Buddhism: Religious beliefs, values and teachings Flashcards

1
Q

Name the key event’s in the Buddha’s life

A
  • conception/birth
  • princely life
  • the four sights
  • life as an ascetic
  • enlightenment
  • founding of the sangha
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2
Q

Describe the Buddha’s conception/birth and princely life

A

conception/birth: queen Maya dreamt he would be holy or king. Earth trembled at birth, lotus flowers emerged with 1st steps, saying “this is the last birth”, “i alone am the world honoured one”
princely life: wealthy , married , had a son Rahula ‘ the one that fetters’. He never encountered suffering and never left the palace - sheltered life.

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3
Q

Describe the Four sights and his life as an ascetic

A
  • old man , sick man , dead man and holy man ( ascetic)
  • leaves his wife and son as Rahula was stopping him from solving the problem of suffering ( due to attachment)
  • ascetic life : learnt meditation and yoga (accessed jhanas, stage of meditation) - practised mortification
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4
Q

Describe his enlightenment and the founding of the Sangha.

A
  • meditated under a bodhi tree where mara tries to tempt him away from the path but fails.
  • allowed an understanding of previous lives and a way to end suffering.
  • discovered the dhamma
    Sangha:
  • -initially taught the 5 ascetics
  • teaches Buddhism to many + Buddhism grows
    -formulates the 4 noble truths and the eightfold path
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5
Q

Analyse the significance of the Buddha’s conception/birth

A

significant:
- the hagiographical elements of his birth sets him out as different / adds weight/ , allowing Buddhists to trust the Buddha’s example and teachings as a key religious figure
- biographical aspects also used to root it in history start of a real religion rather than mythology.
not significant:
- so hagiographical, yet buddha is not meant to be revered as a highly God/figure. ( his qualities may be too exaggerated)
- elements of his birth have been ‘improved’ after Buddhist traders returned from middle east with stories of birth of Jesus
- aspects of the birth story tracks back to Hindu scriptures and the birth of Indra

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6
Q

Analyse the significance of the Buddha’s princely life

A
  • allowed him to experience an extreme position - leading to the middle way - which acts as a foundation for Buddhist practice in the Sangha.
  • having never experienced suffering , it it much more profound when he does , with a desire to act.
    not significant:
  • it is not relevant to modern Buddhists today as luxury is not experienced by a majority of people.
  • accentuated later experiences rather than directly informed key teachings
  • hagiographical - impossible to not have experienced suffering at all.
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7
Q

Analyse the significance of the four sights to Buddhists today

A

sign:
- turning point in buddha’s life +his search for enlightenment
- they symbolize the awakening of Siddhartha Gautama to the fundamental truths of existence - of impermanence and suffering ( trigger to enlightenment)
- ascetic : sight of the ascetic monk inspired Siddhartha to pursue a path of renunciation and spiritual practice.
- P. HARVEY- “his renunciation of family life stands as a symbolic precedent for the monastic life of Buddhist monks and nuns” - link to Theravada
insignificant:
-D. Side- ‘It is unlikely that the Buddha actually witnessed the Four Signs in this literal way, and hard to believe that he would have been as naïve as the story portrays him’. - may be symbolic rather than literal ( i.e his sheltering from suffering may be symbolic of human’s inability to truly recognise the suffering in this world’

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8
Q

Analyse the significance of the Buddha’s life as an ascetic

A

significant:
- led to the discovery of the Middle way
- his renunciation of worldly pleasures demonstrated the importance of detachment and the transient nature of worldly existence ( anicca)
- (renouncing family)- also lays foundation for monastic lifestyle
- engaged in austere practices such as fasting, self-mortification, and meditation, in search of enlightenment
CA: While it contributed to his personal development and eventual enlightenment, the specific practices of asceticism are not central to the fundamental doctrines of Buddhism. ( not relevant to Buddhists today) and are specific to the cultural and historical context)
insignificant:
- eventually rejected the ascetic life
-self mortification meant he had many years of recovery before he was able to properly pursue enlightenment again)

