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REL 351 > Buddhism > Flashcards

Buddhism Flashcards

1
Q

According to our in-class discussion, in Buddhism, “official doctrine” often gets overridden by what?

A

Tradition

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2
Q

How important is conformity to “orthodox” beliefs or practices in Buddhism?

A

Not too important, if doing it wrong, in next life will do it again and get another try

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3
Q

Who was the founder of Buddhism? And when did the founder live?

A

Siddhartha Gautama, born 563 BCE

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4
Q

Who is Śākyamuni, according to Mahayana Buddhist tradition?

A

He is the transcendent, transformed, enlightened form of Siddhartha Gautahama, the founder of Buddhism

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5
Q

On the day of his birth, what did a Brahmin priest predict about Siddhartha’s potential future vocation?

A

2 Possible futures:
1. If Siddhartha were to remain in the palace and pursue a worldly life, he would become a powerful ruler, known for his wealth and influence.
2. If Siddhartha were to renounce worldly life and pursue a spiritual path, he would become a Buddha, an enlightened being who would liberate himself and others from suffering.

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6
Q

In the second oracle about Sidhartha’s future, it was predicted that—if he saw one of four signs— he would leave his family and become an ascetic. What were those four signs?

A
  • Old Man
  • Sick Man
  • Monk
  • Corpse
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7
Q

How old was Sidhartha when he became so dissatisfied with the meaninglessness of his opulent lifestyle, that he decided that he would venture out and see what is in the world?

A

29 Years old

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8
Q

According to our in-class discussion, what did Sidhartha’s father do to prevent his son from becoming a religious leader?

A

He kept him in luxury, and when he was allowed out of the palace, his father had artificially cleaned up everything and gotten rid of all the beggars and such

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9
Q

For how long did Sidhartha live a life of “extreme self-denial”?

A

6 Years

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10
Q

According to tradition, Sidhartha’s daily diet (during his period of self-denial) consisted of what each day?

A

1 Bean/sesame seed or single Grain of rice

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11
Q

According to our in-class discussion, during his period of extreme self-denial, Sidhartha was confronted with a double paradox. What did we say that two-fold paradox was?

A

He wanted enlightenment so much that it became a carnal desire

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12
Q

What did Sidhartha eat that saved his life?

A

A bowl of rice pudding

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13
Q

One day, while sitting under a bodhi (or fig) tree, Sidhartha made a vow. What was that vow?

A

He would not leave the tree until he is enlightened

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14
Q

Upon enlightenment, the founder of Buddhism is said to have declared what?

A

He achieved enlightenment

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15
Q

How old was Sidhartha when he became enlightened, how many lives had he lived prior to his enlightenment, and why is the number of lives he had lived significant?

A
  • He was 35 years old
  • He had had 550 different previous incarnations
  • More tries is more better
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16
Q

According to our in-class discussion, what does the term “Buddha” mean?

A

The enlightened one

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17
Q

After his enlightenment, Sidhartha ran into his five former disciples. Where did the six of them encounter each other?

A

In Deer Park

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18
Q

Upon his enlightenment, the Buddha was initially tempted (by Mara or the devil) to do what Hinduism taught that he should do; which was what?

A

Withdraw from society and not share his enlightenment with others

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19
Q

How long did the Buddha’s ministry last?

A

45 years preaching

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20
Q

How did the Buddha die?

A

Died at 80 by food poisoning

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21
Q

Since the Buddha appointed no successor, what ultimately was considered his successor?

A
  • 4 Noble Truths
  • Find your own path
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22
Q

According to our in-class discussion, among the Buddha’s last words where what?

A

Diligently work out your own salvation.

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23
Q

How many denominations of Buddhism developed in the years shortly after the death of the Buddha? How many of those original denominations have survived down to our day?

A

18 different denominations formed right after his death
Eventually narrowed down to 3 denominations
* Theravada
* Mahayana
* Tibetan/Vajrayana

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24
Q

According to our in-class discussion, in what sense was Sidhartha Gautama a bit like the Protestant Reformer, Martin Luther?

A

Unsatisfied with current religion. Neither were trying to start a new religion. Reformers not restorers.

