Buddhism Practices

Question 1

What is a significant aspect of a Buddhist’s worship?

Answer 1

Private and personal meditation

Question 2

What is the goal of Buddhists in their worship?

Answer 2

To work towards becoming enlightened

Question 3

What are the main types of Buddhist places of worship

Answer 3

Temples, shrines, monasteries, halls for meditation, halls for learning

Question 4

What is the purpose of temples in Buddhism

Answer 4

To allow communities of Buddhists to come together and collectively meditate

Question 5

What do Buddhists leave at shrines and what happens to them

Answer 5

Flowers wilt, showing impermanence (anicca)

Question 6

How do monasteries connect laity (normal people) and monks and nuns

Answer 6

They allow normal people to support monks and nuns (gives them good karma)

Question 7

What is the significance of halls for meditation in Buddhism

Answer 7

They provide a designated quiet space for meditation

Question 8

What is the purpose of halls for learning in Buddhism

Answer 8

To be educated on what the Buddha achieved in his lifetime and how to follow in his footsteps

Question 9

What does meditation lead to eventually

Answer 9

nirvana/enlightenment

Question 10

What is Puja

Answer 10

Puja is the name for ceremonies that involve offerings, or gifts

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Question 11

What else is included in Puja

Answer 11

Meditation and prayer

Question 12

What is the purpose of Puja

Answer 12

To enable Buddhists to express gratitude to the Buddha for his teachings

Question 13

How does Puja help Buddhists

Answer 13

Overcome suffering, “To the Buddha for refuge I go”, going to the Buddha gives them answers on how to overcome suffering

Question 14

Where is Puja carried out

Answer 14

At home or in the temple

Question 15

What are some methods used in Buddhist devotional practice

Answer 15

Mantras
Chanting
Mala
Meditation
Bowing
Offerings

Question 16

What are mantras and how do they work

Answer 16

Repeating a chant, makes you focus on it and gets rid of distractions

Question 17

What is the most common mantra in Theravada Buddhism

Answer 17

Namo Buddhayo - Meaning “Homage to Buddha”

Question 18

What is chanting

Answer 18

Singing scriptures or teachings

Question 19

what is a mala and what does it do

Answer 19

Beads to help focus during worship

Question 20

What do Mahayana Buddhists do during Puja to a shrine

Answer 20

Bow to it to show respect

Question 21

Why do Theravada Buddhists do Puja

Answer 21

Gain merit for a better rebirth

Question 22

What types of offerings might Buddhists leave during Puja

Answer 22

Flowers and candles (impermanence as they wilt/burn out)

Question 23

2 ways Buddhists can integrate puja into daily life

Answer 23

1. By carrying the mala with them
2. Designating a room in the house for puja

Question 24

What would be in a room in a home used for puja

Answer 24

A statue of the Buddha and offerings

Question 25

What are some methods used in Buddhist devotional practice?

Answer 25

Methods include: * Mantras * Chanting * Mala * Meditation * Bowing * Offerings

Question 26

What are the 2 types of meditation

Answer 26

Vipassana and Samatha

Question 27

Another name for vipassana meditation

Answer 27

Insight meditation

Question 28

Another name for samatha meditation

Answer 28

Calming meditation

Question 29

What does samatha meditation focus on

Answer 29

Breathing

Question 30

Calming yourself with samatha meditation improves what

Answer 30

Concentration

Question 31

Concentration gets rid of what

Answer 31

Cravings

Question 32

Vipassana meditation changes what about how Buddhists view the world

Answer 32

Time of reflection, meaning they see things for what they really are

Question 33

Vipassana meditation focuses on what 2 things (hint: 1 in common with samatha)

Answer 33

Breathing and exploration

Question 34

What is special about vipassana meditation

Answer 34

It can be done while doing tasks such as walking

Question 35

2 types of visualisation in meditation

Answer 35

1. Envision themselves as Buddha so they know what to aim for and what to change 2. Envision a Buddha to understand the true nature of existence

Question 36

What do Buddhists believe happens after death

Answer 36

Cycle of samsara, you are either reborn or sent to nirvana