Assessment of Religious Knowledge (ARK) Practice Exam 2025 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Mastery

Buddhism is primarily centered around the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who is known as the Buddha. His insights into the nature of suffering, the causes of suffering, and the path to liberation from suffering form the foundation of Buddhist philosophy. The core teachings, often summarized in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, guide practitioners in their pursuit of enlightenment and understanding.

While the other options do hold significance in various contexts, they do not encapsulate the essence of Buddhism as effectively as the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. The worship of deities is not central to Buddhism; in fact, many forms of Buddhism do not involve deity worship at all. A collection of ancient texts, while important for preserving Buddha's teachings, serves more as a medium for instruction rather than the core focus of the religion itself. Similarly, while some Buddhist practices may involve rituals and ceremonies, these are not the primary aspect of what defines Buddhism. The heart of Buddhism lies in the ethical and philosophical insights offered by Siddhartha Gautama, which aim to help individuals attain spiritual awakening and understanding.