Taking WBAH’s Exam on Sutras, Etc.

I have been recently asked again about applying to take the examination offered by the WBAH on the sutras, vinayas, and shastras (commentaries). If you are eager to take this exam this year, I urge you to contact WBAH directly (CLICK “RESOURCES” on this website for link.) to find the best way to do so. I am repeating links I gave in 2018 to various announcements by the WBAH (formerly known as the United International World Buddhism Association Headquarters) about the exam including sample questions that were asked when it was originally given. Also included are reports on certain incidents relating to the exam that may help you understand the process. As I reported before, I have taken (and passed) this exam as well as those in the holy realms and observed others taking the exam in the holy realms in both Battle Positions. It is an amazing and awesome experience that is described in the announcements below. It is an open-book exam, with I remember mostly essay type questions that you have a couple of days to complete.

WBAH tells us that:  “You all have to make an earnest effort to listen respectfully to the recorded dharma discourses expounded by H.H. Dorje Chang Buddha III, study well Learning from Buddha and Imparting the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra, always check oneself using the 128 views, follow the two great mind essences of the Supreme and Unsurpassable Mahamudra of Liberation (SAUMOL), cultivate oneself in concrete actions and steps, abstain from everything that is evil and do all that is good, and practice well the Buddha-dharma transmitted from His Holiness the Buddha.”

Unfortunately, we still do not have published translations of most of the recorded dharma discourses or the texts listed above. I am hopeful still that Learning From Buddha and the SAUMOL will be available in English this year, but not so optimistic on the Heart Sutra text. Since these texts are so important, I urge you to request that you can have access to translations so that you can take the exam. You may still come to Sanger and read them at our temple. I have volunteered to proctor the test at our temple so that you can have access to the main texts, especially Imparting the Absolute Truth through the Heart Sutra, but you would need to request this for that to be possible. I think you would need to read it at least once before doing that, but it is an essential document to have. Remember the Buddha Master told a number of the western rinpoches that this was the only text you needed to become liberated and it does contain much of what you need to know for this exam. If they would let you take the exam in Sanger you would need to have time to drive here and back or make some other arrangement. I have discussed this matter with those who are responsible for the exam, but you will need to request this or other options to have what you need.

I found that taking the very comprehensive test was a very useful experience over and above receiving certification. Twenty sample questions taken from the test are listed below for your information. They also include reference to some of the other sources you need to study. It is not an easy exam, but I urge all of you to try. I can personally attest to witnessing most of what is described below.

Answer No. 33-Examination System of the WBAH, March 20, 2018

Public Announcement No. 20170108-Exam Incidents, March 2017

Public Announcement No. 20170101: Publication of the Results from the Examination in the Holy Realm, January 3, 2017

Public Announcement No. 20160112: Examination in the Holy Realm, October 18, 2016

Public Announcement No. 20160105: The Exam-20 Sample Questions; Dharma of Vajra Fa Man Zue Jue, April 27, 2016

Public Announcement No. 20160101: Written Exam Plus Exam in the Holy Realm, March 3, 2016

Public Announcement No. 20150118: Examination update, December 21, 2015

Reply to Inquiries No. 20180108: More on Status of unnamed Master, 2019 WBAH Exam, Establishing a Buddhist Organization, Beseeching an Inner-Tantric Initiation, and level of Henghsing Gyatso Rinpoche, October 25, 2018