Fact File (Buddhist Practices)

Question 1

Definition of puja

Answer 1

Worship

Question 2

What are two different types of meditation?

Answer 2

Samatha and Vipassana

Question 3

Which type of worship involves reciting and repeating Buddhist scriptures?

Answer 3

Chanting

Question 4

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

Answer 4

Rupa (Buddha statue)

Question 5

Give three of the six perfections in the Mahayanan tradition

Answer 5

Generosity or giving (dana)
· Morality (sila)
· Patience (kshanti)
· Energy (virya)
· Meditation (samadhi)
· Wisdom (prajna)

Question 6

What is Wesak?

Answer 6

A festival celebrating the life and teachings of Buddha

Question 7

What name is given to a Buddhist monastery?

Answer 7

Vihara

Question 8

Explain one element of a Buddhist funeral?

Answer 8

Spend as little money as possible on funerals as they believe in reincarnation.
Sky Burial this reflects a belief in anicca.

Question 9

Give three features of a shrine?

Answer 9

Flowers, candles, water, fruit, incense

Question 10

Name a Buddhist festival?

Answer 10

Parinirvana Day

Question 11

What is meant by a skilful act?

Answer 11

Actions that lead to good Karma

Question 12

What is the common name for a Buddhist place of worship?

Answer 12

A temple

Question 13

Give three of the 5 moral precepts

Answer 13

1. to abstain from taking life
2. to abstain from taking what is not given
3. to abstain from sexual misconduct
4. to abstain from wrong speech
5. to abstain from intoxicants

Question 14

What is the purpose of Samatha mediation?

Answer 14

Breathing meditation focused on calming the mind and mindfulness.

Question 15

Name the Three Jewels

Answer 15

The Buddha • The Dhamma • The Sangha

Question 16

Explain two contrasting aims of meditation

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Why are devotional rituals carried out?

Answer 17

For a Buddhist to show their devotion to the Buddha

Question 18

What is the main purpose of a Buddhist temple?

Answer 18

A place for Buddhists to come together

Question 19

What are Malas?

Answer 19

Beads used to help focus and count the number of times scripture is repeated.

Question 20

What is the main purpose of a Buddhist retreat?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

What are Malas

Answer 21

Beads used to help focus and count the number of times scripture is repeated.

Question 22

Why do Buddhists use visualisation?

Answer 22

Buddhists use visualisation to deepen their meditation and their understanding of Buddhist teaching.

Question 23

Why is Karma important in Buddhism?

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Why is Karma important in Buddhism?

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Why is chanting important?

Answer 25

Chanting is important because it enables focus in meditation

Question 26

Explain how the lay community contributes to the monastic community

Answer 26

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 27

Explain the concept of Karuna?

Answer 27

Karuna is 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 28

Give two examples of how monks contribute to the community

Answer 28

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.