Buddhism(Readings) Flashcards
1
Q
Why did the Buddha decide to teach after his enlightenment?
A
The Buddha, motivated by compassion for all living beings, decided to teach after realizing that enlightenment could be shared.
2
Q
here did the Buddha give his first teaching, and to whom?
A
The Buddha gave his first teaching at the deer park in Sarnath, near Varanasi, to five shramanas (former companions).
2
Q
Who were the Buddha’s first intended students, and what happened to them?
A
The Buddha initially intended to teach his former yoga teachers, but he realized through psychic powers that they had passed away.
2
Q
What marked the beginning of institutional Buddhism?
A
The offering of food by two merchants during the Buddha’s journey to Sarnath marked the start of reciprocal giving between laypeople and ordained Buddhists.
2
Q
What is the significance of the “Wheel Turning” sermon?
A
The “Wheel Turning” sermon marked the beginning of the Buddha’s teaching career and the re-establishment of the dharma.
2
Q
What is another name for the Buddha’s first discourse, and why?
A
The first discourse is also called the “Instruction on the Middle Path” because the Buddha encouraged a moderate path between indulgence and asceticism.
2
Q
How did the Buddha’s first five disciples react to his teachings?
A
Initially skeptical, the five disciples recognized the Buddha’s enlightenment after seeing his aura and became his first disciples.
2
Q
What principle is central to the Buddha’s teaching and sometimes synonymous with Buddhism?
A
The principle of the Middle Way, advocating moderation, is central and sometimes used as a synonym for Buddhism.
3
Q
What is the significance of Sarnath in Buddhist tradition?
A
Sarnath, the third of the four great pilgrimage sites, is where the Buddha preached his first sermon and ordained his first disciples.
3
Q
What can visitors see at Sarnath today?
A
Visitors to Sarnath can see a new temple, ancient stupas, temples, and a museum commemorating the Buddha’s first sermon.
3
Q
What is Parinirvana, and how long did the Buddha teach before entering it?
A
Parinirvana is the Buddha’s final passing. He taught for 45 years before entering it.
3
Q
What teaching was shared with the Buddha’s first disciples?
A
The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to overcome suffering.
4
Q
What does a temple wall illustration of Shakyamuni in the deer park at Sarnath depict?
A
It shows Shakyamuni Buddha teaching his five fellow ascetics at the deer park in Sarnath.
4
Q
Who was Devadatta, and what was his role in the Buddha’s life?
A
Devadatta, the Buddha’s cousin, led a group of dissident disciples and made multiple attempts on the Buddha’s life.
4
Q
How did the Buddha respond to his failing health at age 80?
A
Despite his weak body, the Buddha continued to travel and teach until his final illness.
4
Q
What happened during the Buddha’s last meal?
A
The Buddha ate an odd-smelling dish, asked it to be served only to him, and fell ill. He instructed his disciples not to blame the host, who had good intentions.
4
Q
What advice did the Buddha give his disciples before his death?
A
The Buddha told his disciples to follow the dharma after his death, as no individual has absolute authority in Buddhism.
5
Q
Where did the Buddha pass away, and what did he experience at the moment of death?
A
The Buddha passed away in a grove of trees at Kushinagar, experiencing parinirvana, the final end of the cycle of rebirth and cessation of suffering.
5
Q
What is the difference between nirvana “with remainder” and parinirvana?
A
Nirvana “with remainder” is the highest level of nirvana possible while living, while parinirvana is the complete cessation of suffering and rebirth after death.
5
Q
How does the Buddhist concept of “dharma” differ from its Hindu counterpart?
A
While Hindu dharma refers to caste and social duties, Buddhist dharma refers to eternal truths, the laws of nature, karma, and moral conduct.
6
Q
How does Buddhism describe the nature of parinirvana?
A
Buddhism does not elaborate on the nature of parinirvana, as it is beyond human understanding.
6
Q
What is fundamental to Buddhism regarding parinirvana?
A
The reality of parinirvana and the potential for all living beings to attain it is fundamental to Buddhism.
6
Q
What is the essence of Dhammapada 183?
A
“Avoid doing all evil deeds, cultivate doing good deeds, and purify the mind—this is the teaching of all buddhas.”
6
Q
What is the Second Gem in Buddhism?
A
The Second Gem is the Dharma, representing the Buddha’s teachings and eternal truths.
6
What does it mean to “take refuge in the dharma”?
It means having confidence in the eternal truth of the Buddha’s teachings.
6
What are the Four Noble Truths?
1.Suffering (dukkha): No living being can escape suffering.
2.Origin: Suffering arises from craving (trishna) and excessive desire.
3.Cessation: Suffering will cease when desire ceases.
