Anthology 1 - Karen Armstrong (life of the Buddha)

Question 1

points about the Buddha entering first jhana under rose-apple tree

Answer 1

was a natural yogin, taken out of himself by a moment of spontaneous compassion, moment of spiritual release brought by surge of selfless empathy

Question 2

why we must go ‘beyond the prism of our own egotism’ to experience pure joy

Answer 2

when we bring in ‘self’ and reflect on our joy we become self-conscious and it fades

Question 3

points about Buddha as an ascetic

Answer 3

almost destroyed his body in hopes of forcing himself into that sacred world, fighting his human nature and crushing its every impulse

Question 4

historical accuracy of rose-apple tree story

Answer 4

last elements certainly fictional, but story of a trance whether or not historical is important in Pali legend and said to play crucial role in enlightenment

Question 5

realisation Gautama made as an ascetic reflecting on entering first jhana as a child

Answer 5

may be able to achieve nibbana effortlessly and spontaneously - yogic insight must be profoundly natural to human beings, use yoga to cultivate innate tendencies

Question 6

points about fear of pleasure

Answer 6

pure kusala delight had nothing to do with greedy craving or sensual desire - some joy could lead to abandonment of egotism and to achievement of exalted yogic state

Question 7

realisation about the five prohibitions

Answer 7

must cultivate also the positive attitudes that were their opposites: seeking enlightenment must be energetic resolute persevering in pursuing kusala states

Question 8

how realisation of developing kusala state of mind as well as avoiding akusala was a turning point

Answer 8

resolved from then on to work with, not against, human nature - developing middle way

Question 9

purpose of the yoga Gautama developed

Answer 9

become better acquainted with his human nature - live mindfully, observe all he did, exploit human capacities

Question 10

the coupling of desire and hatred as causes of suffering

Answer 10

vision always coloured by greed, discontent with our present circumstances, consumed by compulsion to become something different, leading to ill will when desires clash with cravings of others - prone to jealousy and rage

Question 11

accuracy of texts showing the Buddha becoming enlightened night he gave up asceticism

Answer 11

‘cannot be true’ would have needed time to recover health, Gautama himself said process of cultivating skillful states can take at least seven years and is developed slowly and gradually

Question 12

points about Gautama reflected on truths using yogic techniques, not ordinary discursive reflection

Answer 12

could enter insights directly with new clarity, observing them without filter of self-protecting egoism distorting them