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25
Q

What are a couple of doctrines in Hinduism that Sidhartha was disturbed by?

A
  • The Caste System
  • Ritualism and Sacrificial Offerings
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26
Q

Based on what we said in class, is the “historic” Buddha (Sidhartha Gautama) the god of Buddhism?

A

No, just one who is enlightened

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27
Q

Some Buddhists believe in god (or gods), while others reject the existence of any gods. Which of the denominations we talked about reject the existence of any god, and which believe in one or more gods?

A
  • Theravada: Emphasize absence of a God
  • Mahayana and Tibetan believe in celestial beings, but not necessarily the same concept of God as in Abrahamic Religions
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28
Q

In Theravada Buddhism, the Hindu gods are actually believed to be what?

A

Devas (celestial beings), but irrelevant to the path of enlightenment

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29
Q

According to Theravada Buddhism, how does one obtain salvation?

A

You save yourself

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30
Q

What denomination of Buddhism was the monk who said, “Savior beings are for life’s cheaters!”—and how do we know he would have been that denomination?

A
  • Theravada Denomination
  • They are cheating by relying on someone else to save them rather than doing it themselves
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31
Q

Based on our in-class discussion, can a person convert to Buddhism?

A

Conversion is possible, but they do not push for it at all

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32
Q

According to our in-class discussion, what is the two-fold purpose of life in Buddhism?

A
  1. Reach “Buddha” status through personal purification
  2. Overcome the misery of the world
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33
Q

What does Buddhism say about the importance of temporal things?

A

Not Important, reject the world

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34
Q

According to our in-class discussion, what is the meaning of the Buddhist term, “Śūnyatā”?

A

Empty yourself of any false belief

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35
Q

What is the traditional Buddhist view of “the self”?

A
  • “The Self” as an unchanging independent thing is a delusion, self is understood to be an ever changing and temporary composition of all mental and physical attributes (From Chat GPT)
  • No soul
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36
Q

Do all Buddhists believe in reincarnation?

A
  • No, some do, but many do not
  • Some believe in transmigration
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37
Q

What is an “Arhat” (in Theravada Buddhism)?

A
  • Worthy or solitary saint.
  • Live a solitary existence.
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38
Q

What, according to our in-class discussion, does the word “Nirvana” mean?

A
  • “Extinction”
  • Place with no suffering, no discrimination, no attachment
39
Q

Whereas Theravada Buddhists focus on becoming an “Arhat,” Mahayana Buddhist focus more on becoming what?

A
  • Becoming selfless, rather than being self serving
  • Bodhisattvas - Function like a kinda translated being
  • Mahayana - more communal in salvation
  • Theravada - more individual in salvation
40
Q

What did Sidhartha discover about extremism in how one lives one’s life and how one pursues enlightenment?

A

No extremes, moderation

41
Q

In class, we listed “5 Vows” that all Buddhists are expected to take, and then “5 Vows” specific to monasticism. What were those 10 vows, and who commits to live each?

A

All Buddhists
* No killing
* No stealing
* No immorality
* No lying or deceiving
* No partaking of intoxicants
Monastics only
* No eating between meals
* No secular entertainment
* No adorning of body
* No high or wide beds
* No accepting of money

42
Q

According to our in-class discussion, why is it that Buddhists avoid intoxicants, like alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs?

A

Because need to get enlightenment, need clear mind

43
Q

According to our in-class discussion, what do the terms “Theravada” and “Hinayana” mean?

A

3 main denominations
* Theravada - oldest, most conservative
* Name means old, Hinayana name was to mock, but was accepted
* Mahayana - More lax
* Name means change with the times
* Tibetan
* Declare themselves to be “The Superior Religion”

44
Q

According to our in-class discussion, what does the term “Mahayana” mean?

A
  • The larger vehicle.
  • Have zen buddhism
45
Q

Which of the denominations of Buddhism (which we discussed in class) is the most “progressive” and “evolutionary”?

A

Mahayana

46
Q

Which denomination of Buddhism has been referred to as a “museum piece of the past”?

