Ultimate Reality Flashcards
What is anicca?
The belief that all things are impermanent, and therefore perish
What is a mandala and how does it show anicca?
A mandala is an intricate artwork, usually a sand painting, which is destroyed after its creation to remind Buddhist monks of impermanence
Why is it important to understand anicca?
- It is one of the Three Universal Marks; if we do not understand it we will not achieve enlightenment
- Attachment to impermanent things is a cause of suffering (viparinama-dukkha), so we will suffer if we do not realise anicca
Which monk and philosopher is associated with the key teachings of the Mahayana school?
Nagarjuna
In which Mahayana sutra would we find their teachings about Sunyata?
The Heart Sutra
What is the cause of different teachings about anicca?
Mahayana Buddhists believe the Theravadin teachings do not go far enough, so develop their ideas in the concept of Sunyata
What is meant by ‘emptiness’ (Sunyata)?
Lack of self-nature. Nothing has real existence independently of everything else. e.g. if we take everything that is not the flower away from the flower, there is no flower left!
What two views does Nagarjuna view Sunyata as a ‘Middle Way’ between?
Eternalism (the belief that things exist which are stable, unchanging, and eternal)
Nihilism (the belief that nothing really exists, and the world is unstable and meaningless)
How does Sunyata get applied to Buddhist teachings?
Even truths such as Buddha, the Four Noble Truths, and Nirvana are empty
Why do Mahayana Buddhists believe that Nirvana is empty (Sunyata)?
It does not exist absolutely, but is simply samsara seen for what it really is. It is the “blissful calming of false concepts”
Why do Theravada Buddhists reject Sunyata?
- They believe it does not come from the Buddha, as they treat the Pali Canon (original teachings) as complete
- They believe it destroys the Dharma by reducing sacred concepts (e.g. Buddha, Nirvana) to ‘empty’ and therefore meaningless
What is the Trikaya doctrine?
The Mahayana belief that the Buddha has three “bodies”, or is embodied in three different ways
What are the three kayas (bodies) of Trikaya?
Dharmakaya (Body of Truth)
Nirmanakaya (Body of Transformation)
Sambhogakaya (Body of Joy)
What are the main features of Dharmakaya?
Ultimate reality; pure being itself. Buddhanature - a state of pure enlightenment which all beings possess within themselves.
What are the main features of Sambhogakaya?
Enjoyment or bliss; associated with the divine Buddhas of the Pure Lands, especially Amitabha.
What are the main features of Nirmanakaya?
Transformation body; the physical manifestation in the world, a form of Upaya, associated with Siddhartha Gautama
What is the Theravada belief about the Trikaya?
They reject the Trikaya teachings as a corruption of the Dharma
What is the literal meaning of Nirvana?
“blowing out”
What did Buddha say about Nirvana?
Very little; he refused to say what occurred at enlightenment except that it was beyond word and without boundaries
Complete the quote from the Buddha: “There is no measure to him that has gone to rest, he…”
“…keeps nothing that could be named.”
What does Nagasena compare Nirvana to in the Questions of King Milinda?
Lotus Flower; water; medicine; space; the wishing jewel; a mountain peak; red sandalwood; ghee
What are the strengths of Nagasena’s description of Nirvana in scripture?
It uses Upaya to reach its audience and can be adapted for a new audience; it identifies some key features of Nirvana which can be compared to things we understand; it makes Nirvana look appealing and therefore motivates us to aim for it
What are the weaknesses of Nagasena’s description of Nirvana in scripture?
Its use of Upaya means that it does not entirely make sense to people outside of King Milinda’s social context; it risks misleading us about Nirvana if we take it too literally; it makes Nirvana too appealing and therefore creates craving
