Living the Buddhist Life Flashcards

1
Q

Give two purposes of chanting to Buddhists

A
  • 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
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2
Q

Give the purpose of chanting for Theravada Buddhists and name the chant

A

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
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3
Q

Give the purpose of chanting for Mahayana Buddhists and name the chant

A
  • 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
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4
Q

Give 3 reasons why chanting is important

A
  • 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
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5
Q

Give three reasons why chanting is not important

A
  • 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
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6
Q

What are Buddharupas and 3 ways they are used

A
  • 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
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7
Q

What is The Bodhi Tree and why is it used?

A
  • 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
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8
Q

Give three reasons why devotional objects are important ( hint; devotion)

A
  • 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
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9
Q

Give three reasons why devotional objects are not important

A
  • 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
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10
Q

Define ‘ Puja ‘ and how can it be shown

A
  • Puja translates as devotion or worship

- it can be shown through bowing chanting or meditation

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11
Q

Give 3 purposes of performing puja

A
  • it reinforces faith and devotion
  • one accumulates merit generating good kamma
  • it is a good way to deal with difficulty in life
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12
Q

Give three features seen during Buddhist worship and it importance ( objects )

A
  1. Buddharupa placed higher than worshippers
    - shows honour and respect towards the Buddha
  2. Tray of flowers
    - shows impermanence and that all things fade and die
  3. lighted candles
    - represents the light of the Buddha’s teachings and the enlightenment which worshippers are seeking and motivates them to reach that state
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13
Q

What is a temple and give two ways Buddhists use it

A
  • 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
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14
Q

Define stupa and give two ways Buddhists use it

A
  • 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
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15
Q

What is a gompa and give two ways Buddhists use its features

A
  • 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
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16
Q

what is a vihara and give two ways Buddhists use it

A
  • The central place of worship and where Buddhist monks and nuns live
  • many monks live here to get away from distractions in the world showing complete devotion to the Buddhist way of life.
  • people make offerings here to both the Buddha and monks for positive kamma and monks in return aid them with spiritual growth
17
Q

What is a shrine and give two ways Buddhists use it

A
  • an area with a statue of a Buddha or a Bodhisattva
  • provides Buddhists with a focus point for meditation and devotion
  • Offerings are often made to the statue or image to show gratitude and respect.
18
Q

How is worship different in Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism?

A

Mahayana Buddhists are attempting to communicate with the Buddha and bodhisattvas
= Theravada Buddhists do not believe that this is possible as he has achieved Pari nibbana and is just a historical figure. They instead focus on the three refuges and the 5 precepts .

19
Q

Who do Pure Land Buddhists worship and how?

A
  • They worship the Buddha Amitabha
  • They believe by trusting devotion to him they will be taken to the Pure Land
  • They recite his name using mala beads
20
Q

What is Triratna Buddhism and who founded it?

A
  • Sangharasita set up the Triratna school

- It is based on Buddhist tradition and positive aspects of modern Western culture

21
Q

How do Triratna Buddhists worship?

A
  • Worship involves getting together and reciting a Sevenfold Puja to remind themselves of the value of the three jewels
  • They may hear a reading of the life of the Buddha
22
Q

Give 3 ways Buddhists pay respect to the Buddha during worship ( actions )

A
  • by folding their palms to show respect for the three refuges
  • to prostrate before an image of the buddha or members of the sangha to show respect and humility
  • recall the qualities of the buddha such as metta, karuna and wisdom
23
Q

Give two features of a shrine room

A
  • Buddhist altars are set in the east as the buddha sat facing east beneath the bodhi tree when he reached enlightenment
  • There will be a libraries as there is an integral focus on learning and understanding the dhamma
24
Q

Give three things Buddhists must do in a shrine room ( to respect it)

A
  • the Buddha image should be placed higher than other articles of significance
  • one should not sit with feet pointing to the image
  • one should not engage in worldly conversation and aim to be in contemplative states of mind
25
Q

Wesak Festival:

  1. what it celebrates and by who
  2. give 3 ways it is celebrated
  3. its importance to Buddhists today
A
  1. it commemorates the birth, enlightenment and the passing into nibbana of the Buddha
  2. visit a temple, observe extra precepts (8), give gifts to an altar to show respect for the Buddha’s teachings
  3. it is important as it is a time of reflection and celebration for Buddhists as they can practice the buddha’s teachings and focus on attaining their own enlightenment
26
Q

