Buddhism(Lectures) Flashcards
Who founded Buddha-dharma and when?
Buddha-dharma was historically founded by Gautama Siddhartha Sakyamuni Buddha in the 6th century B.C.E.
What question does Buddha-dharma address?
It addresses the cause of the entanglement of beings in the cycle of existence (samsara).
What teaching did Buddha provide in response to samsara?
Buddha expounded the Noble Four Truths to explain the cause of entanglement in samsara.
What are the characteristics of conditioned existence according to Buddha-dharma?
Conditioned existence is impermanent, without essence, and characterized by suffering.
Who are Buddhas in Buddhist thought?
Buddhas are “awakened beings” who “know it how it is.”
What do Buddhas directly see?
Buddhas directly see how things really are.
How does knowledge function in Buddhism?
Knowledge liberates beings from pain, frustration, anguish, and similar suffering.
What type of system is Buddhism classified as based on its emphasis on knowledge?
Buddhism is classified as gnoseological, emphasizing knowledge for liberation.
What does it mean to say knowledge is relational?
It means that “to know x” partly involves understanding the context of x and yourself as the one who knows x.
What are the three phases of Buddhist history in South Asia?
1.Early South Asian Period – “Nikaya Buddhisms” (500 BCE - 100 BCE)
2.Middle South Asian Period – “Sanskritic Buddhism” (100 BCE - 600 CE)
3.Late South Asian Period – “Syncretic Buddhisms” (600-1200 CE)
How is knowledge described in relation to the knower?
Knowledge is perspectival, meaning “to know x” also involves knowing yourself as the one who knows x.
What characterizes the Early South Asian Period in Buddhist history?
It is known as “Nikaya Buddhisms” and spans from 500 BCE to 100 BCE.
What is the timeline for the Middle South Asian Period, and how is it described?
The Middle South Asian Period spans from 100 BCE to 600 CE and is referred to as “Sanskritic Buddhism.”
Where is Theravada Buddhism practiced outside South Asia?
Southeast Asia: Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia (Vietnam)
What marks the Late South Asian Period in Buddhist history?
The Late South Asian Period is called “Syncretic Buddhisms” and lasted from 600 to 1200 CE.
Which regions in South Asia practice Theravada Buddhism?
Theravada Buddhism is practiced in Sri Lanka in South Asia.
Where was Mahayana Buddhism practiced in Central Asia?
Along the Silk Road, though it is no longer extant in Central Asia.
In which East Asian countries is Mahayana Buddhism practiced?
-Tibet
-China (including Ch’an Buddhism)
-Japan (including Zen Buddhism)
Which two types of Buddhism are found outside and after South Asia?
Theravada and Mahayana.
Which form of Buddhism includes Zen and Ch’an traditions?
Mahayana Buddhism includes Zen (Japan) and Ch’an (China) traditions.
What period is associated with the Brahmanic culture of classical South Asian civilization?
1500 - 500 BCE
What is the “Age of the Wanderers”?
The period from the 6th to 4th century BCE.
What cultural or historical significance is tied to the period of 1500 - 500 BCE in South Asia?
It marks the Brahmanic culture of classical South Asian civilization.
When did the “Age of the Wanderers” take place in South Asia?
During the 6th to 4th century BCE.
What new sense emerged during the Age of the Wanderers?
A new sense of individuality and anxiety.
What key social change occurred during the Age of the Wanderers (6th-4th century BCE)?
Sudden social transformation and dislocation.
What marked the transition to the Iron Age in South Asia?
The Age of the Wanderers, from the 6th to 4th century BCE.
What demographic changes occurred during the Age of the Wanderers?
Population increase and urbanization.
What two opposing groups defined the religious and philosophical landscape during the Age of the Wanderers?
Brahmanas vs. Shramanas.
Who were the Brahmanas (or Brahmins)?
Hereditary priests or “technicians of the sacred” who upheld the sacred order of the cosmos through performing sacrifices.
How did the Brahmanas view themselves in terms of tradition?
They were “conservatives,” upholding the traditional sacred order.
What characterized the Shramanas in contrast to the Brahmanas?
The Shramanas were “radicals” challenging the old order and renouncing ordinary life.
