Buddhism Test Flashcards
Where does the word “Buddhism” come from?
Comes from the Sanskrit word Budhi, meaning to wake up
What is the purpose of Buddhism?
To be awakened or enlightened about that which is real
Who is the Buddha?
Also known as the awakened one;!Siddhartha Gautama
Most traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices are largely based on the teachings of the Buddha
Buddha recognized as awakened or enlightened teacher who shared insights to help end their suffering through the elimination of ignorance and craving
How does one accomplish elimination of ignorance and craving?
Direct understanding and perception of the four noble truths
What are the four noble truths?
The teachings on these truths are regarded as central to the teachings of Buddhism. They explain the nature of Dukkha (suffering, anxiety, unsatisfactoriness), it’s causes and how it can be overcome.
What is the first noble truth?
The truth of the origin of Dukkha
It explains the nature of Dukkha, with the three following aspects:
the obvious suffering of physical and mental illness, growing old and dying
the anxiety or stress of trying to hold onto things that are constantly changing
a subtle dissatisfaction for all forms of life due to the fact that all forms of life are changing, and without any inner core or substance
What is the second noble truth?
The truth of the cessation of Dukkha. The origin of Dukkha can be known. Commonly explained as craving conditioned by ignorance. On a deeper level, the root cause of Dukkha is identified as ignorance of the true nature of things
What is the third noble truth? What is the fourth?
That the complete cessation of Dukkha is possible and the path to this cessation is to follow the noble eightfold path
What are the two major branches of Buddhism?
Theravada (the Way of the Elders); ultimate goal is the attainment of the sublime state of Nirvana, achieved by practicing the Noble Eightfold Path, thus escaping what is seen as a cycle for suffering and rebirth
Mahayana (the Great Vehicle); aspires to Buddhahood via the bodhisattva path, a state wherein one remains in this cycle to help other beings reach awakenings, despite reaching nirvana themselves
What are the differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism?
Beliefs
T: humans are individuals, key virtue is wisdom, religion is for monks, the ideal being is Arhat, Buddha is a saint
M: humans are involved with others, key virtue is compassion, religion also for lay person, ideal being is Bodhisattva, Buddha is a savior
Practices
T: pray through meditation
M: pray for requests
Scriptures
T: early scriptures in Pali
M: early scriptures in Sanskrit
What is a consistent aspect of all Buddhist schools?
The lack of any need to believe in a creator deity, or need even to address the question of such a deity at all
What are the three jewels?
Foundations of Buddhist tradition and practice
The Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings) and the Sangha (the community)
What is the Noble Eightfold Path?
- Right view
- Right thought
- Right speech
- Right conduct
- Right livelihood
- Right effort
- Right mindfulness
- Right concentration
What are the three characteristics of existence?
Annicca: the world is in constant flux and nothing stays the same for long
Dukkha: dissatisfaction, the idea that all humans and animals experience suffering
Anatta: no self, we cannot point to any one thing in ourselves that we can say is self
What is nirvana?
A state of supreme realization and enlightenment, an understanding of the truth of life and the freedom from ignorance
This results in the release from the endless cycle of rebirths
