Buddhism

Question 1

Founder (Buddhism)

Answer 1

Gautama Siddhartha (b. 563 BC)
Royal Indian family (Shakya tribe)
Carefully protected by father
“Awakened” at around age 30: the Middle Path
Buddha = the Awakened One
Shakyamuni = the wise man of the Shakya tribe

Question 2

Sacred Writings (Buddhism)

Answer 2

Tripitaka (three baskets) – First Council produced Pali canon from recitations of Buddha’s teaching; not written down for several centuries
–Sutta-pitaka (basket of discourses) – doctrinal teachings
–Vinaya-pitaka (basket of discipline) – rules and regulations
–Abhidhamma – supplement containing reflection on teaching
Lotus Sutra – teaching of Mahayana doctrine

Question 3

God (gods)

(Buddhism)

Answer 3

Buddhists do not believe in one almighty God
Shakyamuni taught that speculation about the existence of God “tends not to edification”
Because Buddhism has adapted to each culture it has entered, some forms include worship of divine beings (e.g., ancestor worship in China)

Question 4

Humans (Buddhism)

Answer 4

No self

• -Human beings have no permanent identity that endures from one moment to the next
• -What is reborn (reincarnated) is a constantly changing “stream” or “flame” (wave)

Question 5

Right Knowledge:

The Four Noble Truths

Answer 5

1. Life is suffering
2. The cause of suffering is desire or attachment
3. The cure lies in overcoming attachment
4. Overcoming attachment involves following the Eightfold Path

Question 6

The Eightfold Path

Answer 6

Right knowledge (Four noble truths)
Right aspiration (focus on seeking enlightenment)
Right speech (truth, clarity)
Right behavior (moral precepts)
Right livelihood (monk; role that promotes life)
Right effort (moral exception)
Right mindfulness (keep mind in control)
Right absorption/meditation

Question 7

Eternity (Buddhism)

Answer 7

Reincarnation until enlightenment

When the Buddha died, he entered nirvana and became inaccessible

Question 8

Mahayana Schools

Answer 8

Pure land school – Buddha will take them to a paradise in the west
Zen (Ch’an) – seems charmingly but totally mad at first. Known for obscure conundrums, Non Sequiturs, paradox and flagrant contradictions. This carried on in a cheerful innocent style.
Zen cannot be put into words. Language is too limiting.

Question 9

The Diamond Way:

Tibetan Buddhism

Answer 9

Claimed to be able to get to Nirvana in one lifetime
Uses ALL energies in the human make up not just mental
Unlike the others, their Meditation is noisy and they can dress outlandishly. Use Speech, vision, and gestures believing that this need not be a distraction but an energy source.

Question 10

The Dalai Lama

Answer 10

The current incarnation

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” – Dalai Lama

Question 11

Bad Occupations

Answer 11

“The hand of the dyer is subdued by the dye in which it works”
Occupations that destroy rather then promote life are ill advised.
Poison peddler, slave trader, prostitute, butcher, brewer, arms maker, tax collector are all life killers and will hinder or outright stop spiritual progress.