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gq: The Sthaviras gave rise to several schools, one of which was the Theravāda school. Originally, these schisms were caused by disputes over vinaya, and monks following different schools of thought seem to have lived happily together in the same monasteries, but eventually, by about 100 CE if not earlier, schisms were being caused by doctrinal disagreements too.

Question: Who gave rise to the Theravada school? Question: Monks following different schools of thought seem to have lived happily together in the same what? Question: By the latest at around 100 CE, schisms were being caused by what type of desagreements?

gq: Following (or leading up to) the schisms, each Saṅgha started to accumulate an Abhidharma, a detailed scholastic reworking of doctrinal material appearing in the Suttas, according to schematic classifications. These Abhidharma texts do not contain systematic philosophical treatises, but summaries or numerical lists. Scholars generally date these texts to around the 3rd century BCE, 100 to 200 years after the death of the Buddha. Therefore the seven Abhidharma works are generally claimed not to represent the words of the Buddha himself, but those of disciples and great scholars.[note 38] Every school had its own version of the Abhidharma, with different theories and different texts. The different Abhidharmas of the various schools did not agree with each other. Scholars disagree on whether the Mahasanghika school had an Abhidhamma Pitaka or not.[note 38]

Question: What is a detailed scholastic reworking of doctrinal material called? Question: The abhidharma texts do not contain treatises, but what? Question: The Abhidharma texts are from what time? Question: There is a disagreement on whether a school had an Abhidhamma or not, which school is it?

gq: Several scholars have suggested that the Prajñāpāramitā sūtras, which are among the earliest Mahāyāna sūtras, developed among the Mahāsāṃghika along the Kṛṣṇa River in the Āndhra region of South India.

Question: Which sutras are among the earliest Mahayana sutras? Question: The Prajnaparamita sutras were developed along the krsna river in what region of South India?

gq: The earliest Mahāyāna sūtras to include the very first versions of the Prajñāpāramitā genre, along with texts concerning Akṣobhya Buddha, which were probably written down in the 1st century BCE in the south of India. Guang Xing states, "Several scholars have suggested that the Prajñāpāramitā probably developed among the Mahāsāṃghikas in southern India, in the Āndhra country, on the Kṛṣṇa River." A.K. Warder believes that "the Mahāyāna originated in the south of India and almost certainly in the Āndhra country."

Question: The earliest Mahayana sutra include the very first version of what genre? Question: Texts concerning Aksobhya Buddha were written down in what century? Question: Author Warder believes that the Mahayana originated in the south of India in what area?

gq: Anthony Barber and Sree Padma note that "historians of Buddhist thought have been aware for quite some time that such pivotally important Mahayana Buddhist thinkers as Nāgārjuna, Dignaga, Candrakīrti, Āryadeva, and Bhavaviveka, among many others, formulated their theories while living in Buddhist communities in Āndhra." They note that the ancient Buddhist sites in the lower Kṛṣṇa Valley, including Amaravati, Nāgārjunakoṇḍā and Jaggayyapeṭa "can be traced to at least the third century BCE, if not earlier." Akira Hirakawa notes the "evidence suggests that many Early Mahayana scriptures originated in South India."

Question: The ancient buddhist site in the lower Krsna Valley can be traced to at least what century BCE? Question: Evidence suggests that many Early mahayana scriptures originated in what part of India?

gq: There is no evidence that Mahāyāna ever referred to a separate formal school or sect of Buddhism, but rather that it existed as a certain set of ideals, and later doctrines, for bodhisattvas. Initially it was known as Bodhisattvayāna (the "Vehicle of the Bodhisattvas"). Paul Williams has also noted that the Mahāyāna never had nor ever attempted to have a separate Vinaya or ordination lineage from the early schools of Buddhism, and therefore each bhikṣu or bhikṣuṇī adhering to the Mahāyāna formally belonged to an early school. This continues today with the Dharmaguptaka ordination lineage in East Asia, and the Mūlasarvāstivāda ordination lineage in Tibetan Buddhism. Therefore Mahāyāna was never a separate rival sect of the early schools. From Chinese monks visiting India, we now know that both Mahāyāna and non-Mahāyāna monks in India often lived in the same monasteries side by side.

Question: There is no evidence that Mahayana ever referred to a separate school of what? Question: The mahayana never tried to have separte what? Question: We know that both Mahayana and non Mahayana monks live in the same what?

gq: Much of the early extant evidence for the origins of Mahāyāna comes from early Chinese translations of Mahāyāna texts. These Mahāyāna teachings were first propagated into China by Lokakṣema, the first translator of Mahāyāna sūtras into Chinese during the 2nd century CE.[note 39] Some scholars have traditionally considered the earliest Mahāyāna sūtras to include the very first versions of the Prajñāpāramitā series, along with texts concerning Akṣobhya Buddha, which were probably composed in the 1st century BCE in the south of India.[note 40]

Question: Most of the early extant evidence for the origins of Mhayana comes from what type of translations? Question: The Mahayana teachings were first propagated into China by who? Question: The earliest Mahayana sutras included the very first versions of what series? Question: Texts concerning Aksobhya Buddha were probably composed in what century BCE?

gq: During the period of Late Mahayana Buddhism, four major types of thought developed: Madhyamaka, Yogacara, Tathagatagarbha, and Buddhist Logic as the last and most recent. In India, the two main philosophical schools of the Mahayana were the Madhyamaka and the later Yogacara. According to Dan Lusthaus, Madhyamaka and Yogacara have a great deal in common, and the commonality stems from early Buddhism. There were no great Indian teachers associated with tathagatagarbha thought.

Question: What four types of thought developed during the period of late mahayna buddhism? Question: In India the two main philosophical schools of the Mahayana were Madhyamaka and what else? Question: What was the latest thought type?

gq: Buddhism may have spread only slowly in India until the time of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, who was a public supporter of the religion. The support of Aśoka and his descendants led to the construction of more stūpas (Buddhist religious memorials) and to efforts to spread Buddhism throughout the enlarged Maurya empire and even into neighboring lands—particularly to the Iranian-speaking regions of Afghanistan and Central Asia, beyond the Mauryas' northwest border, and to the island of Sri Lanka south of India. These two missions, in opposite directions, would ultimately lead, in the first case to the spread of Buddhism into China, and in the second case, to the emergence of Theravāda Buddhism and its spread from Sri Lanka to the coastal lands of Southeast Asia.

Question: Buddhism may have spread quickly because of what Mauryan emperor? Question: The support of Asoka and his descendants led to what being built more? Question: What does stupas mean in English?

gq: This period marks the first known spread of Buddhism beyond India. According to the edicts of Aśoka, emissaries were sent to various countries west of India to spread Buddhism (Dharma), particularly in eastern provinces of the neighboring Seleucid Empire, and even farther to Hellenistic kingdoms of the Mediterranean. It is a matter of disagreement among scholars whether or not these emissaries were accompanied by Buddhist missionaries.

Question: Emissaries were sent to various countries to what direct from India? Question: What were the emissaries used for? Question: Scholars disagree on whether emissaries were accompanied by Buddhist what?

gq: The gradual spread of Buddhism into adjacent areas meant that it came into contact with new ethnical groups. During this period Buddhism was exposed to a variety of influences, from Persian and Greek civilization, to changing trends in non-Buddhist Indian religions—themselves influenced by Buddhism. Striking examples of this syncretistic development can be seen in the emergence of Greek-speaking Buddhist monarchs in the Indo-Greek Kingdom, and in the development of the Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhāra. A Greek king, Menander, has even been immortalized in the Buddhist canon.

Question: The gradual spread of Buddhism exposed it to a variety of influences including what civilization? Question: Who was the Greek king immortalized in Buddhist canon?

gq: The Theravada school spread south from India in the 3rd century BCE, to Sri Lanka and Thailand and Burma and later also Indonesia. The Dharmagupta school spread (also in 3rd century BCE) north to Kashmir, Gandhara and Bactria (Afghanistan).

Question: The Theravada school spread south from india in what century BCE? Question: The Dharmagupta schol spread in what century to Kashmir?

gq: The Silk Road transmission of Buddhism to China is most commonly thought to have started in the late 2nd or the 1st century CE, though the literary sources are all open to question.[note 41] The first documented translation efforts by foreign Buddhist monks in China were in the 2nd century CE, probably as a consequence of the expansion of the Kushan Empire into the Chinese territory of the Tarim Basin.

