Parami is that which enables one to go to the further shore.

10. How many kinds of Parami are there? There are ten kinds of Parami.

11. What is the first Parami? Giving or Generosity (Dana) is the first Parami.

12. What is the second Parami? Morality or Good Conduct (Sila) is the second Parami.

13. What is the third Parami? Renunciation {Nikkhama) is the third parami.

14. What is the fourth Parami? Wisdom (Panna) is the fourth Parami.

15. What is the fifth Parami? Energy or Perseverance (Viriya) is the fifth Parami.

16. What is the sixth Parami? Patience (Khanti) is the sixth Parami.

17. What is the seventh Parami? Truthfulness (Sacca) is the seventh Parami.

18. What is the eighth Parami? Determination (Adhitthana) is the eighth Parami.

19. What is the ninth Parami? Loving-kindness (Metta) is the ninth Parami.

20. What is he tenth Parami? Equanimity (Upekkha) is the tenth Parami.

21. How shall we best remember and put them into practice? By thinking daily thus:

1. May I be charitable and helpful.

2. May I be good and pure.

3. May I not be selfish but selfless,

4. May I be wise and give my Wisdom to others.

5. May I be energetic and persevering; may I be of service to all.

6. May I be patient.

7. May I be truthful and honest.

8. May I have an iron will.

9. May I be kind and friendly.

10. May I be clam, quiet, and just.

3. GOOD DEEDS (KUSALA OR PANNA)

22. How many kinds of good deeds are there? There are ten kinds of good deeds.

23. Mention the first good deed. The first good deed is Giving or Generosity (Dana).

24. Mention the second good deed. The second good deed is Morality or Good Conduct, (Sila).

25. Mention the third good deed. The third good deed is Mental Development or Meditation (Bhavana).

26. Mention the fourth good deed. The fourth good deed is Reverence (Apacayana).

27. Mention the fifth good deed. The fifth good deed is Service (Veyyavacca).

28. Mention the sixth good deed. The sixth good deed is Giving Merit to others

29. Mention the seventh good deed. The seventh good deed is rejoicing in others' Merits (Pattanumodana).

30. Mention the eighth good deed. The eighth good deed is Hearing the Doctrine (Dhammasavana).

31. Mention the ninth good deed. The ninth good deed is Teaching the Doctrine (Dhammadesana).

32. Mention the tenth good deed. The tenth good deed is Straightening of One's Views (Ditthijukamma).

33. What does this tenth good deed mean? It is Strengthening of one's confidence in the Triple Gem.

4. EVIL DEEDS (AKUSALA)

34. How many kinds of evil deeds are there? There are ten kinds of evil deeds. Three kinds are committed by body, four kinds by words and three kinds by thoughts.

35. Mention the first evil deed. The first evil deed is killing any living being

36. Mention the second evil deed. The second evil deed is stealing any thing that is not given (Adinnadana).

37. Mention the third evil deed. The third evil deed is committing sexual misconduct (Kamesumicchacara).

38. Mention the fourth evil deed. The fourth evil deed is telling lies (Musavada).

39. Mention the fifth evil deed. The fifth evil deed is slandering or tale bearing (Pisunavaca).

40. Mention the sixth evil deed. The sixth evil deed is harsh speech (Pharussavaca).

41. Mention the seventh evil deed. The seventh evil deed is frivolous talk (Samphappalapa).

42. Mention the eighth evil deed. The eighth evil deed is covetousness (Abhijjha).

43. Mention the ninth evil deed. The ninth evil deed is ill-will (Byapada).

44. Mention the tenth evil deed. The tenth evil deed is false view (Micchaditthi).

5. DUTIES OF HUMAN BEINGS

45. Are there any duties in Buddhism to fulfill to one another? Yes, there are many duties to fulfill to one another.

46. What are the duties of children to minister to their parents?

(1) By supporting them.

(2) By performing his or her duties owing to them.

(3) By preserving the family lineage.

(4) By being worthly of his or her inheritance,

(5) By offering alms in honour of his or her departed parents.

47. What are the duties of parents to their children ?

(1) To dissuade them from evil.

(2) To persuade them to do good.

(3) To let them learn in arts and science.

(4) To give them in marriage to a suitable wife or husband.

(5) To hand over to them their inheritance at the proper time.

