Buddhism Key Knowledge Flashcards
In which country is Pure Land Buddhism the most commonly practised form of Buddhism?
Japan
Select the 5 aggregates
form, mental formation, perception, consciousness and sensation.
What is Dhamma (Dharma)?
the Buddhist doctrine that includes the teaching of the Buddha about the nature of existence
What is anicca?
the impermanence and encourages Buddhists to accept death and suffering as part of life.
Explain what the concept of Dukkha means for Buddhists.
The belief that there are three types of suffering, as part of the Three Marks of Existence. The three types are ordinary suffering, suffering through change and suffering through dissatisfaction or attachment.
What is dependent arising?
the idea that everything happens depending on certain conditions
Explain the three marks of existence
the fundamental Buddhist beliefs about the nature of human existence. They present a very different view of the world to Christianity. That suffering is inevitable, that everything is impermanent.
Name two types of Buddhism
Theravada and Mahayana
Which word describes the Buddhist belief that the soul doesn’t have a physical existence?
Anatta
List the three aspects of threefold way
Ethics(sila), Meditation (Samadhi), Wisdom (Panna)
What is meant by Asceticism?
A lifestyle of strict self-denial – rejected by Siddhartha for the Middle Way
Give three of the four noble truths
There is suffering, Suffering has a cause, Suffering can come to an end
Define Nirvana
A state of complete enlightenment which lies outside the cycle of samsara.
List three aspects of the eightfold path
Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood
What was the Buddhas birth name?
Siddhartha Gautama
Define Anatta
What is the term for the immaterial part of you that gets transferred from life to life?
Which type of worship involves reciting and repeating Buddhist scriptures?
Chanting
Which type of worship involves reciting and repeating Buddhist scriptures?
Chanting
What are two different types of meditation?
Samatha and Vipassana
Give three of the six perfections in the Mahayana tradition.
Generosity(dana), Morality (sila), Patience (kshanti)
What is Wesak?
A festival celebrating the life and teachings of Buddha
What is Wesak?
A festival celebrating the life and teachings of Buddha
What name is given to a Buddhist monastery?
Vihara
Explain one element of a Buddhist funeral
Spend as little money as possible on funerals as they believe in reincarnation. Sky Burial this reflects a belief in anicca.
Give three features of a shrine
Rupa, Flowers, water
Name a Buddhist festival
Parinirvana Day
Name a Buddhist festival
Parinirvana Day
What is meant by a skilful act?
Actions that lead to good Karma.
Give three of the 5 moral precepts
abstain from taking life, to abstain from taking what is not given, to abstain from sexual misconduct
Explain two contrasting aims of meditation.
Stillness, focus/ samatha meditation- mindfulness, breathing. Insight, the three marks of existence
What is the main purpose of a Buddhist temple?
A place for Buddhists to come together
Why do Buddhists use visualisation?
to deepen their meditation and their understanding of Buddhist teaching
Why is Karma important in Buddhism?
it allows Buddhists to focus on their actions to move closer to enlightenment.
Why is chanting important?
it is important because it enables focus in meditation.
Explain how the lay community contributes to the monastic community
They provide alms. Donate money. By supporting the monastic community, it means the monks do not have to work allowing them to focus on meditating.
Explain the concept of Karuna
compassion, a feeling of concern for the suffering of others. Buddhists should do something to make their lives better and ease suffering. One of the 4 sublime states.
Give examples of how monks contribute to the community
to teach children how to read and write, the vihara acts as a school. Teaching skills such as farming and building. The vihara can also act as a bank. Monks teach dhamma and lead worship.
What word is used to describe an enlightened person who chooses to remain in samsara?
Bodhisattva
Which type of Buddhists attempt to become Bodhisattvas?
Mahayana
Explain what is meant by Buddhahood
Buddha-nature is the idea that everyone can attain Buddhahood. Mahayana Buddhists believe that everyone has the essence of a Buddha within them.
List the 3 poisons
ignorance, hatred and greed
List four of the sights
old, sick, dead and holy
What is the term for the immaterial part of you that gets transferred from life to life?
Atman
What is the definition of puja?
worship
Which type of statue is commonly used for meditation and can often be found as part of a shrine?
Rupa
What is the main purpose of a Buddhist retreat?
They help them to practice meditation and remember the Buddha’s life.
