Buddhism 3.2 Forms of Worship

Question 1

What is a mandala

Answer 1

A symbolic picture of a imaginary palace that is contemplated during meditation

Question 2

Importance and reason for use of a Mandala

Answer 2

Tries to transform ordinary minds to enlightened ones. They give off positive energy to those who view them and when finished they destroy them as a reminder of impermanence

Question 3

What is a wheel of life

Answer 3

A complex picture representing samsara. It has a light half and dark half, split into 6 realms and held by a demon. Has the three poisons in the centre.

Question 4

What is a prayer wheel

Answer 4

A device used for repetition of a mantra. It is a cylinder filled with a scroll with a mantra written on it

Question 5

Why is a prayer wheel important

Answer 5

Because it is believed that when the wheel is spun the person gains wisdom and destroys negative karma.

Question 6

Chanting

Answer 6

Paritta in particular is chanting sutras from the dharma (teachings). Chanting aids accurate memory of the Buddha’s teachings. It aids concentration and focuses and develops wisdom.

Question 7

What happens at Birth

Answer 7

Child is brought to temple and monks chant things to bring around protection and health.
Also poor water over the Childs head as a transfer of positive karma to the child

Question 8

Why birth is sometimes not seen as a good thing

Answer 8

Birth can be interpreted as an unfortunate reminder that the person is still tied to the wheel of reincarnation and has not yet achieved complete liberation.

Question 9

Coming of age ceremonies

Answer 9

Poy Sang Long is when a child is becoming a novice monk and they dress up and eat extravagant foods, symbolising being a prince like Siddhartha before they start their life of the middle way.

Question 10

Reasons Buddhists don’t celebrate many comings of age

Answer 10

Because a child getting older and becoming older has a notion of a fixed self ie permanent and this goes against the anatman which says that all things are impermanent and constantly changing

Question 11

Buddhist attitudes towards marriage

Answer 11

1. Minimal theological interest in marriage
2. Lack of a distinctive wedding ceremony
3. And the preference for celibate leadership

Question 12

Why do Buddhists still marry

Answer 12

Because marriage enables Buddhists to practice and exercise many of the traits that are necessary for ending dukkha and achieving enlightenment. Like generosity (dana) and avoidance of sexual misconduct, such as pre-marital sex

Question 13

How are monks involved with funerals

Answer 13

Monks are present to ensure the person passing away is sent of with an abundance of good karma.

Question 14

What happens at funerals

Answer 14

Body is cremated, monks perform rituals and at the site of burial monks recite the 3 refuges and 5 precepts.

Question 15

Why are funerals important

Answer 15

Because they are a reminder that nothing is permanent and the more accepting of this you are the less you suffer.

Question 16

What are the main benefits of meditiation

Answer 16

Increase in calm and awareness. More patient, clearer head and more energetic.

Question 17

2 types of meditation and what they do

Answer 17

Samatha which refines and cleans the mind making it see things how it really is.
Vipassana aims to understand the three marks of existence, aided by samatha.

Question 18

What do people do to show devotion in the vihara

Answer 18

Visit a temple and perform acts which amount to showing devotion to the three refuges.

Question 19

Why is devotion and meditation important in the vihara

Answer 19

Because the sangha is one of the three refuges and so engaging with the sangha in acts of devotion and meditation at a vihara is essential to being buddhist. The communal aspect of being at a vihara is very important to represent being with the sangha.

Question 20

Why is devotion and meditation at a vihara not needed

Answer 20

Because the sangha predated and survived without vihara’s and therefore the being at a vihara isn;t necessary to satisfy the communal aspect of Buddhism.

Question 21

Why devotion and meditation in private is more important than at viharas

Answer 21

Because in Mahaparinibbana Sutra the Buddha said “with the Dharma as your island, the Dharma as your refuge”. This shows we don’t need the sangha and can worship the dharma alone as a sole focus.