4.Path: The Eightfold Path is the way to overcome suffering.
6
What significant event occurred in Kushinagar, India?
Kushinagar is where the Buddha entered parinirvana in a grove of trees near the town, making it a significant pilgrimage site.
6
What is the Eightfold Path?
The Eightfold Path is a set of practices to overcome suffering, including right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
6
What does the root meaning of the word “dharma” imply?
The root meaning of dharma is “that which holds” or “teachings that are firm,” reflecting eternal truths.The root meaning of dharma is “that which holds” or “teachings that are firm,” reflecting eternal truths.
6
What is Kushinagar's significance today?
Kushinagar is being restored as one of the four great pilgrimage sites in India/Nepal.
6
What value does the story of Nakulapita and Nakulamata highlight?
The story illustrates compassion as a major value in Buddhism, shown through Nakulamata's care for her sick husband, which brings him back to health.
6
What historical figures visited Kushinagar?
King Ashoka and at least one Chinese Buddhist pilgrim visited Kushinagar in ancient times.
6
What did Nakulamata tell her husband to alleviate his worries?
Nakulamata reassured him:
She could support the children and manage the household.
She would remain celibate and faithful to the Buddhist path.
Her devotion to the Buddha, the monks, and the Dhamma would remain strong.
7
How did Nakulapita recover?
Nakulapita recovered after being comforted by his wife’s compassionate and wise counsel.
7
What is the Noble Truth of the Eightfold Path?
Suffering can be ended by following the Eightfold Path, a set of principles for self-improvement.
7
What did the Buddha say about Nakulamata?
The Buddha praised Nakulamata for her compassion and wisdom, calling her an excellent counselor and teacher.
7
What are the eight principles of the Eightfold Path?
1.Right understanding: Comprehending the Four Noble Truths and reality.
2.Right thought: Freedom from desire, ill will, cruelty; intention for enlightenment.
3.Right speech: Compassionate, free from anger or hatred.
4.Right conduct: Ethical behavior that reflects Buddhist values.
7
Are the principles of the Eightfold Path sequential?
No, they are interdependent and must work together like petals of a flower unfolding.
7
What is the Itivuttaka and who compiled it?
The Itivuttaka (So I Heard) is a collection of the Buddha's teachings, compiled by Khujjuttara, a laywoman servant whom the Buddha praised as an exemplary lay disciple.
7
Who was Buddhaghosa, and what did he write?
Buddhaghosa was a Buddhist monk who authored The Path of Purity, a famous commentary on the Three Instructions: sila, samadhi, and prajna.
7
What is the central teaching of the Itivuttaka regarding proximity to the Buddha?
Being close to the Buddha physically does not matter if one has a covetous mind, ill will, and lack of discipline.
Conversely, living far away but practicing mindfulness, restraint, and compassion brings one spiritually close to the Buddha.
7
What is "right livelihood" in the Eightfold Path?
It involves earning a living without harming living creatures and minimizing harm to all beings, including insects.
7
What is "right thought" or intention?
It includes freedom from sensuous desire, ill will, cruelty, and the intent to realize enlightenment.
7
What does "right understanding" involve?
Correctly comprehending the Four Noble Truths and distinguishing between reality and delusion.
7
How does "right speech" manifest?
Through compassionate communication, free from anger and hatred.
7
What is "right conduct" or action?
Acting ethically in a way that aligns with Buddhist principles.
7
Define "right effort" in the Eightfold Path.
Right effort includes cultivating wholesome qualities and reducing unwholesome qualities.
7
What does "right mindfulness" entail?
Heightening awareness of one’s body, mind, and surroundings.
7
Explain "right meditation" in the Eightfold Path.
It encompasses all forms of meditative concentration, whether sitting or otherwise, to deepen focus and clarity.
7
What wisdom arises from recognizing the impermanence of the self?
Wise individuals do not become emotionally attached to material goods or fixed images of themselves.
7
How does Buddhism view impermanence compared to other philosophies?
While some philosophies treat impermanence as a problem, Buddhism accepts it as a fact of existence.
7
What are the three characteristics of existence in Buddhism?
1.Suffering (dukkha): All beings are subject to physical and psychological pain.
2.Impermanence (anicca): All things arise and pass away; nothing is static except empty space and nirvana.
3.No-self (anatman): There is no eternal, unchanging self or soul.
7
What is the meaning of "anatman"?
Anatman means "without Atman," rejecting the idea of an eternal, unchanging soul (Atman) found in Hinduism.
7
How does anatman affect the concept of ownership?
Without a permanent "self," there can be no "mine," making the idea of ownership unsustainable.
7
How does Buddhism describe personality through the concept of skandhas?
