CONTENTS OF ESSAYS FOR ENTRANCE EXAM INTO THE ITBMU
2006, YANGON, MYANMAR
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PART I: THE BUDDHA
01. The Life of the Buddha
02. A Brief Account of the Gotama Buddha
03. The Boddhisatta Siddattha’s Renunciation
04. Search and Enlightenment of the Buddha
05. The Buddha Does for the World after His Enlightenment
PART II: TIRATANA AND SĪLA
06. What is the Triple Ratana?
07. The Benefits of Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem
08. The Duty of a Real Buddhist
09. Essential Factors to Become a Real Buddhist
10. The Importance of Sīla
11. Five Precepts (Pañca Sīla)
12. Eight Precepts (Uposatha Aṭṭhaṅga Sīla)
13. Basic Precepts for Buddhist Lay Devotees
14. Why is Vinaya Essential for Monks?
PART III: SAMĀDHI
15. Samatha and Vipassana Meditation
16. Man Now Needs Meditation More Than Ever
17. My Own Experience in Buddhist Meditation
18. Loving-kindness Meditation (Mettā Bhāvanā)
PART IV: PAÑÑĀ
19. Crucial Content of the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta
20. The Four Noble Truths
21. Buddhist Viewpoint of Dukkha
22. The Eightfold Noble Path
23. The Buddha’s Perspective on the Two Extremes in Life
24. The Three Universal Characteristics
25. Theory of Kamma in Buddhism
26. The Role of Cetanā in Kamma
27. Rebirth in Buddhism
28. Generosity (Dāna) in Buddhism
29. Is Buddhism Pessimism or Realism?
30. Crucial Content of the Maṅgala Sutta
31. Buddhist Viewpoint of Real Happiness
32. Concept of Nibbāna in Buddhism
PART V: HISTORY OF BUDDHIST LITERATURE AND MYANAMAR
33. Theravāda Buddhism
34. Buddhism and Its Adherents
35. Differences between Mahāyāna and Theravāda Buddhism
36. Mention the Name of the Theravāda Tipiṭaka
37. An Introduction to the Tipiṭaka
38. Six Buddhist Councils
39. The Sixth Buddhist Council
40. The Golden Land (Buddhist Country)
41. The Shwedagon Pagoda as a Religious Monument
42. A Brief History of the Shwedagon Pagoda
43. A Religious Festival in Myanmar
PART VI: RELIGION AND SOCIAL PROBLEMS
44. Differences between the Buddha and the God
45. Buddhism and Modern World
46. Religion in Our Century
47. The Importance of Religious Education in the Modern Scientific World
48. Science and Humanity
PART VII: LETTERS AND MISCELLANEOUS
49. Letter to a Friend in Myanmar telling her how to prepare for exam
50. Letter to your friend asking him or her to join the academic life of the ITBMU
51. Letter to your friend telling the reason you want to study in the ITBMU
52. Letter regarding Myanmar and ITBMU to a friend.
53. My University - Vietnam Buddhist Academy
54. A Remarkable Teacher
55. A True Friend
56. Introduction of Myself
57. A Pilgrimage to the Sansawshin Pagoda by Boat
58. An Unforgettable Event in My Life
59. Proverbs
60. Short Notes
61. References
A Note of Acknowledgments
I would like express my deep appreciation to those who have helped me directly or indirectly to accomplish the composition and compilation of all essays. Many mistakes in spelling, grammar and ideas have left due to the limitation of time and knowledge. May all of friends have a great sympathy for all and use this collection as references for your own better preparation.
Respectfully yours,
TN. Liên Trang and Lệ Chánh