THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

CENTRE OF BUDDHIST STUDIES

BSTC6079 Early Buddhism: a doctrinal exposition
December 10, 2014

6:30 p.m. - 9.30 p.m.

Answer any FOUR questions.

All questions carry equal marks.

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I. Examine briefly the nature of spiritual eternalism (sassataviida) and materialist

annihilationism (ucchedaviida) and show how Buddhism keeps itself equally aloof
from both.
2. Explain the Buddhist doctrine of Dependent Arising (paficcasamuppiida) and
show how important it is as a basis for other Buddhist doctrines.
3. Elaborate on the Buddhist doctrine of 'non-self' (anatta).
4. Comment on the following statement of the Buddha in the light of the Four Noble
Truths:
"Both formerly and now also, Anuruddha, it is just suffering and the cessation of
suffering that I proclaim."
5. Examine the Buddhist doctrine of 'nibbiina', the final goal of Buddhism.
6. 'Buddhism rejects the view that everything is due to past kamma.'

Examine the

Buddhist teaching on kamma.

7. Examine briefly the ten unanswerable questions and show why they are not
answered.
8. 'The Buddhist teachings for laypeople are to show to them that wholesome deeds
lead to happiness in this life as well as in the next.'

Discuss.

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