[Part 4]- Buddhism: Beliefs and teachings đȘ· Flashcards
1
Q
What are three marks of existence ?
A
- the three marks of existence [sometimes known as the three universal truths] are:
- dukkha- suffering [itâs inescapable and unavoidable]
- anicca- impermanence- everything is constantly changing
- and, anatta- no fixed self or soil
2
Q
How do the three marks of existence, relate to each other ?
A
- the three marks of existence relate to each other as firstly, there is a relationship between anicca [impermanence- everything is constantly changing] and dukkha [suffering, which is inevitable and inescapable]
- This is because, Buddhism teaches suffering is unavoidable; it can be overcome by: understanding the four noble truths, following the eightfold path, attaining enlightenment and then ultimately reaching nibanna.
- This is seen in the Anguttara Nikaya which teaches Buddhists: âall conditioned [compound] things are impermanent [annica], dukkha and that everything is selfless [anatta]â
3
Q
What is the Anguttara Nikaya ?
A
- the Anguttara Nikaya, is a Theravada Buddhist scripture and, itâs contained in a collection known as the Sutta Pitaka [the second basket of the Tripitaka= pali canon, in sanskrit]
4
Q
- Fill in the gaps: If a Budddhist ___________ why there are suffering, they can then weed out the samudaya in their live.
- example, __________ ignorance [one of the three poisons] by practising vipassana meditation, to understand the true ______ of reality? [as Mrs. Ruki Shillam, a Sri Lanka Buddhist taught through __________ , âthings can be seen and understood more clearlyâ]
- This is because, a Buddhist may understand that ignorance is a cause of suffering therefore, they may ________ themselves to be less ignorant.
A
- If a Budddhist understands why there are suffering, they can then weed out the samudaya in their live.
- For example, overcoming ignorance [one of the three poisons] by practising vipassana meditation, to understand the true nature of reality? [as Mrs. Ruki Shillam, a Sri Lanka Buddhist taught through meditation, âthings can be seen and understood more clearlyâ]
- This is because, a Buddhist may understand that ignorance is a cause of suffering therefore, they may educate themselves to be less ignorant.
5
Q
Whatâs one way, how anicca [one of the three marks of existence] influences Buddhists today ?
A
- one way how the teaching of anicca influences Buddhists today, is to be more resilient and accepting of suffering
- This is because, annica teaches Buddhists the of importance of impermanence as not only can change: grant new possibilities and chances
- ; it can teach Buddhists to have a deeper insight of reality, [and ultimately attain enlightenment and reach nibbana] since everything âcontains within itself the character that it will change and dissolveâ [Maha Parinibbana Sutta]
6
Q
What is the Maha Parinibbana Sutta ?
A
- the Maha Parinibbana Sutta, is a Theravada Buddhist scripture contained in the collection known as the Sutta Pitaka [the second basket of the Tripitaka= pali canon, in sanskrit]
- and, it is known as â Sutta 16 in the DÄ«gha NikÄyaâ, which is a part of the the Sutta Pitaka.
7
Q
- Fill in the gaps: A Buddhist may choose to perform _______ actions, so they can generate good kamma.
- This means, they can be ______ into a higher being [human], and can work towards eventually escaping the cycle of _______, thatâs contained within the six realms. [in the Tibetan wheel of life]
A
- A Buddhist may choose to perform skilful actions, so they can generate good kamma.
- This means, they can be reborn into a higher being [human], and can work towards eventually escaping the cycle of samsara, thatâs contained within the six realms. [in the Tibetan wheel of life]
8
Q
Which one of the three marks of existence, is the most important ?
A
- dukkha could be seen as the most important [of the three marks of existence] because, it motivates Buddhists to end their suffering [by extinguishing the three poisons].
- moreover, dukkha is the most important, sincethe other two marks of existence [anicca and anatta] canât be truly understood without understanding dukkha- suffering exists and itâs inevitable.
9
Q
Why canât anicca be understood, without dukkha ?
A
- anicca meaning impermanence [constantly changing]; this cannot be understood, without perhaps knowing that everything changes, because they suffer.
- An example of this, is apersonâs thoughts may change due to them not being able to achieve their desires- one of the physical states of suffering]
10
Q
Why else might dukkha, be seen as the most important, of the three marks of existence
A
- dukkha may also be seen as the most important, as dukkha teaches Buddhists a fundamental knowledge of suffering.
- This is seen in the Dhammacakkappavattanasutta SN 56.11 [the turning of the wheel] which teaches Buddhists âpain, grief and despair are dukkha;â
11
Q
What is the Dhammacakkappavattanasutta ?
A
- known as the turning of the wheel, the Dhammacakkappavattanasutta is a Buddhist scripture, in which Gotama [historical] Buddha taught his first revelation to others: the four noble truths,
12
Q
What are the seven states of suffering ? [7]
A
- the seven states of suffering are divided into two parts, physical and mental:
mental:
- not being able to achieve your desires
- contact with someone or something you dislike
- separation, from someone or something you love
physical:
- old age
- sickness
- death
- and, birth
13
Q
What are the three mental states of suffering ?
A
mental:
- not being able to achieve your desires
- contact with someone or something you dislike
- separation, from someone or something you love
14
Q
What are the four physical states of suffering ?
A
physical:
- old age
- sickness
- death
- and, birth
15
Q
What are the three different types of suffering ? [3]
A
- the three three different types of suffering are:
- dukkha- dukkhata [ordinary suffering- physical and mental pain]
- viparinama-dukkha [suffering because of change]
- and, samkhara-dukkha [suffering because of attachment]
