Buddhism Paper - Key Terms

Question 1

Arhat

Answer 1

A person who has achieved enlightenment and who has reached perfect knowledge.

Question 2

Dharma/ dhamma

Answer 2

The teachings of Gotama Buddha

Question 3

Dhammapada

Answer 3

A collection of sayings of the Buddha in verse form

Question 4

Nirvana

Answer 4

The state of peace and joy in which is reached when all cravings and desires have been ‘extinguished’

Question 5

Karma

Answer 5

action or ‘doing’. Intentions lead to actions which, in turn, lead to consequences. Energy

Question 6

Sunyata

Answer 6

‘Emptiness’ no fixed self - like Anatta

Question 7

4 sights

Answer 7

1) old man
2) dead man
3) holy man
4) sick man

Question 8

Renunciation

Answer 8

To give up

Question 9

Enlightenment

Answer 9

A state of perfect knowledge or wisdom combined with infinite passion

Question 10

Samsara

Answer 10

The continuous cycle of life, death, rebirth

Question 11

Nirvana

Answer 11

Ultimate goal of humans. Marks the release of Samsara

Question 12

3 marks of existence

Answer 12

Anicca - nothing is stable but in constant change

Anatta - no self

Dukkha - suffering

Question 13

Dukkha

Answer 13

Suffering

Question 14

Anatta

Answer 14

No self

Question 15

Anicca

Answer 15

Nothing is stable but in constant changing

Question 16

4 noble truths

Answer 16

1) all life contains Dukkha
2) the cause of suffering is craving/wanting things
3) the way to overcome suffering is to overcome cravings/desire
4) adopting the middle way to overcome suffering