Mahayanan Understanding Of Human Personality

Question 1

Heart Sutra

Answer 1

Short 40 line key source of authority regarding human personality.

Question 2

Sunyata

Answer 2

‘Emptiness’, concept that everything is nothing/empty on its own.

Question 3

Wisdom Paramita

Answer 3

The perfection of wisdom, accepting sunyata.

Question 4

Buddha-nature

Answer 4

There is no distinction between Buddha and humans: everyone has the potential to become like Buddha.

Question 5

The Parable of the Hidden Gem

Answer 5

The parable explaining the nature of Buddha-nature: a man who unknowing has a valuable gem sown into his clothes by a friend faces great hardship. The friend later reveals that this jewel which can let him enjoy life has always been with him but not been realised because of the man’s busy life.

Question 6

Six Paramitas

Answer 6

Six perfections needed to realise the hidden Buddha-nature

Question 7

Dana

Answer 7

Generosity, giving to monks, the poor etc. Shows an overcoming of greed, a poison.

Question 8

Sila

Answer 8

Morality, leading a life governed by Buddhist morals.

Question 9

Vriya

Answer 9

Energy, taking action when needed, putting into action positive thoughts.

Question 10

Kshanti

Answer 10

Patience, Practice of tolerance and thoughtfulness towards others, shows overcoming of hatred, a poison

Question 11

Samadhi

Answer 11

Meditation, practice of deep mediation, stops constant mental confusion and distraction, clean the mind from the three poisons.

Question 12

Prajna

Answer 12

Wisdom, practice of understanding the dharma.