Buddhist Practises

Question 1

What is the definition of puja?

Answer 1

Worship - it expresses gratitude and respect for the Buddha and his teachings.

Question 2

What are two different types of meditation?

Answer 2

Samatha and Vipassana

Question 3

Which type of statue is commonly used for meditation and can often be found as part of a shrine?

Answer 3

Rupa - A statue ofBuddha used in worship and meditation

Question 4

Give two of the six perfections

Answer 4

• Generosity or giving (dana)
· Morality (sila)
· Patience (kshanti)
· Energy (virya)
· Meditation (samadhi)
· Wisdom (prajna)

Question 5

What is Wesak?

Answer 5

A festival celebrating the life and teachings of the buddha

Question 6

What name is given to a Buddhist monastery?

Answer 6

Vihara

Question 7

Explain one element of a Buddhist funeral?

Answer 7

Spend as little money as possible on funerals as they believe in reincarnation
Sky burial this reflects a belief in anicca.

Question 8

Give three features of a shrine

Answer 8

Rupa, Flowers, water, candles, incense, fruit, bell, book of teachings.

Question 9

Name a buddhist festival

Answer 9

Parinirvana Day

Question 10

What is meant by a skill full act?

Answer 10

Actions that lead to good karma.

Question 11

Give two of the five moral precepts.

Answer 11

1. to abstain from taking life
2. to abstain from sexual misconduct
3. to abstain from taking what is not freely given
4. to abstain from wrong speech
5. to abstain from intoxicants

Question 12

What is the purpose of Samatha medication?

Answer 12

Breathing meditation focused on calming the mind and mindfulness

Question 13

Name the three jewels

Answer 13

· The Buddha · The Dhamma · The Sangha

Question 14

Why are devotional rituals carried out?

Answer 14

to show their devotion to the Buddha

Question 15

What is the main purpose of a Buddhist retreat?

Answer 15

They help them to practise meditation and retreat

Question 16

What are two rituals for death and mourning?

Answer 16

1. Tibetan sky burials
2. Pure land buddhism

Question 17

Why are shrines important

Answer 17

reflect on buddhists teachings (dharma)
to give thanks to the buddha for giving them the path to enlightenment (dharma)

Question 18

What is Samatha meditation?

Answer 18

focusing on mindfulness of the body and breath

Question 19

What is a teaching about Samatha meditation?

Answer 19

“Even the gods envy those awakened”

Question 20

Why is Samatha meditation important?

Answer 20

helps them to achieve nibbana (letting go of greed) by calming the mind.

Question 21

What is used in Samatha meditation?

Answer 21

Kasinas - an object used to help focus

Question 22

What is vipassana meditation?

Answer 22

Insight meditation.

Question 23

What is a teaching for Vipassana meditation?

Answer 23

‘life is a dance. mindfulness is witnessing that dance’

Question 24

What is the aim of Vipassana meditation?

Answer 24

to give your full attention to whatever is going on in your mind at that time

Question 25

What is a mala bead?

Answer 25

a string of prayer beads that help a buddhist keep concentrated while reciting the mantra

Question 26

What is a mantra?

Answer 26

a sequence of sacred syllables which represents a particular aspect of the buddha

Question 27

Why is home worship important in Buddhism?

Answer 27

Regularity more individual more personalised shrines easy access

Question 28

What are some temples features?

Answer 28

A main hall A meditation room a stupa A study hall

Question 29

What is in a temples main hall?

Answer 29

a shrine dedicated to the buddha or bodhisattva with some offerings.

Question 30

What is in a temples stupa?

Answer 30

contains holy relics, the remains of monks and nuns

Question 31

What is important about the temple?

Answer 31

heart of the buddhist community and had combines strength

Question 32

What is meditation in Buddhism?

Answer 32

a spiritual exercise that teaches you to calm your mind and your thoughts

Question 33

What does meditation develop?

Answer 33

Loving kindness and Compassion

Question 34

What is visualisation?

Answer 34

simply imagining an object (kasina)

Question 35

What do Tibetan Buddhists visualise during visualisation?

Answer 35

the qualities of a Bodhisattva's character

Question 36

What are Buddhist Retreats?

Answer 36

temporarily living a simple life, practise meditation and buddhist rituals for a short time.

Question 37

What is the Vassa Retreat?

Answer 37

A Theravada annual retreat lasting for 3 months during the rainy season

Question 38

What is wesak?

Answer 38

Celebrating when the moon is full as the buddha achieved enlighten then

Question 39

How do Buddhists celebrate wesak?

Answer 39

decorate their homes with candles and paper lanterns

Question 40

What do Singapore Buddhists do at Wesak?

Answer 40

Release