Personality is the product of shifting and arbitrary circumstances, composed of the skandhas (aggregates), which are impermanent and interconnected.
7
How does Buddhism’s view of personality compare with modern psychological theory?
Both emphasize the impermanence and fluidity of personality, contrasting with Hindu and Western religious ideas of an eternal soul.
7
What are the Three Instructions in Buddhism?
1.Sila (Morality): The foundation, involving ethical behavior.
2.Samadhi (Concentration): Developing a calm, focused, and alert mental state.
3.Prajna (Wisdom): Higher understanding, leading to insights like the nature of causality.
7
What is dependent origination (pratitya-samutpada)?
The concept that everything arises due to other factors and causes changes in other things, emphasizing interdependence.
7
How is the principle of causality described in Buddhism?
It emphasizes that all phenomena arise in response to other factors and cause changes in other things, likened to the movement of balls on a pool table.
7
What are the 12 links of dependent origination?
-Past Life:
Ignorance → 2. Karma formations.
-Present Life:
3. Consciousness → 4. Body-mind complex → 5. Sense bases → 6. Sense impressions → 7. Conscious feelings → 8. Craving → 9. Clinging.
-Future Life (remaining stages to be detailed in future flashcards).
7
How were the Buddha's teachings preserved before being written?
Teachings were memorized and recited by monks for over 400 years. Early councils ensured the teachings were passed down accurately.
7
How do the 12 links of dependent origination reflect life stages?
They show the interconnected flow from past actions (karma), through present experiences (consciousness, senses, feelings), to future consequences (craving, clinging).
7
What are the final three links in the chain of dependent origination?
10. Becoming: The drive to be reborn.
11. Rebirth: Entry into a new life.
12. Old age and death: Leading back to the cycle of rebirth.
7
What visual symbol represents dependent origination?
The "wheel of becoming" (bhava chakra) with 12 spokes, representing the cycle of interdependent stages of life.
7
What is the Tripitaka?
The "Three Baskets" of Buddhist sacred texts, consisting of:
`.Sutra Pitaka: Teachings and discourses attributed to the Buddha.
2.Vinaya Pitaka: Rules for monastic life.
3.Abhidharma Pitaka: Systematic treatises and commentary.
7
What does the cycle of dependent origination emphasize about life?
Life is a continuous process of interdependence and rebirth, turning endlessly until nirvana is realized.
7
When and why were the oral teachings of Buddhism written down?
In the 1st century CE, Theravada monks in Sri Lanka wrote them down after a famine drastically reduced their numbers, threatening the oral tradition.
8
Why are Buddhist scriptures called the Tripitaka?
They were likely written on palm leaves bundled into three baskets, corresponding to the three types of texts: Sutra, Vinaya, and Abhidharma.
9
How is a typical sutra structured?
A sutra begins with the phrase “Thus have I heard,” describes the setting, and recounts a dialogue, often initiated by a disciple’s question.
9
What does the Sutra Pitaka contain?
It contains discourses on the dharma attributed to the Buddha or his early disciples, often presented as responses to disciples' questions.
9
How does Shakyamuni explain variations in human life circumstances?
He attributes them to karma accumulated through actions in past lives, influencing current life experiences.
9
What question does the "Discourse on the Lesser Analysis of Deeds" address?
Subha, Todeyya’s son, asks why there are variations in human life circumstances, such as suffering and happiness.
10
How are the texts in the Sutra Pitaka organized?
They are divided into five sections (nikayas) and arranged by length, from longest to shortest, similar to the organization of the surahs in the Qur’an.
10
What does the Vinaya Pitaka contain?
It includes the rules of monastic discipline and stories explaining how Shakyamuni established each rule.
10
What is the focus of the Abhidharma Pitaka?
It systematically analyzes every aspect of reality through Buddhist principles, covering mental phenomena, their karmic consequences, and the physical elements of nature.
11
How does the first book of the Abhidharma classify mental phenomena?
It classifies mental phenomena as having good, bad, or neutral karmic consequences.
12
How was the Abhidharma used in Buddhist universities like Nalanda?
It formed the foundation of physical and psychological sciences taught at Buddhist universities, focusing on students' spiritual advancement.
12
Who is associated with the development of the Abhidharma?
Sariputra, one of the Buddha's brightest disciples, is associated with its development.
13
What central Buddhist teaching underpins the Abhidharma?
The teaching that no physical or mental reality is eternal; all are subject to constant change.
13
What does the bhava chakra (wheel of becoming) represent?
The 12 stages of dependent origination, surrounded by illustrations of the stages and held by the demon of death.
14
What animals symbolize the three root tendencies of human consciousness in the bhava chakra?
1.Greed: A rooster (desiring endlessly).
2.Hate: A snake (spitting venom).
