Buddhism Practices Flashcards
1
Q
what are Buddhist ethics / most important part of the eightfold path
A
- follow the eightfold path to attain enlightenment or the three fold way
- one of these is sila or morality/ethics covering right speech, action and livelihood
- if everyone behaved compassionately in these rights the world would be much nicer since these are the three that provoke the most problems
2
Q
what are the Brahma-viharas
A
four sublime states
- living kindness
- compassion
- sympathetic joy
- equanimity
3
Q
define karma
A
the ethical quality or value of all intentional actions/ words/ thoughts
intentional actions
4
Q
define metta
A
loving kindness
5
Q
define samsara
A
cycle of birth, death and rebirth
6
Q
discuss karma and rebirth
A
- all intentional actions have consequences
- actions can be skilful (upaya kusala) or unskilful (akusala)
- skilful actions have positive consequences and unskilful negative
- consequences can come in any lifetime but Buddhists believe it will be an automatic outcome without judgement or sentencing
- a current lifetime is as a result of bad karma from a previous one
- the key is intention, having good morality can outweigh unskilful action to some extent - one unskilful action does not necessarily define a future lifetime
- Many Buddhists believe in merit-making
- building good karma by doing good deeds
- which offsets previous bad karma
- our samsara is defined by our karma
7
Q
discuss karuna
A
this is mercy or compassion
- it is one of the four sublime states (brahma-viharas) which Buddhists are constantly urged to develop
- it is a virtue or state of mind which leads to a sense of selflessness
- the bodhisattva exemplifies this virtue as a bodhisattva has vowed to help others
- Amitabha welcomes Buddhists into his heaven as an act of karuna
- n The Buddha is the model of compassion and wisdom - compassion without wisdom can lead to harmful actions
- the whole point of the eightfold path is to develop wisdom and compassion
8
Q
discuss metta
A
loving kindness
- it is selfless - kindness not done for personal gain
- it is another of the brahma-viharas
- concern for the well-being of others
- actions that flow from concern
- the magnitude is not important
- The Metta Sutta says ‘whatever beings there may be… may all beings without exception be happy-minded’
- The Dali Lama said ‘My religion is simple my religion is simple my religion is kindness’
- Mettabhavana meditation makes the meditator think loving thoughts to push out to the world in stages from those closest to us to those we dislike to those we do not even know
9
Q
discuss the six perfections
A
(paramitas)
- Mahayana Buddhism the six perfections (prajna-paramita) are the virtues perfected by a Bodhisattva in the course of their spiritual development and journey to enlightenment
- for a bodhisattva they are often seen to replace the eightfold path
- they are considered to be perfected when even the most difficult actions can be carried out with a mind free of discriminatory ideas without reference to self, ulterior motives and with no thought of reward
- practice is the key to perfecting them
- any person can try to better at them they neither have to be Buddha nor bodhisattva
10
Q
what are the six perfections
A
giving/ generosity (dana) morality (sila) patience (ksanti) effort/energy (virya) meditation (bhavana) wisdom (pranja)
11
Q
giving/generosity
A
dana
one of the six perfections
- someone who sees no difference between the giver and the receiver
- giving guidance on the Dhamma, material items, accumulated merit in their life
The Buddha in one of his lifetimes gave his life to a she-tiger who needed to feed her cubs
12
Q
morality
A
sila
one of the six perfections
keeping all of the ten precepts
- it is also the understanding of how one can break a precept yet still be acting in a skilful way (kusala)
e. g killing someone to prevent them from murdering someone else
13
Q
patience
A
ksanti
one of the six perfections
- non-anger or agitation
- this is going beyond suffering but rather accepting any difficulties one has
- accepting sunyata means that the bodhisattva sees no difference between themselves as the sufferer and the cause of suffering
14
Q
effort/energy
A
virya
one of the six perfections
- never getting bored or tired of working for one’s vows
- unrelenting energy in overcoming one’s faults and cultivating the virtues of the bodhisattva
15
Q
meditation
A
bhavana
one of the six perfections
- following all forms of mediation
- this is about becoming able to always see things as they are to help other more effectively
16
Q
wisdom
A
prajna
