buddhism practices Flashcards
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what is in a temple?
-gompa(building where they meditate)
-stupa(building containing holy relics)
-shrine(area with statue of buddha(buddha rupa))
-monastery(building where monks live)
what do buddhists do at the temple and why are they important
-provide right atmosphere for worship =better focus to meditate
-pray to buddha’s bodhisattvas and listen to talks given by monks
what is in a shrine
-statue of buddha
-offering of candle (light), flowers (impermanence - “all things are not self), incense (pure thoughts)
why are shrines important
-focal point for meditation
-express respect, thanks
-“time required to keep shrine clean with flowers…is a skillful activity.” tibetan monk
what is in a monastery
-buildings where monks/nuns live
-study buddhist teachings & practice meditation
-stupas=holy relics of buddha/remains
why are monasteries important
-provides for needs
-live simple lives
why is worship better at the temple
-heart of the community and life. provide support
-can study, meditate and give offerings to monks
-shrines are a focal point
why is worship better at home
-less distractions at home
-less travel time (can be done at any time)
-more individual connection with the buddha and more comfort in expressing gratitude
why are mantras important
-focus mind
-develop + helps to be connected with quality of compassion
-‘om mani padme’
why is meditation important
-“resolutely train yourself go attain peace”
-develop a still, calm mind
-deeper insight into nature of reality
-develop metta and compassion
-“even the gods envy those awakened”
what is samatha meditation
-use to become calming and mindful
-breath used as focus of attention
-use a kasina (small object) to focus on
-“breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness”
why is samatha meditation important
-creates calm mind to develop deeper concentration
-prepares for vipassana meditation
-“do not encumber your mind with useless thoughts…remain in simplicity of the moment” diligo rinpoche
what is vipassana meditation
-aim is to gain insight into nature of reality and reflect on 3 marks of existence
-focus on objects such as body parts they dont like to develop detachment from body
-will feel emotions
why is vipassana meditation important
-creates disciplined mind
-gain insight into true reality of nature
-develop greater wisdom and awareness
-“meditation brings wisdom;lack of meditation leaves ignorance”(buddha)
what are the different types of worship
-meditation
-offerings at shrines
-reciting mantras
-chanting sacred texts
-private worship
why is worship important
-show gratitude to buddha and acceptance of his teachings
-help develop understanding of teachings
-be wiser and compassionate
why is chanting important
-used to memorise buddhists teachings
-devotional practice
-calm, focus mind and increase concentration
why are mantras important
-sacred syllables chanted during meditation
-focus the mind
-linked with developing qualities of buddha
-use mala beads
-e.g. om mani padme hum
what is zazen and walking meditation
-seated meditation and leads to understanding nature of existence=meditator returns to moment of awareness
-walking= used as part of samatha/vipassana
what is visualisation meditation (mahayana)
-meditator looks at objects, examine qualities, get rid of image and try to imagine it in their mind
-helps concentration
-connect with spiritual qualities
what is deity visualisation
-tibetan buddhists visualise a deity (an enlightened being)
-focus on what deity looks like and spiritual qualities
-imagine themselves as deity to awaken buddha nature
what are thangkas/mandalas
-thangkas= detailed painting of buddha/bodhisattva
-helps deity visualisation
-mandalas= intricate circle shapes pattern
-monks make complicated mandalas and brush it away to focus on impermanence and get rid of attachment
what happens at tibetan death ceremonies
-read bardo thodol for 49 days to prepare them for next life
-sky burial = anatta- no fixed self
-or cremate body
whats happens are japan death ceremonies (pure land)
-flowers, incense and candles placed at death bed
-body washed and head places west (sukhavati)
-chant Amitabha’s name as they walk around coffin “namo amida bu”
-pick bones out of ashes
-times to reflect and remember anicca
