Buddhism

Question 1

Anatta

Answer 1

No fixed self.

Question 2

Anicca

Answer 2

Impermanence.

Question 3

Dukkha

Answer 3

Suffering.

Question 4

Arhat

Answer 4

A perfected person. In Theravada Buddhism this is a term for a person who has attained nibbana.

Question 5

Ascetic

Answer 5

A life free from world pleasures with the aim of pursuing religious and spiritual goals (such as enlightenment).

Question 6

Bodhisattva

Answer 6

A concept in Mahayana Buddhism. Someone who is near enlightenment but does not attain Buddhahood in order to help other living beings.

Question 7

Buddha

Answer 7

The enlightened one (Historically) or an enlightened person.

Question 8

Buddhahood

Answer 8

Enlightenment.

Question 9

Budha-nature

Answer 9

In Mahayana Buddhism, this refers to the fundamental nature of all beings. All beings can attain Buddhahood.

Question 10

Dependent Arising

Answer 10

The belief that everything in existence has an effect on everything else in existence. “If this exists, that comes to exist”.

Question 11

Dharma

Answer 11

The teachings of the Buddha.

Question 12

The Eightfold Path

Answer 12

The fourth Noble Truth. Magga. The Middle Way. Eight stages needed to be completed in order to attain Buddhahood.

Question 13

Enlightenment

Answer 13

Wisdom. Allows a person to be freed from the cycle of rebirth.

Question 14

Jataka

Answer 14

The Jataka Tales are stories about the previous lives of the Buddha.

Question 15

Karma

Answer 15

Based on your actions in life. Your karma has an impact on what you’re reborn as.

Question 16

Karuna

Answer 16

Compassion or pity.

Question 17

Metta

Answer 17

Loving kindness. Love which does not seek to gain.

Question 18

Magga

Answer 18

The Eightfold Path.

Question 19

Mahayana

Answer 19

A form of Buddhism which includes both the lay and monastic communities. Mahayana Buddhists focus on attaining enlightenment for the sake of all beings.

Question 20

Meditation

Answer 20

A spiritual experience that opens a person up to the highest state of consciousness.

Question 21

Nibbana / Nirvana

Answer 21

To reach a state of perfect peace, involving the liberation from samsara.

Question 22

Pure Land Buddhism

Answer 22

This is the dominant form of Buddhism in Japan and focuses on chanting the name of Amitabha Buddha.

Question 23

Rebirth

Answer 23

The belief that when a person dies he / she is reborn and that this process of life and death continues until nibbana is attained.

Question 24

Tanha

Answer 24

Craving / desire.

Question 25

Theravada

Answer 25

The kind of Buddhism found in Sri Lanka and Thailand. It came before Mahayana.

Question 26

What was the Buddha's name?

Answer 26

Siddhartha Gotama

Question 27

What do Theravada Buddhists believe about the Buddha?

Answer 27

They believe that he was a historical figure and no longer exists.

Question 28

What do Mahayana Buddhists believe about the Buddha?

Answer 28

They believe that the Buddha remains active and can still influence the world today. They also believe that he can still be encountered through visions and meditation.

Question 29

What are the Three Marks of Existence?

Answer 29

They are three truths that Buddhists believe apply to everyone. Anicca (Impermanence), Anatta (No fixed self), Dukkha (Suffering).

Question 30

What are the Five Aggregates (Skhandas)?

Answer 30

They are five things that Buddhists believe makes us who we are. Physical form, feelings (through our senses), perceptions (understanding of our feelings), mental formations (thoughts), awareness.

Question 31

What is Sunyata?

Answer 31

Sunyata means emptiness. It is the way that a person separates themselves from suffering by stopping wanting. The Buddha described Sunyata as a void with no rising or falling of emotion.

Question 32

In Theravada Buddhism, who can become an Arhat?

Answer 32

Only monks that live in a monastery can become Arhats. This means that women can't become Arhats as only men can be monks.

Question 33

What are the four stages to becoming a bodhisattva?

Answer 33

1] Declare the intention to delay enlightenment 2] Make a vow or promise to become a bodhisattva. 3] Live as a bodhisattva, developing the six perfections. 4] Become enlightened and achieve Buddhahood.

Question 34

What were the four sights?

Answer 34

Old age, sickness, death and a holy man.

Question 35

How did the Buddha achieve enlightenment?

Answer 35

He sat under a Bodhi tree and meditated until he achieved enlightenment. A demon called Mara tried to stop him, but he overcame the temptations.

Question 36

What are the four noble truths?

Answer 36

The basis of the dhamma that teach the cause, end and solution to human suffering. Dukka (suffering), tanha (craving), nirodha (to end tanha and dukkha we must stop wanting), magga (we can end our tanha and dukkha by following the Noble Eightfold Path).

Question 37

What are the 3 main areas in the Noble Eightfold Path?

Answer 37

Wisdom (panna), morality (sila) and meditation (samadhi).

Question 38

What are the two causes of suffering?

Answer 38

Craving and the Three Poisons.

Question 39

What are the three poisons?

Answer 39

Greed, hatred and ignorance.

Question 40

What are the five precepts?

Answer 40

Do not harm any living being. Do not take that which is not given. Avoid sexual misconduct. Do not use false speech. Avoid intoxicants.

Question 41

What are the six perfections?

Answer 41

These are the 6 things that bodhisattvas try to perfect. They are generosity, morality, patience, effort, meditation and wisdom.