48. What are the duties of pupils to minister to their teachers?

(1) By rising when the teacher approaches.

(2) By attending upon him.

(3) By obeying him attentively.

(4) By personal service:

(5) By respectfully receiving instructions.

49. What are the duties of teachers to their pupils?

(1) To train them in the best discipline.

(2) To impart instruction which is esteemed by them.

(3) To teach them every suitable art or science.

(4) To introduce them to their friends and associates.

(5) To provide for their safety in every way.

50. What are the duties of a husband to his wife?

(1) By courtesy.

(2) By not despising her.

(3) By faithfulness.

(4) By handing over due auhority to her.

(5) By proving her with ornaments.

51. What are the duties of a wife to her husband?

(1) To perform her duties in perfect order.

(2) To be hospitable to the people of the neighbourhood.

(3) She must not be unfaithful.

(4) To protect his possessions.

(5) She should be industrious and not lazy in discharging her duties.

52. What are the duties of a householder to his friends and associates?

(1) By generosity.

(2) By courteous speech.

(3) By promoting their good.

(4) By equality.

(5) By truthfulness,

53. What are the duties of the friends and associates to the householder.

(1) To protect him when he is heedless.

(2) To protect his property when he is heedless.

3) To become a refuge when he is afraid.

4 Not to forsake him when he is in danger.

(5) To be considerate towards his family or relative.

54. What are the duties of masters to their servants or employees?

(1) By assigning rhem work according to their strength

(2) supplying them with food and wages.

(3) By tending them in sickness.

(4) By sharing eatables with them.

(5) By giving them holidays at due times.

55. What are the duties of servants or employees to their masters?

(1) To get up before him.

(2) To go to sleep after him.

(3) To take only what is given.

(4) To perform their duties to his satisfaction.

(5) To spread his good name and fame.

56. What are the duties of lay followers to minister to their holy monks?

(1) By loving deeds.

(2) By loving words.

(3) By loving thought.

(4) By not closing the doors to them.

(5) By supplying their material needs.

57. What are the duties of holy monks to their lay fol lower?

(1) To dissuade him from evil.

(2) To persuade him to do good.

(3) To love him with a kind heart.

(4) To make him hear religious sermons which he has not heard.

(5) To clarify those he had already heard.

(6) To point out the path to the heavenly abode.

6. THIRTY-SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF ENLIGHTENMENT

58. Are there any principles for obtaining enlightenment? Yes. there are 37 principles for obtaining enlightenment.

59. Mention the Four Foundations of Mindfulness.

(1) Contemplation on the body.

(2) Contemplation on feelings.

(3) Contemplation on consciousness.

(4) Contemplation on mental objects.

60. Mention the Four Right Efforts.

(1) To prevent the arising of evil thoughts that have not yet arisen.

(2) To disple the arising of evil thought that have already arisen.

3) To produce good thoughts that have not yet been produced.

(4) To develop good thoughts that have been produced.

61. Mention the Four Bases of Psyhchic Power.

(1) The concentration of will (chanda).

(2) The concentration of thought (citta).

(3) The concentration of Energy(viriya).

(4) The concentration of Investigation or Wisdom. (vimamsa or panna)

62. Mention the Five Faculties.

(1) The Faculty of Faith (sadha).

(2) The Faculty of Energy (viriya).

(3) The Faculty of Mindfulness (sati)

(4) The Faculty of Concentration (samadhi).

(5) The Faculty of Full Knowledge or Wisdom (panna)

63. Mention the Five Powers.

(1) The Power of l9aith (sadhabala).

(2) The Power of Energy (viriyabala).

(3) The Power of Mindfulness (samadhibala).

(4) The Power of Concentration (samadhibala).

(5) The Power of Full Knowledge of Wisdom (pannabala)

64. Mention the Seven Constituent Parts of Enlighienment.

(1) Mindfulness is the constituent part of Enlightenment (satisambojanga).

(2) Investigation into the Dhamma is the constituent part of Enlightenment (dhammavicayasambojanga).

(3) Great Effort is the constituent part of Enlightentment (viriyasambojanga).

(4) Great joy is the constituent part of Enlightentment (pitisambojanga).

(5) Peaceful Serenity is the constituent part of Enlightentment (passadhisambojanga).

(6) One-Pointedness of Mind id the constituent part of Enlightenment (samadhisambojanga).

