Buddhist Practices Flashcards
(153 cards)
1
Q
Place of worship
A
Where people with a similar belief show their devotion
2
Q
How do Buddhists worship
A
-Together as a community at a place of worship
-Idnividually at home
3
Q
Temple
A
A structure where devotional activity takes place
4
Q
How big are temples
A
They can be any size
5
Q
Locations in a Buddhist temple
A
-Meditation hall
-Stupa
-Assembly Hall
-Study room
6
Q
What is often the focus of the room in meditation halls
A
A shrine
7
Q
Gompa
A
A monastery complex in Tibetan Buddhism
8
Q
Stupa
A
A structure that contains relics of the Buddha
9
Q
Assembly Hall
A
A hall for Buddhists or other community members to gather
10
Q
Meditation Hall
A
A hall for Buddhists to meditate
11
Q
Study hall
A
Where Buddhists study or listen to talks by Buddhist teachers
12
Q
Shrine
A
A focal point where a Buddha or Bodhisattva statue is found
13
Q
What is the size of a shrine
A
It can be any size
14
Q
Where can a Buddhist shrine be found
A
Anywhere- even at a home
15
Q
Mala beads
A
Used by a shrine to help keep focus during chanting or recitation
16
Q
Buddha rupa
A
-Statue of the Buddha
-May be found at a shrine
17
Q
What might Buddhists do at a shrine
A
Make offerings
18
Q
What offerings might Buddhists make at a shrine
A
-Candle
-Flowers
-Incense
-Paying respect to the Buddha
19
Q
What might offering incense mean at a shrine
A
Thank you
20
Q
Vihara
A
Monastery in Theravada
21
Q
Monastery
A
Where the ordained Buddhist community lives, this includes monks and nuns.
22
Q
What is often found in the grounds of a monastery
A
-A temple
-A stupa
23
Q
Why might a temple be found in the grounds of a monastery
A
To allow for easy worship
24
Q
Comment on the complexity of a monastery
A
Very simple
25
Why are temples important?
-They allow the Buddhist community to come together
-This can help Buddhists develop a sense of belonging, feel part of a community and deepen their faith
26
Why might temples be less important
-It is not a requirement for Buddhists to gather to worship
-Buddhists carry out many of the same practices individually or at home with family
-Buddhists can communicate and get to know each other in secular spaces
27
Why might a meditation hall be important
They give Buddhists aid to help them meditate
28
Why might a meditation hall be less important
Buddhists can make a shrine at home with all the aids they need for offerings
29
Why might a monastery be important
-They enable monks or nuns to meditate and study the Dharma and teach lay people
-This is important as lay people can learn from monks/nuns, seek guidance and ask for blessings
30
Why might meditation halls be less important
Money used for the upkeep of them could be used for other projects (to reduce dukkha in the world)
31
Puja
Ceremonies that involve meditation, prayer or offerings
32
Where may puja be performed
Anywhere (normally temples or family shrines)
33
Why might Buddhists perform puja
-Show their respect to the Buddha/Bodhisattvas
-Express their geatitude to the Buddha/Bodhisattvas for their teaching and support
-Focus on their religious tradition
-Deepen and learn more about their religious traditions by considering and reflecting upon key aspects of their Buddha’s Dhamma
34
Chanting
Reciting from Buddhist scriptures
35
Why might a Buddhist chant
-Memorise and transmit a Buddhist text
-Shows dedication and openness towards the Buddha’s teaching
-Can calm the mind and aid concentration
36
Examples of Buddhist chants
-Tisarana Three Refuges chant
-Five Moral Precepts
-Bodhisattva vow
-Heart sutra
37
Mantra recitation
The repetition of a short sequence of sacred syllables
38
Why might Buddhists recite mantras
-Calms the mind and aids concentration
-Can help develop the qualities of a Bodhisattva (Avalokiteshvara may be recited to develop compassion)
39
Examples of Buddhist mantras
-Om mani padme hum
-Om Amideva Hrih
40
Om mani padme hum
A Tibetan mantra representing the sound of compassion
41
Om Amideva Hrih
Pure Land mantra representing the name of Amitabha
42
Mala beads (prayer)
A type of prayer used to count the number of recitations in a mantra
43
Why might Buddhists use mala beads
-Count the number of recitations they have made
-Focus on recitation
-Help remember and ask for support in overcoming the 108 delusions that impact human life
44
Examples of mala beads
-Mala necklace
-Wrist mala
45
Meditation
Where the mind is calmed and focussed
46
Which Buddhists perform samatha meditation
Theravada and Mahayana
47
Which Buddhists perform vipassana meditation
Theravada and Mahayana
48
Which Buddhists perform visualisation
Tibetan and some Mahayana traditions
49
Purpose of samatha meditation
-Calm the mind
-Develop concentration
-Allow for tranquility
50
Purpose of vipassana meditation
Gain insight into reality
51
Purpose of visualisation
