merit making Flashcards

1
Q

why is merit making important in buddhism

A
  • good rebirth
  • enlightenment
  • gaining good karmit merit
  • all attained via good conduct –> 6P, 8FP, kusala/skillful means
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2
Q

why is transferring/sharing merit important in buddhism

A
  • generosity, caga
  • better than mourning at funerals as it demonstrates non attachement to the merit and the person –> pure land buddhism
  • M: bodhisattvas, help people become enlightened through transference –> coming back to teach
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3
Q

what does punya/punna mean

A

merit

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4
Q

what does Dana mean

A

giving
- perfect giving in the 6 perfections

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5
Q

quotes on merit making

A

‘a beneficial and protective force which extends over a long period of time’ BJ Terwiel

‘the pursuit of merit is the buddhist way to develop a wise sense of self’ bhikkhu bodhi

‘cultivate wholesome actions, to purify one’s mind’ the dhammapada

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6
Q

ways to make merit

A
  • meditation
  • arms round, lay buddhists
  • group merit making
  • following ethical systems
  • can give non material things –> time dedication
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7
Q

intentions/benefits for making merit

A
  • performing a good selfless action, rejecting 3 fires
  • karma, accruing karmic merit
  • 8 fold path
  • better rebirth
  • M: enlightenment for all not just sangha
  • generosity, acts of self sacrifice
  • CANNOT GIVE PURELY TO GAIN KARMIC MERIT
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8
Q

how much merit do u receieve dependent on ur good action’s RECIPIENT

A
  1. arhat/monastic sangha
  2. mink/nun on arhat path (monk>nun)
  3. buddhist who has taken precpts
  4. not spiritually advanced
  5. immoral people
  • interdependence between L + S: monks give back spiritually when laity support them
  • immoral people last as they do not give back spiritually (could argue they need it more)
  • should not expect a thankyou as it giver does not give the blessing to the recipient
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9
Q

importance of transference of merit

A
  • M: bodhisat, releases merit to devotee
  • paul williams: path to another power
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10
Q

what is meditation

A

an altered state of conciousness induced in a controlled manner
- benefits are cumulative and sustained

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11
Q

what is bhavana

A

mental development

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12
Q

what is brahma viharas

A

4 sublime/divine states

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13
Q

samatha meditation

A

calming meditation
- involves calming the mind and developing deeper concentration

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14
Q

what is vipassana meditation

A
  • insight meditation
  • developing understanding of the nature of reality
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15
Q

what is zazen

A
  • zen b
  • awareness of present moment
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16
Q

why is meditation important in buddhism

A
  • the buddha gained enlightenment during meditation –> all schools see it as the high road to nirvana
  • one can gain a greater awareness and understanding of the buddhas teachings
  • experential part of B as a religion
  • comprehensive ‘tune up’ for peak mental functioning –> increases concentration, senses pf calm and stillness increases
  • removes mental static and reduce mental chatter which dissipates psychic energy
  • practiced at all levels, most important for L and S
  • magical powers gained: B could fly etc –> clairvoyance, knowing others thoughts, recollection of past lives
17
Q

what is samatha meditation

A
  • Therav
  • develop calm and positive emotion
  • tranquil settled restful mind
  • mindfulness of breath –> focus of meditation
  • calm and concentraed mind prepares for developing wisdom and understanding the nature of reality –> prep for V med
  • focus on one neutral simple object/process –> sole focus
  • pursued to reach 4 jhanas
18
Q

what are the 4 jhanas

A
  • detatchment and clarity
  • stillness and joy
  • rarified joy
  • clear calm conciousness
19
Q

what is vipassana med

A
  • Therav
  • inderstanding and wisdom, insightful
  • penetrate and gain insight into the nature of reality –> reflection on 3 MOS and how they characterise all things
  • everything can be explored objectively (eg body, then attractiveness and how to become less attatched to feeling attractive)
  • can switch attention
  • makes meditation on a core part of the 8FP –> complete understanding and enlightenment
20
Q

what is zazen

A
  • zen Bud in japan
  • seated med
  • intended to lead to a deeper understanding of the nature of existence
  • meditator focuses on the present moment and tries to remain thoughts there
21
Q

meditation as a form of therapy

A
  • cleanse the mind of troubles –> sense of peace and tranquility
  • use in prisons to help them reflect on their actions –> ask for forgiveness and give them the strength to change and begin a new life
  • reduce anxiety, focus on breath
  • calms the mind, distraction from other events
  • insight helps u detach from emotion
  • elimination from 3 fires to reduce suffering
  • helps develop will power to face problems
  • mental cultivation: can see nature of mind beyond thoughts and emotions, to achieve highest wisdom, compassion, and peace are attained
22
Q

scientific discovery with meditation

A

improvement in health
- harvard med school: meditation activates sections of the brain in charge of the automatic nervous system, governing bodily functions we cannot control like digestion and blood pressure
- new scientist journal: in left pre frontal lobe, positive emotions and good moods