I85PREP
⌘ K
Maharashtra HSC Pali (MSBSHSE) study materials
Maharashtra HSC Pali (MSBSHSE) study resources

Maharashtra HSC Pali (MSBSHSE) practice questions

One question at a time. Build your Maharashtra HSC Pali (MSBSHSE) understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the opening formula of a Pali sutta, the phrase 'Evaṃ me sutaṃ' is conventionally translated as which of the following?

  1. This was seen by me
  2. Thus have I heard Correct answer.
  3. Thus the Blessed One spoke
  4. So it has been done

Explanation

The formula 'Evaṃ me sutaṃ' introduces a discourse as it was heard and remembered by the reciter, traditionally Ānanda. It is a standard marker of sutta prose and is not a direct quotation of the Buddha's speech or a general narrative remark.

Question 2Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

The Pali prose work Milindapañha presents a dialogue between King Milinda and which Buddhist monk?

  1. Nāgasena Correct answer.
  2. Sāriputta
  3. Ānanda
  4. Mahākassapa

Explanation

The Milindapañha records the questions of the Indo-Greek king Milinda, identified with Menander, and the answers of the elder Nāgasena. Their dialogue uses famous similes, such as the chariot, to explain anattā and other points of doctrine.

Question 3Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

The Visuddhimagga, a major Pali prose treatise on Buddhist meditation and doctrine, was composed by which commentator?

  1. Vasubandhu
  2. Buddhaghosa Correct answer.
  3. Dhammapāla
  4. Nāgārjuna

Explanation

The Visuddhimagga was written by Buddhaghosa in the fifth century CE and serves as a comprehensive manual of Theravāda doctrine and meditation. It is a later Pali prose treatise, not a canonical sutta, and it organises practice under the headings of virtue, concentration, and wisdom.

Question 4Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In a Pali prose sentence, the written form 'etadavoca' is a sandhi combination of which two words?

  1. etaṃ + voca
  2. etaṃ + avoca Correct answer.
  3. eta + avoca
  4. etad + voca

Explanation

The sandhi 'etadavoca' resolves into 'etaṃ' plus 'avoca', where the niggahīta before a vowel is replaced by 'd'. The resulting sequence is etad + avoca, written as etadavoca. The verb 'avoca' means 'said' or 'spoke'.

Question 5Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the sentence 'Sāvatthiyaṃ viharati', the word Sāvatthiyaṃ is in which grammatical case?

  1. Instrumental
  2. Accusative
  3. Genitive
  4. Locative Correct answer.

Explanation

The ending -iyaṃ marks the locative singular of a feminine ā-stem noun such as Sāvatthī, giving the sense 'in Sāvatthī'. The verb viharati, meaning 'dwells' or 'stays', is commonly construed with a locative of place in Pali prose.

Question 6Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

The Sigālovāda Sutta, a prose discourse on lay ethics addressed to the householder Sigāla, belongs to which Nikāya?

  1. Majjhima Nikāya
  2. Aṅguttara Nikāya
  3. Dīgha Nikāya Correct answer.
  4. Saṃyutta Nikāya

Explanation

The Sigālovāda Sutta is the thirty-first discourse of the Dīgha Nikāya, the collection of long discourses. It explains the six directions as social relationships and is often described as a code of discipline for laypeople.

Question 7Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

The compound 'Dhammacakkappavattana' in the title of the Buddha's first sermon is best analysed as which type of Pali compound?

  1. Bahubbīhi
  2. Avyayībhāva
  3. Dvanda
  4. Tappurisa Correct answer.

Explanation

The compound resolves as dhammacakkassa pavattanaṃ, 'the setting in motion of the wheel of Dhamma', which is a genitive tappurisa. The first member depends on the second in a case relation, so it is not a copulative or adjectival compound.

Question 8Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In Pali prose literature, the term 'atthakathā' refers to which kind of text?

