Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Buddhists
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This is a basic general knowledge and religion related question about terminology. World religions have standard names for their followers, and understanding these names is useful in history, civics and culture oriented questions. The question asks about the correct term for people who follow the teachings of Gautama Buddha and Buddhism as a religion and philosophy.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The standard English term for followers of Buddhism is "Buddhists". Parsis are followers of Zoroastrianism. The Noble Truths refer to core doctrinal statements of Buddhism, not its followers. Bhikkhus are Buddhist monks, a specific group within the religion, not all followers. The approach is to match each option with its actual meaning and usage in religious studies.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that followers of Buddhism as a whole are commonly called Buddhists, similar to how followers of Christianity are called Christians.
Step 2: Recognise that Parsis are followers of Zoroastrianism, primarily found in India and Iran, and therefore this term is unrelated to Buddhism.
Step 3: Recall that the Four Noble Truths are central teachings of Buddhism about suffering and the path to liberation; they are concepts, not people.
Step 4: Understand that Bhikkhus are ordained Buddhist monks who live under specific monastic rules; while they are Buddhists, the term does not describe all lay followers.
Step 5: Conclude that the only option that accurately describes all followers of Buddhism is Buddhists.
Verification / Alternative check:
As a quick check, think of how religions are commonly described in textbooks: Hindus (Hinduism), Muslims (Islam), Christians (Christianity), Buddhists (Buddhism), Jains (Jainism), Parsis (Zoroastrianism). This pattern confirms that "Buddhists" is the correct general name for followers of Buddhism.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Parsis: This term refers to the Zoroastrian community, mostly in India and Pakistan, and has no direct connection with Buddhism.
Noble Truths: This phrase refers to fundamental teachings of Buddhism (such as the Four Noble Truths) and not to people who follow the religion.
Bhikkhus: These are Buddhist monks who have taken monastic vows; the term is too narrow because it does not include lay followers, so it cannot be used as the general word for all followers of Buddhism.
Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may be tempted by more technical sounding words like Bhikkhus or Noble Truths, assuming that the most unfamiliar term is likely to be correct. Others may confuse Parsis with Buddhists because both communities have historical roots in Asia and may appear together in some multicultural contexts. Careful reading and understanding of basic religious vocabulary prevents such mistakes.
Final Answer:
Followers of Buddhism are commonly known as Buddhists.
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