A

Theravada

47
Q

When, according to our in-class discussion, was Mahayana Buddhism officially founded?

A

600 or 500 BCE

48
Q

What is the central tenet of Zen Buddhism?

A
  • Meditation
  • The truth that you should see
  • Example of not usually seeing glasses on your face
49
Q

According to our in-class discussion, what “is like looking for the spectacles that are sitting on your nose”?

A
  • Zen buddhism
  • Looking for them but can’t see them if you don’t try to.
50
Q

What are “koans”—most commonly used by Zen Buddhists?

A

Pun/riddle that is unsolvable, ponder this for years to get enlightenment

51
Q

For practitioners of Zen, what is the goal of life?

A

Use meditation to discover your authentic self

52
Q

According to our in-class discussion, the focus of Pure Land Buddhism is on what?

A

Ultimately, enlightenment comes through grace.

53
Q

According to our in-class discussion, Buddhism entered Tibet at the same time that what religious event was happening elsewhere in the world?

A

7th century CE. Mohammed established Islam.

54
Q

Instead of being called “Buddhism” in Tibet, what did we say (in class) many Vajrayana Buddhists call their religion?

A

“The Superior Religion”

55
Q

Which denomination of Buddhism did we say (in class) tend to practice visualization exercises, imagining themselves “connecting with” or “becoming like” the gods—as a means of keeping their thoughts appropriate?

A

Tibetan Buddhism

56
Q

Which of the three major Buddhist denominations call their canon the “Chinese canon”?

A

Mahayana Buddhists

57
Q

What, according to our in-class discussion, does the term “Tripitaka” mean? And what denomination of Buddhism is that term tied to?

A
  • Theravada Canon
  • Fell into 3 Baskets
58
Q

Which of the three major Buddhist denominations have portions of the Theravada scriptural canon included in their own scriptural canon?

A

Mahayana Buddhism

59
Q

Which denomination of Buddhism treats the physical copies of their scriptures with great reverence and ritual esteem?

A

Vajrayana or “Tibetan Cannon”

60
Q

According to our in-class discussion, which denominations of Buddhism claim that their scriptures are the actual words of Sidhartha Gautama (the “historic” Buddha)—and can be traced back to him?

A

All 3 claim this

61
Q

According to our in-class discussion, why did the earliest Buddhists transmit their scriptural canon only in oral format (for the first 400 years)?

A
  • Have to really know it to memorize it. You end up living it.
  • Helps them get “merit”
62
Q

According to our in-class discussion, the Buddhists who are most inclined to use the various Buddhist canonical books are who?

A

Monastic

63
Q

Buddhist Stupas or Pagodas each contain what inside? And why is that an important thing to contain therein?

A

Every one of them has some portion of the Buddha or his relics

64
Q

While all Buddhists are allowed to pray and also meditate, based on our in-class discussion, which Buddhists are more inclined to meditation, and which are more inclined to pray?

A
  • Theravada - more meditation, still pray but no God
  • Mahayana and Tibetan - opposite
65
Q

According to our in-class discussion, many Buddhists see the lotus as a symbol for what?

A

Purification/Feminine something

66
Q

What is a “mudra,” what is the meaning of the term “mudra,” and which denomination of Buddhism are these most commonly found in?

A

Hand positions. Tibetan/Vajrayana. The cessation of affliction comes through generosity.

67
Q

The “Fat Buddha” (or “Happy Buddha”) common in Chinese art/statuary is a symbol of whom?

A

Chinese monk named Budai (布袋), who was a buddha, not the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama)

68
Q

Emaciated statues of the Buddha represent him in what stage of his life?

A

His enlightened state?

69
Q

Statues of Buddha Amitabha often depict him with what physical symbol, and what does that symbol represent?

A

Has third eye to represent enlightenment

70
Q

Symbols of the “historic” Buddha with his feet turned upwards symbolize what?

A

Facing up towards enlightenment

71
Q

What does a “topknot” (or “wisdom bump”) on a depiction of a Buddha represent?

A

It symbolizes the Buddha’s spiritual attainment and wisdom.

72
Q

Why do Buddhists sometimes use an eight-spoked wheel to represent their religion?