3.Delusion: A boar (associated with poor judgment).
14
What are the two components of the sangha?
1.The monastic community: Ordained monks (bhikshus) and nuns (bhikshunis).
2.The universal sangha: All people who follow the Buddha's path.
15
How did Shakyamuni accept disciples and formalize their ordination?
New disciples recited the Triple Refuge, took vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, and donned saffron-dyed robes.
16
What is the significance of the saffron-dyed robes worn by early Buddhist monks?
Saffron robes, made from dried crocus stigmas, symbolized monastic life, though robe colors varied in East Asia (e.g., red and brown).
16
How did Shakyamuni initially respond to the idea of establishing the bhikshuni sangha?
He resisted forming the order for women, predicting it could harm his teachings, but eventually agreed and supported it.
17
What unique features are part of the full ordination ritual?
1.It must occur in designated areas marked by "boundary stones."
2.It involves hours of ceremonies attended by friends and family.
3.Exact timing of ordination is recorded due to the importance of seniority.
17
How are women portrayed in early Buddhist texts?
Ambiguously—texts highlight women’s contributions (e.g., wealthy supporters and bhikshuni poetry in Therigatha) but prohibit bhikshunis from teaching male counterparts.
17
According to early Buddhist teachings, can women achieve nirvana?
Yes, women and men are equally capable of becoming Arhats (saints) and attaining nirvana.
17
What advice did Shakyamuni give to monks about interacting with women?
1."Don’t see them."
2.If seen, "Abstain from speech."
3.If spoken to, "Keep wide awake."
17
What is the role of novices (shramaneras) in early Buddhist monastic life?
Novices had to master the basics of dharma under a demanding teacher and supportive spiritual guide before full ordination.
18
How does the Therigatha contribute to understanding women in Buddhism?
It includes poems by early bhikshunis, showcasing their spiritual experiences and insights.
18
What are the four levels of disciples in the sangha?
1.Those who have entered the stream (toward nirvana).
2.Those who will be reborn just once more.
3.Those advanced enough never to return.
4.Those who have reached the Arhat (worthy) path.
18
What is the lay sangha, and how is it categorized?
The lay sangha includes all those following the Buddha’s path and is divided into eight categories of "noble persons" based on progress toward nirvana.
18
How do traditions differ regarding the lay sangha's role in pursuing nirvana?
Some traditions encourage lay members to eventually seek ordination to focus fully on spiritual advancement, while others support lay progress toward nirvana without requiring ordination.
18
What major sectarian issue arose during the Buddha’s lifetime?
Devadatta led a group of bhikshus who defected from the main sangha, marking the start of sectarian divisions.
19
By King Ashoka’s time, how many Buddhist sects existed, and how distinct were their teachings?
There were 18 sects, each with its own oral version of the Buddhist teachings. Differences were minor, and all followed similar ordination traditions and vinaya rules.
19
What caused the split between Mahasanghika and Theravada?
Disputes over enlightenment's accessibility: the majority believed ordinary people could attain it, while the elders believed it was achievable only by a select few.
19
What sparked the Vaishali Council?
A visiting bhikshu criticized Vaishali monks for accepting gold and silver donations, leading to a council that ruled such practices were against monastic discipline.
19
How did the Theravada and sthavira monks differ on enlightenment?
Theravada monks generally believed enlightenment was achievable by ordinary people, while sthavira elders argued it was accessible to only a few.
19
What two major groups emerged after the split in early Buddhism?
Mahasanghika (Great Sangha) sect, representing the majority group.
Sthaviravada (Theravada) sect, consisting of the elders or senior monks.
19
What role do gifts play in the ordination ceremony?
Newly ordained sangha members present gifts to their teachers and counselors in gratitude.
19
What were the five points of controversy regarding Arhats raised after the Vaishali Council?
1.Are Arhats subject to the same limitations as bhikshus?
2.Can Arhats be susceptible to sexual misconduct?
3.Can Arhats be ignorant of certain doctrines?
4.Can Arhats have doubts about doctrines?
5.Can one become an Arhat solely through instruction without spiritual practice?
19
Who was King Ashoka, and what was his empire's extent?
King Ashoka (r. c. 273–232 BCE) ruled most of modern India after expanding his empire southward and westward through a series of wars.
20
What issue fueled further divisions among early Buddhists?
Disputes over whether enlightenment was attainable for ordinary people or only for a select few capable of reaching the Arhat level.
20
How did early Buddhist monks and nuns interact despite sectarian divisions?
Monks from different sects sometimes shared monasteries, especially in training centers, while nuns resided in their own monasteries separate from men.
20
What event is said to have led to King Ashoka's conversion to Buddhism?
