Definitions for Buddhism

Question 1

The Buddha

Answer 1

The Enlightened or Awakened One;
the founder of Buddhism, formerly
Siddhartha Gautama.

Question 2

4 Noble Truths

Answer 2

The Buddha’s diagnosis of the main problem in life: suffering, the cause of suffering, elimination of suffering, and the path to ending suffering.
1. suffering exists and is a part of life.
2. suffering is caused by attachment.
3. that it is possible to end suffering by letting go of attachment.
4. the Eightfold Path is the way to end suffering.

Question 3

The Four Sights

Answer 3

The sights that led to the
Buddha’s departure from his palace to help humankind: a sick man, a corpse, and old man, and a begging monk.

Question 4

Zen Buddhism

Answer 4

A Buddhist sect that originated in
Japan. This sect favours meditation and
intuition rather than scripture or rituals as the means to enlightenment.

Question 5

Take Refuge

Answer 5

The purpose of the refuges is to guide followers along the right path and help them on their journey. For a Buddhist, taking refuge is the first step to enlightenment.
They are (1) the Buddha (the guide) (2) the dharma (the path) (3) the sangha (companions and teachers).

Question 6

Siddhartha Gautama

Answer 6

Born in the 5th Century BCE in present day Nepal, he was a sheltered prince who lived a life of luxury and privilege. At 29 he left the palace for the first time and he encountered the four sights. The Buddha

Question 7

Anatta

Answer 7

the notion that there is no permanent self, and that a person is a changing combination of components.

Question 8

Middle Way

Answer 8

The path in life prescribed by
the Buddha; the path between extremes.
Siddhartha concluded that the best lifestyle was one of moderation.