  1. A collection of verses on ethical conduct
  2. A commentary explaining the meaning of canonical texts Correct answer.
  3. A monastic disciplinary rule
  4. A canonical discourse delivered by the Buddha

Explanation

Atthakathā literally means 'discussion of meaning' and denotes the commentarial literature that explains canonical suttas and other texts. The Pali atthakathās are associated especially with Buddhaghosa and later commentators, and they are distinct from canonical discourses, verses, and monastic rules.

Question 9Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

The Jātaka prose narratives (vatthu) that accompany the verses are traditionally included in which part of the Pali Canon?

  1. Vinaya Piṭaka
  2. Aṅguttara Nikāya
  3. Khuddaka Nikāya Correct answer.
  4. Abhidhamma Piṭaka

Explanation

The Jātaka is the tenth book of the Khuddaka Nikāya within the Sutta Piṭaka, and its prose vatthu narrates the Buddha's previous lives. The verses are considered canonical, while the prose stories are often commentarial in origin and are transmitted alongside them.

Question 10Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In a Pali prose passage, the epithet 'Bhagavā' applied to the Buddha is best rendered as which of the following?

  1. The teacher of gods
  2. The great ascetic
  3. The fully awakened
  4. The Blessed One Correct answer.

Explanation

Bhagavā is a standard honorific epithet of the Buddha, conventionally translated as 'the Blessed One' or 'the Exalted One'. It expresses reverence rather than a specific title such as 'teacher of gods' or 'fully awakened', which correspond to other Pali epithets.

Question 11Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Pali prose account of the Buddha’s first sermon, the place named Isipatana Migadāya is the deer park near which city?

  1. Vārāṇasī Correct answer.
  2. Rājagaha
  3. Sāvatthī
  4. Kapilavatthu

Explanation

Isipatana Migadāya is the deer park at Sarnath near Vārāṇasī, and it is the traditional setting of the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. The other cities are important Buddhist centres, but they are not the location given for this first sermon.

Question 12Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

According to the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, the middle way that avoids the two extremes is specifically which practice?

  1. the five lay precepts
  2. the four sublime abidings
  3. the four meditative absorptions
  4. the Noble Eightfold Path Correct answer.

Explanation

The sermon identifies the middle way as the Noble Eightfold Path, which avoids both indulgence in sensual pleasures and self-mortification. This path is then analysed through right view, right intention, and the remaining factors.

Question 13Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In Pali prose, the vocative form 'bhikkhave' in an address such as 'bhikkhave, dhammaṃ desessāmi' is used to address whom?

  1. two monks only
  2. a single monk
  3. a group of laywomen
  4. a group of monks Correct answer.

Explanation

'Bhikkhave' is the vocative plural of 'bhikkhu', so it addresses a group of monks rather than one individual. It is a standard opening address in sutta prose when the Buddha speaks to the assembled monks.

Question 14Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Sigālovāda Sutta, the Buddha explains the six directions that Sigāla worships as representing which set of social relationships?

  1. the six perfections
  2. six social relationships Correct answer.
  3. the six realms of rebirth
  4. the six sense bases

Explanation

The Buddha reinterprets the six directions as social duties: parents, teachers, spouse, friends, servants or employees, and ascetics or brahmins. Thus the ritual worship of directions becomes an ethical map of lay relationships.

Question 15Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta, the Buddha’s final passing away (parinibbāna) takes place at which place?

  1. Bodhgayā
  2. Kusinārā Correct answer.
  3. Isipatana
  4. Lumbinī

Explanation

The Mahāparinibbāna Sutta places the Buddha’s final passing at Kusinārā, in the sal grove of the Mallas. Lumbinī is his birthplace, Bodhgayā his place of awakening, and Isipatana the setting of the first sermon.

Question 16Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

The Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta, the Buddha’s second sermon, examines which five items as 'not self'?

  1. the five aggregates Correct answer.
  2. the five faculties
  3. the five destinations
  4. the five precepts

Explanation

The Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta analyses form, feeling, perception, formations, and consciousness as the five aggregates. Each is shown to be impermanent and therefore not fit to be regarded as self.

