Buddhism Flashcards
Anatta
There is no self. The first of the 3 Jewels.
Anicca
Impermanence, nothing lasts forever. The second of the 3 Jewels.
Arhat
A perfected person, one who has gained insight into the true nature of existence and has achieved nirvana – Theravada.
Atman
The concept of the soul or essence. Not like a soul in Western theology.
Boddhisattva
An enlightened person who has remained on Earth to teach others of the teachings of the Buddha – Mahayana.
Bodhi (tree)
The tree that the Buddha meditated under and found enlightenment – Fig Tree.
Buddha
The enlightened one – Siddhartha Gautama.
Budhapadipa
The Temple in Wimbledon – Thai and Theravada.
Budharupa
Statues of beings that have achieved Buddha hood – a statue of the Buddha.
Dalia Lama
The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism – an enlightened ‘descendent’ of the Buddha.
Dana
Generosity of spirit – associated with giving charitably or helping the community.
Dharma
The teachings of the Buddha.
Dharmapada
A collection of Buddhist teachings and verses including the Eightfold Path (Magga).
Dukkha
Suffering - the 1st Noble Truth.
Jhana / Samatha
‘Concentration’ – a type of meditation in Buddhism to increase one’s focus.
Karuna
Compassion – the route of all Buddhist teachings.
Kathina
The festival at the end of Vassa – Buddhists give food and robes to their local monks and nuns.
Magga
The Eightfold Path – the 4th Noble Truth.
Mahayana
A tradition of Buddhism - China, Tibet, Japan, Korea etc.
Mandala
A drawing or sand painting used as a form of meditation – usually Mahayana.
Mara
The demon who tempts us all with suffering.
Metta
A Theravada meditation focusing on unconditional love for all things and beings.
Mokhsha
Liberation from the Karma cycle of death and rebirth.
Mudita
Joy in the good fortune of others – one of the Four Immeasurables: selflessness.
Nagasena
A Mahayana Arhat who allegedly brought the Emerald Buddha to Thailand in 43BCE.
Nirodha
Seeking help to rid oneself of suffering - The 3rd Noble Truth.
Nirvana
Spiritual enlightenment, not a literal heaven.
Paranirvana
Nirvana-after-death, which occurs upon the death of the body of someone who has attained nirvana during his or her lifetime.
Pratityasamutpada
The belief that all dharmas (teachings) are interlinked and contingent on each other – all teachings have a relationship together.
Puja
Worship in the home, same word as Hinduism.
Samsara
The karma cycle of death and rebirth.
Samudaya / Samutya
Finding out that you are suffering and recognising the need for help - The 2nd Noble Truth.
Sangha
The community of Buddhist monks and nuns – they protect the scripture and uphold the traditions.
Siddhartha Gautama
The prince who left the palace in search of the answers to life’s great mysteries – became the Buddha.
Sila
The intentional awareness of Buddhist ethics – like a moral compass.
Skhanda
The Sanskrit term for the 5 aggregates – Form, Sensations, Perceptions, Mental Formations, Consciousness.
Stupa
A temple which contains relics of the Buddha or others who have gained enlightenment – usually a domed mound.
Tathagatagarbha
Our inner Buddha-hood – everyone has within them the essence of the Buddha which can help us on the path.
Theravada
The more conservative tradition in Buddhism – Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar etc
Tripi Taka
The collection of holy texts – Three Baskets
Upekha
Everyone is equal – one of the four Immeasurable teachings of the Buddha.
Vajra
A weapon used symbolically in worship to represent firmness of spirit and spiritual power.
Vassa
The three month annual retreat practiced by Theravada monks and nuns.
Wesak
Festival celebrating the Buddha’s birthday.
