Buddhist Practices Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of worship in Christianity?
To show God that believers believe Him to be worthy of praise and strengthen the relationship between believers and God.
Worship reflects the belief that God loves humanity and provides a way for Christians to return that love.
What type of worship follows a set pattern and is likely to be found in Catholic and Anglican churches?
Liturgical worship.
It usually involves a prayer book and a structured service.
What is non-liturgical worship characterized by?
Less formal services without a prayer book, often incorporating modern music and participant involvement.
Common in Baptist and Methodist churches.
What is informal worship?
Spontaneous worship found in Quaker or House Churches, often involving silent prayer or open participation.
Quaker worship is typically silent, while house churches may include various expressive forms of worship.
What are sacraments in Christianity?
Special rituals that outwardly express an inner spiritual experience, involving symbolic actions and physical elements.
Catholic churches recognize seven sacraments, while Protestant churches celebrate important ceremonies without always referring to them as sacraments.
What is the significance of baptism in Christianity?
Baptism symbolizes the forgiveness of sins and the beginning of a new life committed to God.
It can be performed for infants or believers who make a personal decision to follow Christ.
What is Holy Communion also known as?
Eucharist.
It is a ceremony to remember the Last Supper and Jesus’ sacrifice.
How do Protestant churches view Holy Communion?
As a remembrance of Jesus’ Last Supper and a way to give thanks for forgiveness.
Bread and wine are served from ordinary objects, not considered sacred.
What do Catholic churches believe occurs during Holy Communion?
The bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ.
This belief emphasizes the ongoing spiritual presence of Jesus during the ceremony.
What is the main focus of Christmas in Christianity?
The incarnation of Jesus.
It begins with Advent and culminates in celebrations that reflect Christian origins.
What does Easter celebrate in Christianity?
The resurrection of Jesus.
It is preceded by a period of penitence and fasting known as Lent.
What is the significance of Maundy Thursday?
It commemorates Jesus’ last supper and the institution of Holy Communion.
It also includes the act of washing the disciples’ feet, symbolizing servanthood.
What event does Good Friday commemorate?
The crucifixion of Jesus.
It involves special services and reflection on Jesus’ sacrifice.
What is the purpose of the Advent season?
To prepare spiritually for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.
Traditionally, it involves fasting and lighting candles each Sunday leading up to Christmas.
What is the role of symbolic actions in liturgical worship?
They have special meaning and help convey the beliefs and values of the faith.
Examples include lighting candles and making the sign of the cross.
Fill in the blank: The act of _______ is when individuals spend time with God, often through prayer or meditation.
Private worship.
This can occur outside of church settings.
True or False: The Salvation Army and Quakers view sacraments as essential to the Christian faith.
False.
They believe sacraments may be unnecessary and focus instead on personal relationships with God.
What is the significance of the term ‘Agape’ in Christian ethics?
It refers to unconditional love, often emphasized in teachings about community and charity.
Agape is central to Jesus’ teachings about love and compassion.
What is the ‘Great Commission’ in Christianity?
The instruction given by Jesus to his disciples to spread his teachings to all nations.
This reflects the call to evangelism and missionary work.
What does the term ‘Karma’ refer to in Buddhist practices?
The principle of cause and effect where a person’s actions influence their future.
It underscores the moral responsibility individuals have in their lives.
What are the ‘5 Precepts’ in Buddhism?
- Do not kill
- Do not steal
- Do not commit adultery
- Do not lie
- Do not consume intoxicants.
These are ethical guidelines for Buddhists to follow.
What is ‘Metta’ in Buddhism?
Loving-kindness or unconditional love towards all beings.
It is a key practice in Buddhist teachings.
What is the role of ‘Transfer of karmic merit’ in Buddhist funerals?
It involves dedicating the positive karma accumulated through good deeds to the deceased.
This practice reflects the interconnectedness of all beings.
Who was released instead of Jesus?
Barabbas
Barabbas was a zealot who was chosen by the crowds over Jesus.
What do Christians commemorate on Good Friday?
The crucifixion of Jesus
Many Christians participate in Holy Communion and processions on this day.
What is the significance of the paschal candle?
It celebrates Jesus’ resurrection
The paschal candle remains lit throughout all Easter services.
What is a pilgrimage?
A journey to a sacred place
Pilgrimage is both a physical and spiritual journey.
Name two reasons why someone might go on a pilgrimage.
- To ask for forgiveness
- To seek a cure for an illness
What is Iona known for?
A holy island since the 6th century
It was established by Saint Columba.
What happened to Bernadette at Lourdes?
She had a vision of the Virgin Mary
Bernadette was instructed to dig for a spring of water.
What does persecution mean?
Hostility and ill-treatment due to prejudice
It often targets individuals based on race, political, or religious beliefs.
What does reconciliation mean in the Christian context?
Restoring harmony after relationships break down
It is considered one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church.
