Buddhist Practices

Question 1

Temple

Answer 1

a place where Buddhists come together to worship or practise.

Question 2

Gompa

Answer 2

A hall or building where Tibetan Buddhists meditate.

Question 3

Stupa

Answer 3

A small building in a monastery where holy relics are stored.

Question 4

Buddha Rupa

Answer 4

The statue of the Buddha to provide a focal point in meditation.
Often sitting in a cross-legged position.

Question 5

Shrine

Answer 5

An area for meditation with a Buddha Rupa (or a Bodhisattva).

Question 6

Vihara

Answer 6

The Vihara is a Buddhist monastery which is a place where monks and nuns live.

Question 7

Chanting

Answer 7

Rhythmic recitation of important words, syllables or phrases.

Question 8

Mala

Answer 8

A set of prayer buds Buddhists use to recite prayers.

Question 9

Mantra

Answer 9

A set phrase or syllable Buddhist recites.

Question 10

Puja

Answer 10

Buddhist worship.

Question 11

Why do Buddhists make offerings?

Answer 11

To bring about good ‘karma’. This is called ‘merit-making’.

Question 12

What does a flower represent?

Answer 12

That nothing is permanent. Annica.

Question 13

What does the water represent?

Answer 13

Purity. It cleanses the Buddhist’s minds of greed, hatred and ignorance (the three poisons).

Question 14

What does the candle represent?

Answer 14

Brightness/Enlightenment.

Light drives away darkness.

Question 15

What does the incense represent?

Answer 15

Purity in actions, deeds and thoughts.

Question 16

What does a typical temple contain?

Answer 16

A main hall
Buddha Rupa
A meditation hall
A study hall
A shrine
A stupa