Ch1-Trustworthy Spiritual Guidance Flashcards
(108 cards)
1
Q
What defines our spiritual practice as Buddhist?
A
Practices done with a mind that has taken refuge in the Three Jewels.
2
Q
What does taking refuge mean in Buddhism?
A
Entrusting oneself spiritually to the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha for guidance.
3
Q
What is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice?
A
To become the Three Jewels ourselves—fully awakened Buddhas.
4
Q
What is the Dharma Jewel ultimately defined as?
A
True cessations and true paths in one’s own mindstream.
5
Q
What does genuine refuge involve besides reciting words?
A
An internal commitment and daily lived practice.
6
Q
Why did the Buddha teach according to reality?
A
Because his teachings align with how things function and can be verified through experience.
7
Q
What type of faith in Buddhism is considered stable and reliable?
A
Faith derived from studying and investigating the Buddha’s teachings.
8
Q
What are the doors to the Buddhist path according to the chapter?
A
Refuge for entering the Buddha’s doctrine, renunciation for entering the path, bodhicitta for entering the Mahāyāna.
9
Q
What is the ‘forward sequence’ in Buddhist practice?
A
Refuge leads to renunciation, which leads to compassion, bodhicitta, and wisdom realizing emptiness.
10
Q
What is the ‘reverse sequence’ in Buddhist practice?
A
Wisdom realizing emptiness is fueled by bodhicitta, which arises from great compassion, based on renunciation, starting from refuge.
11
Q
What is the first cause for taking refuge in Buddhism?
A
Fear of unfortunate rebirths due to negative karma.
12
Q
What is the second cause for taking refuge in Buddhism?
A
Faith and confidence in the Three Jewels’ ability to guide us.
13
Q
What additional cause motivates bodhisattvas to take refuge?
A
Great compassion for sentient beings and the aspiration to become a Buddha.
14
Q
What does ‘natural purity’ mean in Buddhism?
A
The emptiness of inherent existence of the mind, naturally free from inherent existence.
15
Q
What are adventitious defilements?
A
Temporary obscurations such as ignorance and afflictions, which do not inherently exist in the mind.
16
Q
According to Nāgārjuna, how is the existence of the Three Jewels established?
A
Through understanding dependent arising and emptiness.
17
Q
What are true cessations in Buddhism?
A
The purified aspect of emptiness of a mind from which afflictions have been removed.
18
Q
What is the difference between transmitted Dharma and realized Dharma?
A
Transmitted Dharma is teachings given by the Buddha; realized Dharma is the actual realization of these teachings in practitioners’ minds.
19
Q
In the Fundamental Vehicle, who is the Buddha Jewel?
A
The historical Buddha, Śākyamuni Buddha.
20
Q
What does the Dharma Jewel consist of in the Fundamental Vehicle?
A
True paths and true cessations in the mental continuum of an ārya.
21
Q
Who are included in the Sangha Jewel according to the Fundamental Vehicle?
A
Four pairs of realized beings (stream-enterers, once-returners, nonreturners, and arhats).
22
Q
What are the three excellent qualities accomplished by Buddhas for their own benefit?
A
Being unconditioned, spontaneous, and not realized by extraneous conditions.
23
Q
What are the three excellent qualities Buddhas have to benefit others?
A
Knowledge, compassionate love, and power.
24
Q
What are the four buddha bodies according to the Mahāyāna?
A
Nature truth body, wisdom truth body, enjoyment body, and emanation body.
25
What is the conventional Buddha Jewel according to the Perfection Vehicle?
Form bodies (enjoyment and emanation bodies) manifesting to help sentient beings.
26
What is the ultimate Dharma Jewel?
True cessations and true paths in the mindstreams of āryas.
27
What is the symbolic representation of the Sangha Jewel?
A group of four or more fully ordained monks or nuns.
28
What does the Dharma Jewel have that makes it a genuine refuge?
Qualities such as being inconceivable, without duality, without conceptualization, pure, clear, and antidotal.
29
What quality indicates that the Dharma Jewel cannot be fully grasped conceptually?
The excellent quality of being inconceivable.
30
Why are true cessations considered a state of genuine freedom?
Because they are free from conceptual elaborations and dualistic appearances.
31
What is the significance of refuge in establishing a Buddhist identity?
It directs all practices toward achieving the Dharma Jewel internally.
32
Why is refuge considered the starting point for Buddhist practice?
Because it establishes the spiritual direction and framework for practice.
33
What role does renunciation play in Buddhist practice?
It signifies recognizing cyclic existence as suffering and aspiring for liberation.
34
How is bodhicitta related to compassion?
Bodhicitta arises from the aspiration to alleviate all beings' suffering, based on compassion.
35
Why does studying and reflecting on teachings strengthen refuge?
Because deeper understanding of teachings increases trust and faith in the Three Jewels.
36
How do true paths differ from ordinary meditative states?
True paths directly eliminate afflictions and obscurations permanently.
37
Why is the Buddha described as a reliable spiritual guide?