What were some of the lifestyle characteristics of the Shramanas?
They were “wanderers” and “forest dwellers,” often seen as the “true cosmopolitans.”
What was a key feature of Shramana thought compared to Brahmanic traditions?
Shramanas posed new questions and answers, challenging the traditional cosmological order.
What does “duhkha” mean in the context of Buddhist thought?
Duhkha refers to suffering or unhappiness.
What is “samsara”?
Samsara is the cycle of suffering, the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
What does “karma” refer to in Buddhist philosophy?
Karma refers to the moral order of actions, meaning that actions have consequences.
What are “moksha” or “nirvana”?
Moksha (or nirvana) refers to liberation or release from duhkha and samsara, the ultimate goal in Buddhist thought.
What is the purpose of Brahmanic Ritualism, especially sacrifice?
The purpose of Brahmanic Ritualism, especially sacrifice, is to sustain the cosmic order, obtain personal prosperity, and attain rebirth in heaven.
What is the Buddhist Middle Path?
The Buddhist Middle Path is the path to enlightenment, avoiding extremes of indulgence and self-mortification, focusing on moderation and mindfulness.
What does Shramanic Self-Mortification aim to achieve?
Shramanic Self-Mortification aims to separate the self from society, transform the self, and free the self from all obstructions.
What are the Three Jewels (Triratna) in Buddhism?
The Three Jewels (Triratna) are:
1.The Buddha – the “awakened” one
2.The Dharma (Dhamma) – the Truth to be realized
3.The Sangha – the community
What is the Buddha in the context of the Three Jewels?
The Buddha is the “awakened” one, who has attained enlightenment.
What does the Dharma represent in the Three Jewels?
The Dharma represents the Truth to be realized, the teachings and laws of Buddhism.
What is the Sangha in the context of the Three Jewels?
The Sangha is the community, especially the monastic community, that practices and upholds the teachings of Buddhism.
What is the literal meaning of “Buddha”?
The “awakened” one.
Is “Buddha” a proper name?
No, it is a title.
Who is Shakyamuni Buddha?
The most recent of many buddhas.
Is Buddha considered a god?
No, Buddha is not a god. He is an extraordinary human being.
How is Buddha described in relation to humanity?
Buddha is more of a “guide” than a “savior” and exemplifies what it means to be truly and fully human.
What does Buddha represent as one of the Three Jewels?
The goal of human growth and development to which Buddhists aspire.
What are the two related meanings of the Dharma?
1.The Truth – the nature of reality realized by the Buddha.
2.All of the Buddha’s teachings leading to that Truth.
What does “Going for Refuge to the Dharma” mean?
Seeking to realize the Truth or reality by using the teachings of the buddhas.
What are the Sanskrit and Pali terms for Dharma?
Dharma (Sanskrit) = Dhamma (Pali).
What does the Dharma represent in Buddhism?
The Truth of reality and the teachings that lead to understanding it
What is the Sangha?
The community of those following the Path of the Buddha.
To which Sangha do Buddhists “go for refuge”?
Buddhists “go for refuge” to the Arya-Sangha.
What is the Arya-Sangha?
Those who have been liberated or awakened.
What is the Maha-Sangha?
All those following the path of the buddhas.
What does “Going for Refuge” mean in Buddhism?
It is also translated as “taking refuge in” the Three Jewels and emphasizes the active sense of “going.”
How are the teachings of Buddhism meant to be understood?
They are not articles of belief or faith but are meant to be verified in one’s own experience.
What does “Going for Refuge” express?
It is an expression of faith or confidence (sraddha).
What has no value in Buddhism, and what is important instead?
Belief alone has no value, but confidence does.
What are the two types of truths in the life of the Buddha?
Historical Truth and Mythic Truth.
What does the Historical Truth of the Buddha’s life include?
Biographical facts such as time, place, and cultural context (e.g., the Age of the Wanderers).
What are some Archetypal Encounters in the Buddha’s life?
The Four Sights, Mara, Earth Goddess, Wise Old Man, etc.
What is the Universal Structure of the Buddha’s life?
Birth, Renunciation, Enlightenment, Teaching Career, and Death.
Who is Śākyamuni Buddha in the context of time?
