Buddhist Practises Flashcards
What is the definition of puja?
Worship - it expresses gratitude and respect for the Buddha and his teachings.
What are two different types of meditation?
Samatha and Vipassana
Which type of statue is commonly used for meditation and can often be found as part of a shrine?
Rupa - A statue ofBuddha used in worship and meditation
Give two of the six perfections
• Generosity or giving (dana)
· Morality (sila)
· Patience (kshanti)
· Energy (virya)
· Meditation (samadhi)
· Wisdom (prajna)
What is Wesak?
A festival celebrating the life and teachings of the buddha
What name is given to a Buddhist monastery?
Vihara
Explain one element of a Buddhist funeral?
Spend as little money as possible on funerals as they believe in reincarnation
Sky burial this reflects a belief in anicca.
Give three features of a shrine
Rupa, Flowers, water, candles, incense, fruit, bell, book of teachings.
Name a buddhist festival
Parinirvana Day
What is meant by a skill full act?
Actions that lead to good karma.
Give two of the five moral precepts.
- to abstain from taking life
- to abstain from sexual misconduct
- to abstain from taking what is not freely given
- to abstain from wrong speech
- to abstain from intoxicants
What is the purpose of Samatha medication?
Breathing meditation focused on calming the mind and mindfulness
Name the three jewels
· The Buddha · The Dhamma · The Sangha
Why are devotional rituals carried out?
to show their devotion to the Buddha
What is the main purpose of a Buddhist retreat?
They help them to practise meditation and retreat
What are two rituals for death and mourning?
- Tibetan sky burials
- Pure land buddhism
Why are shrines important
reflect on buddhists teachings (dharma)
to give thanks to the buddha for giving them the path to enlightenment (dharma)
What is Samatha meditation?
focusing on mindfulness of the body and breath
What is a teaching about Samatha meditation?
“Even the gods envy those awakened”
Why is Samatha meditation important?
helps them to achieve nibbana (letting go of greed) by calming the mind.
What is used in Samatha meditation?
Kasinas - an object used to help focus
What is vipassana meditation?
Insight meditation.
What is a teaching for Vipassana meditation?
‘life is a dance. mindfulness is witnessing that dance’
What is the aim of Vipassana meditation?
to give your full attention to whatever is going on in your mind at that time
What is a mala bead?
a string of prayer beads that help a buddhist keep concentrated while reciting the mantra
What is a mantra?
a sequence of sacred syllables which represents a particular aspect of the buddha
Why is home worship important in Buddhism?
Regularity
more individual
more personalised shrines
easy access
What are some temples features?
A main hall
A meditation room
a stupa
A study hall
What is in a temples main hall?
a shrine dedicated to the buddha or bodhisattva with some offerings.
What is in a temples stupa?
contains holy relics, the remains of monks and nuns
What is important about the temple?
heart of the buddhist community and had combines strength
What is meditation in Buddhism?
a spiritual exercise that teaches you to calm your mind and your thoughts
What does meditation develop?
Loving kindness and Compassion
What is visualisation?
simply imagining an object (kasina)
What do Tibetan Buddhists visualise during visualisation?
the qualities of a Bodhisattva’s character
What are Buddhist Retreats?
temporarily living a simple life, practise meditation and buddhist rituals for a short time.
What is the Vassa Retreat?
A Theravada annual retreat lasting for 3 months during the rainy season
What is wesak?
Celebrating when the moon is full as the buddha achieved enlighten then
How do Buddhists celebrate wesak?
decorate their homes with candles and paper lanterns
What do Singapore Buddhists do at Wesak?
Release