What is the role of Open Doors?
Supports persecuted Christians
They provide training, trauma counselling, and practical support.
What is the Great Commission?
Jesus’ command to make disciples
It is found in Matthew 28:19-20.
What is the purpose of foodbanks?
Provide emergency food and support
They help those in crisis due to various socio-economic issues.
Who founded Street Pastors?
Rev Les Isaac
Street Pastors began in 2003 in Brixton, London.
True or False: The International Society for Human Rights claims that 80% of all religious persecution is directed at Christians.
True
Fill in the blank: _______ is a charitable and selfless love that puts others first.
Agape love
What does Christian Aid focus on?
Tackling poverty
They address emergency relief, long-term aid, and campaigning.
Name one contrasting place of pilgrimage.
- Iona
- Lourdes
How do Christians remember the resurrection of Jesus?
Easter Sunday celebrations
This includes creating Easter gardens and family gatherings.
What is one way Christians respond to persecution?
Praying for the persecuted
They may also support those affected through various means.
What is the significance of the Cross of Nails at Coventry Cathedral?
A symbol of friendship, hope, and reconciliation
It was created from nails from the original building.
What is one example of a Christian belief about poverty?
It is wrong for children to die from poverty
This belief stems from the sanctity of life principle.
What is reconciliation in Christian teaching?
Reconciliation is the process of restoring relationships, particularly between God and humanity, and among individuals.
It emphasizes forgiveness and healing, central to Christian beliefs.
What is the significance of aid in Christian action?
Aid represents the act of helping those in need, reflecting Christian teachings on charity and compassion.
It embodies the principle of loving one’s neighbor.
What does the statement ‘A Christian should love God first, and help his brother after’ imply?
It emphasizes the prioritization of divine love over human relationships, suggesting that love for God informs one’s ability to help others.
This is rooted in the greatest commandments in Christianity.
What are the key features of a Buddhist temple?
A Buddhist temple may feature:
* A main hall with a shrine to Buddha
* A meditation room
* A pagoda or stupa for holy relics
* A study hall for meetings
* Additional buildings for monastic living
Temples serve as community centers for worship and learning.
What is the purpose of offerings in Buddhist worship?
Offerings symbolize gratitude and teachings, such as:
* Candle for wisdom
* Flowers for impermanence
* Incense for purity
This practice is part of expressing reverence to Buddha.
Define puja in Buddhism.
Puja is a form of worship that expresses gratitude to Buddha for his teachings and example.
It often includes offerings, chanting, and reciting mantras.
What is the significance of meditation in Buddhism?
Meditation is a central practice that fosters a calm mind, deeper understanding, and compassion.
It is essential for achieving enlightenment and mindfulness.
What is the difference between samatha and vipassana meditation?
Samatha focuses on calming the mind through breath and body awareness, while vipassana develops insight into the nature of reality.
Both are key meditation practices in Buddhism.
What is the main goal of loving kindness meditation (metta)?
To cultivate an attitude of goodwill and loving kindness towards oneself and others.
It helps overcome negative emotions like jealousy and grudges.
What are the Five Moral Precepts in Buddhism?
The Five Moral Precepts are:
* To abstain from taking life
* To abstain from taking what is not freely given
* To abstain from misuse of the senses
* To abstain from wrong speech
* To abstain from intoxicants
These commitments guide ethical behavior for Buddhists.
What is the significance of the festival Wesak?
Wesak celebrates Buddha’s enlightenment, marked by rituals such as decorating homes with lights.
It symbolizes wisdom and hope.
What does Parinirvana day commemorate?
Parinirvana day commemorates the Buddha’s passing into Parinirvana, focusing on reflection and remembrance of the deceased.
It is observed with meditation and reading scriptures.
What is kamma in Buddhism?
Kamma refers to the law of consequences, where actions result in positive or negative outcomes based on their nature.
It emphasizes personal responsibility for one’s actions.
True or False: Karuna means wisdom in Buddhism.
False. Karuna means compassion, the desire to alleviate suffering in others.
Wisdom and compassion are both essential qualities in Buddhism.
What does metta practice involve?
Metta practice involves visualizing happiness for oneself and progressively for others, including friends and neutral individuals.
This meditation strengthens positive feelings towards others.
Fill in the blank: The aim of _______ meditation is to develop insight into the true nature of reality.
vipassana
What is a common practice during Buddhist funerals in Theravada traditions?
Mourners often donate money to charity instead of spending it on the funeral.
This act is believed to generate good kamma for the deceased.
What is the purpose of a Buddhist retreat?
To deepen understanding of Buddha’s teachings through meditation, rituals, and community living.
It allows participants to immerse themselves in practice away from daily distractions.
What do Tibetan Buddhists practice regarding funerals?
They often practice sky burials, leaving the body for vultures, emphasizing impermanence.
This practice reflects the belief in returning the body to nature.
