Key Terms (Buddhism)

Question 1

Ascetic

Answer 1

Someone who practices self discipline or abstains from physical pleasures for religious purposes

Question 2

The Buddha

Answer 2

the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama; teachers who fully understand the nature of mind and reality are also called Buddhas

Question 3

Enlightenment

Answer 3

a state of perfect happiness and understanding; unconditional compassion for all beings

Question 4

Karma

Answer 4

The law of cause and effect, of ones actions having an impact on one’s future life

Question 5

Mandala

Answer 5

A visual object, usual in the form of a circle, that can be used for aid for focus during meditation

Question 6

Mantra

Answer 6

A word or phrase that is chanted as an aid to meditation

Question 7

Merit

Answer 7

The idea in Buddhism that a person can be reborn in a form closer to enlightenment if they accumulate Merit; wholesome deeds and intentions can be added to a persons Merit

Question 8

Nirvana

Answer 8

The end of personal suffering and the experience of unchanging peace

Question 9

Samara

Answer 9

The law of birth death, and rebirth (process of reincarnation)