Buddhism Flashcards
1
Q
When was the Buddha born?
A
500BC in southern Nepal
2
Q
What was the Buddhas name?
A
Siddhartha Gautama
3
Q
What dream did Queen Maya have?
A
White elephant came down from heaven and entered her womb. The elephant told her that she would give birth to a holy child, and that when he was born he would achieve perfect wisdom (enlightenment)
4
Q
Where did Queen Maya give birth to Siddhartha?
A
Lumbini gardens where she had stopped to rest on the way to her parents house
5
Q
What could Siddhartha do immediately after his birth?
A
- could immediately talk and walk
- walked seven steps and lotus flowers appeared under his feet
- declared that he would not be reborn
6
Q
What prophecy was made after Siddhartha birth?
A
That Siddhartha would either become a great king or a holy man
7
Q
What did the king do to ensured that he didn’t see suffering?
A
- brought lotus pond to not show him decayment
- young girl around him to not show him age
8
Q
What were the four sights that the Buddha saw and what do they represent?
A
- old man —> everyone will age
- sick man —> everyone will get sick at some point
- dead man —> everyone will die
- holy man —> spiritual answer to suffering was possible
9
Q
What did the Buddha leave behind when he left the palace?
A
Newborn son and wife to pursue spiritual enlightenment
10
Q
What did the four sight result in?
A
Renunciation ~ letting go
11
Q
How long did Siddhartha live as an ascetic?
A
6 years to seek the solution to the problem of suffering
12
Q
What did he practice while living as an ascetic?
A
- living in dangerous and hostile forests which were too hot in the day and freezing in the night
- sleeping on a bed of thorns
- eating so little that he looked like a skeleton
13
Q
What did he learn from ascetism?
A
Discipline and willpower but didn’t find the answer to suffering
14
Q
What did Mara send do tempt Siddhartha?
A
- sending his beautiful daughters to seduce Siddhartha
- sending his armies to throw arrows and other weapons at Siddhartha
- offering Siddhartha control of his kingdom
- questioning Siddhartha’s right to sit at the seat of enlightenment
15
Q
What did Siddhartha do in result to Mara’s temptations?
A
- he wasn’t swayed by the charms of Mara’s daughters but continued meditating
- the arrows and other weapons turned to lotus flowers before reaching him
- he touched and called on the earth to witness his right to sit at the seat of enlightenment
16
Q
What was the first watch of the night?
A
Siddhartha gained knowledge of all his previous lives
17
Q
What was the second watch of the night?
A
- he understood the repetitive cycle of birth, death and rebirth
- he understood how beings are reborn according to their kamma or actions
- he understood the nothing has an unchanging essence
18
Q
What was the third watch of the night?
A
- he understood that beings suffer because of desire and attachment
- he understood that suffering can be overcome through the path of enlightenment
19
Q
What is the importance of Dhamma?
A
- one of the three refuges
- reduces suffering
- gives meaning to life
- creates satisfaction and happiness
- improves a Buddhists relationship with others and the world
- leads Buddhist become more aware, wiser and more compassionate
20
Q
Give some examples of dependent arising
A
- tree depends on soil, rain and sunshine to live -> these conditions changes as the weather changes
- wave depends on how strong the wind is which is also changing
- kamma -> someone’s happiness and suffering depend on conditions
21
Q
What is the Tibetan Wheel of Life?
A
An image that illustrates dependent arising as applied to the birth, death and rebirth of beings
- continues until the cycle is broken by following the Buddhist path -> when it’s broken, this allows the possibility of nibbana
22
Q
What does the outer wheel show?
A
12 links or stage that show how human beings are subject to birth, death and rebirth
23
Q
What are the links on the Wheel of life?
A
Realm of Humanity, Pretas, Gods, Asuras, Animals, Hell and the three poisons in the middle
24
Q
What does the realm of humanity represent?
A
The state of being able to make choices and t understand right and wrong -> this is what makes humans unique
25
What does the realm of Pretas represent?
