buddhist practises Flashcards
main features of a buddhist temple
main hall, study hall, meditation room,
stupa.
what occurs in the main hall of a buddhist temple
there is a shrine dedicated to the buddha or a bodhisatva. here they make offerings to express gratitude for the teachings
what’s a vihara
part of a monastery where nuns and monks live
why is a temple significant in buddhism
it’s a place where they can come together to study, meditate and practice together
what is puja
buddhist worship
what happens during puja
buddhists express their gratitude to buddha for his teachings/dhamma
what do buddhists do during puja
make offerings (eg flowers,incense)
chants from the texts
recite a mantra
what is meditation
a spiritual exercise to calm your mind and thoughts
what is samatha meditation
calm and focused mind
what is vipassana meditation
to develop a deeper insight into the nature of reality
what is the main goal of meditation
to eliminate greed,hatred, delusion and desire
what happens in samatha meditation
focus on your breath and mindfulness. kasinas to keep focus may be used
what happens in vipassana meditation
give full attention to whatever is going on in your mind. focus may shift throughout
What is visualization meditation
Imagining an object to focus on
Who uses visualization the most
Tibetan Buddhists visualize a bodhisatva. Pure land Buddhists visualize Buddha amithaba
What is a thangka
A painting of the Buddha (used to focus on to remind them of their goal of enlightenment)
What is a mandala
Elaborate circular patternsq
Who makes mandalas
Tibetan monasteries create them out of sand and brush them away once finished. These remind the of impermanence and to not get too attached to the present
Why do Buddhists go on retreat (3)
To live with people who share the same faith
Live a simple life
Practice mediation and rituals
Overall to deepen their understanding of the Buddhas teachings
What is the reason for Wesak (Buddhist festival)
Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment when there was a full moon. Therefore they celebrate when the moon is full in the month of Vesak
How do Buddhists celebrate Wesak
Decorate their homes with candles and paper lanterns. The light symbolizes wisdom and hope
What is parinirva day
A Mahayana festival to remember the Buddha passing into paranirva
What does paranirva reflect
It’s a chance for Buddhists to reflect on their own future death and remember those who died
Theravada funerals
Mourners give money to charity as they believe they can pass this good karma to the deceased to improve their rebirth
Mahayana/Tibetan funerals
They favour ‘sky burials’ where they leave the body in a high place for the vultures to eat. This is the deceased way of giving back to the world for good karma.
What is karma
The idea that we bring consequences upon ourselves through our actions
Describe a skilful action
Rooted with generosity, compassion and understanding. These lead to happiness
Describe and unskillful action
Rooted with the three poisons and these lead to suffering
What is Karuna
Compassion, wanting o5hers to be free of suffering
Give an example of when the Buddha showed Karuna
When he decided to share what he learnt about suffering and how to overcome it to help others too reach complete enlightenment (Nibbana)
What is ROKPA
A Buddhist charity that sets up schools to teach children about Karuna and to bring change for the whole society
What is Metta
Loving-kindness, it’s about defeating jelousy and to cultivate the habit of good toward others
What is ‘loving kindness meditation’
When a Buddhist visualizes happiness for themself and others
5 moral precepts
Abstain from taking life
Abstain from taking what is not freely given
Abstain from sexual misconduct
Abstain from wrong speech
Abstain from taking intoxicants
What are the 6 perfections
Generosity - give away material goods
Morality -
Patience - understand that suffering is inevitable but controllable
Energy - resilience and energy to stand for what is right
Meditation - develop concentration
Wisdom - studying the Buddhist teachings
