Buddhism - Expressions Of Religious Identity & Buddhism, Gender And Sexuality

Question 1

What is the Sangha?

Answer 1

The Buddhist monastic community

Question 2

Which branch of Buddhism do the Sangha in Thailand generally follow?

Answer 2

Theravada Buddhism

Question 3

What is the Vinaya?

Answer 3

The code of conduct for Buddhist monks

Question 4

Buddhist monks are only permitted to have a limited number of material possessions, what are these? How many are there?

Answer 4

These are known as the “Eight Requisites”.
They typically include robes, an alms bowl, and other essential items like a razor, needle, water strainer, and a cloth girdle

Question 5

What are Wats also known as?

Answer 5

Monasteries

Question 6

How do monks gather alms?

Answer 6

In communities where it is possible, monks perform daily rounds in which monks walk through communities to receive offerings

Question 7

Which relationship can be described as symbiotic interdependence? What does this mean?

Answer 7

The Sangha and lay community in Thailand

Laypeople support the Sangha by providing alms and they look to the Sangha for spiritual guidance, merit-making opportunities and participation in religious ceremonies

Question 8

Give a way some monasteries explored alternative means of sustenance given the changing social and economic landscape

Answer 8

Sustainable agriculture

Question 9

What is engaged Buddhism?

Answer 9

A movement that encourages the application of Buddhist principles to social and environmental problems

Question 10

Where is the Wat Phra Dhammakaya movement based?

Answer 10

Thailand

Question 11

What are the main features of the Wat Phra Dhammakaya movement?

Answer 11

It is known for its size and ornate design, use of technology, and large-scale meditation practices

Question 12

What is the name of Wat Phra Dhammakaya’s main temple?

Answer 12

Dhammakaya Cetiya

Question 13

What is the scandal surrounding the Wat Phra Dhammakaya movement?

Answer 13

The abbot of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, was accused of money laundering and embezzlement

Question 14

Fill in the blank:

Wat Phra Dhammakaya’s teachings also include the promotion of _____-making activities, such as making _________ to the temple

Answer 14

Merit, donations

Question 15

Give 2 reasons why the Wat Phra Dhammakaya movement has faced criticism

Answer 15

Perceived commercialisation of Buddhism

Departure from traditional practices

Modernisation of religion

Question 16

What are the three jewels of Buddhism

Answer 16

Th Buddha, the Sangha and the Dharma

Question 17

Give 2 examples of acts of devotion a Buddhist may perform

Answer 17

Offering flowers, incense and candles at shrines or temples

Reciting scriptures and chanting

Participating in religious rituals

Question 18

Give 2 reasons Buddhists might perform acts of devotion

Answer 18

To deepen their connection with the Buddha

To develop positive mental such as gratitude, humility and reverence

(Mahayana) Cultivating the six paramitas

Question 19

What are the six paramitas? (Mahayana)

Answer 19

Generosity
Morality
Patience
Zeal
Meditation
Wisdom

Question 20

How might Mahayana devotion differ from Theravada devotion?

Answer 20

Mahayana Buddhists also show devotion to bodhisattvas and celestial beings associated with compassion and wisdom

Question 21

What is the significance of Buddha images?

Answer 21

Buddha images serve as focal points for devotion, meditation and as reminders of the qualities of the Buddha

Question 22

What does punya (merit) mean in Buddhism?

Answer 22

Positive energy generated through positive actions, which is a means to accumulate positive karma

Question 23

What are some common features of Buddha images?

Answer 23

Buddha in a meditative posture

Specific mudras (hand gestures) symbolising various aspects of the Buddha’s teachings

Serene and compassionate expressions

Question 24

What is the pali word for merit?

Answer 24

Punya

Question 25

What is the pali word for impermanence?

Answer 25

Anicca

Question 26

What do MBSR and MBCT mean and how do they relate to meditation?

Answer 26

Mindfulness-based stress reduction Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy Modern use of meditation as a form of therapy

Question 27

Give a reason for both positive and negative Buddhist attitudes towards mindfulness practices

Answer 27

One positive it that it allows meditation practices to reach a broader audience One negative is potential dilution or misrepresentation of Buddhist teachings when divorced from original religious and ethical context

Question 28

When was the most significant development of tourism in Thailand?

Answer 28

The post-1980’s era

Question 29

Why have gender roles in Buddhism traditionally been very conservative?

Answer 29

Not intrinsically Buddhist but often influenced by cultural norms and patriarchal structures

Question 30

Fill in the blank: Changes in Thai _______ laws seek to ensure that women have equal rights and protection within marital relationships

Answer 30

Marriage

Question 31

Fill in the blanks: Thai legal measures against _______ violence and sexual ___________ aim to provide women with avenues for recourse and protection

Answer 31

Domestic, harassment

Question 32

When was the revival of the Theravada order of nuns?

Answer 32

The late 1990s

Question 33

What are Theravada nuns called?

Answer 33

Bhiklhunis

Question 34

Who led the group of women seeking female ordination in Theravada Buddhism in the late 1990s?

Answer 34

Venerable Dhammananda

Question 35

In which branch of Buddhism did the revival of the order of nuns take place?

Answer 35

Theravada

Question 36

What is Sakyadita?

Answer 36

The International Organisation of Buddhist Women

Question 37

Fill in the blank: Sakayadita has played a crucial role in fostering __________ between Buddhist traditions, supporting ________ initiatives, and advocating for greater __________

Answer 37

Connections, education, inclusivity

Question 38

What is the purpose of Buddhist monks and nuns practicing celibacy?

Answer 38

Celibacy is considered a means to focus on spiritual practice, reduce distractions and cultivate mindfulness