MN 2 quiz

Short-Answer Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences based on the information in the Sabbāsava Sutta.

1. According to the sutta, for whom is the destruction of the taints possible, and what is the key capacity they possess?

2. What is the direct result of "unwise attention" on the taints?

3. What are the three fetters specifically abandoned through the method of "seeing"?

4. Describe the proper, wise use of almsfood as outlined in the sutta.

5. List three distinct types of hardship that are to be abandoned by "enduring."

6. Besides physical dangers like wild animals, what kinds of social situations should be abandoned by "avoiding"?

7. What four actions should a bhikkhu take toward an arisen thought of sensual desire or ill will, according to the method of "removing"?

8. What are the seven enlightenment factors to be cultivated in the method of "developing"?

9. What common qualities support the development of the enlightenment factors and what do they ripen into?

10. What is the final state of a bhikkhu who has successfully abandoned all taints using the seven methods?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Answer Key

1. The destruction of the taints is for one who "knows and sees." The key capacity they possess is the ability to distinguish between wise attention and unwise attention.

2. When one attends unwisely, unarisen taints of sensual desire, being, and ignorance arise. Furthermore, any of these taints that have already arisen will increase.

3. The three fetters abandoned by "seeing" are personality view, doubt, and adherence to rules and observances. These are overcome by wisely attending to the Four Noble Truths.

4. Almsfood is to be used wisely only for the endurance and continuance of the body, for ending discomfort, and for assisting the holy life. It is not for amusement, intoxication, or enhancing physical attractiveness.

5. Hardships to be endured include physical ones like cold and heat; nuisances like mosquito bites; ill-spoken, unwelcome words; and painful bodily feelings that may be sharp, piercing, and distressing.

6. A bhikkhu should avoid unsuitable seats, wandering to unsuitable resorts, and associating with bad friends. The reason for avoiding bad friends is that wise companions might suspect one of evil conduct.

7. According to the method of "removing," a bhikkhu should abandon, remove, do away with, and annihilate any arisen thought of sensual desire, ill will, or cruelty.

8. The seven enlightenment factors are mindfulness, investigation-of-states, energy, rapture, tranquillity, concentration, and equanimity.

9. The development of each enlightenment factor is supported by seclusion, dispassion, and cessation. This development process ultimately ripens in relinquishment.

10. The final state is that of a bhikkhu who dwells restrained with the restraint of all the taints. He has severed craving, flung off the fetters, and made an end of suffering.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Essay Questions

Instructions: Consider the following prompts for longer-form analysis of the sutta's teachings.

1. Analyze the relationship between the "unwise attention" described in the section on Seeing and the arising of the "thicket of views." How do speculative questions about the self lead to being fettered?

2. Compare and contrast the methods of Avoiding and Restraining. How do these two practices work together to protect the mind from external and internal sense-based triggers?

3. Explain the difference between the methods of Removing and Developing. Why is it necessary to both eliminate unwholesome states and cultivate wholesome ones?

4. The sutta states that taints, vexation, and fever might arise from the improper application of five of the methods (restraining, using, enduring, avoiding, removing, developing). Discuss why these three consequences are so consistently linked and what they collectively represent.

5. Discuss the role of "wise reflection" as it is mentioned in the methods of Restraining, Using, Enduring, Avoiding, Removing, and Developing. How does this mental quality underpin the practical application of the Buddha's instructions?