Reflecting on the carnage of his war with the Kalinga kingdom prompted Ashoka to embrace Buddhism and promote nonviolence.
21
What ideals did Ashoka promote for governing his subjects?
Ashoka emphasized security, self-control, impartiality, and cheerfulness for all living beings in his empire.
21
What was Ashoka's approach to spreading Buddhist values after his conversion?
-He promoted the "dharma conquest" instead of military conquest.
-Messages of morality and nonviolence were inscribed on stones and pillars at major crossroads.
21
What were the Kalinga War’s devastating effects, as described in Ashoka's edicts?
-150,000 people were deported.
-100,000 people were killed.
-Many more died indirectly due to the war.
21
How did Ashoka’s conversion reflect Indian traditions of kingship?
His conversion aligned with the tradition of kings supporting multiple legitimate religious traditions, making Buddhism one among several dharma systems.
21
How did Ashoka view future rulers in terms of dharma?
Ashoka hoped his sons and grandsons would value the victory of dharma over military conquest and prioritize righteousness.
21
How did Ashoka balance justice with nonviolence in his rule?
He promised just and moderate punishments for criminals and rebels.
Encouraged nonviolence in daily life, advocating vegetarianism and discouraging occupations like hunting.
22
How did Ashoka describe the "victory of Righteousness"?
Ashoka declared that real satisfaction in ruling comes from inducing people to follow dharma, which benefits both this world and the next.
23
What did Ashoka express in his Thirteenth Rock Edict about the Kalinga War?
-He regretted the suffering caused by his conquest.
-Declared his commitment to righteousness (dharma).
-Warned rebellious tribes to reform while expressing forgiveness and conciliation.
23
What is the meaning of the term chakravartin, or “wheel-turner”?
-A chakravartin is a world ruler whose power is unopposed and who has spiritual wisdom to perceive the universe's cosmic order.
-The concept emphasizes blending political power with spiritual insight.
23
How did early Buddhists redefine chakravartin when applied to Shakyamuni?
-Honored Shakyamuni as a prince of noble birth.
-Shifted the concept from military strength to wisdom as key to guiding society.
24
How were dharma-promoting kings viewed in Buddhism?
Such kings were seen as true successors to the Buddha and as definitive chakravartins.
24
How far did Ashoka claim his dharma ideals had spread?
Ashoka stated that his dharma ideals had reached beyond India to Alexandrian kingdoms and their kings.
24
What impact did Buddhist ideals have on kingship as Buddhism spread across Asia?
Buddhist social and moral expectations for rulers, such as promoting dharma and setting virtuous examples, influenced governance in various Asian cultures.
24
What analogy does Nagasena use to explain the concept of no-soul or impermanence?
Nagasena compares the concept of a being to a chariot, saying that just as a chariot is a designation based on the assembly of its parts, so is a person a designation based on the five skandhas (heaps or processes).
24
What Buddhist concept does Nagasena illustrate through the dialogue?
The doctrine of anatta (no-soul or no-self), which teaches that beings lack a permanent, unchanging self and are instead a collection of impermanent processes.
24
What historical context surrounds the dialogue between King Milinda and Nagasena?
The dialogue reflects the interaction between Greek-influenced regimes, left after Alexander the Great’s conquests, and Indian Buddhist philosophy.
24
What question does King Milinda ask about Nagasena's identity?
Milinda asks if Nagasena is his hair, nails, teeth, skin, flesh, bones, sensations, ideas, or any other component. Nagasena denies each one.
24
What nickname did later Buddhists give Ashoka, and why?
Ashoka was called "Dharma-Ashoka" for promoting dharma while balancing justice and nonviolence as a ruler.
24
What special duties did Buddhism assign to kings?
-Providing for the physical welfare of subjects (e.g., distributing food in need).
-Promoting dharma by setting a good example and supporting Buddhist activities like lectures, translations, and literature distribution.
25
How does Nagasena respond to King Milinda’s question about his name and identity?
Nagasena explains that his name is a designation in common use and that no permanent individuality or soul is involved in the matter.
25
What lesson does the chariot analogy illustrate in the dialogue?
The chariot analogy demonstrates that entities, including beings, are not independent or permanent but are designated based on the coexistence of their components.
25
How does Nagasena question King Milinda about the concept of a chariot?
Nagasena asks if the chariot is its pole, wheels, framework, or all parts combined. Milinda denies each, realizing that "chariot" is merely a term for the collection of parts.
25
Who were the key figures in the dialogue from King Milinda Questions Nagasena?
-King Milinda: A foreign king, likely influenced by Greek culture, engaging in philosophical discussions.
-Nagasena: A Buddhist sage who explains concepts like no-soul and impermanence to King Milinda.
26
How did Buddhism spread to new regions?
