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Buddhism Flashcards

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1
Q

Bhikku

A

An ordained male monastic (monk) in the Buddhist community

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2
Q

Dharma

A

Teachings of the Buddha. including the four noble truths and eight fold path

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3
Q

Mala beads

A

Help in counting mantra recitations also in concentration and awareness

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4
Q

Mudra

A

Gestures performed by the hands of a Buddha image, mudras have specified meanings

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5
Q

Pagoda

A

A tiered tower with multiple eaves, originated from a stupa

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6
Q

Paramitas

A

The six perfections. To become a Buddha, a boddhisattva has to practise 6 perfections

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7
Q

Precept

A

Recommendations, not commandments

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8
Q

Rupa

A

Images of the Buddha. 3 main forms: sitting, standing and lying down

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9
Q

Samatha

A

Meaning calm. Stills the mind and encourages metta towards others. Listening to your breathing so your mind is focused

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10
Q

Sangha

A

The Buddhist monastic order including monks and nuns

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11
Q

Stupa

A

Rounded structures known as stupas (mounds) as they are based on traditional burial mounds.contain relics

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12
Q

What’s in the eight fold path

A
  1. Right view- following the buddhas techniques
  2. Right intention- your decision to follow the buddhas path for the sake of your own freedom.
  3. Right speech- not telling lies, gossiping
  4. Right action- not to destroy life, cloud the mind
  5. Right livelihood- work should be of benefit and shouldn’t harm others
  6. Right effort- training of the mind, set aside all negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones
  7. Right mindfulness- become more aware of themselves and everything around them
  8. Right concentration- meditate to calm the mind and gain insights into the truths of life
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13
Q

What’s in the six perfections

A
  1. Charity- the perfection of giving
  2. Morality- the perfection of goodness
  3. Patience- the perfection of composure
  4. Vigour- the perfection of energy
  5. Meditation- the perfection of concentration
  6. Wisdom- the perfection of wise understanding
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14
Q

What’s in the 5 precepts

A

I undertake to observe the precept to abstain from….

  1. Harming living things
  2. Taking things which aren’t freely given
  3. Sexual misconduct
  4. False speech
  5. Intoxicating drinks or drugs
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15
Q

Why do buddhists worship

A

To show devotion to the Buddha

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16
Q

Mala beads

A

They use mala beads to help count mantra recitations and meditate

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17
Q

Where do they worship

A

They can worship epithet at home using a shrine or at a temple

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18
Q

Why go to temples?

A
  • attend services
  • very sacred
  • shrine room
  • merit for Kay community
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19
Q

Mantra

A

A word repeated to aid concentration in meditation

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20
Q

Example of the Buddha and meditation

A
  • 8 fold path: ‘meditate to calm the mind and gain insights to the truths of life’
  • 8fp: right effort, replace all neg thought with pos. right mindfulness: become more aware
  • 6 precepts: meditation: the perfection of concentration
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21
Q

How do they meditate

A

Samatha- listening to your breathing so your mind is focused
Vipassana- purifies the mind
Walking meditation- calms your mind by walking
The Brahma Viharas- visualising loving kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, peace and serenity

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22
Q

Why do they meditate

A

-to follow the buddhas steps and get closer to enlightenment

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23
Q

Common features in shrines

A

Flowers- represent impermanence
Candles- enlightenment
Incense- dharma spreading across the world
Bell- karma

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24
Q

Lay buddhists

A

Ordinary people who believe in the buddhas teachings

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25
Q

How do they worship

A

They make offerings to the Buddha

Chant Mantra

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26
Q

Anicca

A

Impermanence, change – one of the three marks of existence.

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27
Q

Anatta

A

No-self’. The view that there is nothing about the person which persists eternally without change.

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28
Q

Dukkha

A

Pain, suffering, disease and disharmony

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29
Q

Skandhas

A

The five aggregates that make up the self as we know it

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30
Q

Samatha

A

Practising single-pointed meditation through mindfulness of breathing in order to calm the mind

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31
Q

Pratitya

A

Are phenomena arising together in a mutually independent web of cause and effect

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32
Q

Mettabhavana

A

Lovingkindness meditation.

