Part 3 Flashcards
Gautama
Refers to Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha.
Anatman
Not-Self
Arhat
Is someone who has followed the Buddha’s teachings and achieved personal enlightenment and freedom from rebirth.
Buddha
“Awakened One.” A being who has reached full enlightenment and insight into the true nature of reality, such as impermanence, suffering, and non-self.
Bodhisattva
A person who seeks Buddhahood not just for themselves, but for the liberation of all beings. The ideal thing.
Eightfold Path
The practical path to end suffering:
Right View
Right Intention
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
Four Noble Truths
Dukkha – Life involves suffering.
Tanha – Suffering is caused by craving.
Nirvana – There is an end to suffering.
Eightfold Path – The way to end suffering.
Dukkha
(Suffering) Refers to life’s inherent unsatisfactoriness, from pain and loss to subtle discontent.
Tanha
(Craving) The cause of suffering—whether craving pleasure, existence, or non-existence.
Nirvana
The goal of the Buddhist path.
Prajna
(Wisdom) Deep insight into the nature of reality.
Karma
(Actions) your intentional actions shape your future experiences and rebirths.
Dharma
The teachings of the Buddha and the truth of reality.
Sangha
(Community) Traditionally includes monks, nuns, and laypeople who support each other on the path.
Vajrayana
“Diamond Vehicle” Buddhism. Uses rituals, mantras, and visualizations to accelerate enlightenment.
Mahayana
“Great Vehicle” Buddhism. Emphasizes compassion, the bodhisattva ideal, and universal liberation.
Theravāda
The oldest surviving school of Buddhism. Focuses on monastic life, meditation, and achieving arhatship. Found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia.
