The Buddha’s Life, It’s Significance and how it might Influcence a Buddhist Today Flashcards
Where was Siddhartha born?
Siddhartha was born about 2,500 years ago in Nepal.
What did the holy man prophesy about Siddhartha?
The holy man prophesied that Siddhartha would be either a great ruler or a great spiritual leader.
How did Siddhartha’s father try to influence his future?
The king protected Siddhartha from any disappointment or suffering, hoping he would become a great ruler.
What significant events occurred in Siddhartha’s life before he left the palace?
A marriage was arranged, and his new wife was soon pregnant.
What four sights profoundly affected Siddhartha?
Siddhartha saw sickness, old age, death, and a wandering holy man.
What vow did Siddhartha make after seeing the holy man?
Siddhartha vowed that he would become like the holy man, who seemed at peace amidst suffering.
What did Siddhartha do on the night of his son’s birth?
He escaped the palace, exchanged clothes with his servant, and renounced his old life.
What is asceticism?
Asceticism means to give up all luxuries.
What realization did Siddhartha come to while with the ascetics?
He realized that denying his body had taught him nothing, and there must be a ‘middle way’ between extremes.
Where did Siddhartha meditate to find enlightenment?
He made himself a cushion of grass underneath a peepul tree.
Who tried to distract Siddhartha during his meditation?
Mara, the evil one, tried to distract him with fear, lust, and by offering control of his kingdom.
What did Siddhartha do to call upon the earth as a witness?
Siddhartha touched the earth, calling on it to bear witness, and it shook.
What are the Three Watches of the Night?
The Three Watches of the Night are: 1. Knowledge of all his previous lives, 2. That things are re-born depending on their kamma, 3. Understanding the causes of suffering and how to overcome it (The Four Noble Truths).
How might Buddha’s life influence Buddhists today?
Buddhists are inspired by Buddha’s example of renouncing his old life for a journey of discovery.
What lesson does Buddha’s life teach about luxury?
Buddha shows that even a luxurious life does not necessarily lead to happiness.
What analogy does Buddha use to explain the middle way?
Buddha uses the analogy of a lute, where a string with perfect tension produces a pure note, unlike a loose or tight string.
What comfort can Buddhists find in Buddha’s struggles with meditation?
When finding meditation difficult, Buddhists can take comfort in the fact that even the Buddha struggled to achieve enlightenment.
