Buddhism

Question 1

Four noble truths

Answer 1

What Gautama perceived on his third night of enlightenment:

1. To live is to suffer
2. Suffering is caused by desire
3. Suffering can be brought to cessation
4. The solution to suffering is the noble eightfold path

Question 2

Three marks of existence

Answer 2

Anatta, Annica, dukkha

Question 3

Anicca

Answer 3

“Impermanence” the idea that existence is constantly changing

One of three marks of existence

Question 4

Anatta

Answer 4

“No self” there is no ultimate reality within, no essence

Question 5

Dukkha

Answer 5

Suffering

Question 6

Three jewels of Buddhism

Answer 6

Sangha, dharma, Buddha

Question 7

The noble eightfold path

Answer 7

1. Right views
2. Right intentions
3. Right speech
4. Right conduct
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right meditation

Question 8

Middle way

Answer 8

Balance. Abstaining from indulging in harmful pleasures while treating the body well without going into a practice like asceticism.

Question 9

Asceticism

Answer 9

Punishing the body to gain spiritual perfection

Question 10

Arhat

Answer 10

One who has become enlightened, worthy one

Question 11

Dharma

Answer 11

Teachings of the Buddha,

One of the three jewels of Buddhism

Question 12

Nirvana

Answer 12

The ultimate goal of all Buddhists, extinction of desire and any selfhood resulting in liberation from samsara and its limiting conditions

Question 13

Theravada Buddhism

Answer 13

“Way of the elders” focuses on the earliest texts and emphasizes a monastic lifestyle

Question 14

Vajrayana Buddhism

Answer 14

Harnesses sensual energies to attain nirvana

Prevalence in Tibet

Question 15

Mahayana

Answer 15

“The great wheel” prevalent in China, Japan, Korea

Emphasizes devotion and prayer to bodhisattvas and Buddhas

Question 16

Siddhartha Gautama

Answer 16

Founder of Buddhism