The Four Noble Truths Flashcards
give two of the Four Noble Truths (2)
1) Dukkha - there is suffering
2) Samudaya - suffering has a cause
3) Nirodha - suffering can come to an end
4) Magga - there are ways to bring suffering to an end
Give two types of suffering (2)
1) Dukkha Dukkha (physical and emotional discomfort)
2) Viparinama Dukkha (suffering because of change)
3) Sankhara Dukkha (existence brings dissatisfaction)
Mnemonic: D olphins
V videotaped
S hakespeare
Give two causes of suffering (2)
- Suffering because of change (viparinama dukkha)
- Suffering because existence brings dissatisfaction (sankhara dukkha)
- Suffering is caused by tanha (craving)
Give two of the three poisons (2)
1) greed
2) hatred
3) ignorance
Mnemonic : G enies
H ate
I odine
give two interpretations of Nirvana (2)
1) Theravada Buddhism -
Nirvana not only a state of liberation but also freedom from suffering that is associated with them
(Nirvana is the consequence of one’s dedication to overcoming Dukkha)
2) Mahayana Buddhism -
Everyone is able to reach Nirvana as all humans have the nature of Buddha within them (Buddha-nature)
(To reach Nirvana, believe one should imitate life of Buddha to reach same level of awareness)
give two aspects of the eightfold path (2)
-mnemonic: m e c v i s a l
-MEDITATION: right concentration (practice meditation)
right effort (resist evil e.g. Buddha resisted mara’s temptations)
right mindfulness (be aware of your and others thoughts)
-WISDOM: right view (actions have consequences)
right intention (being clear on following the eightfold path)
-ETHICS: right speech (speak truthfully)
right action (behave in a way that doesn’t harm others)
right livelihood (respect and live a life that doesn’t cause hard to others)
What are the three jewels? (2)
1) The Buddha - knowledge of what to do
2) The Dhamma - teachings
3) The Sangha - spiritual community (support you on your journey of overcoming suffering)
Explain two teachings about the Eightfold Path. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Buddhist
belief and teaching in your answer. (5)
1) right action, following the five moral precepts especially not harming others
2) right understanding, developing a clear understanding of Dhamma & the four noble truths:
“To the Buddha for refuge i go
To the Dhamma for refuge i go
To the Sangha for refuge i go”
Explain two teachings about Nibbana. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Buddhist belief and
teaching in your answer. (5)
1) Nirvana means the extinction of the three poisons of greed, hatred and ignorance
2) Nirvana refers to the state if complete liberation, peace and happiness as they are free from suffering
“the extinction of suffering”
Explain two teachings about craving. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Buddhist belief and
teaching in your answer. (5)
1) people suffer because of tanha and attachment as they’re impermanent
2) in order to reach enlightenment, you must follow the eightfold path to overcome suffering
“the noble eightfold path leading to the cessation of suffering”
Explain two teachings about the Three Poisons. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Buddhist belief
and teaching in your answer. (5)
1) the three poisons prevent people from leaving the cycle of samsara and thus preventing them from achieving enlightenment
2) craving is rooted in ignorance as it is a lack of knowledge of the nature of reality.
- “the cause of all pain and suffering is ignorance.”
- “the origin of suffering, it is this craving”
Explain two teachings about suffering. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Buddhist belief and
teaching in your answer. (5)
1) the root of all suffering is ignorance “the cause of all pain and suffering is ignorance”
2) there are ways to overcome suffering as stated by the four noble truths.
“pain in life is inevitable but suffering is not”