33
Q

Vipassana

A

Meditation practiced in Theravada Buddhism involving concentration on the body or its sensations

34
Q

The buddhas prebirth

A

His mother Maya, the wife of a ruler, dreamt that a white elephant entered her womb through her right side
He was carried by his mother for ten months before birth

35
Q

The buddhas birth

A

At birth he was delivered from his mothers side while she was standing up
Some traditions say he was caught in a golden net and took seven steps towards the east, declaring “I am the chief of the world”
Shortly after his birth his mother died and is believed to have been reborn in a heaven

36
Q

The buddhas prophecy

A

Soon after the birth a wise man, Asita, saw the baby and saw 32 special signs on his body
He predicted he would become a teacher of men and gods, a fully enlightened Buddha or a great ruler

37
Q

The buddhas life in the palace

A

He belonged to a family of rulers
The king wanted his son to be a ruler of men not a person of religion
He thought that if Siddhartha saw injustices and suffering he might become religious
So he kept him away from life’s hardships in the luxury of the palaces and concentrated on archery and fencing
At 16 he married

38
Q

The four sights

A

A tired old man
A man in great pain
A dead body
A holy man looking calm (ascetic)

39
Q

Buddhas renunciation and meditation

A

Renouncing was to give up worldly goods
He developed strict self control
Ate very little so physical needs were reduced
Would’ve sat in one position for a long time
Meditation would be used to teach you something about yourself

40
Q

When did the enlightenment happen?

A

After living a life of renunciation and hardship for 6 years he had not discovered the truth as why suffering happens
Near starvation he realised that living such a harsh life would not help him find the truth about suffering so he accepted a meal of milk and rice and decided that meditation would lead him to the truth about suffering
He spent a night under a tree meditating during which time she was tempted by Mara (a supernatural being connected with death and rebirth) not to continue with his meditation

41
Q

What was the enlightenment?

A

Often referred to in 4 stages:
Deep meditation
Greater detached thinking from everyday life
Pure happiness
Peaceful and sharp mind which is ready to find truth about reality

42
Q

Why was the enlightenment important?

A

Through enlightenment an understanding is gained of how things came to be and a whole new way of seeing life.
This knowledge is expressed in different ways such as the four Noble truths

43
Q

The three marks of existence

A

Anicca
Anatta
Dukkha

44
Q

The story of Nagasena

A

The king asks a series of questions to the Buddhist monk, Nagasena, of which one is the nature of anatta
He explained to the king that there is no such thing as self
He refers to a chariot and asks which part of the chariot is the chariot? Is it the wheels? The seat? Or some other part? The king replied that none of these parts were the chariot but that the chariot is just a name for a number of parts dependent on each other
So Nagasena explained human beings are just a name for many parts
This story refers to the parts known as the five skandhas that make up yourself

45
Q

The 4 Noble truths

A
  1. All life involves suffering
  2. The origin of suffering is craving
  3. The end of suffering is to stop craving
  4. The way to see some craving is to follow the middle weight of the eight fold path
46
Q

Theravadan interpretation of Nirvana

A

The goal is to become an arahat and reach Nirvana. There is no difference between nirvana attained by a Buddha and an arahat

47
Q

Mahayana interpretation of Nirvana

A

The goal is to become a bodhisattva and eventually a Buddha

48
Q

Theravadan interpretation on enlightenment

A

The aim is to be released from Samsara and become an arahat, an enlightened person who has reached the knowledge of how to end all suffering

49
Q

Mahayana interpretation on enlightenment

A

On the path of being a Bodhisvatta (beings of enlightenment) means seeking nlightenment not for own sake but for the sake of all others

50
Q

The five skandhas (aggregates)

A

Form- matter that makes up body including sense organs
Sensation- emotional feelings that arise from sense organs
Perception- the facility to recognise an object
Mental formation- good and bad habit e.g. pride
Consciousness- awareness

51
Q

Tathagatagarbha

A

Buddha nature
Mahayana Buddhists believe that Buddha nature is within all beings
All human beings have the potential to become a Buddha
It is often described as a seed, embryo of fully formed to put up within each being

52
Q

Arahat ideals(Theravadan)

A

A person who becomes enlightened in a lifetime
Because they follow the teachings of the Buddha
Through listening, studying and their own daily practices
It’s believed the Arahat has perfected wisdom and compassion and will need to be reborn
The only use of the term bodhisattva refers to Siddhartha guatama before he gained enlightenment, and also in his previous lives
There is only one Buddha per age

53
Q

Bodhisattva ideal (Mahayanna)

A

Everyone has the ability to become a Bodhisattva- englightened being
The bodhisattva seeks enlightenment not for themselves but for the sake of others. They vow to not enter nirvana until all beings enter Nirvana together
The bodhisattva is also normally thought of as consciously working towards enlightenment
A Bodhisattva has to take a vow before one’s mastery in a special ritual to; save all beings from difficulties; destroy all evil passions; learn the truth and teach others; lead all beings to Buddha-hood
Practicing Bodhisattvas try to keep the 6 perfections
All have the chance to become a bodhisattva

54
Q

What is the connection between Karma and rebirth?

