Religion final Study guide Flashcards
What were the four passing sights
Old man (old age)
Diseased man(ill, suffering)
Corpse (death)
Ascetic
The early life of Gautama
He was sheltered, a prince, in the warrior cast, a father, married
Which of the four passing sights filled Gautama with hope?
Ascetic
When he looked deep within himself, what did he find?
He found change: no self
At what point did he finally attain enlightenment?
When he discovered the 4Noble truths
Did he remain an ascetic all his life?
No, he just became enlightened
To Buddhists,was Gautama the first and only Buddha?
No
What are the three jewels of Buddhism?
Buddha, Dharma, Sangha
What does it mean, “to take refuge in the Three Jewels?
To be a Buddhist
What are the 4Noble truths?
To live is to suffer
Suffering is caused by desire
Suffering can be brought to cessation
The solution is the 8 fold paths
Of what is the wheel of Dharma composed?
Noble 8 fold path
Name the different foci in the Noble 8fold path
Right... Speech Mindfulness Views Intentions Livelihood Conduct Effort Meditation
Dharma in Buddhism means what?
Teachings of Buddha
Is it exactly the same as the Hindu doctrine of dharma?
No. In Hindu it means ethical duty
Does Buddhism depend on a revelation from the divine for its truths?
No, from our minds
What is samsara?
Rebirth
What is the emphasis in Buddhist morality- the actual outcome of an act or the intentipn behimd the act?
The intention behind the act
What are the five Precepts and whom do they apply tO?
Applies to all Buddhists
- do not take life
- do not take hat is not given
- Do not engage is misconduct
- Do not use false speech
- Do not drink or use intoxicants
Did the, Buddha severely condemn attachments, even between family members or did he encourage attachments to family members ?
He discouraged
Is it true that the heart of Buddhist practice lies specifically in wisdom?
No, the heart of Buddhist practice lies in meditation
Can Nirvana be understood if it has not been experienced?
No
Did the Buddha discuss whether or not a person exists in nirvana?
NO, that was not his concern
What are the Three Marks of Existence?
Anatta ( no self)
Anicca (impermance)
Dukkha(suffering)
The Noble 8fold paths sets forth what of the following choices: extreme religious practices, stages to be mastered and left behind, a life of moderation and ongoing practices?
A life of moderation and in going practices
Do the primary focal points of Buddhist training, embraced by the noble 8fold path, include unconditional love?
No
Describe the arhat
The arhat has become enlightened and is free from tanha, free from dukkha, and perfectly compassionate toward all living things
What is Theravada also called?
The way of the elders, the Lesser Vehicle- Hinayana
What does Theravada focus on?
Buddha’s teachings, meditation and the monastic life
Where does it mostly take place?
Myanmar, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand
What is Mahayana also called?
The great Vehicle
What does Mahayana focus on?
Buddha and celebrates him as a divine savior, its adherents revere bodhisattvas and consider compassion the supreme virtue
Where does it mostly take place?
China, Japan, Korea
What is Varayana reffered to?
The Vehicle of the Diamond
What does Vajrayana focus on?
Emphasizes harnessing sensual energies to attain nirvana
Where does it mostly take place?
Tibet
Can Zen be traced back to Buddha?
Yes
What does the word Zen mean?
Meditation
What is Zen’s main focus?
The experience of enlightenment
Do you think Zen students need to answer 800 koans before their training is finished?
No, ultimately Zen cannot be taught and depends on direct experience of the truth
Does Zen deny the world and perceive everyday reality as irrelevant?
No
Does Zen focus on the existence of an afterlife?
No
What does Zen focus on?
The experience of enlightenment
Why is social justice important to Zen Buddhists?
Zen’s insight into reality overcomes the bondage of self-centeredness. Once that insight has been attained, the ego (the “I”) and the rest of humanity are no longer distinct. The suffering of others, then, becomes one’s own. In this way Zen fosters a natural impulse to alleviate suffering by working to correct social injustices.
What is the primary means of attaining enlightenment to Zen Buddhists?
Meditation
Are women excluded from Zen monastic life?
No
What is at the heart of Zen teachings?
Concern for social justice
What branch of Buddhism did Zen develop within?
Mahayana (The Great Vehicle)
What is Rinzai
School of sudden awakening (satori); a major sect of Zen
Rinzai, what is the importance of satori ?
It is both the beginning and end of Zen practice
What does Rinzai say about Zen training? When does it really begin? .
Training only begins after one’s first experience of satori
What is Zen about?
It is not about theology, devotion to Buddhas and boddhisattvas, speculations regarding the nature of reality, nor philosophical elaboration on Buddhist scripture
Can Zen be taught?
No
What does Zen ultimately depend on
The truth
What is a koan?
a verbal puzzle designed to short-circuit the workings of the rational, logical mind; used as a means of triggering satori (enlightenment–flash of insight in which the true nature of one’s being is known directly);
How can koans be answered?
Only through direct insight into reality
