Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. Buddhism is founded upon the idea that human beings continue on Earth in a cycle of rebirths which is called 'samsara'. In the film, 'Groundhog Day' the main character Phil Conners, played by Bill Murray, becomes aware after several repeated February 2nds that he has become trapped in the samsara. While chatting with two new pals Gus and Ralph in a bowling alley in Punxsatawney, PA he laments his predicament. He is most saddened by the fact that his reincarnations are occurring in cold Punxsatawney, and not which other location?
2. Phil decides to 'throw caution to the wind', as the Rita character, played by Andie MacDowell, puts it, and lives a debauched lifestyle. Womanizing and gluttony become Phil's raison d'être, but he soon tires of this behavior as the karmic cycle continues to force him through the same mundane routine. Phil lends to his bad karma by attempting to seduce Rita, through whatever underhanded means he can find. This includes ascertaining which confections she enjoys. Through experience he discovers that she *doesn't* like which of these two items?
3. After pleasing his animal appetites, but failing to please his spirit, Phil eventually approaches the 4-Noble Truths of Buddhism. The First Noble Truth states that 'All Life Knows Suffering'. Phil's failed attempts to get what he wants forces him to this realization. Phil mistakenly does not recognize the meaning of the Third Noble Truth however, that there is a way to end suffering. He initially believes that this way is through suicide. Which of these suicide methods do we not witness in the film?
4. Following his failed suicide attempts, Phil comes to the realization that there must be another way. He consults Rita, who comes to believe his story via some major league convincing (Rita understands spirituality, and has faith!) She plays the role of his Bodhisattva and suggests Phil try to improve himself with his gift of many reincarnations! This means that he must cultivate himself, and learn to release the desires that have been causing his suffering. Which of these activities is part of his self-improvement approach?
5. Phil is now healthily embarked upon the Eightfold Path, the way to end suffering according to the Fourth Noble Truth. His discovery of the second step on the Eightfold Path, Right Aspiration, further leads to his self-improvement. Not only does he become an expert musician, but Phil also becomes adept at which of the following arts?
6. Another step trod by Phil along the Eightfold Path is 'Right Effort'. Rather than let failure deflect his self-improvement strategy, he allows it to become part of his nature. Initially though, he struggles with this step along the path with his fruitless attempts to revive whom?
7. Another lesson Phil learns along the path is 'Right Speech'. At the beginning of the film, Phil is sarcastic and cynical. Later, he learns to quell these tendencies when he attempts to inveigle Rita into his womanizing trap. Finally, he realizes that he should just be himself...jocular but without the mean edge. This is exemplified by his greeting of the rotund gentleman, whom he meets each day outside his room in the bed and breakfast in which he stays. 'Bon giorno, senore!', he says, and proceeds to quote a line of poetry. Finish this poetry quote that he delivers to this jolly fellow, 'Winter, slumbering in the open air, wears on his smiling face a dream of ______.'
8. Along with 'Right Speech', Phil learns 'Right Conduct'. This means behaving in a clear and consistent manner, according to the values that we hold. He begins to repeat his cycle of good behavior day in and day out, helping some ladies with a flat tire here, convincing a young couple to go through with their marriage there. In addition to this, he also performs which of these regular acts?
9. Another step along the Eightfold Path is 'Right Livelihood'. This means acquiring an occupation that benefits humankind. By the end of the film, Phil has done this...becoming talented in a number of occupational areas. In one scene, he is referred to as which of these?
10. The seventh step along the path is 'Right Mindfulness', a mindset wherein a person recognizes the moment within which s/he lives, rather than always hearkening back to the past or looking forward to the future. True or false: Phil very clearly expresses the attitude, in words, described by 'Right Mindfulness' before the end of the film.
Source: Author
thejazzkickazz
This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor
ladymacb29 before going online.
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