one of the six perfections
- realisation of sunyata, this is perfect wisdom
17
Q
discuss the five precepts
A
- five guidelines for living which all Buddhist laity (ordinary people) must keep to
- they are not laws
- they are followed in a skilful (upaya kusala) or unskilful (akusala) ways
- to follow them is skilful ways results in good karma and the reverse for unskilful
- keeping them in a skilful way is also a good counter to the three poisons
- unskilful means ignoring precepts as well as deliberately breaking them
- Buddhism emphasises intention so thoughts and words matter just as much as actions do
- a precept can be broken in mind as well as in practice
18
Q
what are the five precepts
A
- abstain from harming sentient beings
- abstain from taking that which is not freely given
- abstain from sexual misconduct
- abstain from using false speech
- abstain from using intoxicating drink and drugs causing heedlessness
19
Q
give an unskilful and skilful example of the first precept
A
S - helping a homeless person by feeding them
US - murdering another person
20
Q
give an unskilful and skilful example of the second precept
A
S - being kind with one’s possession so as to share them with others
US - persuading someone to give you something when you know they don’t really want to
21
Q
give an unskilful and skilful example of the third precept
A
S - being faithful in marriage
US - making unwanted sexual comments to someone
22
Q
give an unskilful and skilful example of the fourth precept
A
S - being honest but kind in speech
US - telling lies about someone
23
Q
give an unskilful and skilful example of the fifth precept
A
S - not drinking alcohol so as not to be unaware of actions
US - taking drugs not prescribed as medicines
24
Q
discuss monks keeping the precepts
A
- monks are required to follow ten precepts (dasa sila) as are any non-monks who are focused on their religious path
- as well as the five precepts they must abstain from
- taking untimely meals
- dancing/music/singing/use of garlands/perfume/jewellery/high seats/luxurious beds and accepting gold/silver/money
all of these things are focused around luxury and pleasing the senses - the ten precepts separate monks from others and prove they have renounced the world
- monks are giving up all sensual attachments - the things we take for granted in daily life
25
name four places of worship
- temple
- shrine
- vihara (monastery)
- gompa (hall for learning)
26
discuss temples as a place of worship
- Buddhist laity attend the temple whenever they wish to most attend every festival day
- temples include worship halls and shrines
- many have gardens for reflection and spaces for meditation
- many also have rooms for consultation with the monks based at the temple
- puja (acts of worship) are held here daily
- many temples are built near stupas which are dome shaped relic statues
- there are bodhi trees at many temples reminding people of the Buddha's enlightenment
- many are said to be descended from original tree
27
what is puja
acts of worship
28
discuss shrines as a place of worship
- a small or large sacred place dedicated to the Buddha, it can be at home
- It is centred around one Buddha rupa statue
- each temple has a shrine room as its most important place for worship
- acts of worship take place and offerings are made to the buddha here
29
discuss a vihara (monastery) as a place of worship
- all have a temple within their compound
- pujas (acts of worship, but NOT services) are held here daily. Since the monks live here there will be living quarters as well as kitchens, meeting rooms, etc
30
discuss a gompa (hall for learning) as a place of worship
this is the name given to Tibetan Buddhist shrine rooms
In Tibetan Buddhism there is a long tradition of training for monks to attain a degree in Buddhist philosophy hence a hall for learning
31
what is the importance of Buddhist places of worship
- place of learning - laity or monk, anyone can learn more about the Dhamma from the religious leaders based there via lessons, individual discussions or services (Dhammapada 276)
- space for reflection/meditation - right meditation
- place to pay tribute to the Buddha - making offerings in thankfulness for his gift of the teaching of the Dhamma and for his example of attaining enlightenment - the act of dana (giving)
- advice - many Buddhists will discuss personal and life issues with the monks to learn the correct Buddhist response (Dhammapada 276)
- centre of the community
32
what are three features of Buddhist worship
Buddha rupa statue
offerings
artefacts
33
discuss buddha rupa statues being used in worship
