Buddhism Practices

Question 1

Define the term Annica.

Answer 1

Impermanence

the belief that all things, including the self, are impermanent and constantly changing

Question 2

Define the term Anatta.

Answer 2

No-self

the nonexistence of a soul, essence, or any other enduring substantial entity underlying any form of phenomenal existence.

Question 3

Define the term Dukka.

Answer 3

Suffering

the belief that all things are suffering, due to the desire to seek permanence or recognize the self when neither exist

Question 4

Define the term Skhandhas.

Answer 4

Skandhas (Sanskrit) or khandhas (Pāḷi) means “heaps, aggregates, collections, groupings, clusters”. In Buddhism, it refers to the five aggregates of clinging

Question 5

Define the term samatha.

Answer 5

Samatha (“tranquillity”, “serenity”).—Concentration bringing about calm and mental clarity

Question 6

Define the term pratitya.

Answer 6

‘because of’ or ‘dependent upon’

Question 7

Define the term mettabhavana.

Answer 7

the Buddhist meditative practice of cultivating loving-kindness toward all sentient beings

Question 8

Define the term vispassana.

Answer 8

In Pali, an ancient language of Buddhism, the word ”Vipassana” means “seeing things as they really are

Question 9

What are the three main types of meditation?

Answer 9

Samatha (concentration meditation) Samatha meditation is great for beginners who are focused on developing concentration and tranquility.
Vipassanā (insight meditation)
Metta Bhavana (loving-kindness meditation)

Question 10

What are the 5 main features of temples?

Answer 10

-Main hall (where people practice)

-A shrine (different denominations have different statues)

-A meditation hall (cushions for posture, bell)

-Study hall (learning, meetings, lectures)

-A Stupa (dome shaped building containing relics, representation of morality, nirvana is the gem on top)

Question 11

What are the purpose of shrines?

Answer 11

to show their appreciation of the Buddhas and bodhisattvas, to remind themselves of the teachings of Buddhism and their own practise of Buddhism.
THEY DON’T WORSHIP IT

Question 12

what is the significance of meditation?

Answer 12

Buddhists pursue meditation as part of the path toward liberation from defilements (kleshas) and clinging and craving (upādāna), also called awakening, which results in the attainment of Nirvana,

Question 13

what are the functions of buddhist temples and viharas?

Answer 13

temple will contain a shrine. and space for community activities.

religious, educational, cultural, and community centers

May contain living quarters for nuns and monks

Question 14

Whats the role of Buddha and bodhisattvas?

Answer 14

Buddhas and Bodhisattvas aid meditation by providing a focus of concentration, inspiration and guidance.

Question 15

Theravada - Death and mourning

Answer 15

-cremation symbolises karmic energy and detachment
-Almsgiving, donations, typically food, pumpkin for grieving hearts, salt-fish for replenishing natural body salts
-ashes are scattered over a river

Question 16

What are mala beads?

Answer 16

Mala beads are used to count breaths or how many times a person has said a mantra.
108 beads to represent 108 worldly desires

Question 17

Mahayana - Death and mourning

Answer 17

-Bardo lasts for 49 and is the period of time between death and rebirth.
-Chantings and offerings occur to give the person better karma.
-The Tibetan book of the dead is read to guide them.
-sky burials, offerings to animals and detachment

Question 18

Wesak

Answer 18

The most important day in Theravada buddhism. It celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of the buddha. Offerings are given to monks and lanterns are lit

Question 19

what is Kathina?

Answer 19

A Theravada festival celebrating the end of retreats which monks have studied and meditated.

Question 20

What is parinrivana day?

Answer 20

Day when the Buddha is said to have achieved Parinirvana, or complete Nirvana, upon the death of his physical body.
Celebrated in February.

Question 21

What is puja?

Answer 21

a ceremony that includes reflection, chanting and offerings that deepen appreciation of The Buddha and his teachings.

Question 22

What are the three jewels - the trirata?

Answer 22

Buddha, dharma, and sangha
Helps buddhists look for support during times of hardship

Question 23

What is a mantra?

Answer 23

A mantra is a word or phrase that gets repeated during meditation.
Chanting mantra is encouraged in the Dhammapada.

Question 24

Offerings

Answer 24

Candle-light (wisdom)
Incense- pure ethics
Flowers- qualities of the buddha
Food