Buddhist meditation Flashcards
what does meditation mean?
a spiritual exercise that calms the mind and body and leads to the development of insight into the nature of existence
what do Buddhists do before meditating?
Buddhists may recite verses praising the three refuges. Therevada Buddhists it is customary to recite the five moral precepts
what does meditating involve?
meditating involves the practice of mindfulness of the body and breath.
what are the different types of meditation called and what do they involve?
Therevada Buddhists use Samatha meditation to develop calm and positive emotions and Vipassana meditation to develop understanding and wisdom.
why are there many types of meditations?
the purpose and how they may help in Buddhists trying to achieve enlightenment
1) loving-kindness meditation - aims to develop a sense of compassion towards oneself and others and let go of ill will and resentment. Helps to create a sense of calmness and positivity
2) Tibetan Buddhism, students are sometimes given part of Buddhist scriptures to learn by heart and go through 2 main stages: analytical stage think carefully about details of the teaching in the text, concentrated stage where they aim to fully understand the teaching
3) so many teachings need many different types of meditation to achieve and fulfill different purposes.
which form of meditation do you think is the most important for Buddhists to follow?
Vipassana meditation as if you develop understanding and wisdom you are following the eightfold path which is important for Theravada Buddhists to reach enlightenment
What are the aims of meditation?
The aims of meditation are to develop a still, calm, and focused mind. The second is to develop greater awareness and understanding of the Buddha’s teachings in order to gain a deeper insight into the nature of reality.
deeper insight naturally brings deeper compassion and less suffering and leads eventually to enlightenment.
Which aim of meditation do you think is most important for Buddhists to follow?
The most important aim of meditation is overcoming ignorance as in Buddhism ignorance is the main causation of all pain and suffering
“the root of all pain and suffering is ignorance.”
explain two forms of meditation and how they help Buddhist get closer to the Buddha’s teaching (4)
one form of meditation is Samatha meditation to develop calm and positive emotions. This brings Buddhists closer to overcoming the three poisons from their mind. A second form is vipassana meditation which is used to develop understanding and wisdom of Buddha’s teachings. (Brings Buddhist’s closer as it allows them to understand and follow the eightfold path of living between a life of indulgence and suffering. “the noble eightfold path leading to the cessation of suffering” )
Explain two teachings about the buddhas life of luxury. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Buddhist belief and teaching in your answer
1) when Buddha kept away in a palace away from suffering
2) Buddha saw the four sights
Places of worship are not important for Buddhists. Evaluate this statement. (12+3)
N/A