Question: When was the first documented translation efforts by foreign Buddhist monks in China?

gq: In the 2nd century CE, Mahayana Sutras spread to China, and then to Korea and Japan, and were translated into Chinese. During the Indian period of Esoteric Buddhism (from the 8th century onwards), Buddhism spread from India to Tibet and Mongolia.

Question: Mahayana Sutras spread to China during what century? Question: What two countries after China was the Mahayana sutras spread? Question: When did Buddhism apread from India to Tibet?

gq: By the late Middle Ages, Buddhism had become virtually extinct in India, although it continued to exist in surrounding countries. It is now again gaining strength worldwide. China and India are now starting to fund Buddhist shrines in various Asian countries as they compete for influence in the region.[web 20]

Question: China and India are now starting to fund what type of shrines in various Asian countries?

gq: Formal membership varies between communities, but basic lay adherence is often defined in terms of a traditional formula in which the practitioner takes refuge in The Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha), and the Sangha (the Buddhist community). At the present time, the teachings of all three branches of Buddhism have spread throughout the world, and Buddhist texts are increasingly translated into local languages. While in the West Buddhism is often seen as exotic and progressive, in the East it is regarded as familiar and traditional. Buddhists in Asia are frequently well organized and well funded. In countries such as Cambodia and Bhutan, it is recognized as the state religion and receives government support. Modern influences increasingly lead to new forms of Buddhism that significantly depart from traditional beliefs and practices.

Question: What is the Dharma? Question: What is the Sangha? Question: West Buddhism is often seen as exotic and what? Question: New forms of Buddhism are created because of what reason?

gq: A number of modern movements or tendencies in Buddhism emerged during the second half of the 20th Century, including the Dalit Buddhist movement (also sometimes called 'neo-Buddhism'), Engaged Buddhism, and the further development of various Western Buddhist traditions.

Question: When did a number of modern movement in Buddhism emerge? Question: What is the Dalit buddhist movement sometimes called?

gq: In the second half of the 20th Century a modern movement in Nichiren Buddhism: Soka Gakkai (Value Creation Society) emerged in Japan and spread further to other countries. Soka Gakkai International (SGI) is a lay Buddhist movement linking more than 12 million people around the world, and is currently described as "the most diverse" and "the largest lay Buddhist movement in the world".[web 21]

Question: What Buddhism emerged in the second half of the 20th century in Japan? Question: What does Soka Gakkai mean in English? Question: What Buddhist movement has linked more than 12 million people? Question: What is the largest Buddhist movement in the world?

gq: Buddhism is practiced by an estimated 488 million,[web 1] 495 million, or 535 million people as of the 2010s, representing 7% to 8% of the world's total population.

Question: What religion is practiced by an estimated 488 to 535 million people?

gq: China is the country with the largest population of Buddhists, approximately 244 million or 18.2% of its total population.[web 1] They are mostly followers of Chinese schools of Mahayana, making this the largest body of Buddhist traditions. Mahayana, also practiced in broader East Asia, is followed by over half of world Buddhists.[web 1]

Question: What country has the largest population of Buddhists? Question: How many Buddhists are in China?

gq: According to a demographic analysis reported by Peter Harvey (2013): Mahayana has 360 million adherents; Theravada has 150 million adherents; and Vajrayana has 18,2 million adherents. Seven million additional Buddhists are found outside of Asia.

Question: How may adherents does Mahayana have? Question: How many adherents does Thervada have? Question: How many Buddists are outside of Asia?

gq: According to Johnson and Grim (2013), Buddhism has grown from a total of 138 million adherents in 1910, of which 137 million were in Asia, to 495 million in 2010, of which 487 million are in Asia. According to them, there was a fast annual growth of Buddhism in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and several Western European countries (1910–2010). More recently (2000–2010), the countries with highest growth rates are Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and some African countries.

Question: How many Buddhists were there in 1910? Question: How many Buddhists are there in 2010? Question: How many buddhists are in Asia?

gq: Some scholars[note 44] use other schemes. Buddhists themselves have a variety of other schemes. Hinayana (literally "lesser vehicle") is used by Mahayana followers to name the family of early philosophical schools and traditions from which contemporary Theravada emerged, but as this term is rooted in the Mahayana viewpoint and can be considered derogatory, a variety of other terms are increasingly used instead, including Śrāvakayāna, Nikaya Buddhism, early Buddhist schools, sectarian Buddhism, conservative Buddhism, mainstream Buddhism and non-Mahayana Buddhism.

Question: What is used by Mahayana followers to name the early schools? Question: What does Hinayana mean in English?

gq: Not all traditions of Buddhism share the same philosophical outlook, or treat the same concepts as central. Each tradition, however, does have its own core concepts, and some comparisons can be drawn between them. For example, according to one Buddhist ecumenical organization,[web 23] several concepts common to both major Buddhist branches:

Question: Each tradition has its own core what? Question: there are common concepts to both major buddhist branches according to what organization?

gq: Theravada ("Doctrine of the Elders", or "Ancient Doctrine") is the oldest surviving Buddhist school. It is relatively conservative, and generally closest to early Buddhism. The name Theravāda comes from the ancestral Sthāvirīya, one of the early Buddhist schools, from which the Theravadins claim descent. After unsuccessfully trying to modify the Vinaya, a small group of "elderly members", i.e. sthaviras, broke away from the majority Mahāsāṃghika during the Second Buddhist council, giving rise to the Sthavira sect. Sinhalese Buddhist reformers in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries portrayed the Pali Canon as the original version of scripture. They also emphasized Theravada being rational and scientific.

Question: What is the oldest surviving Buddhist school? Question: Where does the name theravada come from? Question: Sinhalese buddhist reformer portrayed what Canon as the original version of scripture?

gq: Theravāda is primarily practiced today in Sri Lanka, Burma, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia as well as small portions of China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bangladesh. It has a growing presence in the west.

Question: Where is there a growing presence of Theravada?

gq: Theravadin Buddhists believe that personal effort is required to realize rebirth. Monks follow the vinaya: meditating, teaching and serving their lay communities. Laypersons can perform good actions, producing merit.

Question: What type of Buddhists believe that personal effort is required to realize rebirth? Question: Laypersons can perform good actions, producing what?

gq: Mahayana Buddhism flourished in India from the 5th century CE onwards, during the dynasty of the Guptas. Mahāyāna centres of learning were established, the most important one being the Nālandā University in north-eastern India.

Question: What was the most important Mahayana centre of learning?

gq: Mahayana schools recognize all or part of the Mahayana Sutras. Some of these sutras became for Mahayanists a manifestation of the Buddha himself, and faith in and veneration of those texts are stated in some sutras (e.g. the Lotus Sutra and the Mahaparinirvana Sutra) to lay the foundations for the later attainment of Buddhahood itself.

Question: Mahayana schools recognize all or part of what? Question: A few of the sutras for Mahayanists became a manifestation of who? Question: Faith in and veneration of Mahayana are stated in what sutras?

gq: Native Mahayana Buddhism is practiced today in China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, parts of Russia and most of Vietnam (also commonly referred to as "Eastern Buddhism"). The Buddhism practiced in Tibet, the Himalayan regions, and Mongolia is also Mahayana in origin, but is discussed below under the heading of Vajrayana (also commonly referred to as "Northern Buddhism"). There are a variety of strands in Eastern Buddhism, of which "the Pure Land school of Mahayana is the most widely practised today.". In most of this area however, they are fused into a single unified form of Buddhism. In Japan in particular, they form separate denominations with the five major ones being: Nichiren, peculiar to Japan; Pure Land; Shingon, a form of Vajrayana; Tendai, and Zen. In Korea, nearly all Buddhists belong to the Chogye school, which is officially Son (Zen), but with substantial elements from other traditions.

Question: Native Mahayana buddhism is also called what? Question: The Buddhism practiced in Tibet, the Himalayan regions and Mongolia are often referred to as? Question: What is the most widely practised Eastern Buddhism?

gq: Various classes of Vajrayana literature developed as a result of royal courts sponsoring both Buddhism and Saivism. The Mañjusrimulakalpa, which later came to classified under Kriyatantra, states that mantras taught in the Saiva, Garuda and Vaisnava tantras will be effective if applied by Buddhists since they were all taught originally by Manjushri. The Guhyasiddhi of Padmavajra, a work associated with the Guhyasamaja tradition, prescribes acting as a Saiva guru and initiating members into Saiva Siddhanta scriptures and mandalas. The Samvara tantra texts adopted the pitha list from the Saiva text Tantrasadbhava, introducing a copying error where a deity was mistaken for a place.