Buddhism spread through missionary conversion, emphasizing a spiritual lifestyle while allowing converts to maintain traditional veneration of local gods and ancestral spirits.
26
What examples illustrate Buddhist promotion of nonviolence?
-Release of animals during Buddhist festivals.
-A Sri Lankan king installed a bell outside his palace for citizens to request justice directly, even at night.
26
What did Emperor Wu showcase to Bodhidharma, and how did Bodhidharma respond?
Emperor Wu showcased his charitable works, including rice kitchens, text copying, and an altar for worship. Bodhidharma responded that these actions earned "no merit" because true merit arises from wisdom and purifying the mind.
26
Why were rulers encouraged to support the sangha and promote the dharma?
Supporting the sangha and promoting dharma were seen as ways for rulers to advance their own spiritual development, often culminating in abdication and ordination as bhikshus.
26
Who is credited with bringing Theravada Buddhism to Sri Lanka?
Mahinda, Ashoka's son, is credited with bringing Theravada Buddhism to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BCE.
26
How was nonviolence promoted as a public ethic in Buddhist political rule?
-Harsh punishments were forbidden, and prisoners were released during festivals.
-Justice was administered fairly and quickly, regardless of social status.
-Kings maintained an army and police force to protect the public, allowing defensive wars but forbidding wars of aggression.
26
What were the three major divisions of Buddhism, and when did they emerge?
1.Theravada ("Way of the Elders"): Survived from the 18 sects during Ashoka’s time.
2.Mahayana ("Great Vehicle"): Emerged in the first century CE.
3.Vajrayana ("Diamond Vehicle"): Emerged around 500 years later.
26
How did early Theravada Buddhism view itself?
Theravada viewed itself as the preserver of original Buddhism, rejecting scriptures composed after the formation of the Tripitaka.
26
Where did Theravada Buddhism originate, and what is its significance?
Theravada originated in the ancient North Indian kingdom of Magadha, where Shakyamuni Buddha taught. The associated Pali dialect preserved early Buddhist teachings.
26
How does King Milinda react to Nagasena’s explanations?
King Milinda is impressed and praises Nagasena’s reasoning as wonderful and profound.
26
Why is Theravada Buddhism considered conservative?
Theravada Buddhism adheres strictly to early teachings, rejecting later scriptures and emphasizing preservation of the original dharma.
26
How does Nagasena summarize the teaching about beings and the skandhas?
Nagasena quotes Sister Vajira: “When the skandhas are there, we talk of a ‘being,’ just as a chariot is named based on the coexistence of its parts.”
27
What did King Sri Lanka do after his conversion?
After converting, the king ordered the construction of a temple, dharma hall, stupa, and the planting of a Bodhi tree sapling brought from India by Mahinda's sister.
27
What is the story behind Mahinda’s arrival in Sri Lanka?
Mahinda and his monks are said to have used psychic powers to travel through the air and arrived near Anuradhapura, where they were discovered by the king and his hunting party. They were then converted to Buddhism.
27
What are the three major Buddhist vehicles, and which regions are they dominant in?
1.Theravada (also called Hinayana, the "Little Vehicle") - dominant in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
2.Mahayana (the "Great Vehicle") - dominant in East Asia and Vietnam.
3.Vajrayana (the "Diamond Vehicle") - dominant in Tibet and the Himalayas.
27
What are some examples of Mahayana schools?
-Madhyamaka (India), Sanlun (China)
-Yogacara (India), Faxiang (China)
-Tiantai (China), Tendai (Japan)
-Huayan (China), Kegon (Japan)
-Zhenyan (China), Shingon (Japan)
27
What are some examples of Vajrayana schools?
-Gelugpa (“Yellow Hats”)
-Kargyu (“Red Hats”)
-Karma-pa (“Black Hats”)
-Nyingma (“Ancient”)
27
How did the spread of Buddhism in Sri Lanka relate to Ashoka's empire?
Sri Lanka became a cultural extension of Ashoka's empire, adopting Indian forms of kingship while maintaining sovereignty.
27
How did the sangha face difficulties in Sri Lanka in the 11th century?
The sangha faced a shortage of ordained bhikshus, which led to bhikshus being imported from Burma to continue ordinations.
27
What was the role of bhikshus from Siam in the 18th century in Sri Lanka?
Bhikshus from Siam helped revitalize Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka by establishing a new ordination lineage.
28
What is the Siyam Nikaya?
The Siyam Nikaya is the lineage of Sri Lankan monks who control many of the major temples today.
28
How did Mahinda spread Buddhism among the Sri Lankan people?
Mahinda first taught the king's court, then converted the rest of the population when the royal elephant stable was transformed into a hall for dharma instruction.
