Key words definitions Flashcards
Define Buddha
one who is fully enlightened, or the awakened one
Define Dharma
teachings of the buddha that should be followed to reach nirvana- including the four noble truths, the eightfold path and the five precepts
Define Dukka
suffering or unsatisfactoriness in life
Define the four noble truths
The buddhas first teaching after he had reached Nirvana (enlightenment)
Define the eightfold path
eight steps towards overcoming suffering and desires and achieving Nirvana and freedom from Samsara
Define parinirvana
complete final nirvana, after death
Define tanha
the craving or desire of possessions, people or permanence and can either be mental or physical.
Define euthanasia
The act of killing a person, either directly or indirectly, because a decision has been reached that death would be the best option. Sometimes referred to as ‘mercy killing.
Define abortion
When a pregnancy is ended by the deliberate removal of the foetus from the womb so that it does not result in the birth of a child. Most abortions in the UK are legal up until the 24th week.
Define the quality of life
The extent to which life is meaningful and pleasurable
Define the sancity of life
The belief that life is precious, or sacred because humans are made ‘in God’s image’. For many religious believers, only human life holds this special status.