Question: The royal courts sponsored both Buddhism and what? Question: Mantras taught in the Saiva, Garuda, and Vaisnava tantra will be effective if applied by who? Question: What work is associated with Guhyasamaja tradition?

gq: Buddhist scriptures and other texts exist in great variety. Different schools of Buddhism place varying levels of value on learning the various texts. Some schools venerate certain texts as religious objects in themselves, while others take a more scholastic approach. Buddhist scriptures are mainly written in Pāli, Tibetan, Mongolian, and Chinese. Some texts still exist in Sanskrit and Buddhist Hybrid Sanskrit.

Question: There is a great variety of what type of scripture? Question: Some schools venerate certain texts as religious what?

gq: Unlike many religions, Buddhism has no single central text that is universally referred to by all traditions. However, some scholars have referred to the Vinaya Pitaka and the first four Nikayas of the Sutta Pitaka as the common core of all Buddhist traditions.[page needed] This could be considered misleading, as Mahāyāna considers these merely a preliminary, and not a core, teaching. The Tibetan Buddhists have not even translated most of the āgamas (though theoretically they recognize them) and they play no part in the religious life of either clergy or laity in China and Japan. Other scholars say there is no universally accepted common core. The size and complexity of the Buddhist canons have been seen by some (including Buddhist social reformer Babasaheb Ambedkar) as presenting barriers to the wider understanding of Buddhist philosophy.

Question: Unlike most religions, Buddhism has no single central what? Question: Some scholars say there is no universally accepted common what? Question: Tibetan Buddhists have not even translated most of the what? Question: What has been seen by some as a hinderance to understanding Buddhist philosophy?

gq: Over the years, various attempts have been made to synthesize a single Buddhist text that can encompass all of the major principles of Buddhism. In the Theravada tradition, condensed 'study texts' were created that combined popular or influential scriptures into single volumes that could be studied by novice monks. Later in Sri Lanka, the Dhammapada was championed as a unifying scripture.

Question: There have been attempts to create a single text with all the main ideas of what religion? Question: condensed study texts where created in what tradition? Question: In Sri Lanka, what was determined to be the best unifying scripture?

gq: Dwight Goddard collected a sample of Buddhist scriptures, with the emphasis on Zen, along with other classics of Eastern philosophy, such as the Tao Te Ching, into his 'Buddhist Bible' in the 1920s. More recently, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar attempted to create a single, combined document of Buddhist principles in "The Buddha and His Dhamma". Other such efforts have persisted to present day, but currently there is no single text that represents all Buddhist traditions.

Question: Goddard collected mainly what type of Buddhist scripture? Question: Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar attempted to create a single combined document with all Buddhist principles and called it?

gq: The Pāli Tipitaka, which means "three baskets", refers to the Vinaya Pitaka, the Sutta Pitaka, and the Abhidhamma Pitaka. The Vinaya Pitaka contains disciplinary rules for the Buddhist monks and nuns, as well as explanations of why and how these rules were instituted, supporting material, and doctrinal clarification. The Sutta Pitaka contains discourses ascribed to Gautama Buddha. The Abhidhamma Pitaka contains material often described as systematic expositions of the Gautama Buddha's teachings.

Question: What means "three baskets"? Question: What does the "three baskets" refer to? Question: What contains disciplinary rules for Buddhist Monks and nuns? Question: What contains discourses ascribed to Gautama Buddha? Question: What contains material ofen described as systematic expositions of the Gautama Buddha teachings?

gq: The Pāli Tipitaka is the only early Tipitaka (Sanskrit: Tripiṭaka) to survive intact in its original language, but a number of early schools had their own recensions of the Tipitaka featuring much of the same material. We have portions of the Tipitakas of the Sārvāstivāda, Dharmaguptaka, Sammitya, Mahāsaṅghika, Kāśyapīya, and Mahīśāsaka schools, most of which survive in Chinese translation only. According to some sources, some early schools of Buddhism had five or seven pitakas.

Question: What is the only Tipitaka to survive intact in its original language? Question: Is is said that some early schools of buddhism had how many pitakas?

gq: According to the scriptures, soon after the death of the Buddha, the first Buddhist council was held; a monk named Mahākāśyapa (Pāli: Mahākassapa) presided. The goal of the council was to record the Buddha's teachings. Upāli recited the vinaya. Ānanda, the Buddha's personal attendant, was called upon to recite the dhamma. These became the basis of the Tripitaka. However, this record was initially transmitted orally in form of chanting, and was committed to text in the last century BCE. Both the sūtras and the vinaya of every Buddhist school contain a wide variety of elements including discourses on the Dharma, commentaries on other teachings, cosmological and cosmogonical texts, stories of the Gautama Buddha's previous lives, and various other subjects.

Question: Which monk presided after the death of the Buddha? Question: What was the goal of the council? Question: the vinaya was recited by? Question: Who was the Buddha's personal attendant? Question: Ananda was called upon to recite what?

gq: Much of the material in the Canon is not specifically "Theravadin", but is instead the collection of teachings that this school preserved from the early, non-sectarian body of teachings. According to Peter Harvey, it contains material at odds with later Theravadin orthodoxy. He states: "The Theravadins, then, may have added texts to the Canon for some time, but they do not appear to have tampered with what they already had from an earlier period."

Question: Much of the material in the Canon is not specifically what? Question: Who may have added texts to the Canon for some time?

gq: The Mahayana sutras are a very broad genre of Buddhist scriptures that the Mahayana Buddhist tradition holds are original teachings of the Buddha. Some adherents of Mahayana accept both the early teachings (including in this the Sarvastivada Abhidharma, which was criticized by Nagarjuna and is in fact opposed to early Buddhist thought) and the Mahayana sutras as authentic teachings of Gautama Buddha, and claim they were designed for different types of persons and different levels of spiritual understanding.

Question: What are considered the original teachings of the Buddha? Question: What is a very broad genre of Buddhist scripture? Question: What teaching was criticized by Nagarjuna?

gq: The Mahayana sutras often claim to articulate the Buddha's deeper, more advanced doctrines, reserved for those who follow the bodhisattva path. That path is explained as being built upon the motivation to liberate all living beings from unhappiness. Hence the name Mahāyāna (lit., the Great Vehicle).

Question: What sutras are reserved for those who follow the bodhisattva path? Question: What path is described as being built upon the motivation to liberate all living beings? Question: What does Mahayana mean?

gq: According to Mahayana tradition, the Mahayana sutras were transmitted in secret, came from other Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, or were preserved in non-human worlds because human beings at the time could not understand them:

Question: What sutras were transmitted in secret? Question: What sutras could have been preserved in non-human worlds? Question: What tradition says that sutras might have come from other Buddhas or Bodhisattvas?

gq: Approximately six hundred Mahayana sutras have survived in Sanskrit or in Chinese or Tibetan translations. In addition, East Asian Buddhism recognizes some sutras regarded by scholars as of Chinese rather than Indian origin.

Question: How many Mahayana sutras have survivied in Sanskrit or in Chinese or Tibetan translations? Question: What buddhism recognizes sutras of Chinese origin?

gq: Generally, scholars conclude that the Mahayana scriptures were composed from the 1st century CE onwards: "Large numbers of Mahayana sutras were being composed in the period between the beginning of the common era and the fifth century", five centuries after the historical Gautama Buddha. Some of these had their roots in other scriptures composed in the 1st century BCE. It was not until after the 5th century CE that the Mahayana sutras started to influence the behavior of mainstream Buddhists in India: "But outside of texts, at least in India, at exactly the same period, very different—in fact seemingly older—ideas and aspirations appear to be motivating actual behavior, and old and established Hinnayana groups appear to be the only ones that are patronized and supported." These texts were apparently not universally accepted among Indian Buddhists when they appeared; the pejorative label Hinayana was applied by Mahayana supporters to those who rejected the Mahayana sutras.

Question: When did Mahayana sutras start to influence the behavior of mainstream buddhists in India? Question: What was the pejorative label for those that rejected Mahayana sutras?

gq: Only the Theravada school does not include the Mahayana scriptures in its canon. As the modern Theravada school is descended from a branch of Buddhism that diverged and established itself in Sri Lanka prior to the emergence of the Mahayana texts, debate exists as to whether the Theravada were historically included in the hinayana designation; in the modern era, this label is seen as derogatory, and is generally avoided.