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9
Q

Analyse the significance of the Buddha’s enlightenment

A

significant:
- The discovers the dhamma (the ultimate truth of reality) CA: the dhamma has always existed and would have eventually been discovered.
R: According to the principle of paticca-samupadda , the discovery and realization of the Dhamma are contingent upon specific causes and conditions, thus it cannot be assumed that someone else would inevitably discover the Dhamma.
- first account of someone reaching enlightenment.
- his experience with Mara leads to an understanding that suffering is driven by the 3 poisons (can learn to overcome, escape samsara, reach enlightenment)
-leads to the formation of the 4 noble truths and greater understanding about rebirth
insignificant:
- story of Mara is a dramatization. Hagiographical elements reduce our ability to relate to the Buddha.
CA: whether fiction or real , the morals and teachings remain the same. Desire exists in this world and one should refrain from engaging with it.
- Buddhism places a strong emphasis on direct personal experience as the basis for understanding and realization. While the Buddha’s enlightenment serves as an example, its significance lies in its ability to inspire practitioners to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and awakening. The Buddha himself encouraged his followers to test his teachings through their own experience and not to accept them blindly.

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10
Q

Analyse the significance of the founding of the Sangha

A

significant:
- preserves the Buddha’s teachings. Following the Buddha’s enlightenment, he initiated the Sangha by ordaining his first five disciples who played a crucial role in memorizing, and passing down the Buddha’s teachings orally.
CA: these teachings could have been adapted/ influenced over time by cultural contexts.
- The Sangha serves as a living embodiment of Buddhist principles and values. Members of the Sangha inspire lay practitioners and provide a tangible example of the path to liberation.
insignificant:
- Critiques of Institutional Buddhism: issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and sectarianism within monastic communities. Instances of misconduct among Buddhist clergy can lead to disillusionment and scepticism among some practitioners, potentially diminishing the perceived significance of the founding of the Sangha as a symbol of purity and spiritual integrity.
Scholar: Stephen Batchelor critiques the hierarchical structure and dogmatism in traditional Buddhism , advocating for a more flexible and humanistic interpretation of Buddhist principles.

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11
Q

Give scholar views on the Buddha’s birth/conception , princely life, four sights

A

David Drewes:
- the idea of the historical Buddha was a key claim of early Buddhologist but the evidence was never materialised. “ If we wish to present early Buddhism in a manner that accords with the standards of scientific , empirical inquires , it is necessary to acknowledge that the Buddha belongs to (a) group (of mythological personages”
Alexander Wynne:
- examined the wealth of evidence that the Buddha
- he argues that given the likelihood of the Buddha’s existence , Drewes needs to provide proof that he is merely a fantasy of the ‘orientalist imagination’.
- ‘ by adducing the relevant facts (…) we build up a general picture which proves that the Buddha did indeed exist.”
Sermon at Benares:
- “ A middle path , O bhikkhus avoiding the two extremes , has been discovered - a path which opens the eyes “

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12
Q

Give scholar views on the Buddha’s life as an ascetic , enlightenment and founding of the sangha

A

Thich Nhat Hanh
- “ my teaching is not a philosophy. It is the result of direct experience”
- reinstates the significance of the Buddha’s experiences and ultimately his enlightenment, for the dhamma.
Paul Harrison:
- “ I think it’s fair to say that Buddhism has more scripture that any other religion tradition”
“ Unfortunately we have no independent confirmation of his life. We only have the words of his followers to go on”
Bhikku u Thittia
enlightenment: “ as a man prince Gotama , by his own will and wisdom attained Buddhahood - highest possible state of perfection.
Ascetic life: “ realising the futility of self mortification , he finally decided to follow a different course.

