Quiz: Aryadeva’s 400 Stanzas, Chapter 9

1. What is the main point—the main thing to understand—from Chapter 9?

2. What is the Middle Way free from extremes? What are its two major components?

3. What are the two extremes and why are they extreme, incorrect views? In your life, have you ever held either one or both of these views? Do you still find traces of them inside your mind? What do you need to contemplate in order to rid yourself of them?

4. What is the definition of a functional thing (functional phenomenon)?

5. What are the definitions of impermanent and permanent?

6. What is the relationship between functional phenomena and impermanent things? What is the relationship between functional phenomena and things that arise due to causes and produce effects?

7. Can functional things be permanent? Why or why not? Are they perceived by reliable cognizers? Why do the Vaibhashikas say that permanent functional phenomena exist? What is the “function” that they say such phenomena produce? Why don’t Prasangikas accept this?

8. Who asserts a soul or atman? What would be the characteristics of such a soul? Why is it impossible for such a soul to exist?

9. What are arguments refuting partless particles?

10. Is nirvana permanent or impermanent? Some people say that at the time of attaining nirvana, the consciousness ceases. Why do they say this? How would you refute this belief?

Venerable Chodron reviewed the answers to the quiz on October 30, 2014.