Śākyamuni Buddha is one of many buddhas in cycles of time.
What does “Mahapurusa” mean in relation to the Buddha?
Mahapurusa means a “Great Person,” representing the paradigmatic body and mind of excellence.
How is the Buddha’s excellence physically exemplified?
By the marks and signs on his body.
How is the Buddha’s excellence mentally exemplified?
By his ease of learning.
How is the Buddha’s excellence socially exemplified?
Through kingship.
What is a key structure in the Buddha’s life as a paradigm?
The Twelve Deeds.
Where was the Buddha born?
Lumbini.
What is the “Going Forth” and where did it happen?
The Buddha’s renunciation of worldly life, which occurred in Kapilavastu.
Where did the Buddha attain Enlightenment?
Bodh Gaya.
What is Parinirvana, and where did it occur?
Parinirvana is the “Final Nirvana,” which took place in Kushinagar.
Where did the Buddha give his First Teaching?
Sarnath.
What does the name Siddhartha mean
“He who will succeed.”
To which clan did the historical Buddha belong?
The Gautama clan.
What does Shakyamuni mean?
“Sage of the Shakya people.”
When was Siddhartha (Shakyamuni Buddha) born?
Around the 3rd or 4th century BCE, traditionally dated 563-483 BCE.
Who was Siddhartha’s father?
Shuddhodana, a leader of the Shakya people who ruled from Kapilavastu near the border between India and Nepal.
When was the Bodhisattva Siddhartha born?
On the Full Moon of the month of Vaisakha (May).
Where was Siddhartha born?
In Lumbini Grove, under flowering sala trees.
Who was Udraka Ramaputra, and what did he teach Siddhartha?
A teacher who taught Siddhartha about the state of “neither perception nor nonperception.”
What were Siddhartha’s two potential destinies according to the legend?
He could become either a Wheel-Turning King or a Buddha.
What is the “Great Going Forth” in Buddhism?
Known as mahapravrajya, it is Siddhartha’s renunciation of worldly life to seek enlightenment.
Who was Arada Kalama, and what did he teach Siddhartha?
A teacher who taught Siddhartha about the state of “nothingness.”
What was the fourth vision Siddhartha saw, and what did it represent?
An ascetic, representing peace and contentment.
What is the meaning of the lute analogy in Buddhism?
“If the string is too loose, the lute will not play. If the string is too tight, it will break,” symbolizing the Middle Way between extremes of indulgence and asceticism.
What is a “Mahapurusa”?
A “Great Person,” which Siddhartha was recognized as at birth.
How was Siddhartha born according to legend?
He was born from the side of his mother, Mahamaya, while she was standing.
What were the armies of Mara that Siddhartha confronted?
Desire, aversion, hunger, craving, sleepiness, fear, and doubt
Where was Siddhartha instructed to go after the Pragbodhi cave?
Vajrasana, the “diamond seat,” where he would achieve enlightenment.
Who is Mara in Buddhist tradition?
Mara is a symbolic figure representing obstacles to enlightenment, such as desire, aversion, and fear.
What does the Middle Way represent in theory?
The Middle Way lies between mentalism and physicalism.
What does the Middle Way represent in ontology?
The Middle Way lies between existence and nonexistence.
What was the third vision Siddhartha saw, and what did it represent?
A corpse, representing death.
What does the Middle Way represent in practice?
The Middle Way lies between austerity and sensuality.
Who were the daughters of Mara, and what did they represent?
Discontent, Desire, and Delight, symbolizing distractions and temptations.
What did Siddhartha do after departing from his five ascetic companions?
He went to an area known for charnel grounds.
What was the first vision Siddhartha saw, and what did it represent?
An old man, representing old age.
What cave did Siddhartha meditate in during his ascetic period?
The Pragbodhi cave.
What was the second vision Siddhartha saw, and what did it represent?
A crippled, sick person, representing illness.
How did Siddhartha defeat Mara?
By calling the earth as his witness to his right to achieve enlightenment.
What does the Middle Way represent in terms of society?
For a monk, it lies between the forest and the city.
What is the direct experience Siddhartha has during his awakening?
The direct experience of the unconditioned—the reality of things.