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13
Q

Outline the religious context in India at the time of the Buddha

A
  • 2500-1500 BCE- The Indus river valley civilisation developed and flourished. Evidence of early hindu practice. Religion was a private matter
  • 1600-1400 BCE- The Aryan warrior culture conquers. Brings the sanskrit language, major influences on development of hinduism. Brought vedic culture. No central god but many gods related to natural forces. Sacrifice of animals
  • 1500-1200 BCE- Vedic age in which Rig Veda is written
  • 100-300 BCE- The Brahmanas and Vpanishads are written and added to the original vedas
  • 600-500 BCE- Modern hinduism - the age of protest and buddhism and jainism break away from the main flow of hinduism. Jainism and buddhism begin as ascetic religions, growing out of disagreement with the hierarchy and caste structure associated with the vedic and hindu religions
  • folk religions - around throughout entire timeline
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14
Q

Outline the belief of the Aryans ( 1600-1400 BCE)

A
  • Aryans brought with them a hierarchical structure ( caste system) pur forward in the Rig Veda.
  • believed their soical structure was a part of the order of the universe and not man-made due to the Veda recording universal and timeless truths ( this is why it is still present in Modern India)
  • In the -Hymn of cosmic man (Purusha Sukta), the universe is said to have been made by a huge male figure, compared to a cosmic man.
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15
Q

Outline key concepts within Hinduism ( 600-500BCE)

identify those buddhist thought stole

A
  • the goal is the union of the soul (atman) with the universal Brahman
  • **methods to reach this union include meditiation , contemplation of nature, yoga and reflective reasoning
  • reincarnation and kamma**
  • belief in ahimsa

ideas buddhism stole from hinduism

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16
Q

Outline the key concepts within Jainism

identify those buddhist thought stole

A
  • austere ascetism/ discipline - aim was to free soul from physical bonds ( buddhism rejectects these dualist ideas)
  • everything has a jiva , which makes it unique
  • **kamma **is based purely on actions not intentions.
  • a religion which does not seek to convert
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17
Q

Assess the impact of other religions on Buddhism

A

for: ( impact)
- karma being itnention focused ( hinduism/jainism)
- escape suffering/cycle of samsara
- principle of ahimsa
- suffeering is caused by igorance
against: (impact)
-reject caste system
-reject animal sacrifices
-reject soul/eternal part
-natural forces
-authority of vedic scriptures
-extreme asceticism
-magic (devalued folk religions, not fully rejected)
-materialism

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18
Q

Give the 4 Noble Truths

A

1) dukkha- suffering exists
2) Samudaya- there is a cause of suffering
3) Nirodha- there is a cure to suffering
4) Magga- the path away from suffering

Buddhists use the analogy of the doctor who diagnose , find the cause an

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19
Q

Describe the First Noble Truth. Include quote

A

dukkha may be vieweed in 3 parts :
1. dukkha-dukkha - ordinary suffering
2. viparinama-dukkha- suffering caused by change
3. sankhara-dukkha- suffering as a result of being human and dissatisfied with life.
“i teach suffering , its origin , cessation and path. That’s all I teach” Buddha

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20
Q

Outline Walpola Rahula’s views on Buddhism.

A

“buddhism is neither pessimistic nor optimistic. If anything it is realistic, for it takes a realistic view of life and the world.”
“It tells you exactly and objectively what you are and what the world around you is, and shows you the way to perfect freedom, peace, tranquillity and happiness”

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21
Q

Briefly describe the story of Kisa Gotami and what it teaches.

A

The Story of Kisa Gotami
- She had lost her son and was overcome by grief; she visited the Buddha where he told her to find a mustard seed where no one had experienced suffering , she was not able to.
- This shows the universality of suffering and how we should strive to overcome it.
- It demonstrates that no one can be free from suffering as she could not find anyone who had not been touched by grief.

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22
Q

Describe the Second Noble Truth. Include quote.

