Buddhist Practices

Question 1

Which type of worship involves reciting and repeating Buddhist scriptures?

Answer 1

Chanting

Question 2

What are two different types of meditation?

Answer 2

Samatha and Vipassana

Question 3

Give three of the six perfections in the Mahayana tradition (3)

Answer 3

Generosity or giving (Dana)
Morality (sila)
Patience (kshanti)
Energy (virya)
Meditation (samadhi)
Wisdom (prajna)

Question 4

What is Wesak?

Answer 4

A festival celebrating the life and teachings of Buddha

Question 5

What name is given to a Buddhist monastery?

Answer 5

Vihara

Question 6

Explain one element of a Buddhist funeral?

Answer 6

Spend as little money as possible on funerals as they believe in reincarnation.
Sky Burials this reflects a belief in annica.

Question 7

Give three features of a shrine?

Answer 7

Rupa, flowers, water, candles, incense, fruit, bell, book of teachings

Question 8

Name a Buddhist festival?

Answer 8

Parinirvana Day

Question 9

What is meant by a skilful act?

Answer 9

Actions that lead to good Karma

Question 10

Give three of the five moral precepts (3)

Answer 10

1: to abstain from taking life
2: to abstain from taking what is not given
3: to abstain from sexual misconduct
4: to abstain from intoxicants
5: to abstain from wrong speech

Question 11

Explain two contrasting aims of meditation (4)

Answer 11

Stillness, focus/Samatha meditation - mindfulness, breathing. Insight, the three marks of existence.

Question 12

What is the main purpose of a Buddhist temple?

Answer 12

A place for Buddhists to come together

Question 13

Why do Buddhists use visualisation?

Answer 13

Buddhists use visualisation to deepen their meditation and their understanding of Buddhist teaching.

Question 14

Why is Karma important in Buddhism? (1)

Answer 14

it allows Buddhists to focus on their actions to move closer to enlightenment.

Question 15

Why is chanting important? (1)

Answer 15

Chanting is important because it enables focus in meditation.

Question 16

Explain how the lay community contributes to the monastic community. (4)

Answer 16

They provide alms. Donate money. By supporting the monastic community, it means the monks do not have to work allowing them to focus on meditating.

Question 17

Explain the concept of Karuna? (3)

Answer 17

Karuna is compassion, a feeling of concern for the suffering of others. Buddhists should do something to make their lives better and ease suffering. One of the 4 sublime states.

Question 18

Give two examples of how monks contribute to the community (2)

Answer 18

to teach children how to read and write, the vihara acts as a school. Teaching skills such as farming and building. The vihara can also act as a bank. Monks teach dhamma and lead worship.

Question 19

What is the definition of puja? (1)

Answer 19

Worship- it expresses gratitude and respect for the Buddha and his teachings.

Question 20

Which type of statue is commonly used for meditation and can often be found as part of a shrine? (1)

Answer 20

Rupa- A statue of Buddha used in worship and meditation

Question 21

Name the Three Jewels (3)

Answer 21

The Buddha
The Dhamma
The Sangha

Question 22

Why are devotional rituals carried out? (1)

Answer 22

For a Buddhist to show their devotion to the Buddha

Question 23

What is the main purpose of a Buddhist retreat? (2)

Answer 23

They help them to practice meditation and remember the Buddha’s life.