- can be sat in meditative pose, reclining or standing
- one focal Buddha rupa usually centrally positioned
- often many rupas in shrine room of different sizes and materials
34
what is the importance of using Buddha rupa statues in worship
- Buddha is central to religion so central to a shrine
| - Symbols within rupa help worshipper to focus on spiritual truths
35
discuss artefacts being used in worship
- items of religious significance to aid worship or meditation, or remind of Dhamma
- Scriptures - may only be one sutra e.g Heart Sutra representing the speech of the buddha and therefore all of his teachings
- model of a stupa representing the mind of the buddha
- vajra - thunderbolt/diamond symbolising the five wisdoms and five kandhas/poisons
- instruments such as cymbals and bells are present to aid meditation/puja
36
what is the importance of using artefacts in worship
- aid to worship
- aid to meditation (as focus)
- symbolic nature of each is important
- rupa, scriptures and stupa represent the Three Jewels i.e the three refuges - Buddha, Dharma and Sangha
37
discuss offerings being used in worship
- flowers = beauty of enlightenment and a reminder of impermanence as they wither and die
- candles = light helps us see where to go and the light of the Dhamma in the darkness of ignorance
- incense = the sweet smell goes everywhere (no barriers) showing Buddhism is fit for any place and person
- food = a gift of thanks to Buddha for the teachings of the Dhamma and to the monks for their religious devotion.
- In Mahayana Buddhism it is traditional to make seven offerings
. two bowls of water (washing, drinking) symbolise hospitality
. flowers
. candles
. incense
. food
. perfume
they represent the five senses
38
what is the importance of giving offerings in worship
- Dana (giving) is a key element of Buddhist ethics
- it evokes right action
- the symbolic nature of each item allows the worshipper to reflect on religious truths
- making the offerings is a way to focus on worship completely
- giving to the buddha shows respect and thankfulness for his teachings/example
39
what are some differences between Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana:
- usually have three Buddhas/bodhisattva's as the focal point of their shrine known as a triad which sit side by side
- It may be a Sakyamuni Buddha (historical Buddha), Manjushri (bodhisattva of wisdom) and Samantabhadra (bodhisattva of kindness)
- In Mahayana there are commonly seven offerings with two water offerings and one of perfume additional to Theravadin
Theravada:
- Theravada temples have one central rupa but often have many other smaller rupa all around that one
- make offerings of the four forms (flowers, incense, food and light) and can often buy these four items bundled together for them at the temple
40
what is puja
puja is a formal act of worship that takes place before a shrine
before entering the shrine or the shrine room if in a temple complex the worshipper will have removed their shoes
(humility; people sit on the floor, so this keeps it cleaner)
in Buddhist puja there are three core elements
41
what are the three core elements of puja
blowing to the buddha
- three times to represent the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha (three refugees)
- this is often done from a kneeling position with hands together in front of their chest, though it may be full prostration with the worshipper's head touching the floor
- this reminds them of their own commitment to the ideal set by the Buddha
making offerings:
- incense, flowers, food and candles
- each symbolic of key teachings
- by making the offering, the worshipper becomes mindful of these and that they aspire to become Buddha themselves
chanting:
- done when making offerings
- it is often a recitation of a set scripture dictated by the worshippers form of Buddhism
- it may focus on the example of the Buddha or it may be about the symbolic nature of the offerings for example
42
what are the differences between Mahayana and Theravada and Tibetan when performing puja
Tibetan Buddhists:
- prostrate themselves fully before the statue with their arms stretched towards it
- make seven offerings
Theravada Buddhists:
- kneel, put their palms together in front of their chest and bow three times to the Buddha
- make four offerings
Mahayana:
- make seven offerings
The words recited will be fixed depending in which form of Buddhism the worshipper follow for example friends of the western Buddhist order (FWBO) recite about the offerings and what they symbolise
43
why do puja
- expression of devotion and thanks to Buddha