A
  • The Buddha taught that the root of all suffering is tanha (desire) , which is found in the three poisons.
  • The three poisons refer to Greed and Desire ( rooster), Ignorance or delusion ( Pig), Hatred ( snake).
  • ## ’ bhikkhus all is burning… burning with the fire of craving, the fire of hate , the fire of delusion’. This states that suffering comes from lust, hatred and delusion which is fuelling the ‘ fire’ of suffering. Therefore we should recognise our dependence on these emotions and strive to ‘ put out the fire’ by eliminating the three poisons.
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23
Q

Name the different types of tanha

A
  • kama-tanha- craving for bodily and sense pleasures (synoptic link- stoics, pythagoreans, catholic monks and nuns)
  • bhava tanha- craving to have or to be, e.g. endless wanting to have wealth or to be famous
  • vibhava tanha- craving to not have or not be in pain, to avoid all difficulties or people we find troublesome
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24
Q

Describe the Cycle of Samsara

A
  • Yama: the Monster of Impermanence. The beings he holds are trapped in eternal suffering by their ignorance of the nature of the universe.
  • Realm of Gods: long and pleasure- filled loves unable to revognise sufffering.
  • demi-Gods: marked by paranoia. Driven by a desire to beat their competition.
  • The Hungry Ghosts: trapped by their over-attachment to the world; unfulfilled desires.
  • Hell Realm: marked by anger , terror and claustrophobia. Hell beings are subject to pain and torment.
  • Niddans: show the cyclical nature and the interconnectedness of life.
  • animal realm: marked by ignorance and complacency.
  • realm of humans: marked by questioning and curiosity. Dhamma is available, only realm where enlightenment can occur.
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25
Q

Describe the Third Noble Truth ; Nirodha

nirodha ( there is a cure to suffering - achieving enlightenment)

A
  • there is a possibility of being liberated from suffering (detachment)
  • liberation is a state of mind rather than some heavenly realm. ( Pure Land Buddhists beleive that is is physical place ; united with the Buddha Amitabha).
  • Snelling says that to describe nibbana in words ‘ would be like to describe the colour red to a blind person”
  • ## TIB it lies wholly outside of our normal sense experience so we must come to it through direct insight - which the Buddha has taught us..
26
Q

Outline scholarly views on nibbana.

A

Peter Harvey:
- nibbanic consciousness is said to be “ objectless”, infinite , unsupported” and non-manifestive , as well as “beyond time” ( hence the use of metaphors)
Rune Johnson:
- also argued that nibbana could be seen as a transformed state of mine - gaining understanding on the nature of life.
Edward Cohze:
- “ Invisible infinite consciousness, which shines everywhere”
C.Lindter:
- “ a place one can actually go to. It is called nirvandhatu…As opposed to this world, it is a pleasant place to be in.
- Generally , there has been a shift from nibbana as a physical place to a mental state , potentially to fit in with secularism and move away from Abrahamic beliefs.

27
Q

Outline definitions of nibbana from the Dhamma

A

” It is the complete cessation of that very thirst , giving it up (…) detachment from it”
- the thirst refers to tanha, and abandoning it, is the cessation of suffering which hinders enlightenment
- “ O bhikkus what is absolute? It is, O bhikkus , the extinction of desire , the extinction of hatred and illusion.”

28
Q

Describe the Fourth Noble Truth ( Magga)

A
  • Path away from suffering through the Eightfold Path
  • right speech , livelihood, action , intention , effort, concentration, view , mindfulness.
    Bhikku Bodhi:
  • ” without the path the dhamma would just be a shell , a collection of doctrines without inner life , wihtout the path ,full deliverance from suffering would become a mere dream”
    D.Keown:
  • the practice of the eightfold path is a kind of modelling process : the eight factors reveal how a Buddha would live , and by living like a Buddha one gradually becomes one”

a path of self transformation ; synoptic link; non-volitional conversions ( religios experience) , NML outlines 5 precepts similar to Eightfold Path

29
Q

Outline the purpose of the Eightfold Path

A
  • cultivate positive karma- positive rebirth
  • self transformation- overcome 3 poisons + detachment
  • access jhanas (right mindfulness, concentration), accessing dhamma, ultimate truth
  • practical guideline on how to detach rather than simply theoretical.
30
Q

Outline the Three Fold Way

A

Moral Discipline (Sila):
- right speech
- right action
- right livelihood
Meditation (Samadhi):
- right effort
- right mindfulness
- right concentration
Wisdom (Panna):
- right view
- right intention/attitude

31
Q
A
32
Q

How is the Three Fold way connected?