Vassa:

  1. How do monks celebrate Vassa
  2. How do lay people celebrate Vassa
  3. When is it celebrated and who celebrates it
  4. why is it a convincing festival
A
  • three month retreat during rainy season
  • monks spend time in meditation and chants
  • many Lay Buddhists renew their commitment to the Five Precepts and engage in a period of reflection.
  • The Buddha practiced this and encouraged monks to do this and therefore we should follow his example
  • Theravada Buddhists
27
Q

Kathina:

  • when is Kathina?
  • what happens during Kathina?
  • Who celebrate Kathina?
A
  • occurs at the end of Vassa and a time of alms giving
  • Lay people traditionally offer cloths to the monks to make their robes
  • Theravada Buddhists
28
Q

Uposatha days:

  • what is it
  • Give three ways lays and monastics practice it
  • when is it observed and by who
A
  • a day of observance used to help cleanse the mind
  • monastics chant about rules that they have neglected and teach the dhamma
  • lay people visit the temple, meditate and listen to the dhamma intently
  • they both reaffirm their commitment to the precepts
  • Theravada Buddhists - once a week
  • Mahayana Buddhists- 10 times a month
29
Q

Hanamtsuri :

  • what does it celebrate and when
  • how is it celebrated
  • what does that show
  • who celebrates it
  • why is it unconvincing
A
  • celebration of the Buddha’s birth on April 8th
  • buildings are covered in flowers and a special statue of the Buddha is erected
  • This reminds Buddhists of impermanence as flowers die like everything will
  • Mahayana Buddhists
  • it reveres the Buddha
  • it was not an original Buddhist festival but became incorporated with a previous festival
30
Q

Obon:

  • what does it celebrate and how long
  • give 3 ways it is celebrated
  • who celebrates it
A
  • three day festival in Japan where spirits of the ancestors are honoured
  • prayers and chants ae offered, food offerings are made lanterns are hung to guide the spirits to their relatives and back to their world
  • Mahayana Buddhists
31
Q

Pari nibbana Day:

  • what does it celebrate
  • its importance ( freedom from what)
  • give 2 ways it is celebrated
  • who celebrate it
A
  • celebration of the Buddha’s enlightenment marking the death of the Buddha
  • It is celebrated as they believe that having attained enlightenment he achieved freedom from physical existence and its suffering and aim to do the same
  • Buddhists meditate, visit temples/monasteries
  • Mahayana Buddhists
32
Q

Lama Tsong Khapa Day

  • what does it celebrate
  • its importance
  • give 2 ways it is celebrated
  • who celebrate it
A
  • It celebrates the enlightenment of Je Tsong Khapa.
  • it is important as they believe all merit from kamma is increased
  • · making many offerings of food, incense, lights and flowers
    · offering puja to Lama Tsong Khapa
  • Tibetan Buddhists
33
Q

Give 3 reasons against celebrates festivals - include counter

A
  • it idolises and reveres the Buddha
  • Creates attachment to the worldly life rather than focusing on the attainment of enlightenment
    counter- some festivals focus on remembering the aim of enlightenment and to detach from the worldly life eg Vassa, Uposatha days
  • some may partake for the wrong intentions
34
Q

Give 3 reasons in favour of celebrating festivals include examples

A
  • it can cultivate good kamma and metta and karuna through making offerings of robes eg; Kathina leading to unity in the Sangha
  • it allows one to commit to the Buddha’s teachings and practice them more : Vassa
  • it allows for one to reflect on their own spiritual journey - Uposatha days
35
Q

Give two reasons why places of worship are not necessary for puja

A
  • puja can be offered at home using Buddharupas and/or shrines
  • places of worship is not what matters but one’s understanding of the dhamma
36
Q

Give three reasons why places of worship are necessary for puja ( reference to SOA)

A
  • it can be seen as a place to show devotion by giving candles and other offerings to the Buddha
  • one can give alms to a monk - accumulating good kamma
  • one can listen to sermons and access libraries ( vihara) to understand the dhamma ( kimsila sutta)