A

The Noble Eightfold Path: Each spoke represents one of the practices, like Right View, Right Speech, and Right Action

73
Q

What is a “mandala,” what are they commonly made of, under what circumstances are they often employed, and what are they believed to achieve?

A
  • Intricate designs, usually made on sand or plywood then destroyed. Represent that all things are not permanent. Help monk on their journey to connect with spirits and stuff
74
Q

What is the difference between a “Meditation Monk” and a “Study Monk,” and which of the two is the most common?

A
  • Study - Starting monk - More Common
  • Meditation - Have mastered texts, spend most time meditating
75
Q

The orange or saffron color of the robes of Theravada monks symbolize what?

A

Symbolizes death to the world

76
Q

The Dalai Lama is officially associated with which denomination of Buddhism?

A

Figure in Tibetan Buddhism

77
Q

What, according to our in-class discussion, does the term “Dalai Lama” mean?

A

Great priest, or great monk

78
Q

The Dalai Lama is believed to be an incarnation of what popular Tibetan(Vajrayana) or Mahayana deity?

A

Avalokitesvara

79
Q

When the Dalai Lama dies, who is tasked with finding his transmigration?

A

The high Lamas, kinda like the quorum of the 12

80
Q

Where do those tasked with finding the transmigration of the Dalai Lama traditionally start their search, meaning, where do they go to look for a sign?

A

Tibet

81
Q

According to our in-class discussion, why is the current Dalai Lama considering not transmigrating but, instead, either appointing a successor or holding elections for a successor?

A

Because the chinese government wants the new Dalai Lama to be someone who is indoctrinated in communist China

82
Q

According to our in-class discussion, are Buddhist monastics required (or expected) to be vegetarians?

A

No, they just avoid having something killed for them

83
Q

Out of the three major denominations of Buddhism, which—according to our in-class discussion—have the most positive view of women?

A

(Worst) Theravada < Mahayana < Vajrayana/Tibetan (Best)

84
Q

Which denomination of Buddhism believes that the union of a man and woman is a source of “supernatural power”?

A
  • Vajrayana/Tibetan, there is a spiritual benefit to being married
  • Believe that all gods are married
  • Similar to our religion’s views on women and marriage
85
Q

What, according to our in-class discussion, are the Four Noble Truths?

A
  1. Life is pain, Life is suffering
  2. Pain and suffering are caused by craving, selfish desire, and attachment
  3. Craving and attachment can be eliminated
  4. 8-Fold middle path leads to the end of suffering
86
Q

What, according to our in-class discussion, are the components of the 8-Fold Middle Path?

A
  1. Right Understanding or View
  2. Right Purpose or Aspirations
  3. Right Speech
    * No lying or gossiping
  4. Right Conduct or Actions
    * Constantly improving one’s self, abstain from violence
  5. Right Livelihood
    * No hunter, No doing something that adicts people
  6. Right Effort or Endeavor
  7. Right Alertness or Mindfulness
    * Be alert and attentive to details
  8. Right Concentration or Meditation
    * Don’t have monkey mind
87
Q

According to our in-class discussion, what is “monkey mind” in Buddhism?

A

When your brain keeps jumping around

88
Q

According to our in-class discussion, which denomination of Buddhism puts the most emphasis on the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Middle Path?

A

Theravada

89
Q

In which denomination of Buddhism does your personality (at death) go into a four-day trance— during which you are unaware that you are dead?

A

Vajrayana/Tibetan

90
Q

What are “Skandhas” and what are the five elements of each Skandha?

A
  • Temporary soul or Heaps
  • Made up of form, senses, conscience, subconscious, and intellectual abilities
91
Q

What did the Buddha teach about the permanence of the soul’s five elements?

A

They change every time someone is reincarnated

92
Q

What denomination of Buddhism is most inclined to believe in transmigration (instead of reincarnation)?

A

Vadriania/Tibetan

93
Q

What, according to our in-class discussion, are the “Five Desirable Conditions” of Buddhism?

A
  • Long life
  • Pleasant Appearance
  • Happiness
  • Status
  • Nirvana

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