(7) Equanimity is the constituent part of Enlightenment (upekkhasambojanga).

65. Mention the Noble Eightfold Path.

(1) Right Understanding (sammaditthi).

(2) Right Thoughts (sammasankappa).

(3) Right Speech (sammavayama).

(4) Right Action (sammakammanta).

(5) Right Livelihood (sammaajiva)

(6) Right Effort (sammavayama)

(7) Right Mindfulness (sammasati)

(8) Right Concentration (sammasamadhi)

66. What is another word for the Noble Eightfold Path? Another word for the Noble Eightfold Path is the Middle Path (Majjhima Patipada).

67. What is the way to Nabhana ? The way to Nibbana is the Noble Eightfold Path.

7. THE PRECEPTS (SILA)

68. Can we lead a good life in this world? Yes, we can lead a good life in this world. We can even gain Nibbana in this life if we actually practise the Dhamma.

69. Could you create Heaven in this life? Yes, we can create Heaven in this life, It is within us.

70. Could you create Hell in this life? Yes, we can create Hell in this life. It is within us too.

71. How do you create Heaven here? By leading a good life.

72. How do you created Hell here? By leading a bad life.

73. Is there any precept for a human to have a good life? Yes, there are Five Precepts to observe for a layman to have a good life. They are also called the Precepts of a House-hold (gahatthasila)

74. Why do you observe the Five Precepts? We observe the Five Precepts to lead a way of good righteous and happy life.

75. How do you observe the Five Precepts? By reciting them in Pali one after another.

76. What is the first precept? The first precept is: Panatipata veramani Sikkhapadam samadiyami. The meaning is: I observe the precept to abstain from killing any living being.

77. What is the second precept? The second precept is: A dinnadana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. The meaning is: I observe the precept to abstain from stealing

78. What is the third precept? The third precept is: Kamesu micchacara veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. The meaning is: I observe the precept to abstain from sexual misconduct.

79. What is the fourth precept? The fourth precept is: Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. The meaning is: I observe the precept to abstain from telling lies.

80. What is the fifth precept? The fifth precept is Surameraya majjapamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. The meaning is: I observe the precept to abstain from taking intoxicating drinks and drugs.

81. Can Buddhists observe more precepts than five? Buddhists can observe Eight Preceptss, Nine Precepts.

82. Why do you observe Eight Precepts? To control our senses.

83. On what days do you observe the Eight Precepts? On fullmoon and new moon days, we observe the Eight Precepts. But we can observe them on any day we like.

84. How do you take them? We request a Bhikkhu to give them. If there is no Bhikkhu, we can take them alone in front of the pagoda or the image of the Buddha.

85. What are the first five of the Eight Precepts?

1. Panatipata veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. I observe the precept to abstain from killing any liv ing being.

2. Adinnadina veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. I observe the precept to abstain from stealing.

3.Abrahmacariya veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. I observe the precept to abstain from ignoble sexual intercourse.

4. Musavada veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. I observe the precept to abstain from telling lies.

5. Surameraya majjapamadatthana veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. I observe the precept to abstain from taking intoxi cating drinks and drugs.

86. What is the difference between these five and the usual five precepts? The only difference is in the third precept. It deals with celibacy.

87. What is the sixth precept? Vikalabhojana Veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. I observe the precept to abstain from eating any food after mid-day.

88. Why do you observe this precept? It is to control our desirc for food.

89. Which sense do you control thereby our tongue.

90. What is the seventh precept? 7. Nacca gita vadita vuskhadassana-malagandha vilepana dharana mandana vibhusanatthana Veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. I observe the precept to abstain from dancing. singing, music, unseemly shows, garlands, perfume, unguents and from things that tend to beautify and adorn the body.

91. Why do you observe this precept? In order to control our eyes, ears and nose.

92. Why is the eight precept? 8. Uccasayana mahasayana Veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. I observe the precept to abstain from using high and luxurious seats.

93. How high should they not be? They should not be more than two feet from the ground.

94. Why do you observe this precepts? In order to control our body.

95. What about Tenth Precepts? In the Tenth Precepts the seventh is divided into two.

96. How is the divided into two? 7. Nacca gita vadita vuskhadassana Veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. I observe the precept to abstain from dancing, singing, music and unseemly shows. 8. Malagandha vilepana dharana mandana vibhusanatthana Veramani sikkhapadamsamadiyami.

