Buddhism - key terms list

Question 1

Renunciation

Answer 1

The formal rejection of something, typically a belief, claim, or course of action. Buddhists renounce all earthly, material things to remove their attachment to them.

Question 2

Anatta (anatman)

Answer 2

Anatta is the belief that we do not have an atman/soul - there is no continual permanent ‘self’ that is unchanging

Question 3

Samsara

Answer 3

Buddhists believe life is a cycle where you are born, then die, then are reborn into a new life. This cycle is perpetuated by suffering and we can liberate ourselves if we overcome suffering.

Question 4

Rebirth

Answer 4

Buddhist believe that karma determines what we will be born into in out next life, but it is not our soul that is reborn.

Question 5

Karma

Answer 5

Karma means ‘action’ and is the belief that our good and bad actions have an effect on our future and the cycle of samsara.

Question 6

Enlightenment and nibbana

Answer 6

Enlightenment or awakening is overcoming suffering and attachment to free yourself from samsara. Nibbana/nirvana is the state of bliss having become enlightened.

Question 7

Gods in buddhism

Answer 7

In different forms of Buddhism there is much talk about gods but for some this is symbolic and other it is a literal existence.

Question 8

Bhikkhu

Answer 8

A Bhikkhu is an ordained monk (male)

Question 9

Bhikkhuni

Answer 9

A Bhikkhuni is an ordained monk (female)

Question 10

Triratna

Answer 10

Means “three jewels”

Question 11

Tisarana

Answer 11

Means “the three refuges”

Question 12

Ehipassiko

Answer 12

The phrase that translates to “come and try”. The phrase Buddha used to advocate that people should investigate his teachings, to see for themselves rather than follow the crowd.

Question 13

The Vinaya Pitaka

Answer 13

The first scripture in the series that contains all the disciplinary rules of acts and duties formulated by the Buddha himself.

Question 14

The three refuges/the three jewels

Answer 14

The Buddha, The Dharma and The Sangha. The three jewels means they are treasures of immeasurable worth. They offer the inspiration of the Buddha, the truth of the Dharma and the support of the Sangha

Question 15

List four ways Buddhists may take refuge in the Sangha.

Answer 15

Direct route to the Buddha because of the bhikkhus and bhikkhunis, Can use the wisdom to take shelter from suffering, provide physical support unlike any other refuge

Question 16

List four ways Buddhists may take refuge in the Buddha

Answer 16

Idea for Buddhists to emulate, The aim of enlightenment itself, The historical Buddha, Other Buddhas to follow

Question 17

List four ways Buddhists may take refuge in the Dharma

Answer 17

Direct instructions from the Buddha that allows them to reach enlightenment, Life of the Buddha teaches them lots, Ultimate reality/eternal truth