Question 17Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Vyagghapajja Sutta, the Buddha advises the householder Dīghajāṇu that four qualities lead to lay welfare and happiness. Which set is taught?

  1. mindfulness, effort, concentration, insight
  2. faith, virtue, generosity, wisdom Correct answer.
  3. loving-kindness, compassion, joy, equanimity
  4. right speech, action, livelihood, effort

Explanation

The Vyagghapajja Sutta presents faith, virtue, generosity, and wisdom as four qualities that support a householder’s welfare and happiness. These are practical lay virtues rather than the brahmavihāras or the factors of the path.

Question 18Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In Pali prose, the form 'sutvā' in a sentence such as 'idaṃ sutvā te bhikkhū ...' is best described as which kind of verbal form?

  1. an infinitive meaning 'to hear'
  2. a past participle meaning 'heard'
  3. a present participle meaning 'while hearing'
  4. an absolutive meaning 'having heard' Correct answer.

Explanation

'Sutvā' is an absolutive, also called a gerund, formed with the -tvā ending. It expresses an action completed before the main verb, normally by the same agent, so 'idaṃ sutvā' means 'having heard this'.

Question 19Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In a Pali prose construction such as 'dhammacakkaṃ pavattetuṃ', which ending marks the infinitive?

  1. -ssati
  2. -tvā
  3. -ti
  4. -tuṃ Correct answer.

Explanation

The ending -tuṃ marks an infinitive in Pali, as in 'pavattetuṃ', meaning 'to set in motion'. The ending -tvā marks an absolutive, while -ti and -ssati belong to finite verb forms.

Question 20Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Maṅgala Sutta, who approaches the Buddha at the opening to ask what constitutes the highest blessing?

  1. a devatā Correct answer.
  2. Ānanda
  3. King Pasenadi
  4. Sigāla

Explanation

The Maṅgala Sutta opens with a deity, a devatā, coming to the Buddha and asking about the highest blessing. The Buddha replies with a list of auspicious practices, such as avoiding fools and associating with the wise.

Question 21Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In Pali prose narratives, the frequently occurring phrase 'Atha kho' at the beginning of a sentence chiefly serves which function?

  1. It negates the verb that follows it in the clause.
  2. It changes the following noun into the vocative case.
  3. It introduces a direct question expecting a yes or no answer.
  4. It marks a narrative transition, roughly 'then'. Correct answer.

Explanation

Atha is a temporal adverb meaning 'then', and kho is an emphatic or continuative particle. Together they regularly open a new episode in Pali prose, so they mark narrative transition rather than negation, interrogation, or case change.

Question 22Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the standard Pali enumeration of the four noble truths (cattāri ariyasaccāni), the term 'dukkhasamudayo' refers to which truth?

  1. the truth of suffering
  2. the path leading to cessation
  3. the origin of suffering Correct answer.
  4. the cessation of suffering

Explanation

The second noble truth is dukkhasamudaya, the arising or origin of suffering. Dukkha itself is the first truth, nirodha the third, and magga the fourth.

Question 23Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the prose account of the first sermon, which of the five ascetics is said to have understood the Dhamma first, prompting the Buddha to exclaim 'Aññāsi vata bho Kondañño'?

  1. Mahānāma
  2. Vappa
  3. Kondañña Correct answer.
  4. Assaji

Explanation

Kondañña was the first of the five ascetics to grasp the teaching, and the Buddha's exclamation 'Aññāsi vata bho Kondañño' acknowledges this. Vappa, Mahānāma and Assaji were also among the five but understood later.

Question 24Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the opening prose formula 'Sāvatthiyaṃ viharati Jetavane Anāthapiṇḍikassa ārāme', what is Jetavana?

