Buddhism SAQ Flashcards
(12 cards)
What are the main events in the life of the Buddha?
- Birth (563 BCE): Born as Siddhartha Gautama in Nepal, he was a prince.
- The four sights: Saw an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and an ascetic, which made him aware of suffering and led to enlightenment.
- Renunciation: At 34, meditating under the Bodhi tree, he attained Nirvana and became Buddha.
- First sermon: Preached the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
- Death: He passed away at 80, achieving final Nirvana.
Why is Buddhism known as the Middle Way?
Buddhism is called the Middle Way because it avoids the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. Buddha taught that enlightenment lies in balance and moderation.
What are the four Noble Truths?
- Suffering exists.
- Origin of suffering: Desire (cravings) causes suffering.
- Cessation of suffering: The end of suffering is possible through Nirvana.
- Path to cessation: The Eightfold Path leads to Nirvana.
What are the three jewels?
- Buddha (The Enlightened One): The teacher and ideal of awakening.
- Dharma (The Teachings): The path to liberation taught by the Buddha.
- Sangha (The Community): The monastic and lay followers who practice Buddhism.
What is the true nature of the self, according to Buddhism?
- Form—Physical Body.
- Sensation—Feelings.
- Perception—Recognition.
- Mental Formations—Thoughts, Habits.
- Consciousness—Awareness.
How do the goals and practices of Buddhist monks differ from the goals and practices of the average Buddhist layperson?
Monks: Aim for enlightenment (Nirvana) in this life, follow Vinaya rules (strict discipline), and practice meditation, study, and detachment.
Laypeople: Aim for good karma and rebirth in a better realm, follow the five precepts (ethical guidelines), and support the Sangha through dana (generosity).
What are the two main categories of Buddhist meditation, and how do they compare?
Samantha (calm-abiding meditation): Focuses on concentration and tranquility, and uses breathing, mantra, and visualization to calm the mind (Theravada).
Vipassana (Insight meditation): Focuses on mindfulness and wisdom and observes thoughts, emotions, and sensations to understand impermanence (Mahayana).
How do traditional Buddhist practices of mindfulness compare to modern adaptations of these practices?
Traditional Mindfulness: Focuses on awareness of body, feelings, mind, and mental objects; aimed at liberation from suffering.
Modern Mindfulness: Focuses on stress relief and well-being; uses in secular settings, emphasizes self-compassion and relaxation.
What are the differences between Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism?
- Goals:
Theravāda focuses on achieving nirvana through individual effort and discipline.
Mahāyāna emphasizes reaching Buddhahood to help liberate all beings. - Geographically:
Theravāda is practiced mainly in South and Southeast Asia. Mahāyāna is found in East Asia, - Views on the Buddha:
Theravāda sees him as a historical teacher and role model.
Mahāyāna regards him as a transcendent, eternal figure who appears in many forms. - Scriptures:
Theravāda follows the Pali Canon, believed to contain the earliest teachings.
Mahāyāna includes additional Sanskrit texts such as the Lotus and Heart Sutras. - Core teachings:
Theravāda emphasizes the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and personal ethics.
Mahāyāna stresses emptiness (shunyata), compassion, and the concept of Buddha-nature inherent in all beings.
What new philosophical teachings were introduced by the Mahayana Sutras?
- The Lotus Sutra teaches that all beings can become Buddhas and emphasizes upaya (skillful means).
- The Heart Sutra focuses on emptiness (shunyata) and highlights wisdom (prajna) as key to liberation.
- The Tathagatagarbha Sutra teaches that all beings have Buddha-nature, a pure, hidden essence that can awaken.
How does Pure Land Buddhism compare to Zen Buddhism?
Pure Land Buddhism: Devotion to Amitabha Buddha, faith-based practice, accessible for all, nembutsu, unlimited light, infinite.
Zen Buddhism: Emphasizes meditation and direct experience, uses koans (paradoxical riddles) to transcend rational thought, and encourages sudden awakening through practice.
Who was B. R. Ambedkar, and why did he convert to Buddhism?
He was an Indian social reformer, lawyer, and principal, born into the Dalit (untouchable) caste and faced severe discrimination. He switched to Buddhism because it rejects the caste system and sees Buddhism as a path of equality and social justice.
