Buddhist Practices Flashcards
Name two features of a Buddhist temple
- Buddha rupas, found in the main halls (statues of Buddha)
- Stupas a tower or room containing relics of important Buddhists
Give two reasons why shrines are important
- they provide a focal point for Buddhists to show devotion
- a way of showing gratitude to Buddha
Why are offerings given to a shrine and give an example
- they act as reminders of Buddha’s teaching
- flowers are offered as they decay and show impermanence
Give two reasons why monasteries are important
- a place of discipline and study
- shows devotion
What is an important part of a monastery
Stupa
Give two reasons why puja (worship) is important
- express gratitude towards Buddha
- deepen understanding of Buddha’s teachings
Give two reasons why chanting is important
- shows devotion
- calm and focus the mind
What is a mantra
A sequence of sacred syllables
Why is chanting mantras important
- concentrates the mind
- they contain magical powers and spiritual qualities of Buddha and bodhisttavs
What is a mala
Prayer beads
What is Samatha meditation
Calming meditation
Give three reasons why Samatha meditation is important
- allows a deeper concentration
- good preparation for Vipissana meditation
- helps to become more mindful and aware
Give two quotes for Samatha meditation
“Even the Gods envy those who are awakened and mindful”
“Do not encumber your mind wig useless thoughts”
What are the three aims of Vipassana meditation
1) understand are everything is characterised by the three marks of existence
2) develop a greater wisdom about the world
3) achieve enlightenment
What do people focus on is Vipassana meditation
Objects/Kasinas
What does Zazen meditation mean
Seated meditation
Where is Zazen practiced
Zazen buddhism Japan
Why is Zazen meditation important
Leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of existence
What happens during Zazen meditation
Sitting relaxing and for using on the mindfulness of breathing
What is walking meditation
Consists of walking slowly and combining the movement of the feet with breathing
What can walking meditation be used for
Samatha and Vippisana meditation
Give a quote for walking meditation
“Your objective is to attain total alertness (…) unblocked experience of the motion of walking”
Give two differences between Samatha meditation and Vipassana meditation
- Samatha develops concentration and calms the mind
- Vipassana is about understanding the three marks of existence
How are objects used in visualisation
- helps for concentration
- helps to engage with spiritual qualities
Why do Tibetan Buddhists visualise deities
- focus on the spiritual qualities of the deity being visualised
- helps to awaken Buddha-nature
Give an example of Buddha’s that may be visualised during meditation
- the medicine Buddha to promote healing powers
- Amitabha Buddha to be reborn in the pure land
What else is used in visualisations
- thangkas detailed paintings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
- mandala a detailed colourful circle shaped pattern using sand which are brushed away
What do Therevada Buddhists do when someone has died
- they transfer good merits
- they offer new robes to a monk or donate money
- person has a more favourable rebirth
What do Tibetan Buddhists do when someone has died
- sky burial
- body left on a mountain as a gift to the vultures
- shows impermanence
What do Japanese Buddhists do when someone has died
- they have pure land funerals
- chant he Amitbha’s Buddha’s name
- they are reborn in the pure land
Why do Buddhists celebrate Wesak
- celebrate Buddha’s life
- honour the Buddha’s teachings
What is the meaning of light in Wesak
Enlightenment and overcoming ignorance
What do people do during Wesak
- light their homes with candles
- make offerings to Buddha
Why do Buddhists celebrate Parinirvana
- celebrates Buddha’s passing into Parinirvana
- Buddhists can reflect on death and those who have recently died
- shows impermanence
What do Buddhists do during Parinirvana
- read scripture
- meditate
- go on retreats and reflect
What is Kamma
It explains how the intentions of a person’s actions lead to happiness or suffering
How does Kamma relate to rebirth
Depending on someone’s actions they are reborn into the six realms
What are the six realms
- animals
- angry Gods
- god’s
- humans
- hungry ghosts
- tormented beings
How does Kamma relate to Buddhist ethics
- acting skilfully reduces suffering
- acting skill fully leads to enlightenment
Give a quote for Kamma
“One might be freed from evil action”
What is Karuna
Compassion
Why is Karuna important
Essential quality for Bodhisattvas
What does Karuna mean
To feel concerned for the suffering of others
What are he four sublime states
1) loving kindness
2) compassion
3) sympathetic joy
4) equanimity
What is Rokpa
A charity set up in the 1980s motivated by compassion who help families through poverty
Give a quote for Karuna
“The key to a happier and more successful world is the growth of compassion” the delai lama
What is metta
Loving kindness
What does metta lead to
Happiness and peace
What does metta do
- reduces the tendency to act out of negative emotions
- helps to overcome suffering
What is loving kindness meditation
Helps Buddhists to develop an attitude of metta
Reflects on the positive qualities of a person and any acts of kindness
Give two quotes for metta
“Loving kindness is the wish that all may enjoy happiness”
“Loving kindness towards all the world”
What are the five moral precepts
1) Abstain from taking life
2) abstain from what is not freely given
3) abstain from sexual misconduct
4) abstain from wrong speech
5) abstain from intoxicants that cloud the mind
Give a quote for the five moral precepts
“Whoever destroys a living creature (…) digs up his own root here in this very world”
What are the six perfections
1) generosity
2) morality
3) patience
4) energy
5) meditation
6) wisdom
Why are the six perfections important
They are qualities needed to become a bodhisattva
