Buddhism Flashcards
When did Buddhism start?
2500 years ago
How popular is Buddhism (e.g. 1st, 2nd)?
4th largest
How many followers does Buddhism have?
520 million (7% of the world’s population)
When was Siddhartha Gautama born?
480 BCE
What present day country was Siddhartha Gautama born in?
Nepal
Why did the king protect his son from the world?
He wanted to hide the prince from all suffering so that he would want to be the king one day
How old was Siddhartha Gautama when he first went outside the palace?
29
What was the first human suffering Siddhartha saw?
An old man
What was the second human suffering Siddhartha saw?
A sick man
What was the third and final human suffering Siddhartha saw?
A dead man
What happened after Siddhartha first encountered suffering?
He spiraled into an existential crisis
Who did Siddhartha see that made him want to change his entire life?
A homeless, content monk
How long did Siddhartha fast once he became a monk?
6 years
What did Siddhartha Gautama discover after fasting in the wilderness with the monks?
Enlightenment is between luxury and starvation
What did Siddhartha do after discovering the truth about where Enlightenment lies?
He ate
What tree did Siddhartha meditate under?
The Bodhi Tree
What happened after Siddhartha meditated under the tree?
He became the Buddha
What is the Buddhist term for “Enlightenment”?
Nirvana
What is Dukkha?
Suffering
What are the 4 Noble Truths?
Life is Dukkha, Dukkha is caused by Desire, Dukkha ends, and the Eightfold Path ends Dukkha
What is included in the first Noble Truth?
Life is Dukkha - dissatisfaction. Dukkha can be sickness, death, unwanted change, and not getting what you want
What is included in the second Noble Truth?
Dukkha is caused by Desire. People cling to impermanent parts of life, leading to everyone wanting more. The Buddha taught people to enjoy what you have.
What is included in the third Noble Truth?
Dukkha ends - Since we cause Dukkha, we can end it, too
What is included in the fourth Noble Truth?
The Eightfold Path ends Suffering. Pretty self explanatory :)