A
  • wisdom needed to access jhanas for meditation
  • wisdom is needed for morality ( right view is needed to know how to behave , right intention is needed to decide your actions.
    -Vipissana Meditation is practiced to gain insight into the Dhamma.
  • meditating on the dhamma cultivate better actions - metta-bhavana meditation.
  • morality (right action) when practicing MEDITATION frequently results in higher jhanas being achieved
33
Q

Analyse the claim that as long as the fourth Noble Truth is understood , a Buddhist has all they need (20) Argue in favour

A

For:
- provides practical wisdom on how to achieve enlightenment - Bhikku Bodhi “ The dhamma would just be a shell”
- follows the example of the Buddha - D Keaun : by living like a Buddha one gradually becomes one.
CA: Buddha should not be revvered figure. His historical status shows us enlightenment is possible , but not the perfect path.
- allows you to extinguish the Three Poisons.
CA: one needs an understanding of this in order to leave it.

34
Q

Analyse the claim that as long as the fourth Noble Truth is understood , a Buddhist has all they need (20) Argue against.

A
  • in order to understand the relevance and significance of the 4NT we need to place it in the context of the problem faced.
  • need to understand cause to apply practically ( right action = no three poisons)
  • the 4th NT is very subjective: does not give clear specifics as to how to behave
  • you also need 5 precepts CA: upaya illustrates that there are times where these precepts can be broken ( thus no absolute path to nibbana)
35
Q

Give the Three Marks of Existence.

A

1) Dukkha- suffering
2) Anicca- impermanence
3) Anatta- no self or no soul

36
Q

Give key aspects of Dukkha as a mark of existence and how does it contrast from the Abrahamic Faith.

A
  • dukkha includes physical , emotional and mental pain.
  • By confronting Dukkha directly and understanding its roots, individuals can cultivate wisdom (Panna) and develop the inner qualities necessary for liberation.
  • the Abrahamic Faiths speak about human identity as based in the existence of the soul or self - Ecclesiastes 12:7 “ And the dust returns to the Earth as it was , and the spirit returns to God who gave it” whereas “ The Buddhist path is fundamentally a process of learning to recognise this esssential nonexistence of the self , while seeking to help other sentient beings to recognise it as well” - Nicholas Vreeland.
37
Q

Give key aspects of Annica as a mark of existence

A
  • ” all compounded things are impermanent” - Buddha
  • this does not necessarily line up with out experience as some things seem to be eternal e.g. molecules.
  • accepting impermanence would facilitate detachment from wordly objects which in turn extinguishes the three poisons (tanha)
  • there are two types of change : gross and momentary ( visible physical changes and small scale and invisible changes.

**refers to objects that can’t be broken down i.e. trees, clouds **

38
Q

Give key aspects of Anatta as a mark of existence

A
  • the Buddha taught that we are not an autonomous , integral entity but a by-product of the five khandas
  • realising this loosens our clinging to thoughts , ideas , emotions and the idea of a ‘ real you’
  • interaction in the world becomes more fluid and dynamic
    • Bduddha taught that the body / thoughts / emotions are in constant change thus are not the self
  • Theravada : an individual’s ego or personality is a delusion and once freed , they can enjoy nibbana
  • ## Mahayana: all physical forms to be void of intridic self ( sunatta = emptiness) all beings enlightened together because we aren’t really separated autnonomous beings.
39
Q

Assess the idea that favouring the four noble truths is the essence of Buddhism. Argue in favour

A
  • **explains path to enlightenment **(both Mahayana and Theravada buddhists- few main teachings that are shared whole heartedly between the 2 denominations)
  • the 4 noble truths provides practical framework for achieving enlightenment - Bodhi “without the 8 fold path, the dhamma is just a shell.
  • it encompasses many of the other teachings
    -”i teach one thing and one thing only, suffering and the cessation of suffering”
  • these were his first teachings to the ascetics , to him this is the fundamental truth of Buddhism.
  • Four Noble Truths offer a pragmatic path that can be applied directly to one’s life to alleviate suffering and cultivate happiness.
  • they serve as a foundation upon which other teachings, such as the Eightfold Path, the Three Marks of Existence, are built. By understanding and practicing the Four Noble Truths, individuals can integrate them into their journey to enlightenment

