Ultimate Reality (Part 1) Flashcards
What is anicca?
The belief that all things are impermanent, and therefore perish
(Buddhism and Science topic!)
How does the double-slit experiment show anicca?
The fact that electrons behave as both particles and waves shows that even at the smallest level (the quantum level), the world is uncertain and changing
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
