taking refuge

Question 1

The Buddha role model

Answer 1

1. Take refuge in the Buddha as he can be used as a role model.
2. However, his life is so different from ours so it’s difficult.
3. However, suffering has always existed just in different forms. What causes our suffering is irrelevant as we are still suffering.
4. Furthermore, doesn’t have to directly reflect our lives but rather just the lessons it teaches.

Question 2

Denise Cush Buddha mara battle

Answer 2

‘the temptations represent his fears, doubts, and desires, to return to worldly pleasures.’

Question 3

Denise Cush Buddha’s life

Answer 3

There are so many different versions associated with the Buddha’s life, we don’t need to go into detail. These just show the uniqueness of the Buddha.

Question 4

Daniel Lopez

Answer 4

There has never been a significant quest for the historical Buddha.

Question 5

Paul Williams Buddha

Answer 5

It isn’t the historical Buddha that is important but rather what he discovered.

Question 6

Rupert Gethin Dharma

Answer 6

The dharma lies at the heart of Buddhism.

Question 7

Thubten Chodron dharma

Answer 7

By understanding the dharma, buddhists are better equipped to meet the challenges of the modern world.

Question 8

Thich Nhat Hanh sangha

Answer 8

We can still support the sangha through monastery donations.

Question 9

Thubten Chodron sangha monastery

Answer 9

‘we can adapt to the external situation whilst keeping our practise alive internally.’

Question 10

Chogpan Trungpa

Answer 10

The sangha continually provides a point of reference which creates a continual learning process.

Question 11

Thich Nhat Hanh sangha

Answer 11

‘our transformation and healing depend on the quality of the sangha.’

Question 12

Dharma

Answer 12

Told within the Pali Canon in three separate sections called pitakas.