- it may be for a specific purpose like becoming pregnant
- through bowing and making offerings the worshipper shows humility which is crucial in the goal to enlightenment and demonstrates determination to achieve enlightenment
- shows right mindfulness as it requires focus on what is being done and the symbolism behind it
- the ritual of puja makes the worshipper engage actively and emotionally with the teachings - it is not enough to just understand the religion, Buddhism is about transforming a person entirely
44
give a Tibetan prayer quote that is about puja
"reverently, I prostrate with my body, speech and mind, and present clouds of every type of offering"
45
compare and contrast home and temple worship
home:
- done on own terms - when, how long, what is recited
- effort goes into making shrine
- study is personal and usually solitary, self-guided
- shrine may be very small and simple
temple:
- follows standard routine - enter, bow, offerings, chant/recite
- effort goes into attending temple
- monks available to discuss issues and give advice
- shrines often full of artefacts and ornate
46
discuss chanting
- repetition of key scriptures/teachings
- can be an aid to meditation
- it must be conducted in a single-minded and sincere manner though it can be done aloud/silently/alone/with others/ with prayer beads or not/ to music or without
- it is always a demonstration of devotion
47
discuss mantra recitation
- repetition of a set phrase in order to bring about a specific state of consciousness
- Tibetan monks are often given mantras personal to themselves by their teachers
- it always shows devotion but is also merit-making
48
give an example of a mantra recitation
om mani padm hum
- the syllables represent the six perfections
- it could be chanting to call upon the Buddha or a bodhisattva ( as in pure land Buddhism where Amitabha is called upon
49
discuss use of malas
- a mala is a string of prayer beads used to count prayers/recitations/mantras
- there are 108 beads in total representing the 108 worldly desires and the means to overcome them
- these aid focus but also ensure the worshipper says the requisite number of prayers
50
what is meditation
- a mental concentration in order to achieve a state of mind from which one can eventually attain enlightenment
- physical and mental discipline
- it is one of the elements of the eightfold path so most Buddhist meditate in some form
- imagine the mind as a pool of water, thoughts disturb the surface so one cannot clearly see into it. Meditation aims to still the surface to allow clear sight and understanding
51
how do we know that meditation is important and significant in Buddhism
- right concentration is one element of the noble eightfold path which is the fourth noble truth (magga)
- Samadhi (meditation) is one element of the threefold way
- it is considered crucial for attaining enlightenment
- meditation leads to mindfulness which leads to detachment which leads to nibbana
- the buddha is most commonly seen seated in a meditative pose in rupas/images hence implying its importance
- he trained himself in meditation practices and then meditated until enlightenment so this his example
- the buddha taught meditation and from that so have Buddhist leaders throughout history
- all Buddhist meditate
52
Dhammapada 35
"hard to restrain, unstable is this mind; it flits wherever it lists. good it is to control the mind. a controlled mind brings happiness"
53
Dhammapada 111
"though one may live a hundred years with no true insight and self-control, yet better, indeed, is a life of one day for a man who meditates in wisdom"
54
Dhammapada 183
"not to do any evil, to cultivate good, to purify one's mind, this is the teachings of the Buddhas"
55
Dhammapada 276
"You yourselves should make the effort; the Enlightened Ones are only teachers. those who enter this path and are meditative are delivered from the bonds of Mara"
56
what do the Dhammapada quotes about meditation show
- that it is clear that Buddhists should meditate
- meditation brings the mind under control which helps a person eliminate unskilful thinking and therefore unskilful actions and words
- it brings non-attachment from being able to see things clearly (wisdom)
- Buddhism is a personal journey and meditation is a crucial practice within that in order to bring success
57
discuss Samatha meditation
calm, concentration and tranquillity
- aims to develop calmness and 'one-pointedness' of mind (mindfulness)
- trains the mind to not be distracted by thoughts
- eight 'trance' levels (jhanas) are recognised beginning with mindfulness and breathing