CA ON F39

40
Q

Assess the idea that favouring the four noble truths is the essence of Buddhism. Argue against

A
  • one is free to reject the Buddha’s path if it does not work for you and adopt another
  • Buddhism is not dogmatic and offers relative approaches to achieving enlightenment which is demonstrated by the variations in attaning nibbana within different denominations
  • .E.g the cultivation of compassion, the study of emptiness, the use of skillful means. By recognizing the diversity of paths within Buddhism, practitioners can choose the approach that resonates most deeply with their individual dispositions and aspirations.
41
Q

Define Sunatta

A
  • There is existence, but empty of intrinsic value (e.g. a toaster is just a collection of parts)
  • it is a Mahayana concept
42
Q

What is an arahant?

A
  • One who has attained the goal of enlightenment using the teachings of others.
  • they are not reborn and do not accumulate kamma.
43
Q

Define kamma.

A
  • literal translation = action or doing
  • specific - only a volitional action
  • kamma does not refer to moral justice as that usually arises out of the conception of a supreme being,
  • “The term justice is ambiguous and dangerous, and in its name more harm than good is done to humanity” - Rahula
  • the effects of a volitional action may continue to manifest themselves even in a life after death.
44
Q

Explain a Buddhists view of life after death.

A
  • “What passes from existence to existence is not a permanent, stable, eternal and unchanging soul (which is nowhere to be found), but a series of five transitory, suffering and impersonal aggregates, ever subject to change and re-birth” Etienne Lamotte
  • rejects reincarnation due to the non-belief in an essence/ soul but rather in rebirth.
  • believes that the kammic accumulations will condition a new birth and this will have a casual connection between the previous life and another.
  • ‘Our fascination with the ongoing drama obscures the true nature of what is happening’ is that it could be said as much for life as for a film script. Snelling .
  • example of the flame that is passed from one candle to others. It is not exactly the same flame that carries on down the line, but it is not a different one either. -
45
Q

Give scholars views on the ThreeFold Way.

A

Buddhadasa Bhikku:
- Training in morality is simply elementary preparatory practice, which enables us to live happily and helps stabilise the mind. Morality yields various benefits, the most important being the preparing of the way for concentration.
- He regarded morality as primarily a means of inducing and developing concentration. As long as things continue to disturb the mind, it can never become concentrated.
-Bhikkhu Bodhi
- The eight factors of the path are always accessible to us; they are mental components which can be established in the mind simply through determination and effort.
- The only requirements for reaching the final goal are two: to start and to continue.
- all equally important as each other

Peter Vredeveld
- According to the Buddhist tradition of Theravada Schools and Chinese Buddhist Schools, the Noble Eightfold Path or Middle Way was discovered by Lord Buddha when he was trying to achieve Enlightenment.
- They can lead to self-awakening and liberation from worldly suffering and pain

-Buddha & Piyadassi Thera
“Virtue, and concentration, wisdom, supreme freedom,
These things the Illustrious Gotama realised. “
“ And what four? Virtue, Concentration, Wisdom and Deliverance. But when these four things, O monks are understood and penetrated, rooted out is the craving for existence, destroyed is that which leads to renewed becoming, and there is no more coming to be.”

46
Q

Outline the parable of the Nagasena and the Chariot and explain.

