Buddhism

Question 1

Who was the Buddha’s successor after he died?

Answer 1

Nobody, only the dharma.

Question 2

What is a pilgrimage?

Answer 2

A journey to a place of religious significance.

Question 3

What happened at each of the 4 Buddhist pilgrimage sites?

Answer 3

Buddha’s birth, Buddha achieved enlightenment, Buddha’s first teachings, Buddha’s death.

Question 4

Which pilgrimage site is considered the most important?

Answer 4

Bodh Gaya - Buddha’s birthplace.

Question 5

What percentage of the UK population identify as Buddhist?

Answer 5

0.3%.

Question 6

When did Buddhism first come to the UK?

Answer 6

Late 1800s.

Question 7

What event led to a big increase in the number of Buddhists coming to the UK?

Answer 7

1950 invasion of Tibet.

Question 8

What Buddhist practice is becoming increasingly popular with people in the West?

Answer 8

Meditation.

Question 9

What is the Sangha?

Answer 9

The community of the Buddha’s followers who spread the dharma and live by strict rules.

Question 10

What is the first noble truth in Buddhism?

Answer 10

All creatures suffer - dukkha (suffering) is inevitable in life.

Question 11

What is the second noble truth in Buddhism?

Answer 11

Suffering is caused by our own selfish desires.

Question 12

What is the third noble truth in Buddhism?

Answer 12

Suffering can be ended and overcome.

Question 13

What is the fourth noble truth in Buddhism?

Answer 13

The way to overcome suffering is by following the eightfold path.

Question 14

At what age did Siddhartha leave the palace?

Answer 14

29 years old.

Question 15

What was the 1st sight Siddhartha saw?

Answer 15

An old man.

Question 16

What was the 2nd sight Siddhartha saw?

Answer 16

A sick man.

Question 17

What was the 3rd sight Siddhartha saw?

Answer 17

Death.

Question 18

What was the 4th sight Siddhartha saw?

Answer 18

A holy man.

Question 19

What did these 4 sights make Siddhartha realize?

Answer 19

Suffering is part of life, suffering can be overcome, he had to leave the palace.

Question 20

What is Sangha?

Answer 20

The community of Buddhist monks, nuns, and laypeople who follow the teachings of the Buddha. The Sangha is one of the Three Jewels of Buddhism, along with the Buddha and the Dharma.

Question 21

What is Sarnath?

Answer 21

The location where the Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.

Question 22

What are the Three Poisons in Buddhism?

Answer 22

The three root causes of suffering: Greed (desire and attachment), Hatred (ill will and aversion), and Delusion (ignorance or misunderstanding of the nature of reality).

Question 23

What is an Ascetic?

Answer 23

A person who practices severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, often for religious reasons. Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) initially lived as an ascetic before discovering the Middle Way.

Question 24

What does Dharma refer to in Buddhism?

Answer 24

Dharma refers to the teachings of the Buddha, encompassing the nature of reality and the path to liberation.

Question 25

What is Dukkha?

Answer 25

Often translated as suffering or dissatisfaction, dukkha is a central concept in Buddhism, indicating the inherent unsatisfactoriness of life.

Question 26

Who was Emperor Ashoka?

Answer 26

An Indian emperor who ruled from 268 to 232 BCE. After embracing Buddhism, he promoted its teachings across India and beyond, establishing monuments marking significant sites in the Buddha's life.

Question 27

What are the Four Main Places of Buddhist Pilgrimage?

Answer 27

1. Lumbini - Buddha's birthplace. 2. Bodh Gaya - Where he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. 3. Sarnath - Where he delivered his first sermon. 4. Kushinagar - Where he passed away (attained parinirvana).

Question 28

What are the Four Noble Truths?

Answer 28

1. Dukkha - Life involves suffering. 2. Suffering is caused by desire and attachment. 3. Suffering can end by eliminating desire. 4. The path to end suffering is the Eightfold Path.

Question 29

What is Lumbini?

Answer 29

The birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, located in present-day Nepal.

Question 30

What is the Middle Way?

Answer 30

The path of moderation between indulgence and asceticism, discovered by the Buddha as the way to enlightenment.

Question 31

What is a Parable?

Answer 31

A simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson.

Question 32

What is the Pali Canon?

Answer 32

The earliest and most authoritative collection of Buddhist scriptures, written in Pali. It includes the teachings of the Buddha and is central to Theravada Buddhism.

Question 33

What is Pilgrimage in Buddhism?

Answer 33

A journey to sacred places; in Buddhism, pilgrims visit sites significant to the Buddha's life.

Question 34

What is Right Intention?

Answer 34

The commitment to cultivate the right attitudes, such as renunciation, goodwill, and harmlessness.

Question 35

What is Right Livelihood?

Answer 35

Avoiding occupations that harm others, and instead choosing work that is ethical and beneficial.

Question 36

What is Right Mindfulness?

Answer 36

Developing awareness of the body, sensations, feelings, and states of mind.

Question 37

What is Right Speech?

Answer 37

Speaking truthfully, avoiding slander, gossip, and abusive speech.

Question 38

What is Right Understanding?

Answer 38

Comprehending the nature of reality and the truth of the Four Noble Truths.

Question 39

What is Right Concentration?

Answer 39

Developing the mental focus necessary for awareness.

Question 40

What is Right Action?

Answer 40

Behaving peacefully and harmoniously; refraining from stealing, killing, and overindulgence.

Question 41

What is Right Effort?

Answer 41

Cultivating positive states of mind; freeing oneself from evil and unwholesome states.