Buddhism 1.1 Founders and Leaders

Question 1

Describe the early life of the buddha

Answer 1

Grew up in a deathly kingdom, was tested and proved to be either a great King or a Buddha, father traps him in so he sees no evil and becomes king. Hoped to keep him away from the life of a wandering ascetic

Question 2

Name the 4 sights

Answer 2

Old age, sickness, death and an ascetic (Holy man). The first three showed dukkha (suffering) and the holy man showed a prospect of freedom.

Question 3

Describe his life as an ascetic

Answer 3

Siddhartha tried meditating as a way of life but didn’t reach his goal. Then he tried to overcome attachment to sensual pleasures by restricting them to nothing. He had a few drops of bean soup a day and tried non-breathing techniques but stopped after 6 years because his body was pained and untranquil

Question 4

Describe his enlightenment up to quote

Answer 4

Buddha nourished himself and sat under a bodhi tree, meditating. He said “I will not give this seat up without attaining complete awakening”.

Question 5

Describe his enlightenment after quote

Answer 5

Mara (bringer of death) came with many oppressive emotions to try and move him from under the tree. Mara tried everything telling him he must move, saying he has witnesses but Bodhistava touched the ground and said “this is my witness”. This touch signifies defeat of Mara and the Buddha’s awakening

Question 6

Describe his preaching

Answer 6

The Buddha wasn’t going to teach but he was convinced and surveyed the world to see that people need his teachings. He then became the perfect Buddha ‘a teacher of Gods and humans’. He emphasised that his teachings had a purpose and followers should use them for the intended purpose.

Question 7

Describe his parinibbana

Answer 7

Once one has attained nirvana they are not re-born and escape the cycle of samsara. When the Buddha was 80 he became very ill and said the sangha knew everything. He passed away and was cremated, spreading ashes everywhere important to him

Question 8

Example go the Buddha today. Mahayana and Theravada

Answer 8

Buddhists believe was the first to become fully enlightened and he taught his path to the cessation of suffering out of compassion. Theravada buddhists believe Buddha to be real and on earth but Mahayana believe he is above humans.

Question 9

Bodhisattvas today

Answer 9

In Theravada (T) an arhat is the ‘perfect person’ who attained enlightenment. In Mahayana (M) it is Bodhisattvas and they choose to be re-birthed to help others achieve enlightenment. They pray to these bodhisattvas in times of need

Question 10

The impact of the Dalai Lama

Answer 10

Tenzin Gyatso at the age of 2, recognised as reincarnation of past Dalai Lama. Became head of Tibetten state at 15. He has preserved and protected Tibetten people and Buddhism. Travelled the world explaining Tibetten Buddhism, focused on middle way, compassion and humanity.