Question: What school does not include the Mahayava scriptures in its canon? Question: The modern Theravada school stablished itself in what country? Question: What Mahayana related label is considered derogatory?

gq: Scholar Isabelle Onians asserts that although "the Mahāyāna ... very occasionally referred contemptuously to earlier Buddhism as the Hinayāna, the Inferior Way," "the preponderance of this name in the secondary literature is far out of proportion to occurrences in the Indian texts." She notes that the term Śrāvakayāna was "the more politically correct and much more usual" term used by Mahāyānists. Jonathan Silk has argued that the term "Hinayana" was used to refer to whomever one wanted to criticize on any given occasion, and did not refer to any definite grouping of Buddhists.

Question: What term was more politically correct term for the word Hinayana? Question: The mahayana occasionally referred to early Buddhism as what?

gq: Buddhism provides many opportunities for comparative study with a diverse range of subjects. For example, Buddhism's emphasis on the Middle way not only provides a unique guideline for ethics but has also allowed Buddhism to peacefully coexist with various differing beliefs, customs and institutions in countries where it has resided throughout its history. Also, its moral and spiritual parallels with other systems of thought—for example, with various tenets of Christianity—have been subjects of close study. In addition, the Buddhist concept of dependent origination has been compared to modern scientific thought, as well as Western metaphysics.

Question: What provides chances for comparative study with a large range of subjects? Question: Buddhism's emphasis on the Middle Way provides a guideline for what? Question: Buddism has what kind of parallels withother systems of thought? Question: Buddhism had similiar tenets to what other common religion? Question: Buddhist concept of dependent origination has been compared to what modern thought?

gq: There are differences of opinion on the question of whether or not Buddhism should be considered a religion. Many sources commonly refer to Buddhism as a religion. For example:

Question: What school of thought is questioned on whether or not it is a religion? Question: What is often referred to as a religion by many sources?

gq: American Idol is an American singing competition series created by Simon Fuller and produced by 19 Entertainment, and is distributed by FremantleMedia North America. It began airing on Fox on June 11, 2002, as an addition to the Idols format based on the British series Pop Idol and has since become one of the most successful shows in the history of American television. The concept of the series is to find new solo recording artists, with the winner being determined by the viewers in America. Winners chosen by viewers through telephone, Internet, and SMS text voting were Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery, Phillip Phillips, Candice Glover, Caleb Johnson, and Nick Fradiani.

Question: Who is the creator of American Idol? Question: Who created American Idol? Question: What company produces American idol? Question: What company produces American Idol? Question: Who produced American Idol? Question: What television network does American Idol air on? Question: When did American Idol first air on TV? Question: What year did American Idol begin airing? Question: What British show is American Idols format based on? Question: What British series is American Idols format based on? Question: What British show was American Idol based on?

gq: American Idol employs a panel of judges who critique the contestants' performances. The original judges were record producer and music manager Randy Jackson, pop singer and choreographer Paula Abdul and music executive and manager Simon Cowell. The judging panel for the most recent season consisted of country singer Keith Urban, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez, and jazz singer Harry Connick, Jr. The show was originally hosted by radio personality Ryan Seacrest and comedian Brian Dunkleman, with Seacrest continuing on for the rest of the seasons.

Question: What record producer was an original judge on American Idol? Question: Which original judge was a record producer and music manager? Question: What pop singer was an original judge on American Idol? Question: Which original judge was a choreographer? Question: Which original judge was a music executive? Question: Which judge is a country music singer? Question: What actress is a judge on the most current season of American Idol? Question: What actress is a judge on the most current season of American Idol? Question: Which judge is a jazz singer? Question: Who was a host on all seasons of American Idol? Question: What comedian was an original host on American Idol? Question: What comedian was an original host on American Idol?

gq: The success of American Idol has been described as "unparalleled in broadcasting history". The series was also said by a rival TV executive to be "the most impactful show in the history of television". It has become a recognized springboard for launching the career of many artists as bona fide stars. According to Billboard magazine, in its first ten years, "Idol has spawned 345 Billboard chart-toppers and a platoon of pop idols, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Jennifer Hudson, Clay Aiken, Adam Lambert and Jordin Sparks while remaining a TV ratings juggernaut."

Question: Who called American Idol "the most impactful show in the history of television"? Question: Who said that American Idol is "the most impactful show in the history of televsion? Question: How many Billboard hits did American Idol produce in its first ten years? Question: How many Billboard chart toppers did American Idol contestants have within the first ten seasons? Question: Who was a pop idol that started on American Idol? Question: Who was a pop idol that started on American Idol? Question: Who was a pop idol that started on American Idol? Question: Who was a pop idol that started on American Idol? Question: Who was a pop idol that started on American Idol?

gq: For an unprecedented eight consecutive years, from the 2003–04 television season through the 2010–11 season, either its performance or result show had been ranked number one in U.S. television ratings. The popularity of American Idol however declined, and on May 11, 2015, Fox announced that the series would conclude its run in its fifteenth season.

Question: How many consecutive years did American Idol been ranked number one in ratings? Question: When did Fox announce that American Idol is ending? Question: What year did FOX announce that American Idol was cancelled? Question: What year did FOX announce the cancellation of American Idol? Question: For how many seasons did American Idol air?

gq: American Idol was based on the British show Pop Idol created by Simon Fuller, which was in turn inspired by the New Zealand television singing competition Popstars. Television producer Nigel Lythgoe saw it in Australia and helped bring it over to Britain. Fuller was inspired by the idea from Popstars of employing a panel of judges to select singers in audition. He then added other elements, such as telephone voting by the viewing public (which at the time was already in use in shows such as the Eurovision Song Contest), the drama of backstories and real-life soap opera unfolding in real time. The show debuted in 2001 in Britain with Lythgoe as showrunner‍—‌the executive producer and production leader‍—‌and Simon Cowell as one of the judges, and was a big success with the viewing public.

Question: Who was the creator of British Series Pop Idol? Question: What show in New Zealand was the inspiration for the British Series Pop Idol? Question: What show was Pop Idols based on? Question: Wha was the executive producer of Pop Idol in 2001? Question: Who saw Popstars while in Australia and wanted Britain to have the same thing? Question: Who was the executive producer of Pop Idol? Question: In addition to back stories and drama, what did Fuller add to the show? Question: What year did Pop Idol make its television debut? Question: When did Pop Idol premiere in Britain? Question: Who was a judge on the British series Pop Idol in 2001?

gq: In 2001, Fuller, Cowell, and TV producer Simon Jones attempted to sell the Pop Idol format to the United States, but the idea was met with poor response from United States television networks. However, Rupert Murdoch, head of Fox's parent company, was persuaded to buy the show by his daughter Elisabeth, who was a fan of the British show. The show was renamed American Idol: The Search for a Superstar and debuted in the summer of 2002. Cowell was initially offered the job as showrunner but refused; Lythgoe then took over that position. Much to Cowell's surprise, it became one of the hit shows for the summer that year. The show, with the personal engagement of the viewers with the contestants through voting, and the presence of the acid-tongued Cowell as a judge, grew into a phenomenon. By 2004, it had become the most-watched show in the U.S., a position it then held on for seven consecutive seasons.

Question: What year did producers attempt to sell the Pop Idol format in the United States? Question: Who is the head of Fox's parent company? Question: Who talked Rupert Murdoch into buying American Idol for FOX? Question: What was Pop Idol renamed to for its American debut? Question: What year did American Idol first air on FOX? Question: For how many seasons was American Idol the most watched show in the US?

gq: The show had originally planned on having four judges following the Pop Idol format; however, only three judges had been found by the time of the audition round in the first season, namely Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell. A fourth judge, radio DJ Stryker, was originally chosen but he dropped out citing "image concerns". In the second season, New York radio personality Angie Martinez had been hired as a fourth judge but withdrew only after a few days of auditions due to not being comfortable with giving out criticism. The show decided to continue with the three judges format until season eight. All three original judges stayed on the judging panel for eight seasons.

Question: How many judges were originally planned for American Idol? Question: How many judges were originally intended for the show? Question: Which judge quit before the premiere, citing image concerns? Question: What radio DJ was originally hired as a judge in season one but declined? Question: What New York radio personalty was hired as a judge for American Idol in season two but declined? Question: During Season two, which judge quit after a few days? Question: When did American Idol change to a four-judge panel? Question: For how many seasons were the three original judges on American Idol?

gq: In season eight, Latin Grammy Award-nominated singer–songwriter and record producer Kara DioGuardi was added as a fourth judge. She stayed for two seasons and left the show before season ten. Paula Abdul left the show before season nine after failing to agree terms with the show producers. Emmy Award-winning talk show host Ellen DeGeneres replaced Paula Abdul for that season, but left after just one season. On January 11, 2010, Simon Cowell announced that he was leaving the show to pursue introducing the American version of his show The X Factor to the USA for 2011. Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler joined the judging panel in season ten, but both left after two seasons. They were replaced by three new judges, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, who joined Randy Jackson in season 12. However both Carey and Minaj left after one season, and Randy Jackson also announced that he would depart the show after twelve seasons as a judge but would return as a mentor. Urban is the only judge from season 12 to return in season 13. He was joined by previous judge Jennifer Lopez and former mentor Harry Connick, Jr.. Lopez, Urban and Connick, Jr. all returned as judges for the show's fourteenth and fifteenth seasons.

