Shantarakshita — Questions and answers
Read the full story
What kind of place was Nalanda University when Shantarakshita lived there, and what two main ideas were often discussed?
Choices
- It was a quiet library where people only read one type of book.
- It was a busy learning place where many different ideas, like Madhyamaka and Yogacara, were debated. ✓
- It was a playground where children played many different games.
- It was a market where people sold different kinds of food.
Answer: It was a busy learning place where many different ideas, like Madhyamaka and Yogacara, were debated.
From page 2
Why did King Trisong Detsen ask Shantarakshita to come to Tibet?
Choices
- The King wanted him to build a new palace.
- The King wanted him to teach about different types of food.
- The King wanted him to help make Buddhism strong in Tibet. ✓
- The King wanted him to join a singing contest.
Answer: The King wanted him to help make Buddhism strong in Tibet.
From page 3
How did Shantarakshita explain how Yogacara and Madhyamaka ideas work together?
Choices
- He said Yogacara was about how things truly are and Madhyamaka was about how they appear.
- He said Yogacara was about how things appear to our minds, and Madhyamaka was about how they truly are (empty of fixed nature). ✓
- He said they were two completely different ideas that could never be combined.
- He said both ideas were only about making pretty drawings.
Answer: He said Yogacara was about how things appear to our minds, and Madhyamaka was about how they truly are (empty of fixed nature).
From page 6
What was the big argument at the Samye Debate, and who were the two main people discussing it?
Choices
- Kamalashila wanted to build a new road, and Heshang Moheyan wanted to build a bridge.
- Kamalashila believed in learning slowly to become wise, while Heshang Moheyan believed in becoming wise all at once by stopping all thoughts. ✓
- Kamalashila wanted to grow more flowers, and Heshang Moheyan wanted to grow more trees.
- Kamalashila thought the sky was blue, and Heshang Moheyan thought it was green.
Answer: Kamalashila believed in learning slowly to become wise, while Heshang Moheyan believed in becoming wise all at once by stopping all thoughts.
From page 7
What happened at the end of the Samye Debate, and whose ideas did King Trisong Detsen choose to follow?
Choices
- Heshang Moheyan won, and the king decided to follow the idea of sudden enlightenment.
- Kamalashila won by explaining that understanding takes careful thought and kindness, and the king chose the Indian Buddhist way. ✓
- No one won, and the king decided to follow neither idea.
- The king decided to have a dance contest instead of listening to ideas.
Answer: Kamalashila won by explaining that understanding takes careful thought and kindness, and the king chose the Indian Buddhist way.
From page 8
How did Shantarakshita's teachings help Tibetan Buddhism grow?
Choices
- They made it easier for people to just guess about things without thinking deeply.
- They gave it a strong, smart way of thinking that combined everyday life with big truths about emptiness. ✓
- They made everyone believe there was only one right answer to everything.
- They made everyone stop asking questions.
Answer: They gave it a strong, smart way of thinking that combined everyday life with big truths about emptiness.
From page 9
Why are Shantarakshita's ideas still helpful in the world today?
Choices
- They help us decide what toys to play with.
- They help us understand our minds and the world, and how to deal with life's difficult parts. ✓
- They teach us how to build houses faster.
- They tell us what kind of food to eat for dinner.
Answer: They help us understand our minds and the world, and how to deal with life's difficult parts.
From page 10