Ultimate Reality

Question 1

Siddhartha Gautama is the __th Buddha

Answer 1

28th

Question 2

Maitreya Buddha is…

Answer 2

… the next Buddha when dhamma is forgotten again

Question 3

How do Theravda Buddhists see the Buddha?

Answer 3

– Completely human with ordinary 5 aggregates
– Tathagata (‘one who has thus gone’) cannot be contacted
– Stories (inc. miracles) are completely true

Question 4

What are samyaksambuddhas and pratekyabuddhas?

Translation & what they do

Answer 4

Samyaksambuddhas (‘perfectly/exactly’) become enlightened and teach others to do so
Pratekyabuddhas (‘solitary’) become enlightened independently and don’t teach others to do the same.

Question 5

What are bodhisattvas in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism?

Answer 5

Theravada – Path to/aims to achieve enlightenment
Mahayana – Enlightened and compassionately remains in samsara to free all sentient beings from dukkha

Question 6

Mahayana believe in the trikaya. Define and describe.

Translation, name and description of each term.

Answer 6

• Nirmanakaya (‘earthly/manifestation’) – subject to life, dukkha & dukkha. Nirmanakaya Buddhas can become sambodhakayas or be reborn upon death.
• Dharmakaya (‘dhamma/truth’) – Understanding of truth of the universe, sunyata (emptiness) of all things and know cosmic, ultimate truth to life. Independent of person realising it.
• Sambodhgakaya (‘heavenly’) – Splendid paradise in their own domains. Can help bengs out of karuana and be prayed to, seeking support & guidance.

Question 7

The Buddha said, “You only lose…

Answer 7

“…what you cling to.”

Question 8

“It is impossible that a person with the right view…”

Answer 8

“…should see any formation as permanent.” - Suttapitaka