Question: Who was added as a fourth judge in the eighth season of American Idol? Question: Who was added as a fourth judge for the eighth season? Question: For how many seasons was Steven Tyler a judge on American Idol? Question: When did Steven Tyler become a judge? Question: When did Paula Abdul quit as a judge? Question: Who replaced Paula Abdul as a judge in season nine of American Idol? Question: Which talk show host replaced Paula Abdul? Question: When did Simon Cowell announce he was no longer going to be a judge? Question: What year did Simon Cowell announce that he was leaving American Idol? Question: What show did Simon Cowell launch in 2011 after leaving American Idol?

gq: Guest judges may occasionally be introduced. In season two, guest judges such as Lionel Richie and Robin Gibb were used, and in season three Donna Summer, Quentin Tarantino and some of the mentors also joined as judges to critique the performances in the final rounds. Guest judges were used in the audition rounds for seasons four, six, nine, and fourteen such as Gene Simmons and LL Cool J in season four, Jewel and Olivia Newton-John in season six, Shania Twain in season eight, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne and Katy Perry in season nine, and season eight runner-up, Adam Lambert, in season fourteen.

Question: In what season was Lionel Richie a guest judge on American Idol? Question: Who were the guest judges in season two? Question: In what season was Donna Summer a guest judge on American Idol? Question: When did Donna Summer help the contestants during the final rounds? Question: In which season was Shania Twain a guest judge on American Idol? Question: When was Shania Twain a guest judge for auditions? Question: Which season of American Idol featured Katy Perry as a guest judge? Question: Which season eight contestant was a guest judge in season fourteen?

gq: The first season was co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman. Dunkleman quit thereafter, making Seacrest the sole emcee of the show starting with season two.

Question: Who was the only host of American Idol after season one? Question: Which host quit after the first season?

gq: Beginning in the tenth season[citation needed], permanent mentors were brought in during the live shows to help guide the contestants with their song choice and performance. Jimmy Iovine was the mentor in the tenth through twelfth seasons, former judge Randy Jackson was the mentor for the thirteenth season and Scott Borchetta was the mentor for the fourteenth and fifteenth season. The mentors regularly bring in guest mentors to aid them, including Akon, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, and current judge Harry Connick, Jr..

Question: What two things did the mentors help the contestants with? Question: Who was the mentor for seasons 10 - 12? Question: Who was a mentor to the contestants on American Idol in its thirteenth season? Question: Who was the mentor for season 13? Question: Who mentored contestants in the fourteenth and fifteenth seasons of American Idol? Question: Who was the mentor for seasons 14 and 15?

gq: The eligible age-range for contestants is currently fifteen to twenty-eight years old. The initial age limit was sixteen to twenty-four in the first three seasons, but the upper limit was raised to twenty-eight in season four, and the lower limit was reduced to fifteen in season ten. The contestants must be legal U.S. residents, cannot have advanced to particular stages of the competition in previous seasons (varies depending on the season, currently by the semi-final stage until season thirteen), and must not hold any current recording or talent representation contract by the semi-final stage (in previous years by the audition stage).

Question: What is the upper age limit for contestants on American Idol? Question: When was the age limit increased to 28? Question: Currently, contestants can not have a recording track by what stage of the competition?

gq: Contestants go through at least three sets of cuts. The first is a brief audition with a few other contestants in front of selectors which may include one of the show's producers. Although auditions can exceed 10,000 in each city, only a few hundred of these make it past the preliminary round of auditions. Successful contestants then sing in front of producers, where more may be cut. Only then can they proceed to audition in front of the judges, which is the only audition stage shown on television. Those selected by the judges are sent to Hollywood. Between 10–60 people in each city may make it to Hollywood[citation needed].

Question: How many auditions are there before contestants audition for the judges? Question: How many rounds can a contestant make it through before Hollywood? Question: Who do contestants sing for in the second round of cuts during auditions? Question: How many contestants make it through the initial auditions in each city? Question: What is the only televised portion of the preliminary audition rounds? Question: Which audition stage is televised? Question: If contestants get approval from the judges, where do they go next?

gq: Once in Hollywood, the contestants perform individually or in groups in a series of rounds. Until season ten, there were usually three rounds of eliminations in Hollywood. In the first round the contestants emerged in groups but performed individually. For the next round, the contestants put themselves in small groups and perform a song together. In the final round, the contestants perform solo with a song of their choice a cappella or accompanied by a band‍—‌depending on the season. In seasons two and three, contestants were also asked to write original lyrics or melody in an additional round after the first round. In season seven, the group round was eliminated and contestants may, after a first solo performance and on judges approval, skip a second solo round and move directly to the final Hollywood round. In season twelve, the executive producers split up the females and males and chose the members to form the groups in the group round.

Question: What was eliminated from the Hollywood round in Season seven? Question: How many Hollywood rounds were there in the first nine seasons? Question: How many rounds of cuts were in the Hollywood stage until season ten? Question: Which seasons did contestants have to write an original lyric or melody? Question: In which seasons were contestants required to write original lyrics? Question: Which season did not have a group round in Hollywood? Question: In which season were contestants separated by gender to form groups?

gq: In seasons ten and eleven, a further round was added in Las Vegas, where the contestants perform in groups based on a theme, followed by one final solo round to determine the semi-finalists. At the end of this stage of the competition, 24 to 36 contestants are selected to move on to the semi-final stage. In season twelve the Las Vegas round became a Sudden Death round, where the judges had to choose five guys and five girls each night (four nights) to make the top twenty. In season thirteen, a new round called "Hollywood or Home" was added, where if the judges were uncertain about some contestants, those contestants were required to perform soon after landing in Los Angeles, and those who failed to impress were sent back home before they reached Hollywood.

Question: In what city did contestants perform an additional round in seasons ten and eleven? Question: In which season was the "Hollywood or Home" round added to the competition? Question: What was the Las Vegas round called in season twelve?

gq: From the semi-finals onwards, the fate of the contestants is decided by public vote. During the contestant's performance as well as the recap at the end, a toll-free telephone number for each contestant is displayed on the screen. For a two-hour period after the episode ends (up to four hours for the finale) in each US time zone, viewers may call or send a text message to their preferred contestant's telephone number, and each call or text message is registered as a vote for that contestant. Viewers are allowed to vote as many times as they can within the two-hour voting window. However, the show reserves the right to discard votes by power dialers. One or more of the least popular contestants may be eliminated in successive weeks until a winner emerges. Over 110 million votes were cast in the first season, and by season ten the seasonal total had increased to nearly 750 million. Voting via text messaging was made available in the second season when AT&T Wireless joined as a sponsor of the show, and 7.5 million text messages were sent to American Idol that season. The number of text messages rapidly increased, reaching 178 million texts by season eight. Online voting was offered for the first time in season ten. The votes are counted and verified by Telescope Inc.

Question: At what point does the public begin voting for contestants? Question: How many votes were cast for contestants in the first season? Question: In which season was online voting introduced? Question: How many votes were cast by season ten for all contestants? Question: How many text message votes were there in season eight? Question: What company counts the votes on American Idol?

gq: In the first three seasons, the semi-finalists were split into different groups to perform individually in their respective night. In season one, there were three groups of ten, with the top three contestants from each group making the finals. In seasons two and three, there were four groups of eight, and the top two of each selected. These seasons also featured a wildcard round, where contestants who failed to qualify were given another chance. In season one, only one wildcard contestant was chosen by the judges, giving a total of ten finalists. In seasons two and three, each of the three judges championed one contestant with the public advancing a fourth into the finals, making 12 finalists in all.

