Lha Bab Duchen MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This is a multiple-choice quiz for Class 9, Subject: Bhutia (Code 095), focusing on the unit Part A: Literature (Prose). The topic is Lha Bab Duchen MCQs Quiz | Class 9. This quiz covers text comprehension and multiple-choice questions based on the topic. After completing the quiz, submit your answers to see your score and download a PDF of the answer sheet.
Understanding Lha Bab Duchen
Lha Bab Duchen is one of the four major Buddhist festivals commemorating significant events in the life of Gautama Buddha. Celebrated in Tibet and by Tibetan Buddhists worldwide, this festival marks the anniversary of Buddha’s descent from the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven back to Earth.
The Story Behind Lha Bab Duchen
According to Buddhist scriptures, at the age of 41, Lord Buddha ascended to the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven (the Heaven of the Thirty-Three) to teach the Dharma to the gods and, most importantly, to repay the kindness of his mother, Queen Maya, who had been reborn there. He spent three months in this celestial realm giving teachings.
Meanwhile, his disciples on Earth, led by his devoted follower Maugalyayana, longed for his return. Maugalyayana pleaded with the Buddha to come back to the human realm. Moved by their devotion, the Buddha agreed to descend. It is said that a special triple ladder of beryl, gold, and silver was manifested by the gods Indra and Brahma for his descent. He returned to Earth at a place called Sankassa (also known as Sankasia).
Significance and Celebrations
Lha Bab Duchen is considered a “multiplying day.” This means that the karmic effects of any actions, whether positive or negative, performed on this day are multiplied many times over. Therefore, devotees engage in virtuous activities with great enthusiasm.
Common practices on this day include:
- Visiting monasteries and temples to make offerings.
- Lighting butter lamps or candles as a symbol of dispelling darkness with wisdom.
- Reciting prayers and mantras.
- Engaging in acts of charity and compassion.
- Undertaking pilgrimages to holy sites.
| Event | Significance |
|---|---|
| Buddha’s Ascent | To teach Dharma to his mother in Trāyastriṃśa Heaven. |
| Buddha’s Descent | The central event of Lha Bab Duchen. |
| Location of Descent | Sankassa, in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. |
| Timing | 22nd day of the ninth lunar month in the Tibetan calendar. |
Quick Revision Points
- What it is: A major Buddhist festival celebrating Buddha’s return from heaven.
- Literal Meaning: “The Descent of the God.”
- Why Buddha went to heaven: To teach his mother, Queen Maya.
- Which heaven: Trāyastriṃśa Heaven (Heaven of the Thirty-Three).
- Key Disciple: Maugalyayana requested Buddha’s return.
- Special Feature: It is a “multiplying day,” where karmic results are amplified.
Practice Questions for Revision
- What was the primary reason for Buddha’s three-month stay in the celestial realm?
- Who were the two gods who are said to have accompanied Buddha during his descent?
- Why is Lha Bab Duchen an important day for accumulating merit?
- Describe one common way Buddhists celebrate this festival.
- What is the name of the heaven from which Buddha descended?