I observe the precept to abstain from garlands, perfume, unguents and from things that tend to beautify and adorn the body.

97. What is the ninth precept? Uccasayana mahasayana Veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. I observe the precept to abstain from using high and luxurious seats.

98. What is the tenth precept? Jataruparajat patiggahana Veramani sikkhapadam samadiyami. I observe the precept to abstain from accepting gold

99. What do gold and silver mean here? Gold and silver mean money made of any metal or paper which are used in buying and selling.

100. Why do you observe this tenth precept? In order to detach one's own possession.

8. THE SUPREME QUALITIES OF THE THREEFOLD GEM

101. What are the supreme qualities of the Buddha? The nine Supreme Inherent Qualities of the Buddha are: Itipi so bhagava araham sammasambuddho vijjacarana sampanno sugato lokavidu anuttaropurisa damma sarathi satthadevamanussanam buddho bhagava.

102. The meanings are: Itipi so bhagava: By this (reason); that Lord is:

1. Araham=Worthy or Purified.

2. Sammasambuddho=Perfectly Self Enlightened One.

3. Vijjacaranasampanno=Endowed with supreme knowledge and conduct.

4. Sugato Well-goer or Well-farer

5. Lokavidu=Knower of the worlds

6. Anuttaropurisadammasarathi=An Incomparable Charioteer for the training of persons.

7. Satthadevamanussanam=Teacher of Gods and men

8. Buddho=Enlightened

9. Bhagava=The Blessed One or Exalted One.

103. What are the supreme qualities of the Dhamma?

The six Supreme Inherent Qualities of the Dhamma are:

Svakkhato bhagavata dhammo samditthiko akaliko ehipassiko opaneyyhiko paccatamveditabbo vinnuhi.

Bhagavata dhammo=The Dhamma taught by the Exalted One is;

1. Svakkhato=Well-proclaimed

2. Akaliko=immediately effective

3. Ehipassiko=inviting all to come and see

4. Opaneyyiko=worthy to be achieved

5. Paccatamveditabbo vinnuhi=to be comprehended by the wise each for himself.

104. What are the supreme qualities of the Sangha?

The nine Supreme Inherent Qualities of the Sangha are.

Suppatipanno bhagavato savakasamgo ujuppatipanno bhagavato savakasamgo nayyappatipabnno bhagavato savakasamgo samicippatipanno bhagavato savakasamgo yadidam cattari purisa yugani attha purisapuggala esa bhagavato savakasamgo ahuneyyo pahuneyyo dakkhineyyo anjalikaraniyo anuttaram punnakhettam lokassa.

Bhagavato savakasamgo=The Order of the Exalted One's Disciples;

I. Suppatipanno=is of good conduct.

2. Ujuppatipanno=is of upright conduct.

3. Nayappatipanno=is of wise conduct.

4. Samicippatikpanno=is of dutiful conduct.

Yadidam cattari purisi yugani attha purisapuggala esa bhagavato savakasamgo=This Order of the Exalted One's Disciples --- that is, these four pairs of persons or the eight Individuals

5. Ahuneyyo=is worthy of offerings.

6. Pahuneyyo=is worthy of hospitability.

7. Dakkhineyyo=is worthy of noble gifts.

8. Anjalikaraniyo=is worthy of reverential salutation.

9. Anuttaram punnakhettam lokassa=is an incomparable field of merits for the world.

9. CONCENTRATION ON LOVING-KINDNESS (METTA BHAVANA

105. Is there any concentration on love in Buddhism? Yes. there is concentration on loving-kindness Mettabhavana in Buddhism.

106. How do you radiate the concentration on loving-kindness? At first, I have to radiate the loving-kindness to myself as follows:

In Pali --- Aham avero homi abyaapajja homi anigho homi sukhiattanam pariharami.

The meaning is : May I be tree from enemity, ill-wiII, grief and may I guard myself happily.

Then how do you radiate it?

In Pali - Mayham matapitu acariya natimitta samuha avera hontu abyapajja hontu anigha hontu sukhi attanam pariharantu dukkha muccantu yathadha sampattito mavigacchantu kammassaka.

The meaning is : May my parents, teachers, relatives and friends be free from enmity, ill-will, grief and may they guard themselves happily! May they he released from suffering! May they not be deprived of their fortune duly acquired! All have Kamma as their own.