Question: When did the wildcard round become a factor? Question: How were the semi-finalists split up to perform in season one? Question: How many finalists were there on the first season of American Idol? Question: How many finalists were chosen for season one? Question: How were the semi-finalists split up to perform in seasons two and three? Question: What is the name of the round that gives failed contestants another chance? Question: How many finalists made it to the finals for seasons two and three?

gq: From seasons four to seven and nine, the twenty-four semi-finalists were divided by gender in order to ensure an equal gender division in the top twelve. The men and women sang separately on consecutive nights, and the bottom two in each groups were eliminated each week until only six of each remained to form the top twelve.

Question: How many semi-finalists were there in season 4? Question: How were the semi-finalists divided in season four? Question: How many women were semi-finalists on season six of American Idol? Question: How many men were in the top twelve on season five of American Idol? Question: How many women were in the top twelve on season nine of American Idol?

gq: The wildcard round returned in season eight, wherein there were three groups of twelve, with three contestants moving forward – the highest male, the highest female, and the next highest-placed singer - for each night, and four wildcards were chosen by the judges to produce a final 13. Starting season ten, the girls and boys perform on separate nights. In seasons ten and eleven, five of each gender were chosen, and three wildcards were chosen by the judges to form a final 13. In season twelve, the top twenty semifinalists were split into gender groups, with five of each gender advancing to form the final 10. In season thirteen, there were thirty semifinalists, but only twenty semifinalists (ten for each gender) were chosen by the judges to perform on the live shows, with five in each gender and three wildcards chosen by the judges composing the final 13.

Question: What season saw the return of the Wild Card round? Question: How many wildcard contestants were advanced in the competition in season ten? Question: How many contestants moved forward from each round? Question: How many wildcards were chosen by the judges in season eight? Question: How many wildcard contestants were chosen? Question: How many women were in the top ten in season twelve? Question: How many contestants were finalists for season 12? Question: How many finalists were there in season eight?

gq: The finals are broadcast in prime time from CBS Television City in Los Angeles, in front of a live studio audience. The finals lasted eight weeks in season one, eleven weeks in subsequent seasons until seasons ten and eleven which lasted twelve weeks except for season twelve, which lasted ten weeks, and season thirteen, which lasted for thirteen weeks. Each finalist performs songs based on a weekly theme which may be a musical genre such as Motown, disco, or big band, songs by artists such as Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley or The Beatles, or more general themes such as Billboard Number 1 hits or songs from the contestant's year of birth. Contestants usually work with a celebrity mentor related to the theme. In season ten, Jimmy Iovine was brought in as a mentor for the season. Initially the contestants sing one song each week, but this is increased to two songs from top four or five onwards, then three songs for the top two or three.

Question: Where studio hosts the live final rounds on American Idol? Question: Where are the finals broadcast from? Question: How many weeks did the finals last in the first season? Question: How many songs do contestants sing initially in the finals? Question: How many weeks did the finals of season thirteen last? Question: Who was the mentor on season ten of American Idol? Question: Who was a mentor for the contestants in Season 10? Question: When do contestants start singing two songs?

gq: The most popular contestants are usually not revealed in the results show. Instead, typically the three contestants (two in later rounds) who received the lowest number of votes are called to the center of the stage. One of these three is usually sent to safety; however the two remaining are not necessarily the bottom two. The contestant with the fewest votes is then revealed and eliminated from the competition. A montage of the eliminated contestant's time on the show is played and they give their final performance. However, in season six, during the series' first ever Idol Gives Back episode, no contestant was eliminated, but on the following week, two were sent home. Moreover, starting in season eight, the judges may overturn viewers' decision with a "Judges' Save" if they unanimously agree to. "The save" can only be used once, and only up through the top five. In the eighth, ninth, tenth, and fourteenth seasons, a double elimination then took place in the week following the activation of the save, but in the eleventh and thirteenth seasons, a regular single elimination took place. The save was not activated in the twelfth season and consequently, a non-elimination took place in the week after its expiration with the votes then carrying over into the following week.

Question: When three are called, one is often sent to what? Question: Which season was the Idol Gives Back episode? Question: In what season was the "Judges Save" introduced to give contestants a second chance? Question: How many time can the judges save be used each season?

gq: The "Fan Save" was introduced in the fourteenth season. During the finals, viewers are given a five-minute window to vote for the contestants in danger of elimination by using their Twitter account to decide which contestant will move on to the next show, starting with the Top 8.

Question: What was introduced in season 14 to allow the fans to help save a contestant? Question: In which season was the "Fan Save" first used? Question: How do people vote using the fan save? Question: How do viewers vote for a contestant using Fan Save? Question: When does the Fan Save start?

gq: The finale is the two-hour last episode of the season, culminating in revealing the winner. For seasons one, three through six, and fourteen, it was broadcast from the Dolby Theatre, which has an audience capacity of approximately 3,400. The finale for season two took place at the Gibson Amphitheatre, which has an audience capacity of over 6,000. In seasons seven through thirteen, the venue was at the Nokia Theatre, which holds an audience of over 7,000.

Question: In what episode is the winner of American Idol revealed? Question: Where was the season one finale broadcast from? Question: How many people can attend an American Idol finale at the Dolby Theatre? Question: How many audience members can fit in Dolby Theatre? Question: What is the capacity for Gibson Ampitheatre? Question: What venue was the American Idol season seven finale held at? Question: For seasons 7-13, the season finale was held where?

gq: The winner receives a record deal with a major label, which may be for up to six albums, and secures a management contract with American Idol-affiliated 19 Management (which has the right of first refusal to sign all contestants), as well as various lucrative contracts. All winners prior to season nine reportedly earned at least $1 million in their first year as winner. All the runners-up of the first ten seasons, as well as some of other finalists, have also received record deals with major labels. However, starting in season 11, the runner-up may only be guaranteed a single-only deal. BMG/Sony (seasons 1–9) and UMG (season 10–) had the right of first refusal to sign contestants for three months after the season's finale. Starting in the fourteenth season, the winner was signed with Big Machine Records. Prominent music mogul Clive Davis also produced some of the selected contestants' albums, such as Kelly Clarkson, Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino and Diana DeGarmo. All top 10 (11 in seasons 10 and 12) finalists earn the privilege of going on a tour, where the participants may each earn a six-figure sum.

Question: What does the winner of American Idol receive? Question: Which company manages the winners of American Idol? Question: The winner also receives a management contract with which company? Question: How long does the record company have the right of first refusal for contestants on American Idol? Question: What record label signed the winner of season fourteen of American Idol? Question: In season 14, the winner was signed to which company?

gq: Each season premieres with the audition round, taking place in different cities. The audition episodes typically feature a mix of potential finalists, interesting characters and woefully inadequate contestants. Each successful contestant receives a golden ticket to proceed on to the next round in Hollywood. Based on their performances during the Hollywood round (Las Vegas round for seasons 10 onwards), 24 to 36 contestants are selected by the judges to participate in the semifinals. From the semifinal onwards the contestants perform their songs live, with the judges making their critiques after each performance. The contestants are voted for by the viewing public, and the outcome of the public votes is then revealed in the results show typically on the following night. The results shows feature group performances by the contestants as well as guest performers. The Top-three results show also features the homecoming events for the Top 3 finalists. The season reaches its climax in a two-hour results finale show, where the winner of the season is revealed.

Question: What is given to contestants who make it past the audition round? Question: In the audition rounds, what do contestants who win the approval of the judges receive? Question: Who votes for the winning contestants starting with the semi-final round?

gq: With the exception of seasons one and two, the contestants in the semifinals onwards perform in front of a studio audience. They perform with a full band in the finals. From season four to season nine, the American Idol band was led by Rickey Minor; from season ten onwards, Ray Chew. Assistance may also be given by vocal coaches and song arrangers, such as Michael Orland and Debra Byrd to contestants behind the scene. Starting with season seven, contestants may perform with a musical instrument from the Hollywood rounds onwards. In the first nine seasons, performances were usually aired live on Tuesday nights, followed by the results shows on Wednesdays in the United States and Canada, but moved to Wednesdays and Thursdays in season ten.

Question: Who was the leader of the American Idol band in season five? Question: Who led the American Idol band between seasons four and nine? Question: In what season did American Idol start airing on Thursday nights? Question: Who was in charge of the American Idol band in season eleven? Question: Who led the American Idol band after Rickey Minor's departure? Question: In which season were contestants first allowed to use musical instruments? Question: What season were contestants allowed use a musical instrument when they sing?

gq: The first season of American Idol debuted as a summer replacement show in June 2002 on the Fox network. It was co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman.