- about being in the present moment still and calm
- each subsequent one is more complicated/refined
- nibbana cannot be attained from samatha as the levels operate within the universe ( so are part of conditioned existence)
- Buddhist texts list 40 meditation subjects including of breathing on the Brahma-viharas (sublime states) and on the 32 parts of the body
- Successful samatha leads to right mindfulness
- samatha changes a persons attitude and outlook in daily life as well as while meditating
58
discuss vipassana meditation
insight meditation
- This is specific to Buddhism and was developed by the Buddha
- Focus is on analysing the mind and body and interactions with the material world in order to break attachment
- this allows insight to be gained into the true nature of reality particularly the three marks of existence
- from that nibbana can be attained
- it is a permanent solution to the problem of suffering given the realisation of the three marks
- vipassana seems to be more connected to wisdom (panna) than concentration (samatha)
59
discuss zazen meditation
seated meditation
- this comes from soto zen, Japanese Buddhism
- the meditator sits in a meditative position in a quiet room and tries to attain a state of relaxed attention (no thoughts, no reasoning, no reflection)
- it is common for the meditator to have been posed a paradox -koan- the answer to which may come in these sessions
- these are supposed to train monks to give up on logical reasoning and force sudden intuitive enlightenment
- Dogen, the founder of soto zen said that zazen in itself could constitute enlightenment
60
discuss visualisation meditation
visualisation of Buddha or bodhisattva
- this involves calming the mind and visualising Buddhas or bodhisattvas to develop compassion
- it is common to the Chinese (Chan) and Tibetan Buddhism
- it may include trying to recreate an image in one's mind - of an mandala, a tangkha (image of buddha in their heaven e.g Amitabha), a Buddha e.g Guan Yin the bodhisattva of compassion, a Buddha heaven or a mantra
- the meditator is trying to see what it would be like to be the subject or in the place being visualised
61
koan
a statement or question intended to pose a mental dilemma used in zazen like what is the sound of one hand clapping
62
samatha
meditation for mindfulness/ concentration
63
vipassana
meditation for insight
64
visualisation
use of images (actual or in the mind) to meditate
65
zazen
seated meditation
66
discuss Buddhist views on death
- Buddhists contemplate death throughout their lives not only before they are about to die
- it was one of the four sights
- it is just a stage in the cycle of samsara
- it is just an example of annica
- it is therefore a learning tool
- many Buddhists meditate on death and dying. it is common for Buddhist monks to meditate focused on a skull reminding them that this is their future as well and that all things will pass
67
discuss Buddhist views on funeral rites
- emphasise the three marks of existence
- the hope for a better rebirth
- showing of respect to the dead and to those choosing a religious path
- common to all funerals, monks will recite a sutra to/for the dead
- Pamsukula robes are given to the dead
- Cremation is common
- Families give alms to the local monastery/temple to transfer merit to the deceased for their rebirth
- it is common to hold memorial services 3,7,49 and 100 days after the death
68
what is the process of a Theravada death ritual
- sutras recited to the dying/dead
- coffin with the body in is surrounded by candles, incense and wreaths
- monks visit to chant from Abhidharma scripture; food is given to monks (matakabhatta)
- at cremation monks sit facing the coffin
- relatives bring lit torches made of candles, incense and fragrant wood to put under the coffin and start the flames
69
what is the symbolism/significance of the Theravada death ritual
- trying to direct the thoughts of the dying/dead to Buddha
- Tribute to the dead but also reminders of the three marks of existence
- transfer of merit to the dead from reading and giving of alms to aid rebirth
- watching death is a meditation on impermanence and no self
- monks are here to bless the dead
- the elements of the torch remind of temple offerings
70
what is the process of a Japanese death ritual
- funeral rites last several days
- procession to the temple
- coffin placed in front of items to invoke paradise
- mourners give money
- priest kneels before the coffin and recites sutras
- family offer respect to the dead
- body is burned whilst a family meal takes place