Pretas are hungry ghosts. They have knives sinking into their stomach and tiny mouths. They can never have enough of anything -> this represent human selfishness
26
What does the realm of gods represent?
This represents the effect of receiving good kamma from positive causes. -> This is just temporary state and it only lasts as long as someone’s good karma
27
What does the realm of Asura represent?
Mythical beings which represent anger, hate and envy towards other people
28
What does the realm of animals represent?
This represents basic human instinct (food, sex and material comfort) and when you are enlightened you can be happy with your natural self
29
What does the realm of hell represent?
Extreme suffering (this is physical and emotional) -> result of negative kamma
30
What does the three poisons in the wheel of life represent?
Pig represents stupidity
Snake represents hatred
Cockerel represents greed
- Buddhist see these as the starting point of all human problems
31
What are the seven states of suffering?
Birth, old age, sickness, death, separation from someone/something you love, contact with someone/something you dislike and not being able to achieve your desires
32
What are three different types of suffering?
Ordinary suffering, suffering because of change and suffering because of attachment
33
What does ordinary suffering mean?
Physical and metal pain e.g. breaking a leg
34
What does suffering because of change mean?
Caused by losing something good e.g. getting older
35
What does suffering because of attachment mean?
Dissatisfaction with life as a result of craving and attachment e.g. feeling unhappy for no reason
36
What does three things does annica affect in the world?
Living things e.g. a tree spouts from a seed, grows and eventually dies
Non-living things e.g. an iron nail will rust if left out in the rain
People minds e.g. a persons thoughts and feelings change throughout their lives
37
What are the five aggregates?
Form, sensation, perception, mental formations and consciousness
38
What form in the five aggregates mean?
Our bodies e.g. my knee
39
What does sensation in the five aggregates mean?
Our feelings e.g. my knee hurts
40
What does perception in the five aggregates mean?
Our ways of interpreting and understanding things e.g. my knee hurts because I bashed it against the door
41
What does mental formation in the five aggregates mean?
Our thoughts e.g. I want my knee to stop hurting, I don’t like it
42
What does consciousness in the five aggregates mean?
Our general awareness of things e.g awareness of my knee
43
What are the four noble truths
- there is suffering -> dukkha
- suffering has a cause -> samudaya
- suffering can come to an end -> nirodha
- there is a means to bring suffering to an end -> magga
44
What did the Buddha teach about suffering and how to respond to it?
- suffering is universal -> it affects everyone at some point in their lives ~ so everyone needs to overcome it
- there are also many different types of happiness and pleasures that everyone can experience -> these are real but they are impermanent
- happiness and pleasures are only temporary distractions-> they cannot ultimately solve the problem of suffering
- part of dealing effectively with suffering is recognising that it’s a part of life, instead of trying to run way from it
- it ps easier to accept suffering is a part of life by trying not to personalise it
45
What are the three main types of craving?
Sensory craving -> craving things that please the senses
Craving for being -> wanting to become something you are not
Craving for non-being -> wanting to stop experiencing something
46
How could you overcome tanha?
People should enjoy things but recognise they can’t last, and be ready to let go of them
- by overcoming ignorance you can realise that temporary pleasure cannot bring true happiness
47
What are the interpretations of nibbana and enlightenment?
- completely free of the three poisons
- knows the truth about the nature of existence
- knows exactly what causes suffering
- naturally behaves according to the five moral precepts
- understands and lives in harmony with the four noble truths
48
What three parts does the eightfold path contain?
Ethics, Mediation and Wisdom
49
What does ethics mean?
Emphasises the importance of having good morals, behaviour and living in an ethical way
50
What aspects of the eightfold path does ethics contain?
Right speech, right action and livelihood
51
What does meditation mean?
Emphasises the importance of meditating effectively in order to develop wisdom
52
What aspects of the eightfold path does meditation contain?
Right effort, right mindfulness and concentration
53
What does wisdom?
