Key Terms and Definitions

Question 1

Anicca

Answer 1

The impermanent nature of all things.

Question 2

Anatta

Answer 2

No independent or permanent self.

Question 3

Dukkha

Answer 3

Suffering or unsatisfactoriness.

Question 4

(S)kandhas

Answer 4

The five elements/aggregates that make up a human being: form, sensation, perception, mental formations and consciousness.

Question 5

Samatha

Answer 5

Calmness or breathing meditation.

Question 6

Pratitya

Answer 6

Dependent origination; everything ‘exists’ only because of the ‘existence’ of other things.

Question 7

Mettabhavana

Answer 7

The development of loving kindness, usually through meditation.

Question 8

Vipassana

Answer 8

‘Insight’ meditation enabling the individual to see the true nature of things.

Question 9

Bodhisattva

Answer 9

Bodhisattvas are beings who have attained enlightenment and who aim to help others to achieve it too.

Question 10

Mahayana

Answer 10

“Great vehicle” (to salvation). The name given to more progressive strands of Buddhism.

Question 11

Theravada

Answer 11

“Way of the Elders”, the name given to the only surviving school of conservative Buddhism.

Question 12

Arhat

Answer 12

An enlightened disciple, the fourth and highest stage of realisation recognised by Theravada tradition. One whose mind is free from all greed, hatred and ignorance.

Question 13

Enlightenment

Answer 13

To come to understand the true nature of reality.

Question 14

Nirvana

Answer 14

The absence of suffering when a person is free from attachment, desire and the three poisons.