Buddhist Metalanguage Flashcards
To develop preliminary understanding of Buddhism
Siddhartha Gautama
The young prince who was destined to become a great religious leader or significant figure. Despite, attempts of his father deterring him from becoming a religious leader and steering towards a warrior, Gautama became the Buddha (enlightened one).
Four sights or signs
The four sights seen outside of the walls of the palace that led to Gautama's search to end suffering: 1- Ageing 2- Sickness/disease 3- Death 4- Poverty
Suffering (Dukkha)
The understanding that pain exists and humans are entrapped by pain in the world caused by desire (Tanha)
Impermanence (Anicca)
The understanding that the world and things in the world will come to an end and change form
Middle Way
The balance between desire, indulgence and asceticism - this is found in the Eightfold Path
Bodhi Tree
The tree that is found sacred by Buddhists because the Buddha had reached enlightenment sitting underneath it while meditating.
Enlightenment (Nirvana)
The state of bliss, tranquility and free from the cycle of life (Samsara)
Buddha
The leader or teacher of Buddhism
Four Noble Truths
The teachings of the Buddha that reflect the
Samsara
The cycle of life that Buddhists are trapped and constraint by and aim to break in order to reach Nirvana
Karma
Direct consequences of actions - either positive or negative, however to break free from Samsara Buddhists benefit most from actions that generate positive karma
Sangha
A council of the Buddhist monastic order
Dharma
Teachings of the Buddha
Bhikkus
Buddhist male monks
Bhikkunis
Buddhist female nuns