Question: When did American Idol debut? Question: What year did American Idol first debut? Question: What network aired the first season of American Idol? Question: What network did American Idol debut on? Question: Who co-hosted American Idol? Question: Who was Ryan Seacrests co-host in the first season of American Idol?

gq: In the audition rounds, 121 contestants were selected from around 10,000 who attended the auditions. These were cut to 30 for the semifinal, with ten going on to the finals. One semifinalist, Delano Cagnolatti, was disqualified for lying to evade the show's age limit. One of the early favorites, Tamyra Gray, was eliminated at the top four, the first of several such shock eliminations that were to be repeated in later seasons. Christina Christian was hospitalized before the top six result show due to chest pains and palpitations, and she was eliminated while she was in the hospital. Jim Verraros was the first openly gay contestant on the show; his sexual orientation was revealed in his online journal, however it was removed during the competition after a request from the show producers over concerns that it might be unfairly influencing votes.

Question: How many contestants made it past the first round of auditions? Question: How many contestants were chosen from the 10,000 that auditioned? Question: How many people initially auditioned? Question: Of the 121 chosen, how many became semi-finalists? Question: Which contestant was disqualified for lying about his age? Question: Which contestant was surprisingly eliminated during the top four episode? Question: When was Tamyra Gray eliminated? Question: Who was eliminated while she was in the hospital due to chest pains? Question: Where was Christina Christian at when she was eliminated from the show? Question: Who was the first known homosexual contestant on American Idol?

gq: The final showdown was between Justin Guarini, one of the early favorites, and Kelly Clarkson. Clarkson was not initially thought of as a contender, but impressed the judges with some good performances in the final rounds, such as her performance of Aretha Franklin's "Natural Woman", and Betty Hutton's "Stuff Like That There", and eventually won the crown on September 4, 2002.

Question: Who was the runner up to Kelly Clarkson? Question: Of the final two, which was an early favorite to win? Question: Who won the first season of American Idol? Question: What month did Kelly Clarkson win? Question: When did Clarkson win the crown? Question: What year did Kelly Clarkson win?

gq: In what was to become a tradition, Clarkson performed the coronation song during the finale, and released the song immediately after the season ended. The single, "A Moment Like This", went on to break a 38-year-old record held by The Beatles for the biggest leap to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Guarini did not release any song immediately after the show and remains the only runner-up not to do so. Both Clarkson and Guarini made a musical film, From Justin to Kelly, which was released in 2003 but was widely panned. Clarkson has since become the most successful Idol contestant internationally, with worldwide album sales of more than 23 million.

Question: What did Clarkson sing during the finale? Question: What was the fist song released by Kelly Clarkson after winning American Idol? Question: What song did Kelly Clarkson perform during the finale? Question: What was the name of the song? Question: Which record did the song break, which was the biggest leap to the top of the Billboard charts? Question: What film did Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini star in after they were on American Idol? Question: What was the name of the film that the two finalists made together? Question: How many albums has Kelly Clarkson sold around the world? Question: How many worldwide album sales has Kelly Clarkson had since winning Idol?

gq: Following the success of season one, the second season was moved up to air in January 2003. The number of episodes increased, as did the show's budget and the charge for commercial spots. Dunkleman left the show, leaving Seacrest as the lone host. Kristin Adams was a correspondent for this season.

Question: When did season two air? Question: What year did season two of American Idol first air? Question: Who was a correspondent on season two of American Idol? Question: Who was a correspondent for season two?

gq: Corey Clark was disqualified during the finals for having an undisclosed police record; however, he later alleged that he and Paula Abdul had an affair while on the show and that this contributed to his expulsion. Clark also claimed that Abdul gave him preferential treatment on the show due to their affair. The allegations were dismissed by Fox after an independent investigation. Two semi-finalists were also disqualified that year – Jaered Andrews for an arrest on an assault charge, and Frenchie Davis for having previously modelled for an adult website.

Question: Which contestant was removed from the competition for not revealing his police record? Question: Who was disqualified for having a police record? Question: Which judge did Corey Clark claim to have had an affair with? Question: Which contestant had previously been arrested and charged with assault? Question: Which contestant was disqualified because of an assault charge? Question: Which contestant was removed from the competition for having been a model on an adult website? Question: Which contestant was removed from the show for modelling for an adult website?

gq: Ruben Studdard emerged as the winner, beating Clay Aiken by a small margin. Out of a total of 24 million votes, Studdard finished just 134,000 votes ahead of Aiken. This slim margin of victory was controversial due to the large number of calls that failed to get through. In an interview prior to season five, executive producer Nigel Lythgoe indicated that Aiken had led the fan voting from the wildcard week onward until the finale.

Question: Who was the season two winner of American Idol? Question: Who won season two? Question: Who was the runner up on season two of American Idol? Question: Who was the runner up for season two? Question: Who did Nigel Lythgoe say was a fan favorite for the majority of the season? Question: How many votes were cast during the final week? Question: How many votes were cast for the finale? Question: How many votes did Ruben Studdard win by? Question: How many more votes did Studdard have at the finale? Question: What was the name of the shows executive producer?

gq: Both finalists found success after the show, but Aiken out-performed Studdard's coronation song "Flying Without Wings" with his single release from the show "This Is the Night", as well as in their subsequent album releases. The fourth-place finisher Josh Gracin also enjoyed some success as a country singer.

Question: Which of the final two had more success with his first album? Question: What is the first song that Ruben Studdard released after winning American Idol? Question: What was the name of Studdard's coronation song? Question: What song did Clay Aiken first release after losing American Idol? Question: What was Aiken's single release named? Question: What contestant came in fourth on season two of American Idol? Question: Who finished fourth on season two?

gq: Season three premiered on January 19, 2004. One of the most talked-about contestants during the audition process was William Hung whose off-key rendition of Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" received widespread attention. His exposure on Idol landed him a record deal and surprisingly he became the third best-selling singer from that season.

Question: When did season three premiere? Question: What year did the third season of American Idol first air? Question: Which contestant was best known for his bad audition of "She Bangs"? Question: Which contestant sold more albums than all except two from season three of American Idol? Question: Which contestant sang an off-key "She Bangs"? Question: Which contestant was number three in sales from season three?

gq: Much media attention on the season had been focused on the three black singers, Fantasia Barrino, LaToya London, and Jennifer Hudson, dubbed the Three Divas. All three unexpectedly landed on the bottom three on the top seven result show, with Hudson controversially eliminated. Elton John, who was one of the mentors that season, called the results of the votes "incredibly racist". The prolonged stays of John Stevens and Jasmine Trias in the finals, despite negative comments from the judges, had aroused resentment, so much so that John Stevens reportedly received a death threat, which he dismissed as a joke 'blown out of proportion'.

Question: Which contestant was eliminated during the week of the top seven? Question: Which of the three was eliminated? Question: What were the three black female contestants on season three of American Idol commonly referred to as? Question: What were Fantasia Barrino, LaToya London and Jennifer Hudson called? Question: What famous singer made claims of racism after Jennifer Hudson was eliminated from American Idol? Question: Who said that the results were racist? Question: Which season three contestant on American Idol was the recipient of reported death threats? Question: Which contestant reportedly received a death threat on the show?

gq: The performance of "Summertime" by Barrino, later known simply as "Fantasia", at Top 8 was widely praised, and Simon Cowell considered it as his favorite Idol moment in the nine seasons he was on the show. Fantasia and Diana DeGarmo were the last two finalists, and Fantasia was crowned as the winner. Fantasia released as her coronation single "I Believe", a song co-written by season one finalist Tamyra Gray, and DeGarmo released "Dreams". Fantasia went on to gain some successes as a recording artist, while Hudson, who placed seventh, became the only Idol contestant so far to win both an Academy Award and a Grammy.

Question: What song did Fantasia sing on the Top 8 show? Question: Who was declared the season winner? Question: Who has said that Barrino's rendition of Summertime has been his top moment of all seasons? Question: Who were the final two contestants? Question: Who was the runner up on the third season of American Idol? Question: What was the name of the first single that Fantasia released after winning American Idol? Question: What was Fantasia's coronation song? Question: What was the first song released by Diana DeGarmo after coming in second on American Idol?

gq: The top 12 finalists originally included Mario Vazquez, but he dropped out citing 'personal reasons' and was replaced by Nikko Smith. Later, an employee of Freemantle Media, which produces the show, sued the company for wrongful termination, claiming that he was dismissed after complaining about lewd behavior by Vazquez toward him during the show.

Question: A former employee states he was fired after complaining about which finalist? Question: Who got a spot in the top 12 after Mario Vasquez dropped out? Question: Who replaced Vasquez as a finalist? Question: What company produces the show?

gq: During the top 11 week, due to a mix-up with the contestants' telephone number, voting was repeated on what was normally the result night, with the result reveal postponed until the following night.