Emphasises the importance of overcoming ignorance in order to achieve enlightenment
54
What aspects of the eightfold path does wisdom contain?
Right understanding and intention
55
What does right speech mean?
Speaking truthfully, helpfully and kindly -> avoiding lying and gossiping about others
56
What does right action mean?
Practising the five moral precepts (especially not causing harm to others)
57
What does right livelihood mean?
Earning a living in a way that doesn’t harm others -> e.g. not doing work that exploits people or harms animals)
58
What does right effort mean?
Putting effort into developing and sustaining skilful mental state
59
What does right mindfulness mean?
Developing awareness of yourself and the world around you
60
What does right concentration mean?
Developing a clear understanding of the Buddha’s teaching especially the four noble truths
61
What does right intention mean?
Following the eightfold with the correct intention and a sincere attitude
62
What are some the characteristics of Theravada Buddhism?
- ordination in the monastic community is emphasises
- full ordinated is primarily reserved for men
- the Buddha is a focus of worships and is seen as the teacher and guide but not considered to be a god
- the goal is to achieve enlightenment and reach nibbana
- some Theravada Buddhist believe that good fortune may be transferred to others -> this practice is emphasised when someone has died
63
What is sunyata?
- emptiness (important concept in Mahayana Buddhism)
- it teaches that nothing has a fixed, independent and unchanging nature (everything exists in relation to, or because of other things)
- restatement of anatta
64
What teachings does Buddha-nature follow?
- everyone has an essence of a Buddha already inside of them
- a persons Buddha-nature is hidden by desire, attachment, ignorance and negative thoughts
- when a person comes to understand the Buddhas teachings, they experience their inner Buddha-nature
65
What happens when you become an arhat?
- when someone becomes an arhat, they are no longer reborn when they die
- they become free from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth to reach nibbana
- this goal is achieved by following and fulfilling the eightfold path
- it is said that many of the Buddhas disciples became arhats
66
What happens when you become a Bodhsattva?
- a Bodhisattva sees their own enlightenment as being bound up with the enlightenment of all beings
- out of compassion, after achieve enlightenment they choose to remain in the cycle of samsara to help others achieve enlightenment
- Bodhisattva combine being compassionate with being wise, they believe the original emphasis of the Buddhas teachings was to go forth for the welfare of the many
67
What are the six perfections?
Generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation and wisdom
68
What is generosity?
To be charitable and generous in all that is done
69
What is morality?
To live ethically by following the moral precepts
70
What is patience?
To practice being patient in all things
71
What is energy?
To cultivate the energy and perseverance needed to keep going
72
What is mediation?
To develop concentration and awareness
73
What is wisdom?
To obtain wisdom and understanding
74
What characteristics does pure land Buddhism have?
- offers the perfect conditions for enlightenment
- where people can be taught by Amitabha himself
- all beings born in this land are certain to reach enlightenment
- contains no suffering or other barriers to enlightenment
- a perfect paradise
- far to the west beyond the boundaries of our own world
75
What is temple?
Importance centre of religious life where Buddhist can study, meditate and practice together
76
What is a main hall?
Where Buddhist practise together -> usually contains a statues of the Buddha
77
What is a mediation hall?
Quiet space where Buddhists can meditate
78
What is a study hall?
For meetings and lectures
79
What is a shrine?
Dedicated to the Buddha, they provide a focal point for Buddhist to meditate and express devotion
80
What is a stupa?
A tiered tower or mound-like structure that sometimes contains the remains of relics of an important Buddhists
81
What offerings do Buddhists give at the shrine?
Light, flowers and Incense
82
What does the light symbolise?
The Buddha, wisdom and enlightenment- which drive away the darkness of ignorance
83
What does the flowers symbolise?
As flowers wilt and decay, they remind Buddhists that all things are impermanent
84
What does the incense represent?
Purity, reminding Buddhists of the importance of practicing pure thoughts, speech and behaviour
85
What is a monastery?
