Buddhism: The Buddha

Question 1

Siddhartha Gautama

Answer 1

A prince of the Shakya clan in present-day Nepal who later became the Buddha after attaining enlightenment. He renounced his life of luxury to seek an end to suffering, eventually founding Buddhism

Question 2

Buddha

Answer 2

Means “The Enlightened One” or “The Awakened One.” It refers to Siddhartha Gautama after he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, realizing the truth of suffering and the path to its cessation

Question 3

500 BCE

Answer 3

Marks the approximate period during which Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, lived, attained enlightenment, and began spreading his teachings. This is seen as the beginning of Buddhism

Question 4

Birth Story

Answer 4

According to Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama was born to Queen Maya in Lumbini, Nepal. His birth was miraculous–he was said to have taken seven steps immediately after birth, and lotus flowers bloomed where he stepped. A prophecy foretold that he would become either a great king or a spiritual leader

Question 5

Lotus Flower

Answer 5

In Buddhism, it symbolizes purity, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment, as it rises from the muddy waters to bloom beautifully, untouched by the impurities around it

Question 6

4 Sights

Answer 6

Refers to the encounters Siddhartha had with an old man, a sick person, a corpse, and an ascetic. These experiences revealed to him the realities of aging, sickness, death, and the possibility of spiritual liberation

Question 7

Great Renunciation

Answer 7

Refers to the event when Siddhartha Gautama left his palace, family, and luxurious life in search of spiritual understanding and a solution to human suffering

Question 8

Ascetism (Buddhism)

Answer 8

A practice of severe self-discipline and renunciation of physical pleasures. Siddhartha practiced extreme asceticism for several years, hoping it would lead to enlightenment, but eventually realized it was not the path to spiritual liberation

Question 9

Middle Path

Answer 9

Also known as the Middle Way, is the Buddhist teaching that enlightenment is found by avoiding the extremes of indulgence and ascetism, instead pursuing a balanced and moderate approach to life

Question 10

Bodhi Tree

Answer 10

The sacred fig tree under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. It is located in Bodh Gaya, India

Question 11

Bodh Gaya

Answer 11

A sacred site in India where Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree. It is one of the four main pilgrimage sites in Buddhism

Question 12

Nirvana

Answer 12

The ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the cessation of suffering, the end of the cycle of rebirth (samsara), and the attainment of a state of peace, bliss, and liberation from all desires and attachments

Question 13

Three Treasures (Three Refuges)

Answer 13

They are the Buddha (the enlightened one), the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community of monks and nuns). Buddhists take refuge in these three as a commitment to their spiritual path

Question 14

Turning the Wheel

Answer 14

Refers to the Buddha’s first sermon at Deer Park in Sarnath, where he taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path for the first time. This moment is considered the beginning of the Buddha’s teaching career

Question 15

Deer Park/Sarnath

Answer 15

The site where Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, outlining the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path

Question 16

Jatakas

Answer 16

A collection of stories about the previous lives of the Buddha, illustrating his moral and spiritual development across multiple lifetimes as her perfected the virtues necessary for enlightenment