Living the Buddhist Life Flashcards
Give two purposes of chanting to Buddhists
- it is used to prepare the mind for meditation by focusing the mind
- It is a form of devotional practice towards the Buddha and Bodhisattvas
Give the purpose of chanting for Theravada Buddhists and name the chant
Dhammapada 190
- it is a way to focus on the dhamma in order to help them reach enlightenment
- it focuses on the 3 refuges and the 5 precepts
Give the purpose of chanting for Mahayana Buddhists and name the chant
- Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
- it helps Buddhists reflect on their own buddha nature and thus their own ability to reach enlightenment and help others to also do so
Give 3 reasons why chanting is important
- it helps Buddhists to memorise key teachings giving them confidence and satisfaction
- it increases their devotion for the Buddha motivating them to study the dhamma
- Chanting allows the mind to be focused and contemplative rather than wandering
Give three reasons why chanting is not important
- meditation is more important as this is what can help us to gain enlightenment
- one could become attached to the chant which is wrong as it inhibits nibbana and spiritual growth
- the buddha said to accept his teachings for ourselves ‘ not out of reverence for me’ which means we should focus on the dhamma on our own accord rather than praise and revere the Buddha
What are Buddharupas and 3 ways they are used
- Buddharupas are statues of the Buddha
- It is used as an aim to stimulate practice and support concentration
- to remind one of the qualities of the perfect wisdom and compassion of the Buddha
- it inspires one to develop these qualities
What is The Bodhi Tree and why is it used?
- The Bodhi Tree is where the Buddha sat at when he became enlightened
- it is used as it is a symbol of the Buddha’s presence and his enlightenment and reminds Buddhists that the ultimate goal is to attain enlightenment
Give three reasons why devotional objects are important ( hint; devotion)
- they can help focus the mind for meditation or chanting
- they show respect and reverence to the Buddha who is the ultimate example
- Mahayana Buddhists can focus on Buddharupas to try and communicate with the Buddha or Bodhisattvas
Give three reasons why devotional objects are not important
- it shows that one is attached to this world and so we should give up worldly attachments and desires
- the buddha did not place much emphasis on using devotional objects so it is better to focus on the dhamma and learn from monks
- they worship and idolise the Buddha and we should focus on understanding the Dhamma and the path to enlightenment
Define ‘ Puja ‘ and how can it be shown
- Puja translates as devotion or worship
- it can be shown through bowing chanting or meditation
Give 3 purposes of performing puja
- it reinforces faith and devotion
- one accumulates merit generating good kamma
- it is a good way to deal with difficulty in life
Give three features seen during Buddhist worship and it importance ( objects )
- Buddharupa placed higher than worshippers
- shows honour and respect towards the Buddha - Tray of flowers
- shows impermanence and that all things fade and die - lighted candles
- represents the light of the Buddha’s teachings and the enlightenment which worshippers are seeking and motivates them to reach that state
What is a temple and give two ways Buddhists use it
- A place where Buddhists come together to practice Buddhism
- contains a shrine and space for community activities such as making offerings and listening to sermons
- They contain libraries where Buddhists can learn more about Buddhism and the dhamma
Define stupa and give two ways Buddhists use it
- stupas are solid bell shaped structures that contain a holy relic from The Buddha or other Buddhists figures
- People walk around them while chanting to show devotion towards the relics .
- It can be used as a place of meditation and protection from evil
What is a gompa and give two ways Buddhists use its features
- A Tibetan monastery
- they are full of artwork and statues of Bodhisattvas and the Buddha to aid in meditation
- Buddhists meditate here to focus on the dhamma