Place where Buddhists monks or nuns live a simple, disciplined life of study, meditation, devotion and companionship
86
What are some types of Buddhist worships?
- rituals and ceremonies carried out in groups
- meditation
- making offerings
- chanting sacred texts
- reciting mantras
- bowing
- private worship in the homes
87
What is chanting used for?
- used to memorise and pass on teachings and text
- devotional practices that is thought to increase receptivity towards the Buddha and his teaching
- helps to calm and focus the mind
88
What are some characteristics of mantras?
- helps to concentrate the mind and so functions as a form of meditation
- some Buddhist think mantras have magical powers
- often associated with the spiritual qualities of a Buddha or Bodhisattva
89
What are some characteristics of meditation?
- spiritual exercise that calms the mind and body, and leads to the development of insight into the nature of existence
- it’s an important practice in most Buddhist traditions
- Buddhist may use a variety of objects as a focus for concentration
90
What is mindfulness?
Quality of attention and awareness
91
What are some characteristics of mindfulness of breathing?
- the breath is used as a focus for attention, as well as how the body responds to each breath
- the aim is to become aware of the details of breathing, and all the tiny movements it creates in the body
- when someone finds their mind wandering as they meditate, they simply bring their attention back to their breathing
- little by little they become more able to concentrate and focus on their breath -> feel more present and aware
92
Why do Buddhist use kasinas in Samatha meditation?
- instead of focusing on their breathing, a meditate, they simply bring their attention back to their breathing
- as with breathing, the object gives the meditator something to focus their attention on
93
What are some examples of kasinas?
The elements -> earth, water and fire
The colours -> blue, red and yellow
94
What is the purpose of Samatha meditation?
- focusing on a single object helps to create a calm and tranquil mind
- helps to develop concentration and focus
- acts as preparation for vipassana meditation
- help Buddhists to feel happier and more alive.
95
What are the main characteristics for vipassana meditation?
- the mediator may change their focus between a range of different objects, emotions and experiences
- the aim of focusing on the object is to understand its true nature, and how it is characterised by the three marks of existence
96
What are the main aims of vipassana meditation?
- understand how all things are characterised by the three marks of existence
- develop greater wisdom and awareness about the world
- ultimately achieve enlightenment
97
What are characteristics of zazen meditation?
- it’s practised in Zen Buddhism, which originally started in Japan
- it leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of existence
- generally begins with sitting, relaxing and a period of mindfulness of breathing
- the mediator then sits with awareness of the present moment
- thoughts and experiences come and go, and the mediator returns again and again to the present moment
98
What are some characteristics if walking meditation?
- mediation is often practiced sitting on the floor cross-legged posture
- it is also possible to meditate while walking, as part of Samatha or vipassana meditation
- this consists of walking slowly and combining the movement of the feet with the in and out of the breaths
99
What is visualisation?
- visualise an object in their mind
- some people may first use an image for inspiration and then afterwards visualise it
- then try to imagine the object in great detail, examining all the qualities and characteristics of it
- the object functions as a focus of concentration -> the mediator will try to hold a detailed picture of the object in their mind for as long as possible
- the object may also connect with spiritual qualities
100
What are some characteristics of deity visualisation?
- when they meditate, Tibetan Buddhists will often visualise a deity
- the mediator focuses not just on the visual features of the deity, but also on its spiritual qualities -> they may imagine themselves as that deity in order to absorb its spiritual qualities
- visualising themselves as a Buddha may help Buddhist to awaken their Buddha-nature
101
What is a deity?
An enlightened being such as a Buddha or Bodhisattva, but not a god
102
What are some examples of Buddhist or Bodhisattva that meditator might visualise?
- the medicine Buddha -> the Buddha of healing, the visualising this Buddha may reduce suffering and even promote healing powers
- avalokiteshvara -> the Bodhisattva of compassion, visualising this Bodhisattva helps Buddhists to develop a sense of compassion
- Buddha Amitabha -> pure land Buddhists may visualise Buddha Amitabha in the hope he will help them to be reborn in the Pure Land
103
Why do Buddhas use Thangkas or mandalas in visualisation?
