UPSC Prelims 1998 · General Studies
Question 45: History and Culture
The concept of Eight-fold path forms the theme of
AnswerThe answer is (d).
The Eight-fold path (right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness and concentration) is the heart of the Dhamma Chakka Pavattana Sutta, the Buddha's first sermon at the Deer Park at Sarnath, which also sets out the Four Noble Truths and the Middle Way. The Dipavamsa is a Sri Lankan chronicle, the Divyavadana a collection of Buddhist stories, and the Mahaparinibbana Sutta describes the Buddha's last days.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The Dipavamsa is a Sri Lankan chronicle.
- (b) The Divyavadana is a collection of Buddhist legends and stories.
- (c) The Mahaparinibbana Sutta describes the Buddha's last days and death.
- (d) Right: the first sermon sets out the Four Truths and the Eight-fold path.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 1998, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.