Buddism

Question 1

In which country is Pure Land Buddhism the most commonly practised form of Buddhism?

Answer 1

Japan

Question 2

What are the 5 aggregates ?

Answer 2

form, mental formation, perception, consciousness and sensation.

Question 3

What is Dhamma (Dharma)?

Answer 3

the Buddhist doctrine that includes the teaching of the Buddha about the nature of existence

Question 4

What is anicca?

Answer 4

the impermanence that encourages Buddhists to accept death and suffering as part of life.

Question 5

Explain what the concept of Dukkha means for Buddhists?

Answer 5

The Buddhist belief that there are three types of suffering, as part of the Three Marks of Existence. The three types are ordinary suffering, suffering through change and suffering through dissatisfaction or attachment.

Question 6

What is dependent arising?

Answer 6

the idea that everything happens depending on certain conditions

Question 7

Explain the three marks of existence?

Answer 7

the fundamental Buddhist beliefs about the nature of human existence. They present a very different view of the world to Christianity. That suffering is inevitable, that everything is impermanent.

Question 8

Name two types of Buddhism?

Answer 8

Theravada and Mahayana

Question 9

Which word describes the Buddhist belief that the soul doesn’t have a physical existence?

Answer 9

Anatta

Question 10

List the three aspects of threefold way?

Answer 10

Ethics(sila), Meditation (Samadhi), Wisdom (Panna)

Question 11

What is meant by Asceticism?

Answer 11

A lifestyle of strict self-denial – rejected by Siddhartha for the Middle Way

Question 12

Give three of the four noble truths?

Answer 12

There is suffering, Suffering has a cause, Suffering can come to an end

Question 13

Define Nirvana?

Answer 13

A state of complete enlightenment which lies outside the cycle of samsara.

Question 14

What was the Buddhas birth name?

Answer 14

Siddhartha Gautama

Question 15

Define Anatta?

Answer 15

The idea of no self. We don’t have a fixed soul – there is no unchanging essence to us

Question 16

Which type of worship involves reciting and repeating Buddhist scriptures?

Answer 16

Chanting

Question 17

What are two different types of meditation?

Answer 17

Samatha and Vipassana

Question 18

Give three of the six perfections in the Mahayana tradition?

Answer 18

Generosity(dana), Morality (sila), Patience (kshanti)

Question 19

What is Wesak?

Answer 19

A Buddhist festival celebrating the life and teachings of Buddha

Question 20

What name is given to a Buddhist monastery?

Answer 20

Vihara

Question 21

Explain one element of a Buddhist funeral?

Answer 21

Spend as little money as possible on funerals as they believe in reincarnation.

Question 22

Give three features of a shrine?

Answer 22

Rupa, Flowers, water

Question 23

Name a Buddhist festival?

Answer 23

Parinirvana Day

Question 24

What is meant by a skilful act?

Answer 24

Actions that lead to good Karma.

Question 25

Give three of the 5 moral precepts?

Answer 25

abstain from taking life, to abstain from taking what is not given, to abstain from sexual misconduct

Question 26

Explain two contrasting aims of meditation?

Answer 26

Stillness, focus/ samatha meditation- mindfulness, breathing. Insight, the three marks of existence.

Question 27

What is the main purpose of a Buddhist temple?

Answer 27

A place for Buddhists to come together

Question 28

Why do Buddhists use visualisation?

Answer 28

to deepen their meditation and their understanding of Buddhist teaching

Question 29

Why is Karma important in Buddhism?

Answer 29

it allows Buddhists to focus on their actions to move closer to enlightenment.

Question 30

Why is chanting important?

Answer 30

it is important because it enables focus in meditation.

Question 31

Explain how the lay community contributes to the monastic community?

Answer 31

They provide alms. Donate money. By supporting the monastic community, it means the monks do not have to work allowing them to focus on meditating.

Question 32

Explain the concept of Karuna?

Answer 32

compassion, a feeling of concern for the suffering of others. Buddhists should do something to make their lives better and ease suffering. One of the 4 sublime states.

Question 33

Give examples of how monks contribute to the community?

Answer 33

to teach children how to read and write, the vihara acts as a school. Teaching skills such as farming and building. The vihara can also act as a bank. Monks teach dhamma and lead worship.

Question 34

What word is used to describe an enlightened person who chooses to remain in samsara?

Answer 34

Bodhisattva

Question 35

Which type of Buddhists attempt to become Bodhisattvas?

Answer 35

Mahayana only

Question 36

Explain what is meant by Buddhahood?

Answer 36

Buddha-nature is the idea that everyone can attain Buddhahood. Mahayana Buddhists believe that everyone has the essence of a Buddha within them

Question 37

List the 3 poisons?

Answer 37

ignorance, hatred and greed

Question 38

List four of the sights?

Answer 38

Old man, sick man, dead man and holy man

Question 39

What is the term for the immaterial part of you that gets transferred from life to life?

Answer 39

Atman

Question 40

What is the definition of puja?

Answer 40

worship

Question 41

Which type of statue is commonly used for meditation and can often be found as part of a shrine?

Answer 41

Rupa

Question 42

What is the main purpose of a Buddhist retreat?

Answer 42

They help them to practice meditation and remember the Buddha’s life.