Because he teaches methods verified through direct experience and aligned with reality.
38
What differentiates faith based on admiration from faith based on understanding?
Faith based on understanding is stable, while faith from admiration can change easily.
39
Why is the Buddha Jewel considered superior to worldly treasures?
Because it leads to lasting peace and liberation, unlike temporary worldly benefits.
40
What is the role of the Sangha in preserving the Dharma?
The Sangha exemplifies the realization of Dharma and preserves its authentic practice.
41
What are the two types of Dharma Jewel according to Mahāyāna Buddhism?
Ultimate Dharma Jewel (true paths and true cessations) and transmitted Dharma Jewel (scriptural teachings).
42
What is meant by 'final refuge' in Buddhism?
A refuge that has completely traversed the path, specifically the Buddha possessing four buddha bodies.
43
What is meant by 'provisional refuge' in Buddhism?
A refuge that helps practitioners move toward the final refuge but has not completely traversed the path.
44
What are the three causes for taking refuge according to the Mahāyāna?
Fear of suffering rebirths, faith in the Three Jewels' qualities, and compassion for sentient beings.
45
What are the Four Buddha Bodies?
Nature truth body, Wisdom truth body, Enjoyment body, and Emanation body.
46
Why is transmitted Dharma considered symbolic rather than an actual Dharma Jewel?
Because transmitted Dharma consists of teachings in words and scriptures, not direct realizations.
47
What makes the Dharma Jewel inconceivable?
Its true nature can't be fully understood through conceptual analysis or ordinary dualistic cognition.
48
What quality makes the Sangha Jewel trustworthy?
Its members have directly realized emptiness, making their guidance reliable.
49
What is the difference between an uninterrupted path and a liberated path?
An uninterrupted path is in the process of eliminating defilements; a liberated path has completely eliminated them.
50
How does a wisdom directly realizing emptiness differ from conceptual understanding?
Direct realization is non-conceptual and free from dualistic appearances; conceptual understanding still involves mental elaboration.
51
What does the Buddha Jewel's quality of 'unconditioned' signify?
That the truth body of a Buddha is free from arising and disintegration.
52
What does the Buddha Jewel's quality of 'spontaneous' indicate?
It effortlessly accomplishes activities to benefit sentient beings.
53
What does the Buddha Jewel's quality of 'not realized by extraneous conditions' mean?
A Buddha's ultimate realizations cannot be completely communicated by words or understood conceptually by others.
54
What comprises the conventional aspect of the Buddha Jewel?
Form bodies that appear to ordinary beings, including enjoyment and emanation bodies.
55
Why are form bodies called 'fulfillment of others’ purposes'?
Because they manifest specifically to guide sentient beings toward awakening.
56
Why is the Dharma Jewel described as 'pure'?
It is uncontaminated by any defilements.
57
Why is clarity an excellent quality of the Dharma Jewel?
Because it clearly perceives emptiness without distortion or bias.
58
What are true cessations and why are they ultimate truths?
States in which certain afflictions and obscurations have been completely eliminated; they are ultimate truths because they are directly perceived realities free from conceptual fabrications.
59
What defines a true path in Buddhism?
A direct perception of emptiness that permanently eradicates afflictions and their seeds.
60
Why is knowing the mode of existence an important quality of the Sangha Jewel?
Because this direct knowledge confirms that āryas have understood emptiness and reality as it is.
61
What does the Sangha Jewel's 'knowledge of varieties' indicate?
That the Sangha Jewel knows the diversity of conventional phenomena accurately.
62
How does the Sangha Jewel differ from ordinary practitioners?
Members of the Sangha Jewel have directly realized emptiness and possess true cessations.
63
What is inner pristine wisdom as possessed by the Sangha Jewel?
Direct insight into Buddha nature and emptiness, unmediated by conceptual thought.
64
Why is personal realization crucial to authentic refuge?
Because personal realization deepens faith and reliance on the Three Jewels, making refuge more genuine.
65
What happens when one's refuge deepens?
One becomes more motivated to study, contemplate, and meditate, further deepening realization.
66
Why is studying the transmitted Dharma important?
It forms the basis for actualizing realizations, preserving the realized Dharma.
67
What is the function of symbolic jewels in Buddhism?
They serve as representations or reminders of the actual Three Jewels but are not direct objects of refuge.
68
Why is the Sangha Jewel considered the best support for spiritual practice?
Because it provides examples of realization and maintains authentic practice lineage.
69
What is meant by 'dualistic appearance' in Buddhist philosophy?
The mistaken perception that subject and object exist independently and inherently.
70
What distinguishes the wisdom truth body from the nature truth body?
Wisdom truth body is the omniscient mind; nature truth body is the emptiness of that mind.
71
What is a nonaffirming negative in Buddhism?
An absence or negation that does not imply something positive existing in place of what is negated.
72
What is the significance of realizing emptiness for ārya learners?
It marks their transition to direct perception of reality, enabling them to eliminate afflictions permanently.