Some Buddhists use Thangka or mandalas to help them visualise and call to mind a deity
- in Tibetan monasteries, monks make Mandelas out of brightly coloured sand. These are complicated and may take weeks to create. Once finished, they are brushed away to encourage the monks to focus on impermanence
104
What are some characteristics for Theravada funerals?
- little money is usually spent on funerals, instead family and friends may donate to a worthy cause and transfer the merit to the deceased
- ritual that transfer merit to the deceased may be performed by a family members or other mourners.
- at the funeral itself ~ a shrine may display the deceased portrait along with an image of the Buddha and offerings to the Buddha
- monks often attend the funeral of lay people and perform rituals or give a sermon
- the deceased may be cremated or buried, although cremation is traditional and more common
- all mourners send good thoughts to the family and contemplate impermanence
105
What are some characteristics of funerals on Tibet?
- sky burial is a traditional funeral practice in Tibet. The body is left in a high place as a gift to the vultures
- this tradition arose due to the lack of wood for cremation and problems with frozen ground for burial
- it is more common to burn the body
- revered teachers have always been cremated, and their remains placed in a stupa to become a site of worship
- ceremonies involving prayers and offerings of yak-butter lamps may be made every seven days for 49 days after the death
106
What are characteristics for the funerals in Japan?
- in Japanese pure land Buddhism, the coffin may be placed with they head pointing west, towards the direction of Sukhavati. Those assembled chant Amitabha’s name as they process around the coffin
- it’s common across all Japanese traditions for relatives to gather after the cremation and pick out the bones from the ashes, using chopsticks
- as in Tibet, these remains may be kept for 49 days and prayers offered every 7th day
107
What are the characteristics of a Buddhist festival?
- most major festivals celebrate events in the Buddhas life
- a day or period of celebration for religious reasons
- an opportunity to remember and celebrate the Buddhas life and teachings
- an opportunity to meet and practice together
- some are concerned with other Buddhist figure
- some are specific to certain traditions
108
What are the characteristics of a Buddhists retreats?
- may involve mediation, talks and study groups, workshops and rituals
- aim to help people deepen their understanding of Buddhists practices
- held in monasteries or Buddhists centres
- a day or period of time spent away from regular life to focus on Buddhist teachings
109
What is the significance and meaning of wesak?
- commemorates three major events in the Buddhas life: his birth, enlightenment and death
- an opportunity to honour and remember the Buddha and his teachings
- light is used during the festival to symbolise hope, enlightenment and overcoming ignorance
110
What is the wesak celebration?
- light up their homes with candles, lamps or lanterns
- make offerings to the Buddha and give gifts to the local monastery
- attend the local temple or monastery to take part in worship and meditation, or listen to sermons on the Buddhas teaching and life
- take part in ceremonies where caged animals are released as a symbol of liberation
111
What is the significance and meaning of parinirvana day?
- celebrate during February to remember the Buddhas passing into parinirvana
- a solemn occasion when Buddhists reflect on their own future death, and remember friends or relatives who have recently passed away
- the Buddhist teaching of impermanence is the focus for the day
112
What is the parinirvana day celebration?
- read and study the Mahaparinirvana Sutra
- meditate and worship at home or with others in a temple or monastery
- go on retreat to reflect and meditate, or go on pilgrimage; many Buddhists visit Kushlnagar in India
113
What motivates skilful action and what do they result in?
Generosity, compassion, understanding and the result is happiness
114
What motivates unskilful action and what do they result in?
Craving, hatred, ignorance and the result in suffering
115
What characteristics does karuna have?
- recognising that a person cannot be truly happy while other suffer
- feeling concern for the suffering of others, almost as if it were your own
- wanting other to be free from suffering and trying to relieve it
- recognising when you are suffering and acting with compassion towards yourself
116
What are the four sublime states?
