Introduction Flashcards
The path of buddhism
1) to lead a moral life
2) to be mindful of thoughts and actions
3) to develop wisdom and understanding
Buddhism provides a…
code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness
There are many different types of Buddhism because…
difference counties emphasis different parts of the teachings due to culture and customs. The essence of the teaching does not change (dharma or truth)
Buddhism depends upon the individual seeing and testing facts and general natural laws. This approach makes the core of Buddhism…
Scientific
What did the Buddha teach (Basic Concepts)
The four Noble truths
The eightfold path
What is the first Noble truth (Dukka)?
The truth that life is suffering
Physical
e.g., pain, getting old, disease and ultimately death
Psychological
e.g., loneliness, frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger
What is the second Noble truth (Samudaya)?
The truth of the origin of suffering
Suffering is caused by craving and aversion
**In Buddhism a lifetime of craving especially to exist leads an individual to be born again
What is the third Noble truth? (Nirodha)
The truth of the cessation of suffering (Happiness and contentment is possible)
If we give up craving and learn to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can be happy and free. We also have more energy to help others. This is called Nirvana.
What is the Fourth Nobel Truth? (Magga)
The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering
The Noble 8-fold path leads to the end of suffering
What is the 8-fold path?
Right Understanding (View): Seeing things as they really are, and understanding the Four Noble Truths.
Right Intention: Commitment to ethical and mental self-improvement.
Right Speech: Speaking truthfully, avoiding gossip, harsh words, and idle chatter.
Right Action: Behaving in a way that is ethical, avoiding harm to others.
Right Livelihood: Earning a living in a way that does not cause harm to others.
Right Effort: Cultivating positive states of mind; freeing oneself from negative mental states.
Right Mindfulness: Developing awareness of the body, feelings, mind, and phenomena.
Right Concentration: Developing the mental focus necessary for this awareness.
5 Precepts (Moral code)
- Not to take the life of any living thing
- Not take anything that isn’t freely given
- Abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence
- Refrain from untrue speech
- Avoid intoxication, that is, losing mindfulness
Karma is…
the law of cause and effect. our actions have results.
Karma underlines the importance of all beings being responsible for their past and present actions.
How can we affect the karmic effect of our actions
Look at the
(1) intention behind the action
(2) the effects of the action on oneself
(3) the effects on others
Wisdom is…
Developed through compassion. At one extreme you could be a good-hearted fool, on the other hand you could attain knowledge without emotion. Buddhism uses the middle path to develop both>
The highest wisdom is…
seeing that in reality, all phenomena are incomplete, impermanent and do not constitute a fixed entity
True wisdom is not…
simply believing what we are told but instead experiencing and understanding truth and reality
What is needed to develop wisdom?
Open, objective and unbigoted mind
What qualities are required for the Buddhist path?
Courage, patience, flexibility and intelligence
What is compassion?
Includes the qualities of sharing, readiness to give comfort, sympathy, concern, caring. In Buddhism we can really understand others when we really understand ourselves though wisdom