108. How do you pervade Loving-kindness to all directions?

I pervade loving-kindness to the ten directions (dasa disa), i.e.. the four cardinal points, the four intermediate points and above and below.

1. Purattimaya disaya - in the east direction

2. Pacchimaya disaya - in the West direction

3. Uttaraya disaya - in the North direction

4. Dakkkhinaya disaya - in the South direction

5. Purattimaya anudisaya - in the North-East direction

6. Pacchimaya anudisaya - in the South-West direction

7. Uttaraya anudisaya - in the North-West direction

8. Dakkhinaya anudisaya - in the South-East direction

9. Hetthimaya disaya - in the below direction

10. Upaparimaya disaya - in the above direction

i. Sabbe satta - all beings

ii. Sabbe pana - all living beings

iii. Sabbe bhuta - all creatures

iv. Sabbe puggala - all persons or individuals

v. Sabbe attabhava - all that have come to individual existence

vi. Sabbe itthiya - all females

vii. Sabbe purisa - all males

viii. Sabbe ariya - all worthy ones

ix. Sabbe anariya all unworthy ones

x. Sabbe deva - all gods

xi. Sabbe manussa - all human beings

xii. Sabbe vinikpatika - all those in unhappy states.

Avera hontu abyapajja hontu anigha hontu sukhi atanam pariharantu

May (they) be free from enmity, ill-will, grief, and may they keep themselves happily.

109. Beside this, how do you diffuse Loving-kindness to all being on the earth, in the water and in the sky? I diffuse Loving-kindness as follows:

In Pali

1. Uddham yava bhavaggaca adho yava avicito sammanta csakkavalesu ye satta pathavicara abyapajja niveraca nidukkhacas unppadava.

2. Uddham yava bhavaggaca adho yava avicito sammanta niveraca nidukkhacas unppadava.

3. Uddham yava bhavaggaca adho yava avicito sammanta niveraca nidukkhaca nuppadava.

The meaning is:

1. May all sentient beings living in the surrounding universe on earth from the lowest plane of hell up to the pane of Brahma be released from worry, enmity, misery and distress!

2. May all sentient beings living in water from the lowest plane of hell up to the plane of Brahma be released from worry, enmity, misery and distress!

3. May all sentient beings living in the sky on earth from the lowest plane of hell up to the plane of Brahma be released from worry, enmity, misery and distress

10. INSPIRATIONS AND SHARING ONE'S MERITS

110. How do you inspire for the attainment of Nibbana by your merit?

I inspire for the attainment of Nibbana by reciting the following in Pali:

1. AddhA imaya patipattiya jati jara maranamha parimucissami.

By this practice of concentration, may I certainly be released from rebirth, old age and death!

2. Idam me pannam asavakkhayamvaham hotu. May this action of my merit be able to convey towards the extinctbn of passion!

3. Idam me punnam nibbanassa paccayo hotu. May this action of my merit be the cause for the attainment of Nibbana.

111. How do you aspire for the welfare of all beings by your merit?

I aspire as follows

In Pali:

1. Yam pattam kusalam tassa anubhavena panino, Sabbe saddhammarajassa natva dhammam sukhavaham.

2. Papunantu visuddhaya sukhaya patipattiya, Asokamanupayasam nibbana sukhamuttamam.

3. Ciram titthatu saddhammo dhamme hontu sagarava. Sabbepi satta kalena samma devo Pavassatu.

4. Yatha rakkhimsu porana surajano tathevimam. Raja rakkhatu dhammena attanova pajam pajam.

The meaning is:

1. 1 have done the merit by the power of which, may all beings be able to understand the doctrine of the King of Truth (Buddha) that leads to supreme happiness!

2. Having undersood, may they, through the practice of purification and peace, be able to attain the sorrowless, worriless and Supreme Bliss of Nibbana!

3. May the Noble Doctine remain for long! May all sentient beings pay great respect to the Dhamma. May the rain fall favourably in due time!

4. As the ancient good kings protect then people in a righteous way, even so may the ruler guard his people as his own son!

112. How do you share your merits?

I share the portion of my merits of alms-giving (dana), morality (sila), meditation (bhavana), etc., to all sentient beings. May they all share equally with me and rejoice on what they have duly acquired gains and happiness!

13th June 2000