Buddhist Practices

Question 1

What is Wesak?

Answer 1

The Buddhas birthday

Question 2

What happens during Wesak and what is its purpose?

Answer 2

• Visit local temple
• Reminder of freeing mind from the three marks of conditioned existence
• Spread Dharma
• Build sangha

Question 3

What does paranirvana celebrate?

Answer 3

• The Buddhas death

Question 4

What happens on Paranirvana?

Answer 4

• Go to temple or monastries
• Social day with presents and such
• Reflect on their lives

Question 5

What is Vassa?

Answer 5

• The rain festival

- THERAVADA ONLY

Question 6

What happens during Vassa?

Answer 6

• The rain festival
• Monks stay in Vihara
• Lay people leave offerings or give something up

Question 7

What is cathina?

Answer 7

• Last day of Vassa

Question 8

Where are the places Puja takes place?

Answer 8

• Home
• Vihara
• Monastry
• Temple

Question 9

What is the purpose of puja?

Answer 9

• Show respect and devotion to the Buddha teachings and the Buddha

Question 10

Activities during Puja?

Answer 10

• Offerings
• Bowing
• Meditation
• Chanting
• Reading
• Scriptures/Sutra

Question 11

What are the objects of devotion and what do they represent?

Answer 11

• Candles/lights- Enlightenment
• Flowers/Plants- Anicca
• Fruit- Anatta
• Incense- Spreading of the Dharma
• Water- Reverence for life

Question 12

What does metta mean and how does it influence Buddhists?

Answer 12

• A universal loving kindness

- Buddhists will always act out of love for other living things

Question 13

What does Ahimsa mean?

Answer 13

• Non violence

Question 14

What do Buddhists believe about death?

Answer 14

• Death is not the end (reincarnation)

- Rebirth depends on merit

Question 15

Why do Buddhists mark death?

Answer 15

• Recognises Anicca
• Consider the impact of our own lives
• Develop positive karma to aid rebirth
• To show respect,karma and metta

Question 16

How are Theravada funerals celebrated?

Answer 16

• Death is a transitioning period
• The living participates in acts to transfer merits
• Verses on impermanence read
• Depends on culture

Question 17

How do Tibetan Buddhists differ?

Answer 17

• Tibetan book of the dead gives advice for dying
• Time between life and death is called bardo
• Prayer ceremonies every ten days

Question 18

What is Karma?

Answer 18

• The idea that skilful/unskilful actions effect everything
• Cause and effect
• A universal law in Buddhism

Question 19

How does Karma effect Buddhist lives?

Answer 19

• Positive states of mind and actions
• Makes them happier and suffer less
• See it as empowering so use karma to have an impact on their rebirth

Question 20

What is the purpose of meditation?

Answer 20

• Calm the mind and see more clearly
• Cultivate Karuna and Metta
• Truly see the reality of things

Question 21

What is Samatha and what is its purpose?

Answer 21

• To control the mind and focus on breath
• Calms the mind
• Creates a mental happiness, generate love or compassion

Question 22

What is Vipassana and what is its purpose?

Answer 22

• Mental development of looking inwards as a passive observer
• Deconstruct the ego
• Recognise sunyata and anatta

Question 23

What is visualisation and what is its purpose?

Answer 23

• About personal guidance from the Buddha

- Helps build a connection with the Buddha

Question 24

What are the five precepts?

Answer 24

• Don’t destroy/harm life
• Don’t steal (things or energy)
• Don’t misuse sex
• Don’t lie/misuse speech
• Don’t cloud judgement with drugs/alcohol

Question 25

What is karuna and how does it influence Buddhists?

Answer 25

• Karuna is compassion
• The Buddha said it was something all people could do
• Therefore try to practice it as much as possible