28
What did the king of Sri Lanka do to show his support for Buddhism after his conversion?
The king had a temple, dharma hall, and stupa built, and followed a new enthronement ritual according to Ashoka's instructions, integrating Buddhism with the local culture.
28
How did the Indian caste system influence Sri Lanka?
The caste system, along with other Hindu elements, was transplanted to Sri Lanka by the Indian settlers, shaping some aspects of Sri Lankan society and culture.
29
What is the famous jade sculpture housed in a temple on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok?
The Emerald Buddha is a famous jade sculpture housed in a temple on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
29
What is one of the notable features of Wat Pho temple complex in Bangkok?
Wat Pho features a 150-foot reclining Buddha and serves as a training center for Thai massage.
29
What is the significance of Wat Arun in Bangkok?
Wat Arun, the "Temple of the Dawn," is known for its tall pagoda, which sparkles at dawn and sunset.
29
When is it traditionally claimed that Buddhism was introduced to Southeast Asia?
It is traditionally claimed that Buddhism was introduced to Southeast Asia in the 3rd century BCE when King Ashoka sent missionaries to the Mon people.
29
Which caste is accepted by the Siyam Nikaya in Sri Lanka?
The Siyam Nikaya, the most prestigious ordination lineage, only accepts members from the Goyigama caste, which is the equivalent of India's vaishyas.
29
When did Buddhism become established in Southeast Asia?
Buddhism began to consolidate its position in Southeast Asia from the 11th to the 15th century, and by the end of this period, Theravada was the majority religion in Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.
29
Which Sri Lankan nikaya accepts members regardless of caste?
The Ramanna Nikaya accepts members regardless of caste and was founded in the 19th century to promote reforms, including the elimination of caste restrictions.
30
What religious influences shaped the kingdoms of Southeast Asia before Buddhism became dominant?
The kingdoms were influenced by both Buddhism and Hinduism, with some temples, like Angkor Wat, originally dedicated to Hindu gods before being rededicated to Buddhism.
31
What features were common in early Southeast Asian Buddhist missionary efforts?
Early Southeast Asian Buddhist missionary efforts often included miracles and chanting to invoke blessings and protective powers, influenced by Vajrayana practices.
32
When did the kingdom of Pagan (Bagan) in Myanmar develop ties with Sri Lanka?
The kingdom of Pagan developed ties with Sri Lanka by the 11th century.
33
What form of Buddhism became dominant in Cambodia after the fifteenth century?
After the fifteenth century, Theravada Buddhism became well established in Cambodia.
33
What role did the Pali-language version of the Tripitaka play in Burma?
The Pali-language version of the Tripitaka became the official text in Burma, written in Burmese script, as part of Theravada's dominance.
34
How was Buddhism used in Cambodia during the twentieth-century "killing fields"?
During the "killing fields," all sides of the political spectrum, including the Communists, looked to Buddhism for legitimacy, often showing respect to bhikshus.
35
From where did the Thai people migrate into Southeast Asia?
The Thai people are believed to have migrated into Southeast Asia from southern China.
35
How did Thai monks play a role in spreading Theravada Buddhism in Thailand?
In the fifteenth century, Thai monks returning from Sri Lanka, where they were ordained in the Theravada tradition, gained favor with King Tiloraja of central Thailand.
35
What is the most famous temple in Angkor?
Angkor Wat, originally a Hindu Vishnu temple, is the most famous temple in Angkor and was later rededicated for Buddhist use.
35
What is the significance of Angkor as a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Angkor is an archaeological park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts up to 3 million tourists per year.
36
What is the Bayon temple known for?
The Bayon temple, built a century after Angkor Wat, was dedicated to the Buddha and features numerous faces carved into its towers.
36
What is Angkor and why is it significant?
Angkor is the region in northern Cambodia that was the core of the Khmer Empire, known for its hundreds of temples and shrines.
37
Who was King Mongkut, and what was his contribution to Thai Buddhism?
King Mongkut (Rama IV) (r. 1824–1851) was a former monk who reformed the Thai sangha and founded the Thammayut Nikaya, which set the tone for modern Theravada Buddhism in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
38
What was the Thammayut Nikaya, and how did it influence Buddhism in Southeast Asia?
The Thammayut Nikaya, founded by King Mongkut, was a Thai ordination lineage that adhered strictly to the dharma. It was later established in Cambodia in the 19th century.
38
Why do modern Thai kings spend time in monasteries?
Thai kings spend time in monasteries as part of their monastic training, which prepares them to serve as the lay head of the sangha and a guiding figure in Thai culture.
38
What reforms did King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) implement in the Thai sangha?