Question: During what week was there a problem with voting? Question: When did the results show happen?

gq: In May 2005, Carrie Underwood was announced the winner, with Bice the runner-up. Both Underwood and Bice released the coronation song "Inside Your Heaven". Underwood has since sold 65 million records worldwide, and become the most successful Idol contestant in the U.S., selling over 14 million albums copies in the U.S. and has more Underwood has won seven Grammy Awards, the most Grammys by an "American Idol" alumnus.

Question: When was the winner declared? Question: What year did Carrie Underwood win American Idol? Question: Which American Idol contestant has won the biggest number of Grammy Awards? Question: Who was the winner of this season? Question: What was the first song released by Carrie Underwood after winning American Idol? Question: What song did the two finalists release? Question: How many record has Carrie Underwood sold since winning American Idol? Question: How many records has Underwood sold in America?

gq: Season five began on January 17, 2006. It remains the highest-rated season in the show's run so far. Two of the more prominent contestants during the Hollywood round were the Brittenum twins who were later disqualified for identity theft.

Question: Which season of American Idol stands out for having the highest ratings? Question: Which season has been the highest rated of all American Idol seasons? Question: When did season five premiere? Question: Which two contestants were removed from the show for accusations of identity theft? Question: Which two contestants were kicked off the show for identity theft?

gq: Chris Daughtry's performance of Fuel's "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)" on the show was widely praised and led to an invitation to join the band as Fuel's new lead singer, an invitation he declined. His performance of Live's version of "I Walk the Line" was well received by the judges but later criticized in some quarters for not crediting the arrangement to Live. He was eliminated at the top four in a shocking result.

Question: Which contestant did the band Fuel ask to be their new lead singer? Question: Which season five contestant caused controversy with their performance of I Walk the Line? Question: Which contestant was surprisingly eliminated during the week of the top four? Question: Who performed a Fuel song on this season? Question: Who was eliminated in the Top 4 show? Question: Fuel asked Chris Daughtry to become what? Question: Which song performance did he receive both praise and criticism for? Question: Why did he receive criticism for I Walk the Line

gq: On May 30, 2006, Taylor Hicks was named American Idol, with Katharine McPhee the runner-up. "Do I Make You Proud" was released as Hicks' first single and McPhee's was "My Destiny".

Question: When was the winner announced? Question: Who was the winner American Idol in 2006? Question: Who was the winner for this season? Question: What was the name of the first song that Taylor Hicks released after winning American Idol? Question: What was Hick's debut single? Question: What was the first song that Katherine McPhee released after coming in second on American Idol? Question: What was McPhee's first single?

gq: Despite being eliminated earlier in the season, Chris Daughtry (as lead of the band Daughtry) became the most successful recording artist from this season. Other contestants, such as Hicks, McPhee, Bucky Covington, Mandisa, Kellie Pickler, and Elliott Yamin have had varying levels of success.

Question: Which season five contestant has had the most success after the show? Question: Who was the most successful artist from this season? Question: What is the name if the band that has Chris Daughtry as its lead singer? Question: What band does Chris Daughtry sing for?

gq: Season six began on Tuesday, January 16, 2007. The premiere drew a massive audience of 37.3 million viewers, peaking in the last half hour with more than 41 million viewers.

Question: When did season six premiere? Question: What year did the sixth season of American Idol first air? Question: How many people watched the season premiere of American Idol in 2007? Question: How many overall viewers did the first show of the season generate?

gq: Teenager Sanjaya Malakar was the season's most talked-about contestant for his unusual hairdo, and for managing to survive elimination for many weeks due in part to the weblog Vote for the Worst and satellite radio personality Howard Stern, who both encouraged fans to vote for him. However, on April 18, Sanjaya was voted off.

Question: Who was the most discussed singer in American Idols sixth season? Question: What season six American Idol contestant was known for his strange hairstyles? Question: Which contestant was talked about more than any other this season? Question: What was the main reason Sanjaya garnered such attention? Question: What is the name of the blog that tried to rally votes for Sanjaya Malakar on American Idol? Question: Which weblog helped Sanjaya survive elimination week over and over again? Question: What celebrity asked his fans to vote for Sanjaya Malakar on American Idol? Question: Which shock jock urged people to vote for Sanjaya? Question: What date was Sanjaya Malakar eliminated on American Idol? Question: When was Sanjaya eliminated?

gq: This season saw the first Idol Gives Back telethon-inspired event, which raised more than $76 million in corporate and viewer donations. No contestant was eliminated that week, but two (Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson) were eliminated the next. Melinda Doolittle was eliminated in the final three.

Question: What was the name of the charity event on season six of American Idol? Question: What was the charity event that occurred this season? Question: How much money did the Idol Gives Back event raise in 2007? Question: Which two contestants were eliminated the following week? Question: What singer came in third on the sixth season of American Idol? Question: Who was eliminated on the Top 3 show?

gq: In the May 23 season finale, Jordin Sparks was declared the winner with the runner-up being Blake Lewis. Sparks has had some success as a recording artist post-Idol.

Question: On what date did American Idol air its season six finale? Question: When was the finale aired? Question: Who was the winner of American Idols sixth season? Question: Which contestant won the season? Question: Who came in second on season six of American Idol? Question: Who was the runner up?

gq: Season four premiered on January 18, 2005; this was the first season of the series to be aired in high definition, although the finale of season three was also aired in high definition. The number of those attending the auditions by now had increased to over 100,000 from the 10,000 of the first season. The age limit was raised to 28 in this season, and among those who benefited from this new rule were Constantine Maroulis and Bo Bice, the two rockers of the show.

Question: What was the first full season of American Idol to air in high definition? Question: In which season was Bo Bice a contestant on American Idol? Question: When did season four premiere? Question: What year did season four of American Idol first air? Question: Season four was the first full season to be aired in what? Question: How many contestants auditioned for the fourth season of American Idol? Question: How many people auditioned to be on American Idol? Question: What was the oldest that you could be to qualify as a contestant on the fourth season of American Idol? Question: What was the maximum age a contestant could be starting this season?

gq: This season also saw the launch of the American Idol Songwriter contest which allows fans to vote for the "coronation song". Thousands of recordings of original songs were submitted by songwriters, and 20 entries selected for the public vote. The winning song, "This Is My Now", was performed by both finalists during the finale and released by Sparks on May 24, 2007.

Question: Which contest started during this season? Question: Fans could vote for what during this contest? Question: Of the thousands of songs entered, how many were the public able to vote for? Question: How was "This is My Now" decided as the first single for the American Idol winner in 2007? Question: What is the first song released by Jordin Sparks after winning American Idol? Question: What song won the contest? Question: When did Sparks release her version of the song? Question: In what year did American Idol begin a contest to decide the winners single?

gq: Season seven premiered on January 15, 2008, for a two-day, four-hour premiere. The media focused on the professional status of the season seven contestants, the so-called 'ringers', many of whom, including Kristy Lee Cook, Brooke White, Michael Johns, and in particular Carly Smithson, had prior recording contracts. Contestant David Hernandez also attracted some attention due to his past employment as a stripper.

Question: When did season seven premiere? Question: What year did season seven of American Idol first air? Question: Why did many of the contestants draw the attention of the media? Question: Which contestant was talked about most for having a record deal before being a contestant on American Idol? Question: Which contestant garnered the most attention because of a prior recording contract? Question: Which season seven contestant had worked as a stripper before his time on American Idol? Question: Which contestant drew attention because he was a former stripper?

gq: For the finals, American Idol debuted a new state-of-the-art set and stage on March 11, 2008, along with a new on-air look. David Cook's performance of "Billie Jean" on top-ten night was lauded by the judges, but provoked controversy when they apparently mistook the Chris Cornell arrangement to be David Cook's own even though the performance was introduced as Cornell's version. Cornell himself said he was 'flattered' and praised David Cook's performance. David Cook was taken to the hospital after the top-nine performance show due to heart palpitations and high blood pressure.

Question: On what date did the American Idol finals begin? Question: When did American Idol showcase a new set and stage? Question: Which American Idol contestant was hospitalized after singing during the week of the top nine? Question: Who was taken to the hospital after the top nine show? Question: What song did David Cook sing on American Idol during the week of the top ten? Question: Who arranged the version of "Billie Jean" that David Cook performed on American Idol? Question: Which arrangement was used for Cook's version of Billie Jean?