A
  • Nagasena teaches Milinda, the king, we have no soul/self or permanent individuality through an example of a chariot surmising that we are no different as a collection of parts - 5 khandas- with just a name).
  • He refutes the idea of nihilism and nothing by our ability to feel emotions, dukkha (suffering)
    (teaches dukkha, anicca, anatta)
  • “There is no permanent individuality (No soul) involved in the matter”
47
Q

Evaluate the significance of anicca as central to the three marks of existence. In favour

A
  • can only understand suffering when making the realisation that they are impermanent. It is a foundational principle.
    “It is because of the fact that things are impermanent they are also dukkha”- Harvey
    It is what motivates one to escape suffering (reach enlightenment) .
    C.A. dukkha key concept explored by buddha, question that he asked at start of enlightenment and cessation of suffering is key goal for all Buddhists “i teach one thing and one thing only, suffering and the cessation of suffering”
    R-”it is because of the fact that things are impermanent that they are also dukkha…because they are impermanent and unsatisfactory”- P. Harvey, root to all suffering is result of impermanence, unless we understand that this is nature of all things, we will suffer and continue to as seems no way out
    -”impermanent, subject to change…strive on with heedfulness!” -final admonition of the buddha to his disciples
  • Insight into impermanence is considered essential for attaining liberation from suffering. The realization that nothing in the world is permanent or stable leads to a profound shift in perspective, freeing individuals from unrealistic expectations and desires.
  • -”all compound things are impermanent” - once understood this, able to detach from material things, therefore overcome 3 poisons, key to enlightenment, ultimate goal
    “The perceiving of impermanence, bhikkhus, developed and frequently practised, removes all sensual passion” - Assutava Sutta
    “Impermanent, subject to change, are component things. Strive on with heedfulness!”
    C.A.- all so closely interlinked, cannot rank them (e..g suffer as cling to self/soul and not recognising things impermanent) anicca, anatta ways to explain and help others understand dukkha, overcome dukkha must understand them
    R-anicca enlarges Buddhist view of enlightenment
    “Change and impermanence are fundamental teachings of everything, bar nibbana”- P, Harvey, gives buddhists incentive to seek overcoming dukkha following enlightenment
    Greater understanding of impermanence drives buddhist to enlightenment “one will never be truly be happy until one is enlightened”
48
Q

Evaluate the significance of dukkha as central to the three marks of existence. Argue in favour .

A
  • If dukkha is not properly recognised that can lead to ignorance , and dismissal of the dhamma. leading to the three poisons ( caused by dukkha ) which feeds the cycle of samsara - causing the cyclical nature of existence.
  • escaping dukkha seen and has been ultimate goal of buddha, other marks of existence later discovered . (dukkha overwhelmingly known)
    ‘One will never truly be happy until one is enlightened”- Sangharakshita
  • dukkha is universal and can be experienced and related to e.g. the four sights which caused the Buddha to discover the Middle Way , whereas other marks of existence require deep thought and understanding.
  • I teach only suffering and the cessation of suffering. Dukkha serves as the starting point of the Buddha’s teachings , highlighting the pervasive nature of suffering in life.
    CA: focus on suffering leads to a pessimistic world view . Thich Nhat Hanh emphasises , instead, the importance of recognising joy and peace amidist suffering.
    R: Walpola Rahula- “Buddhism is neither pessimistic nor optimistic. If anything it is realistic, for it takes a realistic view of life and the world.”
49
Q

Evaluate the significance of anatta as central to the three marks of existence. Argue in favour .

A
  • Explains the human condition, linking to concept of desire and 5 khandas.
    “The teaching of anatta is not just an interesting piece of Buddhist philosophy, but a vital necessity for Buddhist salvation”- D. Cush
    Nagasena and the chariot
    C.A.- anicca central to understand anatta (belief in anicca leads to rejection of self as a belief in soul is craving for permanent existence, but we have no permanent self)
  • “There is no primary substance to remain constant” - Rupert Gethin
  • understanding impermanence is essential to grasp anatta “the Buddhist path is fundamentally a process of learning to recognize the essential nonexistence of the self, while seeking to help other sentient beings to recognize it as well”- Nicholas Vreeland
  • anatta highlights the interconnected nature of all phenomena, fostering compassion and empathy. Jack Kornfield emphasises how realising the lack of a fixed self leads to a deeper understanding of paticca-samupadda of existence
50
Q

Give the 5 khandas in Pali and English

A

-physical form/matter (rupa)- 5 basic sense organs
-feeling or sensations (vedana)- pleasant, unpleasant , neutral - sense organs and mind
-perception (sanna)- recognition of object by picking up distinctive features
-mental formations (sankhara)- willed activities of the mind
-consciousness (vinnana)- simple awareness, not recognition of an object

