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

Question 9

Paticcasamuppada translates to….

Answer 9

Dependant arising/origination.

Question 10

Svabhava translates to…

Answer 10

Self nature.

Question 11

Define Sunyata

Answer 11

Absence of svabhava in everything, past just humans.

Question 12

How does Quantum Physics support Sunyata?

Answer 12

Quantum physics states alll particles are constantly evolving and changing– lacking any permanence. Existence is just impermanence in slow-motion.

Question 13

What are the Prajnaparamita sutras?

Answer 13

‘Wisdom’ Mahayana sutra— Collection of 40 sutras inc. Heart Sutra detailing sunyata. Hidden until world was ready to recieve the messages.

Question 14

The Buddha describes Nirvana as…

Answer 14

“Incomprehenesible, indescribale, inconcievable, unutterable.”

Question 15

What are the two types of Nirvana?

Answer 15

— Sopadhishesa-Nirvana (with remainders) where conscious of pain & pleasure but no longer bound to it (Arhats)
— Parinirvana (final) where achieves complete nirvana & transcendance

Question 16

What is the Mahayana relationship to Nirvana?

Answer 16

They dela their parinirvana as a Bodhisattva to assist others in ceasing their suffering.

Question 17

Describe general premise of the 80th dilemna of the Questions of King Milinda

Answer 17

KM attempts to get N to explain Nirvana. N cannot explain nirvana but he can describe its qualities.
He alikens it to the volume of water and creatures in the ocean, (“It is a point that should be left alone.”)
He compares it to a lotus (purity from mud/evil); water (relieves heat/evil, quench thirst of craving), medicine (refuge of poisoned, end to griefs and ambrosia) and more.