Buddhist Practices Flashcards
Do Buddhists worship the Buddha ?
No, they show devotion and respect for his teachings .
What is a Stupa ?
Stupas are places of meditation and worship.
Found within the grounds of a temple.
What is a Pagoda ?
A Japanese version of Stupa
What do Stupas often contain ?
Bones from the Buddha himself or other famous Buddhist teachers.
What does the structure of the stupa represent ?
- Wisdom
- Wind
- Fire
- Water
- Earth
In a Theravada Stupa what does the main body represent ?
Dhamma - Buddha’s Teachings
In a Theravada Stupa what does the Gem represent ?
Nirvana/ Nibbana - Enlightenment
In a Theravada Stupa what does the Eight rings represent ?
Eightfold Path
In a Theravada Stupa what does the three rings represent ?
Concentration, morality and wisdom
In a Theravada Stupa what does the four corners represent ?
Four Noble Truths
What is a Buddhist Vihara (Monastery) ?
A residence for monks ,
centre for religious work and meditation ,
centre for buddhist learning
What are shrine offerings ?
Items that can be brought to show honour and respect to the Buddha .
What does the offering of a candle represent ?
A candle symbolises wisdom since the candle drives away the darkness of ignorance.
What does the offering of incense represent ?
Incense symbolising purity to remind Buddhists to be pure in their thoughts, words and actions.
What does the offering of flowers represent
Flowers to represent impermanence since the flowers will die and decay. Food offerings represent the same idea.
What is a Buddharupa ?
A physical representation of the Buddha
What does the Buddharupa represent ?
Buddhist philosophy and Buddha’s personal aspects
What is a Bodhisattva ?
A Mahayana Buddhist who has vowed to obtain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
What is a quote for Right Meditation ?
‘Those who practise the Tranquillity and Insight Meditation are freed from the bond of Mara.’ Dhammapada 276
What is the Act of dana ?
Giving
What are Buddhist places of worship also ?
Centre for the community
What is the purpose of the Altar?
Holds image or representations of the Buddha’s enlightened body, speech and mind.
Where can an altar be found ?
Separate Shrine Room
What is the purpose of making offerings ?
To accumulate merit
An Altar should have what 3 parts ?
- Buddha as a central figure
- Speech of the Buddha (Scripture) higher than statue
- The mind of the Buddha - relic
Offerings can be pleasing to what ?
The Five Senses
What is Wesak ?
Buddhist festival that celebrates the birth of the Buddha, his enlightenment and death.
What is Parinirvana Day ?
Commemorates the Buddha achieving Final nibbana
Who is Parinirvana Day commonly celebrated by ?
Mahayanan Buddhists
Where might Buddhists go on pilgrimage to ?
Kushinagar - Where the Buddha died
