Ultimate Reality Flashcards
What is the main goal of Theravadins in Buddhism?
The main goal of Theravadins is nirvana, which entails the cessation of suffering, craving, and overcoming the three mental poisons – greed, hatred, and delusion.
What does “arhat” mean in Theravada Buddhism?
In Theravada Buddhism, “arhat” literally means ‘worthy one’, and it signifies the aim to become liberated from the cycle of rebirths through achieving enlightenment.
How do Mahayanists perceive the Buddha’s ability to communicate?
Mahayanists believe the Buddha can communicate through SAMBOGHOGAKAYA, a dimension of energy and light visible in special meditative states but intangible, akin to a rainbow.
What is the ultimate goal of Mahayanists?
The ultimate goal of Mahayanists is complete Buddhahood, with Nirvana serving merely as a stepping stone on the path to complete enlightenment.
What is the difference between nirvana and Buddhahood according to Mahayana Buddhism?
Mahayanists believe there are subtle ‘mental veils’ remaining in nirvana that cannot completely overcome ignorance, which can only be eradicated through the Mahayana path leading to full omniscience at enlightenment.
What does the doctrine of Trikaya clarify in Mahayana Buddhism?
The doctrine of Trikaya clarifies the three aspects of Buddhahood: Dharmakaya (body of truth), Sambhogakaya (body of enjoyment), and Nirmanakaya (body of manifestation/transformation).
What does Dharmakaya represent in Mahayana Buddhism?
Dharmakaya represents the absolute basis of reality and refers to the enlightened mind, free from all defilements, and the understanding of the truth about the universe.
How is Sambhogakaya described in Mahayana Buddhism?
Sambhogakaya refers to the glorious, heavenly Buddhas visible in special meditative states, characterized by intangibility but visibility, akin to a rainbow, and residing in their own Buddhalands.
Who is Amitabha Buddha, and what is his significance?
Amitabha Buddha is a celestial Buddha in Pure Land Buddhism, known as the “Buddha of Immeasurable Light and Life”, who renounced his kingdom to become a monk and eventually attained supreme enlightenment.
What is the significance of the Nirmanakaya body in Mahayana Buddhism?
The Nirmanakaya body refers to the historical Buddha manifested in earthly form, such as Siddhartha, used to teach the Dharma to human beings, emphasizing the voluntary decision to take physical form for this purpose.
What is the significance of impermanence in Buddhism?
Impermanence (anicca) is fundamental in Buddhism as it teaches that everything conditioned is constantly changing, emphasizing the need to understand and accept impermanence to gain wisdom.
Why is attachment to impermanent things considered problematic in Buddhism?
Attachment to impermanent things leads to suffering (dukkha) and keeps individuals trapped in the cycle of rebirths (samsara), as it stems from ignorance (avidya) of the truth of impermanence.
What is the ultimate goal in Buddhism that contrasts with impermanence?
The ultimate goal in Buddhism is nibbana (nirvana), which is the only permanent state amidst impermanence, emphasizing the importance of shifting focus away from transient phenomena.
How does the understanding of impermanence relate to transcendence of samsara?
Fully realizing the concepts of impermanence (anicca) and non-self (anatta) allows individuals to transcend samsara, as it breaks the cycle of attachment and leads to liberation.
Can you provide examples of impermanence in everyday life?
Examples of impermanence in everyday life include children growing up, changes in computer software, and shifts in personal relationships, highlighting the transient nature of all conditioned phenomena.