King Chulalongkorn (r. 1868–1910) unified the various nikayas under a central authority, standardized meditation and dharma instruction, and emphasized Pali language training for novices.
38
How did kings in Southeast Asia historically regulate Buddhist practice?
Kings in Burma, Cambodia, Siam, and Laos regulated Buddhism by establishing the Theravada ordination lineage as the norm, aligning their kingdoms with powerful Theravada traditions from Sri Lanka.
39
What happened to Buddhism in the island nations of Southeast Asia?
The island nations of Southeast Asia, such as Indonesia and Malaysia, became predominantly Muslim over the past five centuries, but Buddhist monuments like Borobudur still remain, and there is a Buddhist minority in Malaysia.
39
What is Buddha-puja?
Buddha-puja is a common Theravada ritual of respect for the Buddha, where Buddhists perform offerings, chant praise, and vow to follow the Five Precepts.
39
What influence did Thailand have on Buddhism in Laos?
While Sri Lankan bhikshus brought Theravada orthodoxy to Laos over 500 years ago, Thai Buddhism had a more significant influence due to linguistic, ethnic, and cultural similarities.
39
How did Buddhism evolve in Southeast Asia before the 15th century?
Before the 15th century, various Buddhist sects, including Mahayana and Vajrayana, competed for support in Southeast Asia, but by the 15th century, Theravada became dominant in most kingdoms.
39
What are the Five Precepts in Theravada Buddhism?
The Five Precepts are:
1.Refraining from taking life
2.Refraining from taking what is not given
3.Refraining from sensual misconduct
4.Refraining from wrong speech
5.Refraining from using intoxicants
39
What is the significance of merit-making rituals in Theravada Buddhism?
Merit-making rituals in Theravada Buddhism are designed to produce good karma. Two important rituals are giving alms to monks and the dana ceremony
39
What do Buddhists do on holy days in relation to the Five Precepts?
On holy days, lay Buddhists may vow to observe additional precepts beyond the Five Precepts.
39
How do lay people participate in the almsgiving ritual?
Lay people bring food from their homes and offer it to the monks in alms bowls while the monks remain silent, maintaining a tranquil state of mind.
39
What is almsgiving in Theravada Buddhism?
Almsgiving is a traditional practice where lay Buddhists offer food to monks, who silently make their rounds early in the morning, fostering respect and spiritual merit.
39
What is the almsgiving practice in Theravada Buddhism?
Almsgiving involves monks going on daily alms rounds to receive food from lay people, who offer food in silence and show respect by bowing or prostrating themselves. This practice is common in Thailand and has been revived in Sri Lanka.
39
What is the Dana ritual in Theravada Buddhism?
The Dana ritual involves giving food and necessities to the sangha, often held at temples or in homes to mark important occasions.
40
What happens during a Dana ceremony in a Sri Lankan home?
In a Dana ceremony, monks are greeted with foot washing, perform a Buddha-puja, chant from paritta scriptures, and engage in a merit transfer ritual. A sacred string is used to transfer merit to all beings.
41
How is merit transferred during a Dana ceremony?
After chanting, the merit accumulated by participants is transferred to all living beings, including ancestors, through a prayer and the symbolic act of holding a string connected to the Buddha image.
41
What is the significance of life-cycle rituals in Buddhism?
Buddhism does not have specific rituals for events like weddings or childhood, as it coexists with local traditions in different countries.
41
What is the process of a traditional Buddhist funeral in Sri Lanka?
A traditional Buddhist funeral includes a procession, ritual prayers, a water-pouring ceremony, and cremation, where the eldest son lights the pyre. If cremation is not possible, burial may occur.
41
What happens on the seventh day after a Buddhist’s death?
On the seventh day, a memorial dana is held at the deceased's home, with bhikshus chanting prayers and family members observing rituals.
41
How do Buddhist death rituals help with mourning?
Buddhist death rituals, including memorials, help the living remember happy moments with the deceased and provide comfort in the face of loss, reinforcing the impermanence of life.
41
What is the practice of Vipassana in Theravada Buddhism?
Vipassana is a form of mindfulness meditation where practitioners focus on their breath, bodily sensations, emotions, or relationships, aiming to live in a totally mindful way.
41
How is Vipassana meditation practiced?
Practitioners typically concentrate on the sensation of breath or the rising and falling of the abdomen, focusing their mind on the present moment rather than tracking their breath rate.
41
What is Vesak, and why is it important in Theravada Buddhism?
Vesak, or Buddha Day, celebrates three key events in the life of Shakyamuni: his birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana. It is celebrated on the full moon in the "rains" month.
42
How is Vesak celebrated in Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka, Buddhists travel to see special paintings of the Buddha's life, attend talks, and perform Buddha-pujas in celebration of Vesak.
