Ultimate reality (Buddhism)

Question 1

How many Buddhas do Theravada Buddhists there have been?

Answer 1

28

Question 2

Where do Theravada Buddhists believe the Buddha is?

Answer 2

Parinirvana

Question 3

What do Theravada Buddhists aim to become?

Answer 3

Arhats (perfected saints)

Question 4

How many Buddhas do Mahayana Buddhists believe exist?

Answer 4

Infinite

Question 5

What do Mahayana Buddhists aim to become?

Answer 5

Bodhisattvas

Question 6

What set of beliefs do Mahayana Buddhists believe about the Buddha?

Answer 6

Trikaya doctrine

Question 7

What are the 3 bodies of the Trikaya doctrine?

Answer 7

• Nirmanakaya
• Sambhogakaya
• Dharmakaya

Question 8

What is the Nirmnakaya?

Answer 8

Body of transformation

Question 9

What is the Sambhogakaya?

Answer 9

Body of joy

Question 10

What is the Dharmakaya?

Answer 10

Body of truth

Question 11

What are the 3 universal marks of existence?

Answer 11

• Dukkha (suffering)
• Anicca (impermanence)
• Anatta (no-self)

Question 12

What is the Mahayana development of anicca?

Answer 12

Sunyata (doctrine of emptiness)

Question 13

What is Nirvana?

Answer 13

The cessation of suffering

Question 14

What metaphors does Nagasena use to explain Nirvana in the 80th dilemma of the Questions of King Milinda?

Answer 14

• Lotus flower, unstained by defilements
• Cool water, cools passions and craving
• Medicine, ends sickness
• Space, infinite
• Wishing jewel, grants all desires
• Mountain peak, inaccessible to the passions
• Red sandalwood, praised and difficult to get
• Ghee, sweet and tastes of freedom

Question 15

What is Nagasena’s use of metaphors an example of?

Answer 15

Upaya