001 Sources of widom and Authority - Buddhism Flashcards
Where did Buddhism originate?
Ancient India
Who founded Buddhism?
The Buddha
What is the Buddha’s name?
Siddhartha Gautama
Define ‘Buddha’
Enlightened one
What is another name for the Buddha?
Shakyamuni Buddha
Which Buddhist group does the Buddha hold more significance for?
Theravada
Who was the Buddha born to?
A kinf and queen
What were signs before his birth that Siddharta Gautama would be a very special person?
His mother had a dream of a white elephant entering her womb on the right side
What was miraculous about his birth?
He walked and spoke as soon as he was born saying he would free mankind from all suffering
What did the sooth sayer prophesize about Gautama?
he would be a great king or a great spiritual leader
How did the sooth sayers prophecy influence Siddharta’s father?
His father shielded him from anything that might make hime likely to be a religious leader
What were the 4 sights which influenced Siddharta?
- an old man
- a sick man
- a dead man
- a holy man
How did the 4 sights influence the Buddha?
It led him to renounce his life of luxury
What is renunciation?
rejection of something
Who did the Buddha join initially after his renunciation?
The ascetists
What is asceticism?
Practice of severe self-discipline
What self mortification praactices did the Buddha participate in?
Starving himself
What did the Buddha realise after ascetisism caused him more suffering?
The path of liberation was through the discipline of the mind
What is the dharma?
Teachings of the Buddha
Where did the Buddha achieve enlightenment?
Under the Bodhi tree
What did Mara conjur during the Buddha’s meditation?
- demons throwing fiery arrows and spears
- countless beautiful women
What did the Buddha see during his meditation?
Hundreds and thousands of his past lives
Who were the first disciples of the buddha?
The 5 ascetists
What is an arhat?
‘a worthy one’ - someone who has become enlightened through the help of others