  1. the deer park near Benares where the first sermon was given
  2. a mango grove at Vesālī belonging to Ambapālī
  3. a monastery at Sāvatthī donated by Anāthapiṇḍika Correct answer.
  4. the bamboo grove at Rājagaha donated by Bimbisāra

Explanation

Jetavana is the park or monastery at Sāvatthī donated by the lay disciple Anāthapiṇḍika, and the formula locates the Buddha there. The deer park near Benares is Isipatana, the mango grove at Vesālī is Ambapālī's, and the bamboo grove at Rājagaha is Veḷuvana.

Question 25Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Sigālovāda Sutta, which of the following is taught as a duty of parents towards their children?

  1. bathing them in scented water
  2. offering them daily alms
  3. teaching them a craft Correct answer.
  4. reciting the Pātimokkha for them

Explanation

The Sigālovāda Sutta lists five parental duties: restraining children from evil, establishing them in good, teaching them a craft, arranging a suitable marriage, and handing over the inheritance in due time. Teaching a craft is therefore the listed duty, while the other options are not part of this set.

Question 26Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the lay precept formula 'pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi', what does 'pāṇātipātā' mean?

  1. killing living beings Correct answer.
  2. taking what has not been given
  3. drinking intoxicating liquors
  4. speaking falsely

Explanation

Pāṇātipātā is formed from pāṇa, a living being, and atipāta, striking or killing. The formula therefore means undertaking the training rule to abstain from killing living beings. Taking what is not given is adinnādānā, while false speech is musāvādā.

Question 27Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Milindapañha, King Milinda asks Nāgasena what 'Nāgasena' refers to; Nāgasena replies by comparing the name to a chariot. What does the chariot simile chiefly demonstrate?

  1. that all conditioned things are unsatisfactory
  2. that generosity to monks brings immediate wealth
  3. that royal power is supreme over the monastic community
  4. that 'person' is a convention, not a permanent self Correct answer.

Explanation

Nāgasena names the parts of a chariot and shows that 'chariot' is only a conventional term for them, with no extra entity apart from the parts. He applies the same analysis to 'Nāgasena', denying a permanent self behind the aggregates. The simile thus illustrates conventional designation and anattā.

Question 28Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Sigālovāda Sutta, the four 'agati' courses that a person should not follow are named as chanda, dosa, moha and bhaya. These are best rendered as which set?

  1. greed, hatred, ignorance and sorrow
  2. greed, envy, pride and doubt
  3. desire, hatred, delusion and fear Correct answer.
  4. desire, hatred, delusion and pride

Explanation

The four agati are the wrong courses of chanda, dosa, moha and bhaya, usually rendered as desire or partiality, hatred, delusion, and fear. A person should not be led astray by any of these. The other lists replace one or more of these terms with different mental factors.

Question 29Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the eightfold path, the factor 'sammādiṭṭhi' is translated as which of the following?

  1. right speech
  2. right effort
  3. right view Correct answer.
  4. wrong view

Explanation

Sammā means 'right' or 'correct', and diṭṭhi means 'view', so sammādiṭṭhi is right view. It is the first factor of the noble eightfold path, while micchādiṭṭhi would be wrong view.

Question 30Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Vyagghapajja Sutta, the Buddha tells Dīghajāṇu that 'samajīvitā' is one of four qualities leading to lay welfare. What does 'samajīvitā' mean?

  1. living alone in a forest hermitage
  2. balancing income and expenditure Correct answer.
  3. keeping strict silence at all times
  4. giving away all wealth to charity

Explanation

Samajīvitā means balanced living, especially keeping expenditure in proportion to income so that wealth is not squandered or hoarded. It is one of four qualities for lay welfare in the Vyagghapajja Sutta, along with effort, protection, and good friendship.

Question 31Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Maṅgala Sutta, the opening blessing 'asevanā ca bālānaṃ' recommends which practical conduct?

