Essay Questions Flashcards
Traditional Definition of Religion
A set of beliefs and practices which expresses the worship of God
Scholarly definition of Religion
A set of beliefs and practices that express a person’s ultimate concern
Explain Buddha’s critiques of Hinduism
The caste system, the nature of God, and how long it takes to reach moksha- Hinduism believes that your past life dictates what caste you will be in this life. However, Buddha did not believe that you should do well for your own benefit, but to do well to attempt to end all suffering.
Explain the teachings of the middle way
The Middle Way means “balancing of the mind and body”. Buddha went on a journey with 5 monks but was not allowed to continue once a young girl gave him something to eat. After this, Buddha sat under a Bohdi tree to meditate. Upon meditation, he was met by the god of desire three times, but he never gave in. He continued to practice his meditation, and finally reached the middle way, and discovered that suffering is universal, and to end suffering we must end all desires. Buddha found the monks who had left him and told them his story. After hearing this, they became his first disciples.
Explain the essence of the four noble truths in Buddhism
These are the essence of Buddhism because if you beautify every aspect of being and purify your intentions, you will reach Nirvana. You can beautify your being and intentions by following the four noble truths.
Describe Anatman and Anicca’s relationship
Anatman means no permanent self or identity. Anicca means change or impermanence in the world. They relate to each other because they both indicate that nothing stays the same. If a person is constantly changing, and the world is constantly changing, then the doctrine is fulfilled: There is no separate self, mind, or soul. We are made up of 5 skandas- sensation, form, emotion, and conciousness
Explain the Buddhist teaching of Nirvana
Nirvana is the doorway to moksha. You must develop moral character/living, discipline, participation, meditation, prajna, then Nirvana. Once you reach Nirvana, you have “extinguished” all human desires. When you have done this, you reach moksha.
