Buddhism - Practices Flashcards
Outline 5 key features of a Buddhist Temple.
- A main hall or building.
- A meditation hall or building.
- A study hall or building.
- A shrine or number of shrines dedicated to the Buddha.
- A pagoda or stupa, which is a tiered tower or mound-like structure.
What are the pagodas and stupas designed to symbolise?
To symbolise the five Buddhist elements of earth, water, fire, air and wisdom.
Exam Question: Explain two reasons why temples are important in Buddhist worship
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What is a shrine?
An area where the focus is a statue of the Buddha (a Buddha rupa)
Why do Buddhists make offerings at a shrine?
As a way of paying respect to the Buddha and expressing gratitude and thanks for his teachings. The offerings also remind Buddhists of the Buddha’s teachings.
How does giving offerings at a shrine remind Buddhists of the Buddha’s teachings? (3 examples)
- An offering of light symbolises wisdom, because the light of the candle drives away the darkness of ignorance.
- An offering of flowers reminds Buddhists that all things are impermanent.
- An offering of incense symbolises purity, reminding Buddhists of the importance of practising pure thoughts, speech and conduct.
Exam Question L Explain two ways in which shrines are important in Buddhist worship. Refer to Buddhist teaching in your answer.
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Outline the key features of a monastery (Vihara)
A building where a community of Buddhist monks or nuns live. These are Buddhists who have chosen to dedicate their lives full time to their spiritual practice.
How do monks or nuns spend their daily lives in monasteries?
Studying, practising and meditating on the Buddha’s teachings.
Exam Question: Explain two ways in which monasteries are important in Buddhist worship. Refer to Buddhist teaching in your answer.
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Why do Buddhists worship? (5 reasons)
- To express their gratitude and respect for the Buddha and his teachings.
- To focus on their faith
- To deepen understanding of the Buddha’s teachings.
- To reflect on the nature of existence and the way of life, .
- Become wiser and more compassionate towards themselves and others.
What 5 activities does puja usually involve?
- Meditation.
- Making offerings.
- Chanting.
- Reciting mantras.
- Bowing.
Give 3 examples of sacred texts that Buddhists might chant.
- The three refuges
- The five moral precepts
- The Bodhisattva vows.
List 2 ways that chanting might benefit a Buddhist.
- Increase a Buddhist’s receptivity towards the Buddha and his teachings.
- It can also be used to help calm and concentrate the mind.
List 3 ways that mantra recitation might benefit a buddhist
- To focus the mind.
- Helps them to become more receptive to compassion.
- To call on the spiritual qualities of a Buddha or Bodhisattva.
How is a mala used in mantra recitation?
To count the number of recitations. They usually have 108 beads.
What is the aim of Samatha meditation?
To develop calm and positive emotion.
What is the method of Samatha meditation?
Focus on one particular subject (usually the breath) like an object or sound, to develop singular concentration.
What is the aim of Vipassana meditation?
To develop understanding and wisdom.
What is the method of Vipassana meditation?
To focus on everything objectively. For instance, to reflect on oneself or a Buddhist teaching in order to gain insight into its meaning.