  1. Avoiding close company with foolish people Correct answer.
  2. Giving gifts at the proper season
  3. Honouring parents and elders
  4. Listening regularly to the Dhamma

Explanation

The compound 'asevanā ca bālānaṃ' means not associating with fools: 'asevanā' is non-association and 'bālānaṃ' is the genitive plural of 'bāla', a fool. It is the first blessing in the Maṅgala Sutta, before associating with the wise and honouring those worthy of honour. The other practices named in the options occur later in the same discourse, not in this opening phrase.

Question 32Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta, the Buddha's final instruction 'vayadhammā saṅkhārā, appamādena sampādetha' is best rendered as which of the following?

  1. All beings are permanent; live without urgency.
  2. All conditioned things decay; strive diligently. Correct answer.
  3. The self is real; meditate on it constantly.
  4. Suffering is pleasant; accept it without effort.

Explanation

'Vayadhammā' means subject to decay, and 'saṅkhārā' refers to conditioned formations. 'Appamādena' means with diligence or heedfulness, and 'sampādetha' is an exhortation to accomplish or strive. The sentence is the Buddha's last admonition in the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta.

Question 33Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

The Milindapañha opens with King Milinda ruling in which city?

  1. Rājagaha
  2. Sāvatthī
  3. Sāgala Correct answer.
  4. Vesālī

Explanation

The Milindapañha places King Milinda at Sāgala, where he questions the monk Nāgasena. Rājagaha and Sāvatthī are common Buddhist settings in other texts, while Vesālī is another important city. The correct location in the opening of this dialogue is Sāgala.

Question 34Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Sigālovāda Sutta, Sigāla worships the six directions. Which direction is explained as representing teachers (ācariyā)?

  1. East
  2. South Correct answer.
  3. West
  4. North

Explanation

In the Sigālovāda Sutta the directions are mapped to social relationships: east is parents, south is teachers, west is spouse, north is friends, the nadir is servants, and the zenith is ascetics and brahmins. Therefore teachers are represented by the south. This reinterpretation turns a ritual act into reciprocal social duty.

Question 35Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Vyagghapajja Sutta, the Buddha explains 'uṭṭhānasampadā' as which of the following?

  1. Keeping a balanced household budget
  2. Careful guarding of savings from loss and theft
  3. Achievement of persistent effort in one's work Correct answer.
  4. Association with good friends

Explanation

'Uṭṭhāna' conveys rising up, effort, or industry, and 'sampadā' means attainment or accomplishment. In the Vyagghapajja Sutta this is one of four qualities supporting lay welfare. The other options describe 'ārakkhasampadā', 'samajīvitā', and 'kalyāṇamittatā' respectively.

Question 36Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, the first extreme, 'kāmasukhallikānuyoga', is the devotion to which of the following?

  1. Self-mortification and severe austerity
  2. The middle path free of extremes
  3. Indulgence in sensual pleasures Correct answer.
  4. Attachment to philosophical views

Explanation

The term combines 'kāma' (sensual pleasure), 'sukha' (happiness), and 'anuyoga' (devotion or pursuit). It names the indulgence in sensual pleasures, which the Buddha rejects along with 'attakilamathānuyoga', devotion to self-torment. The middle way avoids both extremes.

Question 37Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Pali prose formula 'Bhagavā etadavoca', the verb 'avoca' is best translated as which of the following?

  1. asked a question
  2. sat down
  3. said this Correct answer.
  4. was silent

Explanation

'Avoca' is an aorist verb meaning 'said' or 'spoke', and 'etad' means 'this'. The whole formula 'Bhagavā etadavoca' introduces the Blessed One's direct speech and is extremely common in Pali prose. It should not be confused with verbs of sitting, silence, or questioning.

Question 38Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In Pali prose texts, the opening 'Evaṃ me sutaṃ' is traditionally attributed to which disciple's recitation?

  1. Ānanda Correct answer.
  2. Anuruddha
  3. Sāriputta
  4. Mahākassapa

Explanation

'Evaṃ me sutaṃ' means 'Thus have I heard' and is traditionally understood as the words of Ānanda, the Buddha's attendant, who recited the discourses at the first council. Sāriputta, Mahākassapa, and Anuruddha are prominent disciples, but this formula is especially linked with Ānanda. It authenticates the transmission of the teaching.