- ashes/bones are placed into a special box using special chopsticks. this is put on the family shrine (butsudan) before interment in the family grave
71
what is the symbolism/significance of the Japanese death ritual
- mark of respect
- hope for a rebirth in heaven
- dana
- reminding all of the Buddha's teachings on impermanence and especially death
- One willow and one bamboo chopstick representing the bridge between this world and the next
72
what is the process of a Tibetan death ritual
- book of the dead read to the dying/dead person to prepare them for bardo
- in bardo for up to 49 days beginning with a glimpse of enlightenment, their karma will then take them to it or pull them away from it to rebirth
- 'sky burial' performed on a hillside
- the body is dismembered while a scripture is recited
- the parts are then left for vultures to eat
73
what is the symbolism/significance of the Tibetan death ritual
- the reader gains good merit for themselves and helps the recipient
- The 'being pulled away' is explained as a sense of 'I' being to strong to let go and so rebirth I inevitable
- Emphasises non-attachment - there is no 'I', Buddha gave his life away in one rebirth to feed starving animals
- this is a final act of dana by the deceased
74
define bardo
In Tibetan Buddhism it is the state between death and rebirth lasting up to 49 days - a place of demons, ghosts and terror
75
define butsudan
Japanese home shrine
76
define matakabhatta
food offerings given to monks on behalf of the deceased
77
define pamsukula robes
'rag robes' given to the dead (usually placed non the coffin)
78
why are festivals important
because they specifically commemorate an event/person which is historically important and they could be seen as the religion's outward public face
79
why are retreats important
they are a total focus on the religion as if going inward away from the public gaze
80
discuss retreats
during the three month rainy season, the buddha encouraged monks to seclude themselves in order to meditate more intensely, this retreat has been the practice of monks every since
the process involves taking oneself away from the normal concerns/demands of daily life for a period of time and leading a simple focused life during which time the main task is to study the Dhamma and or meditate
develop one's spiritual understanding and practice
In the UK this is a chance to fully relax but fully focus away from busy western society
it can be considered a spiritual battery recharge
participants meet other people so they can form a sense of community which lasts beyond the retreat
81
discuss Wesak
- recalls the birth, death and enlightenment of the Buddha each of which happened in May on the night of the full moon
- the Buddha's teachings help everyone and the Buddhist path is seen as one of peace and so a boon to the world hence the importance of this festival
- during the festival the laity follows Eight Precepts (the five precepts plus refraining from singing, dancing, wearing garlands and perfumes, eating after midday and sleeping in luxurious beds)
- they attend temple and make offerings to the temple but also to the vulnerable of society (giving) and restate their commitment to the precepts (virtue)
- they participate in chanting scriptures, listening to semons, and in meditation (cultivation) as well as doing good deeds (merit-making)
- some Buddhists wear white (novice) robes and spend the whole day at the temple
- many pour water over the statues of Buddha as if washing them and put garlands of flowers over them
82
discuss Parinirvana day
- for Mahayana Buddhists it recalls the day Buddha died so he reached nibbana
- 15th Feb
- it is important because it reminds of final death, ceasing to be reborn - the goal of all Buddhists
- Buddhists should reflect on their future death and on any recent ones
- the day involves attending temple and/or meditation
- some spend the day reading/reciting sutras (especially Parinirvana sutra)
- prayers will be said for the recently deceased to try to send them merit for their journey
- many Buddhists give money and items to support monks at monasteries
- it is a traditional day for pilgrimage in Asia
83
what is a difference between Wesak and Parinirvana Day
Wesak is a social and joyful day with activities for children and adults in the UK.
Whereas, Parinirvana Day is a solemn one requiring a certain level of understanding of the faith to be able to attend UK temples (effectively excluding children)
84
describe how different countries celebrate Parinirvana day differently
Indian Buddhists make a pilgrimage to Kushinagar
UK Buddhists will attend a temple for an extended period