A

Karma Is the process of cause-and-effect. A persons’ karma is the sum of their actions. As a Buddhist is reborn in a cycle of Samsara then the sum of a persons’ karma (good or bad) leads onto the next life

55
Q

Why would a Buddhist not want to be reborn?

A

Beine reborn means a person is captured in Samsara (endless round of birth, death and rebirth)
The point that all craving ceases is Nirvana – the highest ideal of all Buddhists

56
Q

What builds a positive karma?

A

Following the teachings of the Buddha builds up positive karma
Buddhist gain good karma through showing lovingkindness (metta) and compassion to all living beings
Most important is to follow the teachings of the Buddha including the eight fold path, the four Noble truths and the five precepts

57
Q

Features of temples

A 
Statues
Shrines
Stupa
Meditation areas
Offerings
58
Q

Statues

A

They are used for reverence and a focus for meditation but not worship
Depending upon the tradition that will be different images of symbolism in the shine rooms
Theravadan temples and shrines often have statues of the historical Buddha
In Mahayana Buddhism the the statues will often have images of bodhisattvas and symbolism representing aspects of the enlightenment
Reverence might be shown by placing offerings such as flowers or candles in front of the statues

59
Q

Shrines

A

In each temple there will be a shrine But Buddhists will often have their own shrines at home
This would normally include an image or statue of the Buddha and an area for offerings of flowers and candles
Different types of shrines depends upon the tradition with some very plain and some elaborate
There will be no seats in the shrine room and Buddhist’s will enter showing their respect by bowing or putting their hands together and bringing offerings

60
Q

Stupas as a feature in temples

A

stupas contain the cremated remains of the Buddha and important buddhist teachers
Many believe that stupas are representations of the buddhas mind
They reveal the path to enlightenment
Devotion and veneration are shown by walking around the outside of the stupa
This helps Buddhists become more mindful and gain positive karma
For some Buddhists the stupa represents the five elements, or symbolises the Buddha as a sitting person

61
Q

Meditation areas

A

Many Buddhists will meditate in areas at home as well as in the temple
Shoes will be taken off and buddhists face statues of the Buddha or bodhisattvas to help them focus
It is important the room helps them to empty the mind to focus on things that are really important

62
Q

Offerings

A

Offerings represent respect to the buddha and dharma
Flowers on the shrine might be used to symbolise that everything is dukkha
It is important for Buddhists to exercise virtue of giving
This may include giving offerings of food, shelter, rights to the community of monks and nuns (Sangha)
Offerings of light (by using a lit candle, or oil lamp) may represent the light of wisdom that illuminates the darkness of ignorance
Burning incense as part of an offering may symbolise the fragrance of morality, and is a reminder to cultivate good conduct

63
Q

Features and functions of temples and Viharas

A

Can be used for individual devotion
Community events especially at times of festivals will be held in temples
A vihara may be built around the stupa which has different relics in them
Often used for meditation
Often a part of complex including monasteries (viharas) living areas for monks and nuns and the centre of Buddhist learning

64
Q

Why is meditation important?

A

Meditation is an important way of developing awareness
It allows people to stop and reflect
The aim is to develop mentally so that the Buddhist can have control of their mind and see the true nature of things
The eightfold path teaches the importance of meditation in attaining Nirvana

65
Q

How do Buddhists meditate?

A

Often Buddhists will use images and statues of buddhas and bodhisattvas
These are to help in meditation not to be worshipped
Buddhists need to prepare and empty their minds to meditate successfully and often use Samatha to try To clear the mind

66
Q

Devotional practices

A

Chanting
Mantras
Malas
Puja

67
Q

What is chanting?

A

The re-citation of texts or mantras
A mantra is a powerful word or syllable
It’s a common practice in all types of Buddhism

68
Q

Why is chanting important?

