Beliefs Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the first mark of existence in Buddhism?
Anicca – Impermanence
Anicca refers to the concept that everything in the world is subject to change.
How does Anicca relate to the Buddha’s life as a prince?
His father shielded him from Anicca, preventing him from understanding true reality
This shielding contributed to the Buddha’s initial ignorance of life’s impermanence.
What are the 4 sights that relate to Anicca?
Old age, sickness, death, and a renunciant
These sights exposed the Buddha to the suffering caused by the changes in life.
What is Tanha in the context of Anicca?
Desire
Tanha arises from not understanding Anicca, leading to a desire for things to remain unchanged.
What is Dukkha in relation to Anicca?
Suffering
Dukkha results from the desire for permanence in a world of change, as illustrated in the story of Kisa Gotami.
Summarize the story of Kisa Gotami.
Kisa Gotami sought to bring her dead son back to life, learned about universal death through Buddha’s challenge, and accepted impermanence
This story illustrates the understanding of Anicca and the inevitability of death.
What lesson does the Dhammapada teach about Anicca?
Understanding Anicca is essential to rid oneself of suffering and attachment
This teaching emphasizes that acceptance of impermanence leads to liberation from suffering.
Fill in the blank: The belief that everything changes is known as _______.
Anicca
Anicca is foundational in Buddhist philosophy.
True or False: The desire for permanence leads to suffering according to Buddhist teachings.
True
This is a central idea in Buddhism related to Dukkha and Anicca.
What is the second mark of existence in Buddhism?
Anatta meaning there is no permanent individual or ‘me’
Anatta emphasises the absence of a fixed self, highlighting change in identity over time.
What are the 5 Skhandhas in the context of Anatta?
A comprehensive list of everything that makes up a person
The 5 Skhandhas illustrate the components of human existence in Buddhism, contradicting the idea of a permanent soul.
According to Buddhism, what happens to the concept of a soul?
There is no soul
This contrasts with Hindu beliefs, where the ‘Atman’ or soul is seen as essential and eternal.
What is the Buddhist term for ‘Form’?
Rupa
Rupa refers to the physical body and tangible matter, linked to the five senses.
What does ‘Sensation’ refer to in the 5 Skhandhas?
Feelings experienced from using the five senses
Sensation can be both physical and emotional, influencing our experiences.
What is the Buddhist term for ‘Sensation’?
Vedana
Vedana encompasses the feelings derived from sensory experiences.
Define ‘Perception’ in the context of the 5 Skhandhas.
The process of recognizing what things are
Perception allows individuals to identify objects based on prior experiences.
What is the Buddhist term for ‘Perception’?
Samjna
Samjna is crucial for recognizing and categorizing experiences.
What do ‘Mental formations’ refer to?
Different opinions and feelings that people may have
Mental formations shape our thoughts and reactions based on past experiences.
What is the Buddhist term for ‘Mental formations’?
Samskara
Samskara reflects the mental processes that influence behavior and judgment.
What does ‘Consciousness’ signify in the 5 Skhandhas?
An awareness of things
Consciousness encompasses the recognition and awareness of one’s surroundings.
What is the Buddhist term for ‘Consciousness’?
Vignana
Vignana indicates the state of being aware of the environment and experiences.
Fill in the blank: The idea that we are the same throughout our lives is central to the way that most people in the world see _______.
themselves
This perception is often challenged by Buddhist teachings on impermanence and Anatta.
True or False: In Hinduism, the soul is considered essential and is passed on to future lives.
True
This belief in reincarnation contrasts with Buddhist views on Anatta and the 5 Skhandhas.
