Buddhism Flashcards
What is Puja?
Acts of worship
A central practice in Buddhism involving various forms of devotion.
Define Vihara.
Temple with living accommodation for monks or nuns
Viharas serve as both places of worship and residence.
What is the central place of worship for Buddhists called?
Temple
Temples are significant sites for communal worship.
What is a Pagoda?
Multiple rooved building often containing relics
Pagodas are characteristic of Mahayana architecture.
Define Stupa.
Mound shaped monument often with relics
Stupas are important for commemorating the Buddha.
What does Triratna refer to?
The three jewels (Buddha, dhamma, sangha)
These represent the core values of Buddhism.
What is a Gompa?
A Tibetan building which is a place of learning and meditation/worship
Gompas often serve as universities for Buddhist study.
What is a Shrine in Buddhism?
A place with a statue/image of Buddha, a focus for puja
Offerings are placed here as acts of devotion.
What are Buddharrupas?
Statues of the Buddha
These statues can depict various aspects of the Buddha’s life.
What type of tree is the Bodhi Tree?
Fig tree
The Buddha gained enlightenment under this tree.
Define Meditation.
Calming and focussing the mind to help achieve true understanding
A fundamental practice in Buddhism for spiritual growth.
What is Samatha meditation?
Meditation to concentrate the mind/achieve mindfulness
It is aimed at developing mental focus.
What does Metta Bhavana meditation focus on?
Meditation on loving kindness to all beings
It cultivates compassion and goodwill.
What is Vipassana meditation?
Meditation on the teachings of the Buddha
This form of meditation emphasizes insight and understanding.
Define Zazen meditation.
Seated meditation aimed at revealing our Buddha nature
It focuses on the present moment.
What is Mindfulness breathing?
Meditation that focusses on the experience of breathing
It enhances awareness of the present.
What is Chanting in Buddhism?
Repeating key sounds, words or passages
Used to prepare for meditation or as a form of devotion.
What is a Mantra?
A collection of sacred words or syllables repeated as a form of Buddhist practice
Mantras are believed to hold spiritual power.
Fill in the blank: Sacred _______ are mantras which hold meaning and dhamma in syllable.
syllables
These syllables are important in meditation practices.
What is Visualisation in meditation?
Seeing something in your mind
It can involve focusing on a bodhisattva or Buddha.
What are Mala beads used for?
A string of beads to help you count recitations
They assist in maintaining focus during practice.
What is a Retreat in Buddhism?
Period of time away from ordinary life to focus on meditation
Retreats provide an environment for deepening practice.
What is Wesak?
A festival to celebrate Buddha’s birthday, death and enlightenment
Observed in Theravada Buddhism.
Define Vassa.
The 3 month rain retreat spent in meditation and study
It is a significant time for monastic communities.
What is Kathina?
Festival to celebrate the end of Vassa
Laity give to monks and nuns in thanks.
What are Upsotha days?
Days to focus and cleanse the mind
They are dedicated to the Dhamma.
What does Paranibbana day celebrate?
Buddha’s death and enlightenment
This is an important observance in Mahayana Buddhism.
What is Hanamatsuri?
Japanese festival of flowers to celebrate Buddha’s birthday
It is observed in Mahayana traditions.
What is Obon?
Japanese 3 day festival of the dead to honour ancestors
This festival reflects respect for lineage.
What is Lama Tsong Khapa Day?
A Tibetan festival to celebrate the enlightenment of Lama Tsong Khapa
He is the founder of a Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
What are Mourning Rituals?
Activities and ceremonies which take place after someone’s death
They vary across cultures and traditions.
What does the Tibetan Book of the Dead describe?
The states between death and re-birth
It serves as a guide for the deceased.
What is a Tibetan Sky Burial?
Tibetan funeral where the body is left exposed on a mountain side
This practice reflects beliefs about the impermanence of life.
