THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG THE CENTRE OF BUDDHIST STUDIES  

Qualifying Examination for the Master of Buddhist Studies Degree

May 14, 2011, 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Answer any FOUR questions. All questions carry equal marks

1. The only miracle the Buddha endorses was “the miracle of instruction”. In the light of this saying examine the role of the Buddha as a religious teacher.
2. “Whatever is said by the Buddha is well said; whatever is well said is said by the Buddha”. In the light of this saying examine the nature of Buddhism as a religion.
3. If Buddhism begins with suffering it is precisely in order to eliminate suffering. Discuss.
4. Examine why the Noble Eightfold Path, which avoids both self-mortification and sensual indulgence, is called the “Path to be trodden with Joy”.
5. Discuss the relevance of Buddhist social thought to contemporary society. Illustrate your answer with examples.
6. Assess the impact of Chan (Zen) Buddhism on East Asian culture.
7. Examine the importance of the Lotus Sutra in Mahayana Buddhism.
8. Examine the place assigned to faith and worship in Pure Land Buddhism.

April 2011

Answer any FOUR questions. All questions carry equal marks.

1. The Buddha says that of all miracles he endorses only “the miracle of instruction”. In the light of this saying examine the role of the Buddha as a religious teacher.
2. “Whatever is said by the Buddha is well said; whatever is well said is said by the Buddha”. In the light of this saying examine the nature of Buddhism as a religion.
3. If Buddhism begins with suffering it is precisely in order to eliminate suffering. Discuss.
4. Examine why no mention is made of rites and rituals in the Noble Eightfold Path.
5. Examine the place assigned to faith and worship in Mahayana Buddhism.
6. Is Buddhism a religion, philosophy, or both? Discuss.
7. Why is the Lotus Sutra given a pivotal position in Mahayana Buddhism?
8. Examine how Chinese Culture has influenced Chinese Buddhism.

April 24, 2010, 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Answer any FOUR questions. All questions carry equal marks.

1. “You yourselves ought to do what ought to be done. The Buddhas are there to show the way.” -- In the light of this statement examine the role of the Buddha as a religious teacher.
2. Show why the Noble Eightfold Path is presented as a Middle Way.
3. Are intellectual study of Buddhism and spiritual praxis mutually exclusive? Discuss.
4. What in your opinion are the distinctive features of Buddhism as a religion?
5. Explain the importance of the Heart Sutra in Mahayana Buddhism.
6. Discuss the Mahayana Buddhist doctrine of the bodhisattva ideal.
7. Why does Buddhism begin with the problem of suffering? Give your reasons.
8. Examine the relevance of Buddhist moral teachings to modern society.
9. Explain why you are interested in joining the Master of Buddhist Studies programme.

April 23, 2009, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Answer any FOUR questions. All questions carry equal marks.

1. Discuss whether the Buddha is human or super-human.
2. Give a brief account of the Buddhist teaching on impermanence (anicca).
3. “Buddhism is pessimistic since it teaches Dukkha: suffering.” -- discuss
4. Examine the contemporary relevance of the five precepts.
5. Discuss the nature of Buddhism as a non-theistic religion.
6. Examine the importance of the Diamond Sutra in Mahayana Buddhism.
7. Briefly discuss the impact of Buddhism on Chinese civilization.
8. Discuss the relevance of Buddhism to contemporary society.

April 18, 2009, 3:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Answer any FOUR questions. All questions carry equal marks.

1. Describe the historical background that led to the emergence of Buddhism.
2. Give a brief account of the Buddhist teaching on non-self and show its centrality to other Buddhist teachings.
3. Both in theory and practice Buddhism adopts a middle position -- Discuss.
4. Examine the contemporary relevance of Buddhist moral teachings.
5. Discuss the nature of Buddhism as a non-theistic religion.
6. Examine the importance of the Lotus Sutra in Mahayana Buddhism.
7. Discuss the impact of Chan (Zen) Buddhism on East Asian Culture.
8. Write an essay on Buddhism and Society.