73
What is meant by 'purity from adventitious defilements'?
The state in which temporary defilements have been permanently eradicated by wisdom.
74
What is the role of analytical meditation in realizing emptiness?
Analytical meditation investigates phenomena to discover their lack of inherent existence, thus supporting the realization of emptiness.
75
Why is direct realization of emptiness crucial for achieving true cessation?
Only direct realization permanently eradicates afflictions at their roots, preventing their re-arising.
76
How does a conventional Buddha Jewel benefit ordinary beings?
By appearing in forms perceivable by ordinary beings, guiding them through teachings adapted to their capacities.
77
What is meant by 'emptiness of inherent existence'?
The absence of any independent, intrinsic existence in all phenomena.
78
Why is it significant that true paths and true cessations are present only in āryas?
Because it underscores that only through direct realization of emptiness can lasting freedom from afflictions be achieved.
79
What are cognitive obscurations?
Subtle obscurations preventing simultaneous realization of conventional and ultimate truths.
80
What differentiates afflictive obscurations from cognitive obscurations?
Afflictive obscurations keep beings bound in cyclic existence; cognitive obscurations prevent omniscience.
81
What quality makes the Dharma Jewel 'antidotal'?
Its ability to directly counteract and permanently remove obscurations and defilements.
82
How is true cessation distinguished from mere suppression of afflictions?
True cessation permanently removes afflictions at their roots; suppression temporarily halts their manifest activity.
83
What is the significance of the Dharma Jewel being free from conceptual elaborations?
It indicates the direct realization of reality, unmediated by conceptual distortions.
84
How does deeper understanding of dependent arising enhance refuge?
It strengthens confidence in the Three Jewels by showing their teachings align perfectly with reality.
85
Why is refuge considered a dynamic and evolving practice?
Because as one's understanding deepens, refuge becomes more meaningful and transformative.
86
What characterizes faith in Buddhism as stable?
Faith arising from personal investigation and logical understanding rather than blind belief.
87
Why is spontaneous compassion significant in Mahāyāna Buddhism?
It reflects a Buddha's effortless and continuous commitment to benefiting others.
88
How do true cessations contribute to the mind's ultimate freedom?
By permanently eliminating mental afflictions, allowing uninterrupted peace and clarity.
89
What does 'omniscience' mean in the context of Buddhahood?
Complete and simultaneous knowledge of all phenomena, conventional and ultimate.
90
What aspect of the Buddha Jewel demonstrates its unique purity?
The nature truth body, which is completely free from inherent existence and defilements.
91
Why is the Sangha Jewel especially revered in Buddhism?
Because it embodies living proof of the Dharma's effectiveness through realized practitioners.
92
Why are emanation bodies of a Buddha necessary?
To reach beings of various capacities and provide teachings in forms they can understand.
93
What are examples of provisional refuges in Buddhism?
True paths and true cessations in the mindstreams of āryas who are still learners.
94
Why is the Buddha Jewel called 'spontaneous' and not contrived?
Because it arises effortlessly from complete purification, requiring no deliberate effort to benefit beings.
95
What is the primary goal of practicing refuge according to Mahāyāna Buddhism?
To attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings.
96
Why are form bodies crucial for accomplishing others' purposes?
They enable a Buddha to directly interact with beings and guide them practically toward awakening.
97
What significance does direct knowledge of emptiness hold for ārya practitioners?
It marks the irreversible entry into genuine spiritual insight and progress toward Buddhahood.
98
Why is the transmitted Dharma vital, despite not being the ultimate refuge?
Because it provides essential instructions and teachings necessary to actualize the ultimate Dharma in practitioners' minds.
99
Why is understanding the mind's potential important for practitioners?
It provides confidence that awakening and freedom from suffering are genuinely achievable.
100
What makes refuge 'excellent' in Buddhism?
Its ability to provide complete and lasting protection from the cycles of suffering.
101
How do true paths function as genuine antidotes?
By directly counteracting and eliminating ignorance and afflictions at their fundamental level.
102
What is the significance of the Sangha Jewel's irreversible bodhisattvas?
They exemplify near-Buddha qualities and ensure the stability of authentic teachings and practice.
103
How does one progress from provisional to final refuge?
Through deepening understanding, practicing diligently, and progressively eliminating obscurations until Buddhahood is reached.
104
Why is the absence of dualistic appearances significant in direct realization?
Because it signifies seeing reality exactly as it is, free from subject-object division.
105
What is the difference between the symbolic and actual Three Jewels?
Symbolic Jewels represent actual Jewels but lack direct realizations or inherent spiritual power.
106
Why does Buddhism emphasize refuge as more than mere recitation?
Because true refuge requires internal commitment, transformation, and continual spiritual practice.
107
How does compassion enhance the effectiveness of refuge?
It aligns spiritual practice with altruistic aims, motivating deeper realization and more profound practice.
108
What is the 'purity from adventitious defilements' specifically in relation to a Buddha’s nature truth body?
It is the complete elimination of afflictive and cognitive obscurations.