What are the Five Moral Precepts in Buddhism?
- To abstain from taking life (of any living being)
- To abstain from taking what is not freely given
- To abstain from misuse of the senses
- To abstain from wrong speech
- To abstain from intoxicants that cloud the mind
These precepts guide ethical behavior and personal development in Buddhist practice.
How does a Buddhist extend the Five Moral Precepts?
By applying them to thoughts as well as actions, recognizing that harmful thoughts are as unskilful as harmful actions.
For example, thinking about killing someone is viewed as unskilful as actually killing them.
What is the first of the Six Perfections required to be a Bodhisattva?
Generosity
This includes giving material goods, protection from fear, and teaching Dhamma.
What is the second of the Six Perfections?
Morality
Cultivating the Five Moral Precepts as habitual practice through meditation.
What role does patience play in the Six Perfections?
It helps Buddhists endure suffering and practice compassion towards everyone.
Understanding suffering as an unavoidable part of life is crucial.
What does energy refer to in the context of the Six Perfections?
Physical or mental stamina to stand up for what is right and practice the Dhamma.
Putting energy into moral practices is emphasized.
What is the significance of meditation in the Six Perfections?
It develops concentration and awareness required to achieve wisdom.
Meditation is integral to Buddhist practice.
How is wisdom attained in Buddhism?
By studying Buddha’s teachings, living morally, and meditating.
This leads to a full understanding of the nature of reality.
What is the concept of anatta in Buddhism?
The idea that every person has limitless potential to change for the better and become more selfless.
This relates to the potential for progress towards wisdom and compassion.
List two religious practices performed at a Buddhist temple.
- Chanting
- Offerings
These practices often involve communal participation and devotion.
Give two of the five moral precepts.
- To abstain from taking life
- To abstain from wrong speech
These precepts are foundational to ethical conduct in Buddhism.
List two artefacts a Buddhist might use to aid meditation.
- Meditation cushion
- Mala beads
These tools help in focus and comfort during meditation.
Give two of the six perfections in the Mahayana tradition.
- Generosity
- Wisdom
These qualities are essential for a Bodhisattva.
State two qualities required to become a Bodhisattva.
- Compassion
- Wisdom
These qualities enable a Bodhisattva to help others effectively.
Explain two contrasting Buddhist rituals associated with death and mourning.
- Cremation rituals in some traditions
- Burial practices in others
Different cultures within Buddhism have unique approaches to death.
Explain two contrasting ways in which Buddhists mourn the dead in Japan and Tibet.
- Japan often practices memorial services and offerings
- Tibet may involve elaborate rituals and sky burials
Cultural context influences mourning practices.
Describe two ways a Buddhist might worship in a temple.
- Participating in group prayers
- Making offerings at shrines
Worship practices can vary widely among different Buddhist traditions.
Explain two contrasting Buddhist meditation practices.
- Vipassana (insight meditation)
- Zen (zazen) meditation
Each practice has different techniques and goals.
Explain two teachings about Kamma.
- Kamma is the law of moral causation
- Good actions lead to positive outcomes, while bad actions lead to suffering
Understanding Kamma is crucial for ethical living in Buddhism.
Explain two reasons why meditation is important for Buddhists.
- It enhances concentration
- It fosters insight into the nature of reality
Meditation is a key practice for personal development and understanding.
Explain two Buddhist teachings which tell us how we should treat each other.
- Practice compassion (karuna)
- Follow the principle of loving-kindness (metta)
These teachings emphasize the importance of kindness in interactions.
Explain two reasons why Wesak is important for Buddhists.
- It celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha
- It fosters community and reflection on Buddhist teachings
Wesak is a significant festival in the Buddhist calendar.
Explain two ways in which shrines are important in Buddhist worship.
- They serve as focal points for devotion
- They are places for meditation and reflection
Shrines play a crucial role in personal and communal worship.
True or False: The Five Moral Precepts only apply to actions and not thoughts.
False
The precepts extend to thoughts, indicating a holistic approach to moral conduct.
Fill in the blank: The practice of _______ helps Buddhists develop concentration and awareness.
[meditation]
Meditation is key to achieving wisdom in Buddhism.
Evaluate the statement: ‘For Buddhists, worship in the temple is more important than worship in the home.’
Subjective; varies by individual beliefs and practices
The importance of worship settings can differ across cultures and personal preferences.
Evaluate the statement: ‘Good deeds are more important than meditation.’
Subjective; both are essential for spiritual development
Balancing good deeds and meditation is emphasized in Buddhist practice.
Evaluate the statement: ‘Wesak is the most important Buddhist festival.’
Subjective; significance varies by tradition
Different Buddhist communities may prioritize different festivals.
Evaluate the statement: ‘It is impossible for Buddhists to always act with compassion (karuna).’
Subjective; challenges exist, but striving for compassion is encouraged
Understanding human limitations is part of Buddhist teachings.