Visualise, develop and emulate a Buddha or Buddhisatva and their qualities
52
Emulate
Copy
53
Samatha meditation
Concentration and tranquility
54
Vipassana meditation
Insight
55
Samatha meditation practice
Mindfullness of breathing- this allows the practitioner more aware and attentive to their breathing
56
Focus of samatha meditation
Focus on one object
57
Vipassana meditation practice
Mindfullness of breathing- this allows the practitioner to become more aware and attentive to their breathing
58
Focus of Vipassana meditation
-Not a single object
-May be an aspect of the Dhamma (three marks of existence)
59
Zazen meditation
A form of meditation for Zen Buddhists
60
Zazen meditation practice
The practitioner sits with their experiences, reflecting on reality while practising mindful breathing
61
Visualisation practice
-The practitioner imagines an object in their mind
-Once the object is visualised the practitioner will examine their intricacies and try to hold it in their mind for as long as possible
-They make focus on the qualities of the object in order to become more like them
62
Deity
Someone who is fully enlightened
63
What are Buddhists likely to visualise in visualisation
A deity
64
Kasina
An object used to help concentrate
65
Examples of kasinas
-Colours
-Water
66
Thangka
Painting depicting a Buddhist deity
67
Mandala
Geometric configuration of symbols
68
Aids for samatha meditation
Kasinas
69
Aids for Vipassana meditation
Practice dependent (kasinas, flowers…)
70
Aids for visualisation
Thangka and/or mandalas
71
Why do Buddhists have ceremonies for those who have died?
-Remembering the life of the deceased person
-Coming together as a Buddhist community/family to grieve and support one another
-Reflecting on the Buddha’s teachings (annica, anatta)
-Undertaking rituals to ensure a positive rebirth for the deceased
-Gaining support from friends, teachers, nuns and/or monks
72
Theravada funeral
-Deceased portrait
-Shrine
-Member of the sangha gives sermon
-Donation
-Cremation
-Thoughts
73
Why is the deceased’s portrait at a Theravada funeral?
Helps mourners to remember and reflect on the deceased’s life
74
What does a shrine at a Theravada funeral have?
-Buddha rupa
-Candles
-Incense
-Flowers
75
Why is there a shrine at a Theravada funeral?
It gives helps Buddhists cope with their suffering as they remember the Buddha’s teachings
76
Why might a member of the Sangha give a sermon at a Theravada funeral?
-Helps mourners reflect on the life of the deceased
-Offers wisdom from the Buddha’s Dhamma concerning dukkha associated with death
77
Why might a donation be made at a Theravada funeral?
The kammic merit of this action will be transferred to the deceased to help them have a more favourable rebirth
78
Why do the attendees of Theravada funerals send thoughts of loving kindness
To ensure a positive rebirth
79
Pure Land Funeral
-Body placed in coffin
-Head pointing west
-Recite a pure land chant
-Offerings made every 7 days for 49 days after death
-Kotsuage
80
Why does the body face west in a Pure Land funeral
This is the believed direction of Sukhavati
81
Why do people chant in Pure Land funerals?
They ask for refuge in Amitabha
82
Kotsuage
Bones are removed from cremation ash using a special pair of chopsticks
83
Where would a pure land funeral happen?
Japan
84
Which tradition of Buddhism performs sky burials?
Tibetan Buddhism
85
Buddhist sky burial
-Body left exposed
-Left at a high altitude
-Prayers
-Offerings of yak-butter lamps every seven days for 49 days after death
86
What will happen to lamas when they die?
They will be cremated
87
Why is the body left at a high altitude during a Buddhist sky burial?
-It is a gift to the vultures who will eat the remains
-Highlights the impermanence of the human body
88
Where will the cremated remains of important Buddhist figures be found?
Stupas
89
Festival
A celebration for a religious reason
90
What does Wesak celebrate?
-Buddha’s birth
-Buddha’s enlightenment
-Buddha’s parinirvana
91
Parinirvana
The moment the Buddha left the cycle of samsara
92
What is Wesak also known as
Buddha Day
93
When is Wesak celebrated?
On or near the date of the first full moon in May
94
What does Parinirvana Day celebrate?
The death of the Buddha and his passing into enlightenment
95
Who celebrates Parinirvana Day?
Mahayana Buddhists
96
When is Parinirvana day?
February
97
How will Wesak be celebrated?
-Lighting up home with candles
-Decorating
-Giving gifts to the monastic community
-Making offerings to the Buddha
-Attending events where scriptures are read
-Attending sermonds
-Wearing traditional white dress
98
How is Wesak celebrated in Singapore
Caged animals are released
99
Why are caged animals released on Wesak in Singapore
As a symbol of liberation
100
How is Wesak celebrated in Indonesia
Giant lit lanterns are released into the sky
101
How will Parinirvana day be celebrated?
