Buddhism

Question 1

Anatta

Answer 1

There is no self. The first of the 3 Jewels.

Question 2

Anicca

Answer 2

Impermanence, nothing lasts forever. The second of the 3 Jewels.

Question 3

Arhat

Answer 3

A perfected person, one who has gained insight into the true nature of existence and has achieved nirvana – Theravada.

Question 4

Atman

Answer 4

The concept of the soul or essence. Not like a soul in Western theology.

Question 5

Boddhisattva

Answer 5

An enlightened person who has remained on Earth to teach others of the teachings of the Buddha – Mahayana.

Question 6

Bodhi (tree)

Answer 6

The tree that the Buddha meditated under and found enlightenment – Fig Tree.

Question 7

Buddha

Answer 7

The enlightened one – Siddhartha Gautama.

Question 8

Budhapadipa

Answer 8

The Temple in Wimbledon – Thai and Theravada.

Question 9

Budharupa

Answer 9

Statues of beings that have achieved Buddha hood – a statue of the Buddha.

Question 10

Dalia Lama

Answer 10

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism – an enlightened ‘descendent’ of the Buddha.

Question 11

Dana

Answer 11

Generosity of spirit – associated with giving charitably or helping the community.

Question 12

Dharma

Answer 12

The teachings of the Buddha.

Question 13

Dharmapada

Answer 13

A collection of Buddhist teachings and verses including the Eightfold Path (Magga).

Question 14

Dukkha

Answer 14

Suffering - the 1st Noble Truth.

Question 15

Jhana / Samatha

Answer 15

‘Concentration’ – a type of meditation in Buddhism to increase one’s focus.

Question 16

Karuna

Answer 16

Compassion – the route of all Buddhist teachings.

Question 17

Kathina

Answer 17

The festival at the end of Vassa – Buddhists give food and robes to their local monks and nuns.

Question 18

Magga

Answer 18

The Eightfold Path – the 4th Noble Truth.

Question 19

Mahayana

Answer 19

A tradition of Buddhism - China, Tibet, Japan, Korea etc.

Question 20

Mandala

Answer 20

A drawing or sand painting used as a form of meditation – usually Mahayana.

Question 21

Mara

Answer 21

The demon who tempts us all with suffering.

Question 22

Metta

Answer 22

A Theravada meditation focusing on unconditional love for all things and beings.

Question 23

Mokhsha

Answer 23

Liberation from the Karma cycle of death and rebirth.

Question 24

Mudita

Answer 24

Joy in the good fortune of others – one of the Four Immeasurables: selflessness.

Question 25

Nagasena

Answer 25

A Mahayana Arhat who allegedly brought the Emerald Buddha to Thailand in 43BCE.

Question 26

Nirodha

Answer 26

Seeking help to rid oneself of suffering - The 3rd Noble Truth.

Question 27

Nirvana

Answer 27

Spiritual enlightenment, not a literal heaven.

Question 28

Paranirvana

Answer 28

Nirvana-after-death, which occurs upon the death of the body of someone who has attained nirvana during his or her lifetime.

Question 29

Pratityasamutpada

Answer 29

The belief that all dharmas (teachings) are interlinked and contingent on each other – all teachings have a relationship together.

Question 30

Puja

Answer 30

Worship in the home, same word as Hinduism.

Question 31

Samsara

Answer 31

The karma cycle of death and rebirth.

Question 32

Samudaya / Samutya

Answer 32

Finding out that you are suffering and recognising the need for help - The 2nd Noble Truth.

Question 33

Sangha

Answer 33

The community of Buddhist monks and nuns – they protect the scripture and uphold the traditions.

Question 34

Siddhartha Gautama

Answer 34

The prince who left the palace in search of the answers to life’s great mysteries – became the Buddha.

Question 35

Sila

Answer 35

The intentional awareness of Buddhist ethics – like a moral compass.

Question 36

Skhanda

Answer 36

The Sanskrit term for the 5 aggregates – Form, Sensations, Perceptions, Mental Formations, Consciousness.

Question 37

Stupa

Answer 37

A temple which contains relics of the Buddha or others who have gained enlightenment – usually a domed mound.

Question 38

Tathagatagarbha

Answer 38

Our inner Buddha-hood – everyone has within them the essence of the Buddha which can help us on the path.

Question 39

Theravada

Answer 39

The more conservative tradition in Buddhism – Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar etc

Question 40

Tripi Taka

Answer 40

The collection of holy texts – Three Baskets

Question 41

Upekha

Answer 41

Everyone is equal – one of the four Immeasurable teachings of the Buddha.

Question 42

Vajra

Answer 42

A weapon used symbolically in worship to represent firmness of spirit and spiritual power.

Question 43

Vassa

Answer 43

The three month annual retreat practiced by Theravada monks and nuns.

Question 44

Wesak

Answer 44

Festival celebrating the Buddha’s birthday.