Buddhism Practices Fact Test

Question 1

What is the definition of puja?

Answer 1

Worship- it expresses gratitude and respect for the Buddha and his teachings.

Question 2

What are two different types of meditation?

Answer 2

Samatha and Vipassana.

Question 3

Which type of worship involves reciting and repeating Buddhist scriptures?

Answer 3

Chanting.

Question 4

Which type of statue is commonly used for meditation and can often be found as part of a shrine?

Answer 4

Rupa- A statue of Buddha used in worship and meditation.

Question 5

Give three of the six perfections in the Mahayanan tradition:

Answer 5

. Generosity or giving (dana).
· Morality (sila).
· Patience (kshanti).
· Energy (virya).
· Meditation (samadhi).
· Wisdom (prajna).

Question 6

What is Wesak?

Answer 6

A festival celebrating the life and teachings of Buddha.

Question 7

Which one of the following is a Buddhist monastery? 
A) Mala
B) Vihara
C) Rupa
D) Mandala

Answer 7

B) Vihara

Question 8

Explain one element of a Buddhist funeral:

Answer 8

Spend as little money as possible on funerals as they believe in reincarnation. Sky Burial this reflects a belief in anicca.

Question 9

Give three features of a shrine:

Answer 9

Rupa, Flowers, water, candles, incense, fruit, bell, book of teachings.

Question 10

Which one of the following is a Buddhist festival?
A) Parinirvana
B) Holi
C) Anicca
D) Dukkha

Answer 10

A) Parinirvana

Question 11

What is meant by a skilful act?

Answer 11

Actions that lead to good Karma

Question 12

What is the common name for a Buddhist place of worship?

Answer 12

A temple.

Question 13

Give three of the 5 moral precepts:

Answer 13

1. To abstain from taking life.
2. To abstain from taking what is not given.
3. To abstain from sexual misconduct.
4. To abstain from wrong speech.
5. To abstain from intoxicants.

Question 14

What is the purpose of Samatha mediation?

Answer 14

Breathing meditation focused on calming the mind and mindfulness.

Question 15

Name the Three Jewels:

Answer 15

. The Buddha.
. The Dhamma.
. The Sangha.

Question 16

Explain two contrasting aims of meditation:

Answer 16

Stillness, focus/ samatha meditation- mindfulness, breathing.
Insight, the three marks of existence. Attainment of nirvana.

Question 17

Why are devotional rituals carried out?

Answer 17

For a Buddhist to show their devotion to the Buddha.

Question 18

What is the main purpose of a Buddhist temple?

Answer 18

A place for Buddhists to come together.

Question 19

What are Malas?

Answer 19

Beads used to help focus and count the number of times scripture is repeated.

Question 20

What is the main purpose of a Buddhist retreat?

Answer 20

They help them to practice meditation and remember the Buddha’s life.

Question 21

Why do Buddhists use visualisation?

Answer 21

Buddhists use visualisation to deepen their meditation and their understanding of Buddhist teaching.

Question 22

Why is Karma important in Buddhism?

Answer 22

It allows Buddhists to focus on their actions to move closer to enlightenment.

Question 23

Why is chanting important?

Answer 23

Chanting is important because it enables focus in meditation.

Question 24

Explain how the lay community contributes to the monastic community:

Answer 24

They provide alms. Donate money. By supporting the monastic community it means the monks do not have to work allowing them to focus on meditating.

Question 25

Give two examples of Mudras:

Answer 25

Vitarka (teachinh), Varda (generosity), Dhyana (meditation), Anhava (Fearlessness).

Question 26

Why must a monk refrain from handling money?

Answer 26

Monks need to give up such attachments- by handling money it could cause craving and distract from meditation.

Question 27

Give three examples of items a monk might possess:

Answer 27

Alms bowl, razor, needle, water strainer.

Question 28

Define Bhikkus:

Answer 28

A buddhist monk.

Question 29

Define Bhikkunis

Answer 29

A buddhist nun.

Question 30

Explain the concept of Karuna:

Answer 30

Karuna is compassion, a feeling of concern for the suffering of others. Buddhists should do something to make their lives better and ease suffering. One of the 4 sublime states.

Question 31

Give two examples of how monks contribute to the community:

Answer 31

To teach children how to read and write, the vihara acts as a school. Teaching skills such as farming and building. The vihara can also act as a bank. Monks teach dhamma and lead worship.