Buddhism Flashcards
What are the four sights Siddhartha experienced outside the temple?
1.An old man’s body, broken by life
2.Sick man lying on the roadside
3.A corpse being prepared for cremation
4.An ascetic, wandering Hindu monk
How did the driver of Siddhartha’s chariot describe the ascetic Hindu Monk they saw
“This is a man living the homeless life in order to seek the answer to life’s riddle”
-This inspired Siddhartha to begin his spiritual journey
What were the three things that Siddhartha did to try and achieve enlightenment
(All failed
1.Meditation to reach a trance-like state
2.Controlled breathing
3.Reducing food intake to a single grain of rice per day
What is Nirvana?
The state of total liberation and serenity
Siddhartha was born in India, what Caste was he from?
Kshatriya
What is Parinirvana?
Complete release from the cycle of involuntary rebirth. (When someone who has achieved Nirvana in their life dies)
What life is best according the Buddha?
One in moderation
What does Buddha believe everything has (Outside of Nirvana)
1.Impermanence, everything breaks down overtime/constantly changes
2.Dissatisfaction, humans and animals experiences suffering, happiness only lasts for a limited amount of time
3.Selflessness, no single part dictates ‘self’, we are made up of several different things. State of mind, personality,
What are the Five Precepts? (Things not to do)
1.No killing or harming living things
2.No stealing
3.No improper sexual conduct
4.No lies, gossiping
5.No alcohol or drugs
What are the Four Nobel Truths?
- Life is to suffer
2.Origin of Suffering is desire
3.The goal of Buddhism is to end suffering
4.To end suffering, we must live the Buddhist way of life, (eightfold path)
What is the Eightfold Path?
The Buddhist Roadmap for ending suffering and achieving Nirvana
Name the first four steps of the Eightfold path
1.Right View; Understand the cause of suffering and how to end it
2.Right Thought; Nurture good thoughts because we are what we think
3.Right Speech; By using kind speech, we will be respected and trusted
4.Right Conduct: Good Behavior, accomplished by living out the Five Precepts
Name steps 5-8 in the Eightfold Path
5.Right Livelihood; Hold the right occupation, no butchers, weapons manufacturing, etc.
6.Right Effort; Must try your best at all times, put effort into creating and maintaining good thoughts
7.Right Mindfulness; Full attention to thoughts, words, and deeds.
8.Right Concentration; Focus on mind, meditation
What does Tripitaka literary mean, and what does it mean?
Means ‘Three Baskets’, and is considered the most accurate record of Buddha’s teachings.
The Tripitaka is composed into three main baskets of texts, what are they?
- Basket of Discipline, Rules of a monastic life and codes of conduct
2.Basket of Disclosures; Teachings of Buddha (Most important basket)
3.Basket of further teachings; Discuss the nature of conciousness and technical explanations
What are Sutras?
Written words of Buddha’s oral teachings, following Sutra’s bring eternal prosperity and happiness
What are the two schools of Buddhism?
Theravada and Mahayana
Describe Theravada
Means “Way of the Elder”, most traditional and conservative. Only recognises Tripitaka as true Buddhist scripture. They believe you should follow his teachings, but not worship him because he is not a God.
Describe Mahayana
Means “Greater Vehicle”, which is a sneak diss towards Theravada. They Believe Buddha is divine, emphasises role of compassion.
What are Bodhisattvas?
Someone who has reached enlightenment, but chooses to be reborn to help others.
What is Vajrayana Buddhism
-A branch of Mahayana , Emphasis on rituals, mantras, and visualisations
What is the Dalai Lama?
The leader of the Tibet people and Vayrayana Buddhists
What do Tibetan Buddhists believe about the Dalai Lama?
When the current Dalai Lama dies, the newly released consciousness immediately enters the body of a newborn child
How are Religious Rites performed in Tibetan Buddism
Lamas, Religious Leaders. Lamas pray 3 times a day
Describe Zen Buddhism
-A sect of Buddhism popular in Japan, founded by an Indian Monk named Bodhidarma. Places emphasis on meditation. Good deeds are good, but do not lead you towards enlightenment
What are Koans in Zen Buddhism?
Non-Rational statements, or riddles. “When many are reduced to one, to what is one reduced?”
Buddhist Meditation is a combination of what?
Bowing, chanting, and receiving offerings. Believed to bring inner peace and wisdom, helping end one’s suffering
Describe the Meditation process (Position)
Legs crossed, hands on your lap, souls of your feet resting on your thighs.
Describe Mantras
-Symbolic phrases used to help in meditation. -They are NOT prayer
Are images of Buddha worshipped?
No, they are just treated with respect
What are Mudras
-Hand gestures, often used in meditation
What did Buddha come to the conclusion to when he had a vision about Lotus Flowers ?
All people have the ability to develop their potential and arise from an undesirable life
what is Buddhapada
-Buddha’s footprints; Signifies that Buddha is in parinirvana, and his toes are all the same length to represent his oneness and and harmony
What are prayer wheels?
-Used for spreading blessings and harmony. Inside are mantras.
Where are prayer flags typically used?
Tibet or Vajrayana Buddhism
What do prayer flags colours represent?
The different colours of prayer flags represent difference elements (Fire, water, earth, ect.)
What are Mandalas
Vajrayana Buddhist monks must construct sand Mandalas. They are a square centre enclosed by circles.