-Taking time to reflect on an individual’s own future death
-Remembering those who have passed away
-Reflecting on the Dhamma
-Reading scriptures
-Meditating
-Spending the day in quiet reflecting
-Pilgrimage
102
What scripture will Buddhists likely read on Parinirvana day
Mahaparinirvana Sutra
103
Mahaparinirvana sutra
Desribes the last days of Buddha’s life
104
Where might a Buddhist go to on pilgrimage on Parinirvana Day?
Kushinagar in India
105
Kushinagar
Wheee the Buddha is believed to have died
106
What are festivals opportunities for Buddhists to do?
-Engage in practices
-Remember, reflect, develop and deepen knowledge of the Buddha’s life
-Remember, reflect, develop and deepen knowledge on aspects of the Buddha’s teachings
-Meet and engage with other members of the Buddhist community
107
What practices recommended by Buddha might Buddhists carry out during a festival
-Meditation
-Pligrimage
108
What might Buddhists learn more about on Wesak
The Buddha’s early life
109
What might Buddhists learn more about on Parinirvana day
Buddha’s death
110
What might remembering, reflecting, developing and deepening knowledge of the Budha’s life do?
Helps Buddhists incorporate the aspects they learn about into their own lives
111
What might Buddhists do to remember, reflecting, develop and deepen knowledge on the Buddha’s teachings?
For example, on Parinirvana day the concept of anicca
112
Why might Buddhists engage with members of the Buddhist community?
Helps build connections and a sense of belonging
113
Retreat
A chance to temporarily leave everyday life to go to a special place to aid spiritual development
114
What practices may retreats help Buddhists engage in
-Listening to talks about the Buddha’s teachings
-Meditation
-Worship or puja
-Spending time with other Buddhists
115
Vassa
-An annual retreat
-Buddhists here engage in meditation and study the Dhamma
116
Buddhist retreats in the UK
-Taraloka
-Amaravati
-Land of Joy
-Samye Ling
-Throssel Hole
117
Ethics
The rightness and wrongness of actions
118
Four key Buddhist ethical teachings
-Kamma
-Karuna
-Metta
-The Five Moral Precepts
119
Karuna
Compassion
120
Two of the four sublime states
-Metta
-Karuna
121
What are the four sublime states
The states that Buddhists should strive to develop
122
What is karuna
A feeling of concern for all those in the world who are suffering
123
How does karuna influence Buddhists
-Help reduce suffering of themselves and others by being mindful of interaction with others
-Supporting charities (Rokpa)
124
What is metta
Showing a loving, kind and friendly attitude towards all
125
Metta meditation
-A practice which helps develop metta
-May involve visualisation or mantra recitation
126
Where do Buddhists target metta
At themselves and others
127
Rebirth
The belief that when someone dies they are reborn
128
How is someone’s rebirth decided
Kamma
129
What is the end of rebirth
Nibbana
130
Skilful action
Rooted in generosity, compassion and wisdom
131
Unskilful action
Rooted in craving, hatred and greed
132
Can you change the kammic consequences of your actions
No
133
Bhavacakra
The Buddhist wheel of life
134
What does bhavacakra show
The cycle of samsara
135
What is in the centre of a bhavacakra
The three poisons
136
Why are the three poisons in the centre of the bhavacakra
They are the cause of all suffering
137
Who holds the wheel of life
Yama
138
Yama
The Lord of death
139
What are the six realms of rebirth
-Gods
-Angry Demi-Gods
-Humans
-Animals
-Hungry Ghosts
-Hell
140
God realm
-Live luxurious lives of pleasure and happiness
-Don’t see suffering so remain ignorant
141
Angry Demi-God Realm
Realm of jealous and hateful Demi-Gods who are constantly at war
142
Human Realm
Only realm where you can reach enlightenment
143
Animal Realm
Animals live motivated by greed and impulse
144
Hungry Ghost Realm
Unsatisfied hungry ghosts in a constant state of walking
145
Hell Realm
-Worst realm
-Filled with pain
146
Name the Five Moral Precepts
-Do not take life
-Do not misuse the senses
-Do not take intoxicants that cloud the mind
-Do not take what is not given
-Do not misuse the senses
147
What are the Five Moral Precepts
-The five commitments that Buddhists use to guide their ethical decision making
-The five principles that are voluntarily practised by Buddhists
148
Do not take life
-Do not harm another living being (murder)
-Do not harm or kill animals (Buddhists choose to be vegan)
149
Do not take what is not given
-Do not steal
-Do not exploit others
150
Do not misuse the senses
-Do not engage in harmful sexual practice (adultery)
-Do not engage in excessive overindulgence
151
Do not speak falsehoods
-Do not lie
-Do not gossip
152
Do not take intoxicants that cloud the mind
-Do not drink alcohol
-Do not take drugs
153
What is the most important precept
Do not take life