51
Q
A
  • Snelling “consciousness is certainly not a kind of omnipresent mind- substance that registers impressions while existing independently of them “ (does not always exist, paticca-samuppada, anicca)
  • view held by Sati, Fishermen’s son “there is no arising of consciousness without conditions”- buddha
52
Q

what are the 4 conditions necessary for existence and continuity of beings:

A
  • ordinary material food
  • contact of our sense organs
  • consciousness
  • mental volition /will (to live, continue, more and more)
    Issue with the last condition : creates root of existence and continuity, striving forward by way of good and bad actions
53
Q

Outline the link between the 5 khandas and suffering

A

Rahula:
-the root of dukkha lies within humanity and thus so does the cure. To overcome dukkha we need to understand we are just a collection of parts .
- ‘ germ of the arising of dukkha is within dukkha itself and not outside’

54
Q

What are the implications of the 5 khandas?

A
  • identity made up of 5 seperate elements, this suggests that there is no soul as a soul is permanent and 5 khandas are impermanent.
  • 5 khndas are constantly shifting , so suffering is inevitable.
55
Q

What is the relationship between paticca-sammupadda and cycle of samsara?

A
  • samsara is perpetuated by a chain of interconnected links of cause and effect ( karma).
  • Karma drives rebirth ( positive kamma = positive rebirth)
56
Q

‘Kamma is important for enlightenment’ Argue for.

A
  • it determines the realm that you are reborn into. “ if you want to know your past life , look into iur present condition; if you want to know your future life, look at your present actions”. Buddha
  • ultimate aim is to overcome suffering. Through karma , one is given liberation from suffering due to the accumulation of positive acts and intentions. - Link to Eightfold Path.
  • Mahayana Buddhists beleive it is significant , to the extent where Buddhists pray to Bodhisattvas to transfer merit out of compassion.
  • karma underpins many teachings in buddhism. CA: Moral paths such as 8 fold path , 3 fold path, 6 perfections are followed for enlightenment , karma is merely by-product. Its the qualtiies generated in the pursuit of kamma that matter not kamma itself.
  • understanding of kamma provides motvation to develop oneself bc the path to liberation from samsara can be undestood. - Highlights the Buddhists the control they have over their own destiny.
  • particularly important to lay Buddhists in theravada school of Buddhism bc they are not thought to have a chance of reaching nibbana in this life but could put themselves in a better position through rebirth.
57
Q

‘Kamma is important for enlightenment’ Argue against.

A
  • karma does not directly lead to enlightenment. Morality is counterpart to Meditation and Wisdom.
  • dhammapada “our life is shaped by our mind, we become what we think” - importance of other parts of the threefold way.
  • The practice of Vipassana (insight meditation) or Zazen (seated meditation) focuses on seeing things as they really are, potentially leading to enlightenment regardless of one’s kamma
  • could be uderstood as a sort of spiritaual materialism - when kamma is used to rationalise opression, birth , handicap etc.
58
Q

What are the three refuges?

or the three jewels

A
  • buddha
  • dhamma (teachings)
  • sangha ( buddhist community)
  • When one becomes a Buddhist, state 3 times:
  • “I take refuge in the dhamma, sangha , buddha”

its a Mahayana chant before meditation

59
Q

What is a refuge?

A
  • ” One is one’s own master’ - Dhammapada
  • Rinpoche: Buddhists see themselves as their own “refugees” from samsara , taking refuge they are trying to make their new home nibbana
  • “Be a refuge unto yourself”
  • “Do this not out of reverence of me” - Buddha.
  • shows us the way, 3 refuges real understanding within oneself
60
Q

Give ways which Buddhists take refuge.

A
  • shrine room ; chant , offerings (candles, incense. flowers.
  • formal ceremony when becoming Buddhists for taking refuge, but is not soley a singular event , which is preferably twice a day.
  • “the concept of taking refuge is fundamental in Buddhism…it’s connected with..