Buddhism Chp 10

Question 1

What is Siddhartha Gautama also known as?

Answer 1

Shakyamuni

Question 2

What were the four forms of the banished influences, that Siddhartha’s father wanted to keep away from him, the Hindu devas appeared as?

Answer 2

1) an old man on the verge of death,
2) a man with a disfiguring disease,
3) a funeral procession for a decomposing corpse,
4) and a holy monk displaying the serenity of a life of renunciation.

Question 3

Where did Siddhartha attain enlightenment?

Answer 3

Under the bodhi tree.

Question 4

What is the two-fold problem with life, according to Gautama?

Answer 4

The world we experience is impermanent, and there is no one who could hold on to anything, even if there were something permanent.

Question 5

What is anatman?

Answer 5

The nonself. The thing that we call a “self” is merely a bundle of perceptions with nothing to tie the bundle together and no one beyond the bundle who perceives the perceptions.

Question 6

What is salvation in Buddhism?

Answer 6

Release from the cycle of reincarnations by realising there is no cycle of reincarnations

Question 7

What are the four noble truths?

Answer 7

1) To live is to suffer
2) Suffering is caused by attachment
3) To eliminate suffering one must eliminate attachment
4) One can eliminate attachment by following the noble eight-fold path

Question 8

What are the eightfold path?

Answer 8

(1) the right view—understanding the truths of existence,
(2) the right intention—being willing to achieve
enlightenment,
(3) the right speech—saying all that is, and only what is, required,
(4) the right action—doing all that is, and only what is, required,
(5) the right livelihood—being a monk,
(6) the right effort— directing one’s energy properly,
(7) the right mindfulness—meditating properly,
(8) the right concentration—maintaining continuous focus.

Question 9

What are the two main branches of Buddhism?

Answer 9

Theraveda and Mahayana

Question 10

Which branch of Buddhism means “tradition of the elders?”

Answer 10

Theraveda

Question 11

Who can attain nirvana in Theraveda Buddhism?

Answer 11

monks, bikhus only

Question 12

In Theraveda Buddhism, how to become monk?

Answer 12

Bikhu ordination: shave head, yellow robe, vow to follow Ten Precepts:
1. not to take any life (the principle of ahimsa)
2. not to steal
3. not to commit sexual immorality
4. not to lie
5. not to take intoxicating drinks
6. not to eat in excess or after noon
7. not to attend any entertainments, such as dancing, singing or drama
8. not to decorate oneself or use cosmetics
9. not to sleep in high or wide beds
10. not to touch any gold or silver

Question 13

What happens to a Bikhu who attained full realisation?

Answer 13

He becomes an arhat, a holy man.

Question 14

In Theraveda Buddhism, what is the goal for laypeople?

Answer 14

to lead a good life in order to store up sufficient merit for a better incarnation.

Question 15

In Theraveda Buddhism, what are the Three Refuges or Three Jewels?

Answer 15

1) I seek refuge in the Buddha;
2) I seek refuge in the dharma (the way taught by Buddha);
3) I seek refuge in the sangha (the order of bikhus).”

Question 16

In Theraveda Buddhism, what are the three basic obligations of the laypeople?

Answer 16

1) keep the five precepts (not killing, not
stealing, sexual fidelity in marriage, truth
telling and abstention from alcohol)
2) support the bikhus
3) maintain the temple

Question 17

Who is Maitreya?

Answer 17

A bodhisattva who is in the last stages of preparation to come to earth and usher in a golden age of enlightenment for all.

Question 18

What were the four significant developments of Mahayana Buddhism?

Answer 18

1) Ultimately nothing exists; it is all sunyata, the Void.
2) The multiplication of divine beings.
3) Proliferation of further scriptures, e.g. Lotus sutra or Heart sutra
4) Development of many schools.

Question 19

In Mahayana Buddhism, what are the three categories of divine beings?

Answer 19

1) Manushi Buddhas - Buddhas who achieved enlightenment on earth.

2) Dhyani Buddhas - “transcendental Buddhas” who attained enlightenment in heaven. they have not died so they can provide help with salvation.

3) bodhisattvas - “Buddhas-in-the-making,” any humans can become a bodhisattva through commitment and compassion. taken a vow to forgo their own entry into nirvana until “the last soul has been redeemed from hell”

Question 20

What are some Mahayana schools?

Answer 20

1) Tendai - rationalist school of Buddhism, superiority of Lotus Sutra, unity of reality and universal salvation

2) Pure Land schools - Jodo Shinsu. Emphasis on the grace of Amida. focuses on Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light. appealing because it is easier for persons to find way to nirvana. repetition of nembutsu

3) Chan / Zen - Influenced by Chinese philosophy of Daoism. the ultimate transmission of Buddhist truths can only occur apart from words and writings. Two major schools, Rinzai (abrupt point when one receives enlightenment (satori) and Soto (ongoing process of growth). most important preparation for enlightenment is to clear one’s mind of all the conceptual clutter that impedes true insight.

4) Nichiren Shoshu and Soka Gakkai
emphasised a return to the true teachings of Shakyamuni as recorded in Lotus Sutra. renounce Nembutsu + Zen
Soka Gakkai is a lay organisation that promoted NST. Chanting is key to spiritual advancement - Daimoku

5) Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhism)
diamond vehicle. influence from Bon, Tantrism and Mahayana Buddhism. Tibetan Book of the Dead

Question 21

What are three important Buddhist holidays?

Answer 21

1) New Year’s Day - rededication

2) Buddha’s birthday

3) Day of the dead (hungry ghost festival)