- loving-kindness
- compassion
- sympathies joy
- equanimity
117
What is metta?
- one of the four sublime states
- a loving, kind, friendly attitude towards oneself and all beings
- doesn’t depend on the goodness of others or expect anything in return
- should be cultivated even towards people who act unskillfully
118
Why are metta and karuna a little different?
- metta is the general desire for other people to be happy whereas karuna arises when metta comes into contact with a specific person who suffering
- metta is the attitude of warmth and kindness that Budddhist try to feel towards all people
119
What is loving-meditation?
It’s a meditation helps Buddhists to develop an attitude of metta
120
What five steps which develops loving-kindness towards?
- yourself
- a good friend
- a ‘neutral friend’ (someone you come into contact with but don’t have strong feelings about)
- a ‘difficult person’ (someone you dislike)
- all four of these people, gradually followed by everyone else in the world
121
What is the five moral precepts?
- to abstain from taking life
- to abstain from taking what is not freely given
- to abstain from the misuse of the senses or sexual misconduct
- to abstain from wrong speech
-to abstain from intoxication that cloud the mind
122
What should be avoided in the first precept?
- killing other people
- hurting others (physically and emotionally)
- harming the natural world, including animals and plants
123
What should be avoided in the second precept?
- stealing
- taking more than your fair share
- grabbing at wealth or fame at the expense of others
124
What should be avoided in the three precept?
- rape and abuse
- adultery
- misuse of the senses to satisfy your own wants (being greedy)
- gaslighting
125
What should be avoided in the fourth precept?
- lies, gossip and harsh speech
- don’t try to mislead people or be unkind
126
What should be avoided in the fifth precept?
- drugs and alcohol
127
What actions should be encouraged in the first precept?
- treating people kindly
- showing love and kindness (to all creatures)
- thinking about the consequences of you actions
128
What actions should be encouraged in the second precept?
- generosity
- willingness to share
129
What actions should be encouraged in the third precept?
- being loyal and considerate to others (consent)
- acting responsibly with greed
130
What actions should be encouraged in the fourth precept?
- try to be completely truthful
- be kind and honest
131
What actions should be encouraged in the fifth precept?
- right mindfulness and concentration are important to understand the effects or actions
- keep a clear mind at all times
132
What does following the five precepts do?
Purifies the mind of greed, hatred and ignorance replacing these traits with wisdom and compassion
133
What are the six perfections?
Generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation and wisdom
134
What is the explanation behind generosity?
- Buddhist should give without expecting anything in return
- development of awareness of the reasons for giving, and to gradually purify these in order to give more freely
135
What are the three main parts of giving that Tibetan talk about?
- giving materials goods -> these provide immediate relief for people’s suffering
- giving protection from fear -> helping someone if they are afraid or in trouble
- giving the Dharma -> helps people to help themselves, so has a longer-lasting impact
136
What is the explanation behind morality?
- Buddhist try to follow the five moral precepts
- Mahayana Buddhist aim to follow a further five precepts
- meditation and mindfulness help Buddhist follow the precepts more willingly, without feeling restrained by them
137
What are the five further moral precepts?
- not talking about other peoples faults
- not being stingy and angry
- not speaking badly about of the three refuges
138
What is the explanation behind patience?
- Bodhisattva embodies patience, which express through tolerance and endurance
- Buddhist aim to practice compassion towards those who show them anger, and have patience with themselves and others
- understanding that suffering is an inevitable part of life (the first noble truth) helps Buddhists to develop the patience needed to endure it
139
What is the explanation behind energy?
- meditation helps to develop the concentration and awareness needed to achieve wisdom
140
What is the explanation behind wisdom?
- the first five perfections contribute to the development of the sixth one
- by meditating and studying the Buddha’s teachings, and by living ethically and morally
- Buddhist aim to develop a full understanding of the nature of reality