Question 39Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

According to the Sigālovāda Sutta, which of the following is a teacher's duty towards pupils?

  1. Hand over the family inheritance at the proper time
  2. Provide wages and rest during illness
  3. Train pupils in a craft and ensure mastery Correct answer.
  4. Honour the spouse and remain faithful

Explanation

In the Sigālovāda Sutta the reciprocal duties of the six directions are specified. Teachers are to train pupils well and ensure that they learn their craft or discipline properly. Handing over inheritance belongs to parents, wages and sick rest to employers, and fidelity to spouses.

Question 40Prose (Gadya) - prescribed Pali prose texts

In the Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta, how does the Buddha instruct monks to regard each of the five aggregates?

  1. This is not mine, this I am not, this is not my self Correct answer.
  2. This is permanent, this is pleasant, this is my self
  3. This should be worshipped, this should be clung to, this is mine
  4. This is to be ignored, this is to be denied, this is without result

Explanation

The Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta applies the formula 'netaṃ mama, nesohamasmi, na meso attā' to each aggregate: this is not mine, this I am not, this is not my self. The formula is to be seen with right wisdom as it really is. It leads the monk to disenchantment and release, rather than to clinging or worship.

Question 41Poetry (Padya) - prescribed Pali verse texts

In the opening verse of the Dhammapada, 'Manopubbaṅgamā dhammā, manoseṭṭhā manomayā', what does the word 'pubbaṅgama' say about mind?

  1. That mind is the forerunner going ahead of the states Correct answer.
  2. That mind is the result produced by past action
  3. That mind is the object grasped by the senses
  4. That mind is a witness surviving after death

Explanation

Pubbaṅgama is formed from pubba ('before, in front') and gama ('going'), so it means 'going before, forerunner'. The verse therefore teaches that mental states are preceded and led by mind, which is why mind is described as their forerunner, chief and maker.

Question 42Poetry (Padya) - prescribed Pali verse texts

Dhammapada verses such as 'Appamādo amatapadaṃ, pamādo maccuno padaṃ' are composed in which metre?

  1. tuṭṭhubha, eleven syllables per quarter
  2. āryā, measured by morae rather than syllables
  3. jagatī, twelve syllables per quarter
  4. anuṭṭhubha (siloka), eight syllables per quarter Correct answer.

Explanation

Stanzas of this kind have four quarters of eight syllables each, which is the anuṭṭhubha, also called siloka, the commonest metre of Pali verse. Tuṭṭhubha and jagatī are longer metres of eleven and twelve syllables per quarter and are used only in particular texts.

Question 43Poetry (Padya) - prescribed Pali verse texts

The Dhammapada series runs 'Sabbe saṅkhārā aniccā … Sabbe saṅkhārā dukkhā …'. Which statement completes the third verse of this series?

  1. Sabbe sattā sukhitā hontu
  2. Sabbe dhammā anattā Correct answer.
  3. Sabbe dhammā dukkhā
  4. Sabbe saṅkhārā niccā

Explanation

The third verse of the series reads 'Sabbe dhammā anattā', 'all dhammas are not-self'. It changes the word saṅkhārā to dhammā because the mark of not-self holds of every dhamma, nibbāna included, whereas impermanence and suffering are predicated of conditioned formations only.

Question 44Poetry (Padya) - prescribed Pali verse texts

In 'Appamādo amatapadaṃ, pamādo maccuno padaṃ', how is 'amatapadaṃ' best rendered?

  1. The footprint left by a deity
  2. The place where offerings are made
  3. The deathless state Correct answer.
  4. The last words spoken by the dying

Explanation

Amata means 'not dying, deathless' and is a standard designation of nibbāna, while pada here means path, place or state. The line therefore says that heedfulness is the way to the deathless and heedlessness the way of death, which the next line reinforces with 'appamattā na mīyanti'.

