Buddhist Practices

Question 1

Do Buddhists worship the Buddha ?

Answer 1

No, they show devotion and respect for his teachings .

Question 2

What is a Stupa ?

Answer 2

Stupas are places of meditation and worship.
Found within the grounds of a temple.

Question 3

What is a Pagoda ?

Answer 3

A Japanese version of Stupa

Question 4

What do Stupas often contain ?

Answer 4

Bones from the Buddha himself or other famous Buddhist teachers.

Question 5

What does the structure of the stupa represent ?

Answer 5

• Wisdom
• Wind
• Fire
• Water
• Earth

Question 6

In a Theravada Stupa what does the main body represent ?

Answer 6

Dhamma - Buddha’s Teachings

Question 7

In a Theravada Stupa what does the Gem represent ?

Answer 7

Nirvana/ Nibbana - Enlightenment

Question 8

In a Theravada Stupa what does the Eight rings represent ?

Answer 8

Eightfold Path

Question 9

In a Theravada Stupa what does the three rings represent ?

Answer 9

Concentration, morality and wisdom

Question 10

In a Theravada Stupa what does the four corners represent ?

Answer 10

Four Noble Truths

Question 11

What is a Buddhist Vihara (Monastery) ?

Answer 11

A residence for monks ,
centre for religious work and meditation ,
centre for buddhist learning

Question 12

What are shrine offerings ?

Answer 12

Items that can be brought to show honour and respect to the Buddha .

Question 13

What does the offering of a candle represent ?

Answer 13

A candle symbolises wisdom since the candle drives away the darkness of ignorance.

Question 14

What does the offering of incense represent ?

Answer 14

Incense symbolising purity to remind Buddhists to be pure in their thoughts, words and actions.

Question 15

What does the offering of flowers represent

Answer 15

Flowers to represent impermanence since the flowers will die and decay. Food offerings represent the same idea.

Question 16

What is a Buddharupa ?

Answer 16

A physical representation of the Buddha

Question 17

What does the Buddharupa represent ?

Answer 17

Buddhist philosophy and Buddha’s personal aspects

Question 18

What is a Bodhisattva ?

Answer 18

A Mahayana Buddhist who has vowed to obtain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.

Question 19

What is a quote for Right Meditation ?

Answer 19

‘Those who practise the Tranquillity and Insight Meditation are freed from the bond of Mara.’ Dhammapada 276

Question 20

What is the Act of dana ?

Answer 20

Giving

Question 21

What are Buddhist places of worship also ?

Answer 21

Centre for the community

Question 22

What is the purpose of the Altar?

Answer 22

Holds image or representations of the Buddha’s enlightened body, speech and mind.

Question 23

Where can an altar be found ?

Answer 23

Separate Shrine Room

Question 24

What is the purpose of making offerings ?

Answer 24

To accumulate merit

Question 25

An Altar should have what 3 parts ?

Answer 25

• Buddha as a central figure
• Speech of the Buddha (Scripture) higher than statue
• The mind of the Buddha - relic

Question 26

Offerings can be pleasing to what ?

Answer 26

The Five Senses

Question 27

What is Wesak ?

Answer 27

Buddhist festival that celebrates the birth of the Buddha, his enlightenment and death.

Question 28

What is Parinirvana Day ?

Answer 28

Commemorates the Buddha achieving Final nibbana

Question 29

Who is Parinirvana Day commonly celebrated by ?

Answer 29

Mahayanan Buddhists

Question 30

Where might Buddhists go on pilgrimage to ?

Answer 30

Kushinagar - Where the Buddha died