3.1.14 Pathways in Buddhism

Question 1

What is the Buddhist path?

Answer 1

The Buddhist path, whichever form is taken, is an attempt to reach enlightenment

Question 2

What does Buddhist practice include? (3)

Answer 2

• Meditation.
• Gaining wisdom.
• A moral lifestyle which allows regulation of desires in order to gain release from 3 poisons => release is Nirvana/ Nibbana.

Question 3

What is Nirvana/Nibbana?

Answer 3

This is an absolute contentment and peace in this world and liberation from rebirth.

Question 4

Which Buddhist path do Theravada Buddhists follow?

Answer 4

The Therevada tradition emphasises the arhat (arahant) path.

Question 5

What is the arhat path?

Answer 5

To follow the arhat path is to seek perfect understanding and perfect calm in one’s own mind.

Question 6

What is an arhat? (4)

Answer 6

• An arhat can see that pleasures merely distract them.
• They seek to attain nirvana in the complete peace and calm of the arhat mind.
• An arhat is someone who has extinguished 3 poisons.
• They have attained Nirvana and release from the cycle of samsara, freeing themselves from karma by following the path set out by the Buddha.

Question 7

What is the difference between an arhat and a Buddha in Theravada Buddhism?

Answer 7

In Therevada Buddhism, the difference between an arhat (arahant) and a Buddha is that the Buddha achieved this for himself, whereas an arhat (arahant) relies on the teaching of the Buddha.

Question 8

Which Buddhist path do Mahayana Buddhists follow?

Answer 8

The Mahayana traditions emphasise the Bodhisattva path.

Question 9

What is the Bodhisattva path? (2)

Answer 9

• Where perfect wisdom and understanding are combined with perfect compassion.
• The bodhisattva desires not only an end to their own suffering, but the suffering of all sentient beings.

Question 10

What is a Bodhisattva? (4 bullet points)

Answer 10

• The Bodhisattva can be seen as someone who reaches the threshold to attain nirvana
• but chooses not to enter the state of nirvana for themselves
• but seeks the cessation of all others’ suffering.
• They choose to be reborn rather than pass beyond samsara.

Question 11

Who can follow the Bodhisattva path?

Answer 11

The Bodhisattva path includes both ordinary Mahayana Buddhists who take the Bodhisattva vow, and beings far advanced along the path, who may choose to appear in many forms, both earthly and celestial.

Question 12

What do Bodhisattvas aspire to become?

Answer 12

Bodhisattvas aspire eventually to become a Buddha - a ‘Great Being’ who can choose whether to appear in earthly or celestial forms, but is ultimately beyond all form.

Question 13

What are the weaknesses of the arhat path? (4)

Answer 13

• Arhats and Theravada Buddhists are selfishly concerned with their own spiritual development as opposed to the benefit of others.
• Arhat path only benefits the individual, not others => less compassionate.
• Focussed on insight and wisdom rather than on worldly matters.
• Elitist division of Buddhism as it is generally accepted that only those within the monasteries (monks & nuns) can achieve nirvana.

Question 14

What is the positive of the arhat path?

Answer 14

The way of the arhat is the way of the historical Buddha and the closest path to the one the Buddha followed. The Buddha did not teach the Bodhisattva path.

Question 15

What are the positives of the Bodhisattva Path? (6)

Answer 15

• The Buddha was a Bodhisattva – he was self-enlightened & sought to bring enlightenment to others.
• Emphasises helping others and focuses on compassion for all sentient beings.
• It is selfless to choose to remain in samsara in order to help others.
• This path is seen by some as superior due to its length and complexity.
• Bodhisattva focuses on developing the six perfections which are directly relevant to helping others rather than developing wisdom and insight which only really has an impact on the individual.
• Mahayana Buddhism teaches that all people have a buddha nature and as such enlightenment and nirvana are possible for all.

Question 16

Which Buddhist path is known as the ‘greater vehicle’ and why?

Answer 16

The Bodhisattva path is known as the ‘greater vehicle’ because its aim is to bring all beings to nirvana. It is selfless to choose to remain in samsara in order to help others.

Question 17

What is Pure Land Buddhism? (3)

Answer 17

• Tradition within Mahayana Buddhism.
• Main type of Buddhism practised in Japan.
• It’s based on faith in Amida (Amitabha) Buddha; Amida was a king who renounced his throne to become a monk.

Question 18

What does the mystical view of Amitabha regard him as?

Answer 18

The mystical view of Amitabha regards him as an eternal Buddha, and believes that he manifested himself in human history as Gautama, or “The Buddha”.

Question 19

What did Amitabha do when he came enlightened? (2)

Answer 19

• When he became enlightened and became a Buddha he created a pure land called Sukhavati.
• This pure land was created beyond the boundaries of our world; it is a perfect paradise without suffering which he created out of his compassion and love for all beings.

Question 20

What do followers of Pure Land Buddhism hope for/ believe? (2)

Answer 20

• The followers of Pure Land Buddhism hope to be reborn in the paradise where Amida (Amitabha) Buddha lives.
• They believe that if you are reborn here you will be taught by Amida (Amitabha) and, therefore, have a much better chance of attaining Buddhahood.

Question 21

How does a Buddhist reach the Pure Land? (3)

Answer 21

• The focus is on having faith in (Amida) Amitabha Buddha.
• Faith is more important than a person’s own actions and behaviour.
• There are 5 practices which, if followed, will result in a person being reborn in Sukhavati.

Question 22

What 5 practises must be followed to be reborn in Sukhavati?

Answer 22

• Reciting scripture
• Meditating on Amida (Amitabha) and his practise.
• Worshipping Amida (Amitabha)
• Chanting his name
• Making praises and offering to him.

Question 23

What is the essential practice in Pure Land Buddhism? (2 bullet points)

Answer 23

• The essential practice in Pure Land Buddhism is the chanting of the name of Amitabha Buddha with total concentration,
• trusting that one will be reborn in the Pure Land, a place where it is much easier for a being to work towards enlightenment.

Question 24

What happens to people who sincerely call on Amitabha for help?

Answer 24

People who sincerely call on Amitabha for help will be reborn in Sukhavati - The Pure Land or The Western Paradise - where there are no distractions and where they can continue to work towards liberation under the most favourable conditions.

Question 25

Why do many regard Pure land Buddhism as easier to follow than other types of Buddhism? (2 - 1 states whether its popular, 2 answers the question)

Answer 25

• Many regard Pure Land Buddhism as easier to follow than other types of Buddhism and as such it has popular appeal.
• Pure Land Buddhism offers a way to enlightenment for people who can’t handle the subtleties of meditation, endure long rituals, or just live especially good lives.