Buddhism And Hinduism

Question 1

Define Siddharta Gautama

Answer 1

Also known as Buddha was born in Nepal in the 6th century BC. His teachings are considered to be the core of Buddhism.

Question 2

Define middle path

Answer 2

It is the path of moderation between the extremes of sensual indulgence and self-mortification. According to Buddha this was the path of wisdom.

Question 3

Define enlightenment

Answer 3

The final stage reached in the Buddhist and Hindu religions when you no longer suffer or feel desire and you are at peace with the universe.

Question 4

Define bodhi tree

Answer 4

A fig tree native to India and SE Asia, regarded as sacred by Buddhists

Question 5

What is the first noble truth?

Answer 5

1. Dukka: the truth of suffering

Question 6

What is the second noble truth?

Answer 6

2. Samudāya: the truth of the origin of suffering

Question 7

What is the third noble truth?

Answer 7

3. Nirodha: the truth of the cessation of suffering

Question 8

What is the fourth noble truth?

Answer 8

4. Magga: the truth of the path to the cessation of suffering

Question 9

Define nirvana

Answer 9

The state of perfect happiness and peace in Buddhism where there is release from all forms of suffering.

Question 10

What is the first step of the noble eight fold path?

Answer 10

1. • Samma-Ditthi — Complete or Perfect Vision, also translated as right view or understanding. Vision of the nature of reality and the path of transformation.

Question 11

What is the second step in the eight fold path?

Answer 11

2. Samma-Sankappa — Perfected Emotion or Aspiration, also translated as right thought or attitude. Liberating emotional intelligence in your life and acting from love and compassion. An informed heart and feeling mind that are free to practice letting go.

Question 12

What is the third step of the eight fold path?

Answer 12

3. Samma-Vaca — Perfected or whole Speech. Also called right speech. Clear, truthful, uplifting and non-harmful communication.

Question 13

What is the fourth step of the eight fold path?

Answer 13

4. Samma-Kammanta — Integral Action. Also called right action. An ethical foundation for life based on the principle of non-exploitation of oneself and others. The five precepts.

Question 14

What is the fifth step of the eight fold path?

Answer 14

5. Samma-Ajiva — Proper Livelihood. Also called right livelihood. This is a livelihood based on correct action the ethical principal of non-exploitation. The basis of an Ideal society.

Question 15

What is the sixth step of the eightfold path?

Answer 15

6. Samma-Vayama — Complete or Full Effort, Energy or Vitality. Also called right effort or diligence. Consciously directing our life energy to the transformative path of creative and healing action that fosters wholeness. Conscious evolution.

Question 16

What is the seventh step in the eightfold path?

Answer 16

7. Samma-Sati — Complete or Thorough Awareness. Also called “right mindfulness”. Developing awareness, “if you hold yourself dear watch yourself well”. Levels of Awareness and mindfulness - of things, oneself, feelings, thought, people and Reality.

Question 17

What is the eighth step of the eightfold path?

Answer 17

8. Samma-Samadhi — Full, Integral or Holistic Samadhi. This is often translated as concentration, meditation, absorption or one-pointedness of mind. None of these translations is adequate. Samadhi literally means to be fixed, absorbed in or established at one point, thus the first level of meaning is concentration when the mind is fixed on a single object. The second level of meaning goes further and represents the establishment, not just of the mind, but also of the whole being in various levels or modes of consciousness and awareness. This is Samadhi in the sense of enlightenment or Buddhahood

Question 18

Define brahman

Answer 18

Brahman the Absolute God of Hindus, is a very mysterious Being. In Hinduism He occupies the highest place, as the creator and enjoyer of all creation

Question 19

Define Vishnu

Answer 19

Vishnu is one of the principal deities in Hinduism. Along with Shiva and Brahman Vishnu forms the Hindu trinity. He is depicted has haben dark or pale blue skin and having four arms. He is the protector and preserver.

Question 20

Define Shiva

Answer 20

He is one of the principal deities and is part of the trinity. He is the destroyer and transformer.

Question 21

Define Rama

Answer 21

He is the hero of the well known Indian story, Ramayana. He is the perfect human both physically and spiritually. He lived 1.2 million years ago.

Question 22

Define reincarnation

Answer 22

The rebirth of a soul in another body.

Question 23

Define karma

Answer 23

The force created by a person’s actions that is believed in Hinduism and Buddhism to determine what that person’s next life will be like. : the force created by a person’s actions that some people believe causes good or bad things to happen to that person

Question 24

Define moksha

Answer 24

The transcendent state attained as a result of being released from the cycle of rebirth

Question 25

Define dharma

Answer 25

The natural universal laws whose observance enables humans to be contented and happy, and to save himself from degradation and suffering. … Dharma refers to the religious ethics as propounded by Hindu gurus in ancient Indian scriptures

Question 26

Define Vedas

Answer 26

Any of the four collections forming the earliest body of Indian scripture, consisting of the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda, which codified the ideas and practices of Vedic religion and laid down the basis of classical Hinduism. They were probably composed between 1500 and 700 BC, and contain hymns, philosophy, and guidance on ritual