Question 45Poetry (Padya) - prescribed Pali verse texts

In the verse 'Na hi verena verāni, sammantīdha kudācanaṃ; averena ca sammanti, esa dhammo sanantano', what is being taught?

  1. Enmity ends only when one avoids all company
  2. Enmity is a beginningless law that never ends
  3. Hatred is stilled only by non-hatred Correct answer.
  4. Hatred should be answered with punishment

Explanation

The verse states that enmities are never appeased by enmity but are appeased by non-enmity, averena. The closing line calls this 'the everlasting law' (esa dhammo sanantano), so the stanza is a maxim commending the overcoming of hatred by freedom from hatred.

Question 46Poetry (Padya) - prescribed Pali verse texts

In the phrase 'manopubbaṅgamā dhammā', the compound 'manopubbaṅgamā' belongs to which class of samāsa?

  1. tappurisa
  2. bahubbīhi Correct answer.
  3. kammadhāraya
  4. dvanda

Explanation

The viggaha is 'mano pubbaṅgamo etesaṃ dhammānaṃ', mind is the forerunner of those states, so the compound denotes the possessors of the forerunner, namely the dhammas. Referring to something outside its own members in this way is the defining mark of a bahubbīhi.

Question 47Poetry (Padya) - prescribed Pali verse texts

In 'Yathāgāraṃ ducchannaṃ, vuṭṭhi samativijjhati; evaṃ abhāvitaṃ cittaṃ, rāgo samativijjhati', which figure of speech organises the stanza?

  1. upamā (simile) Correct answer.
  2. yamaka (repetition of a word)
  3. atisayutti (hyperbole)
  4. rūpaka (metaphor)

Explanation

The comparison is marked openly by the correlatives yathā … evaṃ: as rain penetrates a badly roofed house, so greed penetrates an undeveloped mind. Because the two things are set side by side with an explicit comparative particle, the figure is a simile and not a metaphor.

Question 48Poetry (Padya) - prescribed Pali verse texts

The verse 'Attā hi attano nātho, ko hi nātho paro siyā' teaches which idea?

  1. Protection comes from one's family and relatives
  2. Only a teacher can protect a person
  3. The self is one's own protector Correct answer.
  4. Protection depends on merit transferred by others

Explanation

Nātha means protector, refuge or support. The verse declares that the self is one's own protector and asks rhetorically who else could serve as a protector, since it is one's own effort and conduct that finally guard a person, a point completed by 'attā hi attano gati'.

Question 49Poetry (Padya) - prescribed Pali verse texts

In the line 'Na hi verena verāni, sammantīdha kudācanaṃ', how is the sandhi form 'sammantīdha' correctly resolved?

  1. sammaṃ + idha
  2. sam + mantīdha
  3. sammanti + idha Correct answer.
  4. sammanti + āha

Explanation

The form resolves into sammanti, third person plural of the verb meaning 'they are appeased', plus idha, 'here'. The final -i of the verb is lengthened to -ī before the initial vowel of the following word, a straightforward vowel sandhi.

Question 50Poetry (Padya) - prescribed Pali verse texts

The verse 'Sabbapāpassa akaraṇaṃ, kusalassa upasampadā, sacittapariyodapanaṃ, etaṃ buddhāna sāsanaṃ' presents the Buddhas' teaching as consisting of which three items?

  1. Avoiding evil, doing good, purifying the mind Correct answer.
  2. Confessing offences, taking vows, worshipping
  3. Reciting scriptures, honouring relics, giving gifts
  4. Keeping silence, fasting, bathing in rivers

Explanation

The three items named are non-doing of any evil, the undertaking of what is wholesome, and the cleansing of one's own mind, summed up in the fourth quarter as the instruction of the Buddhas. The verse is valued in the syllabus precisely because it compresses the whole training into these three tasks.