Buddhist Key Terms

Question 1

Amitabha Buddha

Answer 1

The Buddha worshipped by Pure Land Buddhists

Question 2

Anatta

Answer 2

The idea that people don’t have a fixed self or soul

Question 3

Anicca

Answer 3

Impermanence

Question 4

Arhat

Answer 4

For Theravada Buddhists, someone who has become enlightened

Question 5

Ascetic

Answer 5

Living a life with no luxuries

Question 6

Bodhisvatta

Answer 6

Mahay and Buddhists - someone who is enlightened but in the cycle of Samsara to help others

Question 7

Buddha

Answer 7

A title to someone who is enlightened; Siddhartha Gautama

Question 8

Buddha rupa

Answer 8

A statue of Buddha

Question 9

Buddhahood

Answer 9

When someone becomes a Buddha

Question 10

Buddha-nature

Answer 10

Everyone has Buddha’s essence in them

Question 11

Chanting

Answer 11

Reciting from Buddhist scripture

Question 12

Dependent arising

Answer 12

Idea that all things arise in dependence upon conditions

Question 13

Dharma/Dhamma

Answer 13

Buddha’s teachings

Question 14

Dukkah

Answer 14

First noble truth: suffering

Question 15

Engaged Buddhism

Answer 15

Applying teachings to matters of social and environmental injustice.

Question 16

Enlightenment

Answer 16

Gaining true knowledge; awakening

Question 17

Ethics (sila)

Answer 17

Section of Threefold Way that emphasises the importance of skilful actions for spiritual progression.

Question 18

Festival

Answer 18

A day or period of celebration for religious reasons

Question 19

Gompa

Answer 19

Hall/building where Tibetan Buddhists meditate

Question 20

Greed

Answer 20

Selfish desire for something

Question 21

Jataka

Answer 21

Tales/popular stories about the life of the Buddha