Religious beliefs about death - Buddhism

Question 1

do they have a cyclical or linear view of death + why?

Answer 1

cyclical - believe in rebirth

Question 2

What is the importance of karma?

Answer 2

Only way to escape cycle of rebirth = through good karma - good karma - positive impact on next life - born higher - reach Nirvana eventually.

Question 3

what occurs in a ‘Sky Burial’?

Answer 3

dead person = dismembered by a ‘rogyapa’ + left far from settlement to decompose in nature

Question 4

What are the ‘Six Realms’?

Answer 4

Gods (devas), humans, Titans / angry gods (asuras), hungry ghosts (pretas), animal, hells

Question 5

what is the cycle of birth death and rebirth called?

Answer 5

cycle of samsara

Question 6

What is the ultimate goal?

Answer 6

Nirvana

Question 7

What is the significance of a ‘Sky Burial’?

Answer 7

represents perfect Buddhist act - ‘Jhator’ - act of generosity - deceased providing their body that is no longer needed to other living beings in nature - body = worthless after essence has departed

Question 8

Why do Buddhists believe that nothing is permanent?

Answer 8

nothing remains forever - when you die essence moves onto next life.

Question 9

What impact would these teachings have on the lives of Buddhists?

Answer 9

Would try to be good person - accumulate good karma - want to avoid lower realms and go to higher realms.