Buddhism Flashcards
Dukkha/Dukha
• In Buddhism, “dukkha” is a key concept representing suffering or unsatisfactoriness that is inherent in human existence.
• Dukkha acknowledges that suffering takes various forms and is caused by attachment and craving.
• The path to ending Dukkha involves letting go of these attachments and following the Eightfold Path to reach a state of enlightenment and liberation.
Tankha/Trishna
• “Tankha” or “Trishna” signifies “craving” and is a fundamental concept within the Four Noble Truths.
• It represents the intense desire, attachment, or thirst for sensory pleasures, existence, or non-existence
Anicca/Anitya
• “Anicca” or “Anitya” means impermanence.
• It teaches that everything, both material and mental, is constantly changing and nothing is permanent.
Anatta/Anatman
• “Anatta” or “Anatman” refers to the concept of “not-self”.
• It teaches that there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul in individuals.
• Instead, the self is a dynamic interplay of ever - changing physical and mental elements.
Nirvana/Nibbana
• “Nirvana” or “Nibbana” is the ultimate state of liberation and enlightenment.
• It signifies the cessation of suffering, the transcendence of desire and attachment, and the eradication of ignorance.
• Achieving Nirvana involves profound spiritual insights and wisdom, and is the central goal of Buddhists.
Arahant/Arhat
• An “Arahant” or an “Arhat” represents the highest level of spiritual achievement in Buddhism.
Samsara
• “Samsara” denotes the perpetual cycle of birth, death and rebirth that all living beings undergo.
• This cycle existence is characterized by suffering, and the actions (karma) in one’s current life influences future lives.
• Escaping from samsara is the ultimate goal, achievable for overcoming these mental states and attaining Enlightenment —— A state of perfect peace and freedom from suffering, marking the end of the cycle of birth and death.
Kamma/Karma
• “Karma” is the principle of cause and effect governing one’s actions, emphasizing the moral and ethical consequences of intentional actions.
• It holds that actions, driven by intentions, shape an individual’s present and future experiences.
• It suggests that positive actions lead to favorable outcomes and negative actions result in challenges, impacting both present and future lives.
Maya (Illusion)
• “Maya” signifies the deceptive nature of the material world, representing the illusion that veils the true essence of reality.
• By recognizing and transcending the illusion of maya, individuals on the Buddhist past aim to achieve enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of suffering.
Buddha
• In Buddhism, “Buddha” is an enlightened being who was attained wisdom, compassion, and liberation from the cycle of Samsara.
Bodhisatta/Bodhisattva
• In Buddhism, a “Bodhisattva” is someone on the path to enlightenment who vows to achieve Buddhahood not just for themselves but for the benefits of all beings.
Sangha
• In Buddhism, “Sangha” refers to the community of practitioners who follow the teachings of the Buddha.
• Sangha provides a supportive and harmonious environment where practitioners share experiences and encourage other in their spiritual journey.
Dhamma/Dharma
• In Buddhism, “Dhamma” (Pali) or “Dharma” (Sanskrit) holds diverse meanings.
• It refers to the teachings of the Buddha, outlining the path to enlightenment through concepts like the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
Bhavana
• In Buddhism, “Bhavana” refers to the intentional cultivation or meditation aimed at transforming the mind and emotions.
Karuna
• In Buddhism, “Karuna” translates to “compassion” and is a foundational concept emphasizing deep empathy and active concern for the suffering of all beings.
