Chapter 4 - Buddhism

Question 0

Anicca

Answer 0

1 of the 3 Marks of the Existence; the Buddhist doctrine that all existent things are constantly changing

Question 1

Anatta

Answer 1

1 of the 3 Marks of Existence; the Buddhist doctrine denying a permanent self

Question 2

Arhat

Answer 2

1 who has become enlightened; the ideal type for Theravada Buddhism

Question 3

Bodhisattvas

Answer 3

future Buddhas; the ideal types for Mahyana Buddhism, beings who have experienced enlightenment but, motivated by compassion, stop short of entering nirvana so as to help others achieve it

Question 4

Buddha

Answer 4

Siddhartha Guatama & all others who have by their own insight attained perfect enlightenment

Question 5

Dalai Lama

Answer 5

the spiritual leader of Vajrayana (Tibetan) Buddhism, believed to be an incarnation of Bodhisvatta Avalokiteshvara

Question 6

dharma

Answer 6

the teachings of the Buddha, & 1 of the 3 Jewels of Buddhism

Question 7

dukkha

Answer 7

the 1st of the 4 Noble Truths, the basic Buddhist insight that suffering is part of the human condition

Question 8

5 Precepts

Answer 8

the basic moral requirements that are binding for all Buddhists

Question 9

4 Noble Truths

Answer 9

the central teachings of Buddhism: to live is to suffer; suffering is caused by desire; the cessation of suffering can be achieved; the solution is the Noble Eightfold Path

Question 10

karma

Answer 10

The moral law of cause & effect actions; determine’s the nature of one’s rebirth

Question 11

Mahayana

Answer 11

the largest of Buddhism’s 3 divisions, prevalent in China, Japan, & Korea; encompasses a variety of forms, including those that emphasize devotion & prayer to the Buddhas & bodhisvattas

Question 12

mandalas

Answer 12

patterned icons that visually excite; used in Vajrayana Buddhism to enhance meditation

Question 13

mantras

Answer 13

phrases or syllables chanted to evoke a deity or to enhance meditation; used in Hinduism & Buddhism, especially Vajrayana

Question 14

Middle Way

Answer 14

a basic Buddhist teaching that rejects both the pleasures of sensual indulgences & the self-denial of asceticism, focusing instead on a practical approach to spiritual attainment

Question 15

mudras

Answer 15

choreographed hand movements used in the rituals of Vajrayana Buddhism

Question 16

nirvana

Answer 16

the ultimate goal of Buddhists, the extinction of desire & any sense of individual selfhood, resulting in liberation of samsara & its limiting conditions

Question 17

Noble Eightfold Path

Answer 17

the 4th of the 4 Noble Truths; defines the basic practices of Buddhism that lead to nirvana

Question 18

Pali

Answer 18

an ancient language of India, similar to sanskrit, but more commonly understood, & used in the writings of the earliest Buddhist text; most important for Theravada Buddhism

Question 19

samsara

Answer 19

the wheel of rebirth or incarnation; the this-worldly realm in which rebirth occurs

Question 20

Sangha

Answer 20

the Buddhist community of monks & nuns; 1 of the 3 Jewels of Buddhism

Question 21

tanha

Answer 21

the 2nd of the 4 Noble Truths, selfish desire, which causes dukkha

Question 22

Theravada

Answer 22

prevalent form of Buddhism in Cambodia, Myanmar (formerly Burma), Sri Lanka, & Thailand; focuses on the earliest texts & emphasizes monastic lifestyles

Question 23

Three Marks of Existence

Answer 23

characteristics that summarize the changing nature of reality

Question 24

Vajrayana

Answer 24

named for the vajra, the Buddha’s diamond scepter; prevalent form of Buddhism in Tibet; emphasizes the harnessing of sensual energies to attain nirvana