A

It is a common practice of devotion and meditation in Buddhism
Through Chanting the importance of special teachings are shown
Chanting has an important role in helping to evoke enlightenment, for it enables the practitioner to realise they’re not worshipping a god but cultivating mindfulness, and so working towards enlightenment

69
Q

Why are the three Jewels chanted?

A

The three Jewels are the Buddha, the dharma (teaching of the Buddha) and sangha (the fellowship of those who follow the better, used to describe rudest monks and nuns).
By chanting this daily the importance is emphasised

70
Q

The use of malas

A

Use of a mala (A string of beads used to help mindfulness, especially when mantras are being chanted)
Malas help concentration. For some Buddhists they will use them to count the number of mantras they have chanted
Malas Where only used by monks at one time, but now many Buddhists use them during devotion

71
Q

The use of mudras

A

Mudras Are symbolic hand gestures

Often images and statues of Buddha will show his hands in different mudras to reflect different aspects of enlightenment

72
Q

Puja

A

The name given to a range of devotional and offering practices
Opportunities are given to place offerings in front of an image of the Buddha, other buddhas or bodhisattvas
By performing this, Buddhists may enhance their practice of the dharma
It brings together Buddhists as a community, affirming identity as Buddhists
It may include the use of mudras (symbolic hand gestures), chanting mantras and malas to demonstrate their devotion

73
Q

Death and mourning

A

Death is not supposed to be a sad event because it is part of the cycle of Samsara
It’s important to have control of the mind at death because it’s believed to help with the next rebirth
Monks will often chant because that will remind the dying person of the words of the Buddha and help create a good death
Usually the body is cremated because this follows the example of the Buddha. Sometimes the ashes are placed in a stupa
Offerings to monks are given by family and friends because this creates merit which is believed to help the lingering spirits of the person

74
Q

Mahayana practices of death and mourning

A

In the Mahayana tradition it is believed that between death and rebirth is Bardo which can last 49 days
This is an important intermediate period which influences a form that the rebirth will take
Prayers and remembrance ceremonies by the family can produce a more favourable rebirth
It is usual for cremated ashes to be buried in most buddhist countries, such as Japan
In the Tibetan tradition a person who is dying and who is recently dead will have the Tibetan book of the dead read them to guide them through the transition period between lives and ease attachments
In Tibet, the ground is not suitable for burials, so often sky burials are practised with the bodies fed to vultures. This is considered as an offering to animals and detachment to one’s body
Ashes, after cremation, can be divided into more than one urn, so as to share between family members. The urn often stays at the shrine for 35 days, and then it’s taken to a graveyard, although sometimes it is taken straight away

75
Q

Theravada traditions on death and mourning

A

For non arahat death means moving to another rebirth
Relatives and friends may transfer merit to the dead to try and create better rebirth
Death rites are usually the only rituals that Theravadan monks become involved in

76
Q

Buddhist festivals and retreats

A

Wesak
Kathina
Parinirvana day

77
Q

Wesak

A

The most special day of Theravada Buddhism commemorating the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha
Enlightenment of the Buddha is remembered by lighting lanterns and in some countries, walking round the monastery three times with lighted candles. Birds, insects and caged wild animals are freed to represent the buddha’s freedom through enlightenment and liberation.

78
Q

Kathina

A

A Theravada festival celebrating the end of retreats when monks have studied and meditated
Origins are from the time of the Buddha when a group of monks were travelling but the rains started unexpectedly and the monks were unable to get to the Buddha
They spent three months in retreat and when the season was over, they continued their journey to see the Buddha
With the roads still wet the robes became torn and dirty
The Buddha gave them cloth to make new robes
A happy occasion with giving of offerings reflecting the generous examples of the Buddha
Gives an opportunity for Buddhists as a community to provide a meal for the monks in the morning and robes for the monks are presented at a ceremony in the afternoon

79
Q

Parnirvana day

A

A Mahayana buddhist festival marking the death of the Buddha
The death of the Buddha is celebrated as this was his freedom from the cycle of rebirth and sufferings
Readings are made from the Parinivrana Sutta describing the buddha’s final days on earth and to meditate on loss and impermanence rather than grieve
Some Buddhists make a pilgrimage to the place the Buddha died
Opportunities are given to reflect on death and meditation for friends and relatives who have recently died

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