Buddhist Practices

Question 1

Name two features of a Buddhist temple

Answer 1

• Buddha rupas, found in the main halls (statues of Buddha)

- Stupas a tower or room containing relics of important Buddhists

Question 2

Give two reasons why shrines are important

Answer 2

• they provide a focal point for Buddhists to show devotion

- a way of showing gratitude to Buddha

Question 3

Why are offerings given to a shrine and give an example

Answer 3

• they act as reminders of Buddha’s teaching

- flowers are offered as they decay and show impermanence

Question 4

Give two reasons why monasteries are important

Answer 4

• a place of discipline and study

- shows devotion

Question 5

What is an important part of a monastery

Answer 5

Stupa

Question 6

Give two reasons why puja (worship) is important

Answer 6

• express gratitude towards Buddha

- deepen understanding of Buddha’s teachings

Question 7

Give two reasons why chanting is important

Answer 7

• shows devotion

- calm and focus the mind

Question 8

What is a mantra

Answer 8

A sequence of sacred syllables

Question 9

Why is chanting mantras important

Answer 9

• concentrates the mind

- they contain magical powers and spiritual qualities of Buddha and bodhisttavs

Question 10

What is a mala

Answer 10

Prayer beads

Question 11

What is Samatha meditation

Answer 11

Calming meditation

Question 12

Give three reasons why Samatha meditation is important

Answer 12

• allows a deeper concentration
• good preparation for Vipissana meditation
• helps to become more mindful and aware

Question 13

Give two quotes for Samatha meditation

Answer 13

“Even the Gods envy those who are awakened and mindful”

“Do not encumber your mind wig useless thoughts”

Question 14

What are the three aims of Vipassana meditation

Answer 14

1) understand are everything is characterised by the three marks of existence
2) develop a greater wisdom about the world
3) achieve enlightenment

Question 15

What do people focus on is Vipassana meditation

Answer 15

Objects/Kasinas

Question 16

What does Zazen meditation mean

Answer 16

Seated meditation

Question 17

Where is Zazen practiced

Answer 17

Zazen buddhism Japan

Question 18

Why is Zazen meditation important

Answer 18

Leads to a deeper understanding of the nature of existence

Question 19

What happens during Zazen meditation

Answer 19

Sitting relaxing and for using on the mindfulness of breathing

Question 20

What is walking meditation

Answer 20

Consists of walking slowly and combining the movement of the feet with breathing

Question 21

What can walking meditation be used for

Answer 21

Samatha and Vippisana meditation

Question 22

Give a quote for walking meditation

Answer 22

“Your objective is to attain total alertness (…) unblocked experience of the motion of walking”

Question 23

Give two differences between Samatha meditation and Vipassana meditation

Answer 23

• Samatha develops concentration and calms the mind

- Vipassana is about understanding the three marks of existence

Question 24

How are objects used in visualisation

Answer 24

• helps for concentration

- helps to engage with spiritual qualities

Question 25

Why do Tibetan Buddhists visualise deities

Answer 25

- focus on the spiritual qualities of the deity being visualised - helps to awaken Buddha-nature

Question 26

Give an example of Buddha’s that may be visualised during meditation

Answer 26

- the medicine Buddha to promote healing powers | - Amitabha Buddha to be reborn in the pure land

Question 27

What else is used in visualisations

Answer 27

- thangkas detailed paintings of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas | - mandala a detailed colourful circle shaped pattern using sand which are brushed away

Question 28

What do Therevada Buddhists do when someone has died

Answer 28

- they transfer good merits - they offer new robes to a monk or donate money - person has a more favourable rebirth

Question 29

What do Tibetan Buddhists do when someone has died

Answer 29

- sky burial - body left on a mountain as a gift to the vultures - shows impermanence

Question 30

What do Japanese Buddhists do when someone has died

Answer 30

- they have pure land funerals - chant he Amitbha’s Buddha’s name - they are reborn in the pure land

Question 31

Why do Buddhists celebrate Wesak

Answer 31

- celebrate Buddha’s life | - honour the Buddha’s teachings

Question 32

What is the meaning of light in Wesak

Answer 32

Enlightenment and overcoming ignorance

Question 33

What do people do during Wesak

Answer 33

- light their homes with candles | - make offerings to Buddha

Question 34

Why do Buddhists celebrate Parinirvana

Answer 34

- celebrates Buddha’s passing into Parinirvana - Buddhists can reflect on death and those who have recently died - shows impermanence

Question 35

What do Buddhists do during Parinirvana

Answer 35

- read scripture - meditate - go on retreats and reflect

Question 36

What is Kamma

Answer 36

It explains how the intentions of a person’s actions lead to happiness or suffering

Question 37

How does Kamma relate to rebirth

Answer 37

Depending on someone’s actions they are reborn into the six realms

Question 38

What are the six realms

Answer 38

- animals - angry Gods - god’s - humans - hungry ghosts - tormented beings

Question 39

How does Kamma relate to Buddhist ethics

Answer 39

- acting skilfully reduces suffering | - acting skill fully leads to enlightenment

Question 40

Give a quote for Kamma

Answer 40

“One might be freed from evil action”

Question 41

What is Karuna

Answer 41

Compassion

Question 42

Why is Karuna important

Answer 42

Essential quality for Bodhisattvas

Question 43

What does Karuna mean

Answer 43

To feel concerned for the suffering of others

Question 44

What are he four sublime states

Answer 44

1) loving kindness 2) compassion 3) sympathetic joy 4) equanimity

Question 45

What is Rokpa

Answer 45

A charity set up in the 1980s motivated by compassion who help families through poverty

Question 46

Give a quote for Karuna

Answer 46

“The key to a happier and more successful world is the growth of compassion” the delai lama

Question 47

What is metta

Answer 47

Loving kindness

Question 48

What does metta lead to

Answer 48

Happiness and peace

Question 49

What does metta do

Answer 49

- reduces the tendency to act out of negative emotions | - helps to overcome suffering

Question 50

What is loving kindness meditation

Answer 50

Helps Buddhists to develop an attitude of metta | Reflects on the positive qualities of a person and any acts of kindness

Question 51

Give two quotes for metta

Answer 51

“Loving kindness is the wish that all may enjoy happiness” | “Loving kindness towards all the world”

Question 52

What are the five moral precepts

Answer 52

1) Abstain from taking life 2) abstain from what is not freely given 3) abstain from sexual misconduct 4) abstain from wrong speech 5) abstain from intoxicants that cloud the mind

Question 53

Give a quote for the five moral precepts

Answer 53

“Whoever destroys a living creature (...) digs up his own root here in this very world”

Question 54

What are the six perfections

Answer 54

1) generosity 2) morality 3) patience 4) energy 5) meditation 6) wisdom

Question 55

Why are the six perfections important

Answer 55

They are qualities needed to become a bodhisattva