Buddhism Keywords

Question 1

Dukkha

Answer 1

This mean suffering/dissatisfaction which is experiencing by all loving beings.

Question 2

The four noble truths

Answer 2

Suffering can be ended permanently by following the eight fold path. These are the basis if the Buddha’s teachings in his first sermon after enlightenment. All creatures suffer, suffering is caused, suffering can be ended, the way to permanently end suffering.

Question 3

Sangha

Answer 3

The term used to describe the Buddhist community

Question 4

Buddha

Answer 4

This translates as ‘the enlightened one/awakened one

Question 5

Maya

Answer 5

This means ‘illusion’. This was the name of siddharthas mother

Question 6

Kamma

Answer 6

The law of cause and effect

Question 7

Four sights

Answer 7

Four things seen by Siddhartha when leaving the Royal Palace; old man, sick man, dead man, an ascetic

Question 8

The first noble truth

Answer 8

All creatures suffers ( Dukkha )

Question 9

The second noble truth

Answer 9

Samudaya. There are causes of suffering.

Question 10

The third noble truth

Answer 10

Nirodha. Suffering can be ended ( temporarily )

Question 11

Samsara

Answer 11

Continuation of birth, death and rebirth

Question 12

Anatta

Answer 12

This means there is no permanent self; there is no soul and therefore nothing is fixed about ourselves

Question 13

Ascetic

Answer 13

Someone who lives a life of simplicity and self-denial. They dedicate their life to finding enlightenment.

Question 14

Siddhartha

Answer 14

This translates as ‘he who has achieved his aim’

Question 15

The middle way

Answer 15

The ideal state between two opposite extremes e.g. between luxury and having nothing

Question 16

Nibbana

Answer 16

A state of perfect peace experiences by those who have found enlightenment. This state follows after blowing out the three fires/three poisons.

Question 17

Three poisons/three fires

Answer 17

The main examples of how suffering is caused: greed, hatred and delusion/ignorance

Question 18

Meditation

Answer 18

The practice of focusing the mind

Question 19

Dhamma

Answer 19

The teaching of the Buddha - universal eternal law.

Question 20

Three marks of existence

Answer 20

Also known as the three universal truths - these are three eternal laws associated with existence.

Question 21

Enlightenment

Answer 21

The state of being ‘awakened’ to the truth about life.

Question 22

Brahmins

Answer 22

Priestly caste system; they are the religious teachers.

Question 23

Mantra

Answer 23

A phrase chanted in worship/meditation

Question 24

Metta

Answer 24

This means loving kindness/compassion. This is a form of selfless unconditional love.

Question 25

Kshatriya

Answer 25

Caste system of rulers and warriors to which the Buddha belonged to by birth.

Question 26

The three jewels

Answer 26

The three most important ideal of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha

Question 27

Anicca

Answer 27

This means ‘impermanence’. Everything changes and is in constant flux.

Question 28

Channa

Answer 28

Siddhartha’s servant/best friend

Question 29

Lotus

Answer 29

The flower that symbolises enlightenment - it is also used to describe a position used in meditation.