Saṅkhārakkhandha (Mental Formations) Test

 

Grade Level: Professional/Staff (Adult Learners)
Total Questions: 25

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate understanding of the concept of Saṅkhārakkhandha and its importance in Buddhist teachings.
• Identify and categorize the 50 cetasikas (mental factors).
• Analyze the implications of the aggregates as described in the Anattalakkhaṇa Sutta.
• Apply knowledge of mental formations to real-world contexts and personal experiences.

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Questions

Multiple Choice (8 Questions)

1. Which of the following is NOT considered a cetasika (mental factor)?
   a) Cetanā
   b) Phassa
   c) Vedanā
   d) Manasikāra

2. The Buddha’s teaching that “All mental formations are non-self” is found in which Sutta?
   a) SN 12.1
   b) SN 22.59
   c) SN 32.4
   d) SN 45.8

3. Which of the following best describes the term "Kusala"?
   a) Unwholesome factors
   b) Wholesome factors
   c) Neutral factors
   d) None of the above

4. In the Phena Sutta, what is saṅkhāra compared to?
   a) A water bubble
   b) A mirage
   c) A plantain trunk
   d) A foam ball

5. What does the term "Anicca" mean?
   a) Unsatisfactory
   b) Eternal
   c) Impermanent
   d) Non-self

6. Which mental formation is defined as "initial application"?
   a) Vitakka
   b) Vicāra
   c) Cetanā
   d) Phassa

7. What is the significance of understanding the aggregates in Buddhism?
   a) It leads to personal wealth
   b) It facilitates social connections
   c) It results in liberation
   d) It encourages competition

8. Cetanā is primarily associated with which of the following actions?
   a) Feeling
   b) Perception
   c) Volition
   d) Cognition

True/False (5 Questions)

9. True or False: Anattā means that all aggregates are permanent.
10. True or False: Dukkha signifies that all experiences are ultimately unsatisfactory.
11. True or False: The cetasikas are divided into three major categories: Kusala, Akusala, and Abyākata.
12. True or False: Understanding the nature of saṅkhāra can lead to deeper insights during vipassanā meditation.
13. True or False: The aggregates are described as being subject to constant arising and passing away.

Fill-in-the-Blank (5 Questions)

14. The five aggregates according to the Buddha include rūpa, vedanā, saññā, __, and viññāṇa.
15. In the Khajjanīya Sutta, it is said that saṅkhāra is called so because they __ the conditioned.
16. According to the Sutta, understanding the true nature of aggregates leads to __.
17. The term "virāga" is associated with __.
18. The teaching that all phenomena are non-self is encapsulated in the phrase "Sabbe __ anattā."

Matching (4 Questions)

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

19.

• A) Kusala
• B) Anicca
• C) Phassa
• D) Nibbāna

Description
1. Wholesome factors
2. Liberation
3. Impermanence
4. Contact

Short Answer (2 Questions)

20. Explain the significance of the phrase "Iti rūpaṃ, iti rūpassa samudayo, iti rūpassa atthaṅgamo."

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Essay (1 Question)

21. Discuss the role of mental formations (saṅkhāra) in the path to liberation in Buddhism. Include references to the relevant Suttas and elaborate on the practical implications of these teachings in everyday life.

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Evaluation Criteria

Essay (Question 21)

• Clarity of Argument: 0-5 points
• Depth of Analysis: 0-5 points
• Use of Evidence from Suttas: 0-5 points
• Real-World Application: 0-5 points
• Structure and Writing Quality: 0-5 points

Total Possible Points: 25

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Feedback Suggestions

• After the test, review the results to identify areas where students struggled, particularly in understanding key concepts of Saṅkhārakkhandha.
• Offer additional resources or discussions to clarify the more complex topics, such as the implications of anattā and the nature of mental formations.
• Encourage students to reflect on their personal experiences regarding the aggregates and how these insights can inform their practice.