Buddhism

Question 1

A Theravadin monk.

Answer 1

Bhikkhu

Question 2

A Theravadin nun.

Answer 2

Bhikkhuni

Question 3

In Theravada, a historical Buddha before Buddhahood was attained; in Mahayana, a compassionate being who vows to become a Buddha for all sentient beings.

Answer 3

Bodhisattva

Question 4

In Theravada, the historical persons who awaken to truth, such as Gautama; in Mahayana, an enlightened person and a universal principle of all beings.

Answer 4

Buddha

Question 5

The official list of books with authority in a religion, either because they are believed to be inspired or revealed, or have been so designated.

Answer 5

Canon

Question 6

In Buddhism, cosmic law, the teachings of the Buddha, and the realization and practice of truth (the second of the Three Jewels: Buddha, dharma, sangha); in Hinduism, the universal cosmic law, duty.

Answer 6

Dharma

Question 7

In Buddhism, the cosmic moral law of consequences for ethical actions and their effects from prior incarnations; karma can be altered by good or bad intentions, is not fatalistic, and can be changed at any time by meditative insight.

Answer 7

Karma

Question 8

The form of Buddhism from northern Asia that teaches the effort to liberate other beings; it emphasizes the Buddha-nature in all things and the importance of direct experience.

Answer 8

Mahayana

Question 9

A heavenly realm discovered after death and, in Mahayana teaching, a state of awakening during life: the discovery of the path beyond ego’s desires and passions, the realization of the union of opposites, the transcendence of mind’s limits. It is peace and tranquility on earth, coming from beyond the duality of ordinary life.

Answer 9

Nirvana

Question 10

New romanized transcription of Chinese adopted in 1979, replacing 1859 Wade-Giles system.

Answer 10

Pinyin

Question 11

The lack of a permanent, self-existing soul in the skandhas and all reality.

Answer 11

Sunyata

Question 12

Sacred Buddhist texts.

Answer 12

Sutta (Theravadin), Sutra (Mahayana)

Question 13

Reincarnated Buddha.

Answer 13

Tathāgata

Question 14

Form of Buddhism from southern Asia which adheres to early scriptures and monastic renunciation; its texts are the Pali Canon.

Answer 14

Theravada

Question 15

Form of Buddhism which teaches that emptiness is complimented by compassion and action. The Dalai Lama is its leader in the Tibetan tradition.

Answer 15

Vajrayana

Question 16

The central focus of meditation in Theravada practice, which stresses mindfulness and tranquility, leading to liberation.

Answer 16

Vipassana

Question 17

A Chinese and Japanese form of Buddhism emphasizing immediate experience. Of the two main schools, Rinzai, influenced by Hakuin, uses the koan to promote satori (awakening), while Soto, influenced by Dogen, uses more “silent illumination.”

Answer 17

Zen