005 Expressions of religious identity Flashcards
What are the three refuges?
- the buddha
- the dhamma
- the sangha
What is the sangha?
the buddhist community
What is the purpose of the sangha?
to spread the message of the buddha
What does the term Sangha literally mean?
‘assembly’
Which part of the pali canon regulates monastic life?
The vinaya pitaka
what is a bhikku?
An ordained monk
What are alms?
respect given by a lay buddhist to a buddhist monk or nun
What should a monk do if they break rules?
Leave the sangha
What is the patimokkha?
the monastic rules which monks chant
What is the status of nuns
inferior to monks
why might monks retreat during monsoon rains?
to protect animals and insects
at what age can a person become a novice monk?
from age of 7 or 8w
why might someone be a short term novice?
it generates karmic fruitfulness
Why might people in countries such as Thailand take on a temporary monkhood?
monastic life can provide education, religious and secular, enhancing one’s position and respect in lay society
Evidence for the importance of the Sangha in Thailand
Temporary monkhood is prevelant where about half of the male Buddhists join the Sangha at some point in their lives for a limited period
Define reciprocal
felt in return/communal
Evidence for why monks are well respected in Thailand
If a monk disrobes, his position in lay society is higher than it previously was, and he is also respected as an ex-monk
Examples of the recirpocal relationship between the sangha and the lay community
- the giving of alms (food, drink, clothing, shelter)
- donations of land
- labour
- service within the monastery
How do the lay community benefit from the sangha?
from monks teaching the dhamma and perform practical rites such as marriage, death and offering guidance
Which monk self immolated in the 1960s?
Thich Quang Duc
Which buddhist tradition is most prevalent in Thailand?
Theravada
In Thailand, who is required by law to be a Buddhist?
The king
How does the Thai government have control of the Sangha
The government partly used the Sangha to maintain an anti-Communist stance.
What was the past role of the sangha?
the Sangha helped to maintain the social order by promoting peace, happiness and security
How is the Sangha used in politics in C21?
political campaigners use the sangha as a way of gaining votes, particularly in rural areas where the monasteries have maintained their importance in the community.
What is the Wat Phra Dhammakaya movement?
Temple founded in Northern Thailand in 1970.
What does the WPD emphasize?
the revival of traditional Buddhist values, but does so through modern methods and technology.
How does WPD aim to promote world peace?
Through inner peace
What forms of moden technology do the WPD use?
- social media
- tv channels
What is controversial about the WPD?
They accept monetary donations in exchange for merit
What can women not become in the WPD?
Nuns
What can women be in the WPD?
Mai Chis - They occupy a position somewhere between that of an ordinary lay follower and an ordained monastic and similar to that of the monks.
Examples of religious practice of the WPD
- teaching people about Buddhism through university lectures and seminars
- encourage donations
- monthly ceremony of honouring the food through food
- focusing on samatha meditation
Define devotion in buddhism
showing love and reverence for the Buddha, his teachings, and senior religious leaders in Buddhism.
Why might MBs worship bodhisattvas?
Bodhisattvas have unlimited punya to share with the world
Define punya
s a power which accumulates as a result of good deeds, acts, or thoughts and which affects one’s entire life, but also carries over to subsequent rebirths.
TBs view on puja?
less of a focus and worshipping the Buddha will give Buddhists good punya
MB views on puja
More of a focus on worship generally temples are more ornate.
There are more beings to worship as bodhisattvas in heavenly realms
Define meditation
an altered state of consciousness which is induced in a controlled manner
Finish the quote by the Buddha: “It is better to conquer yourself …
than to win a thousand battles”
What role does meditation play in Buddhism?
Calms the mind and helps people to overcome negative emotions
Why must Buddhists meditate?
It was practiced by the Buddha and is part of the 8FP
What is samatha meditation?
calm abiding’/mindfulness meditation.
