Living the Buddhist Life

Question 1

Give two purposes of chanting to Buddhists

Answer 1

• it is used to prepare the mind for meditation by focusing the mind
• It is a form of devotional practice towards the Buddha and Bodhisattvas

Question 2

Give the purpose of chanting for Theravada Buddhists and name the chant

Answer 2

Dhammapada 190

• it is a way to focus on the dhamma in order to help them reach enlightenment
• it focuses on the 3 refuges and the 5 precepts

Question 3

Give the purpose of chanting for Mahayana Buddhists and name the chant

Answer 3

• Nam Myoho Renge Kyo
• it helps Buddhists reflect on their own buddha nature and thus their own ability to reach enlightenment and help others to also do so

Question 4

Give 3 reasons why chanting is important

Answer 4

• it helps Buddhists to memorise key teachings giving them confidence and satisfaction
• it increases their devotion for the Buddha motivating them to study the dhamma
• Chanting allows the mind to be focused and contemplative rather than wandering

Question 5

Give three reasons why chanting is not important

Answer 5

• meditation is more important as this is what can help us to gain enlightenment
• one could become attached to the chant which is wrong as it inhibits nibbana and spiritual growth
• the buddha said to accept his teachings for ourselves ‘ not out of reverence for me’ which means we should focus on the dhamma on our own accord rather than praise and revere the Buddha

Question 6

What are Buddharupas and 3 ways they are used

Answer 6

• Buddharupas are statues of the Buddha
• It is used as an aim to stimulate practice and support concentration
• to remind one of the qualities of the perfect wisdom and compassion of the Buddha
• it inspires one to develop these qualities

Question 7

What is The Bodhi Tree and why is it used?

Answer 7

• The Bodhi Tree is where the Buddha sat at when he became enlightened
• it is used as it is a symbol of the Buddha’s presence and his enlightenment and reminds Buddhists that the ultimate goal is to attain enlightenment

Question 8

Give three reasons why devotional objects are important ( hint; devotion)

Answer 8

• they can help focus the mind for meditation or chanting
• they show respect and reverence to the Buddha who is the ultimate example
• Mahayana Buddhists can focus on Buddharupas to try and communicate with the Buddha or Bodhisattvas

Question 9

Give three reasons why devotional objects are not important

Answer 9

• it shows that one is attached to this world and so we should give up worldly attachments and desires
• the buddha did not place much emphasis on using devotional objects so it is better to focus on the dhamma and learn from monks
• they worship and idolise the Buddha and we should focus on understanding the Dhamma and the path to enlightenment

Question 10

Define ‘ Puja ‘ and how can it be shown

Answer 10

• Puja translates as devotion or worship

- it can be shown through bowing chanting or meditation

Question 11

Give 3 purposes of performing puja

Answer 11

• it reinforces faith and devotion
• one accumulates merit generating good kamma
• it is a good way to deal with difficulty in life

Question 12

Give three features seen during Buddhist worship and it importance ( objects )

Answer 12

1. Buddharupa placed higher than worshippers
   - shows honour and respect towards the Buddha
2. Tray of flowers
   - shows impermanence and that all things fade and die
3. lighted candles
   - represents the light of the Buddha’s teachings and the enlightenment which worshippers are seeking and motivates them to reach that state

Question 13

What is a temple and give two ways Buddhists use it

Answer 13

• A place where Buddhists come together to practice Buddhism
• contains a shrine and space for community activities such as making offerings and listening to sermons
• They contain libraries where Buddhists can learn more about Buddhism and the dhamma

Question 14

Define stupa and give two ways Buddhists use it

Answer 14

• stupas are solid bell shaped structures that contain a holy relic from The Buddha or other Buddhists figures
• People walk around them while chanting to show devotion towards the relics .
• It can be used as a place of meditation and protection from evil

Question 15

What is a gompa and give two ways Buddhists use its features

Answer 15

• A Tibetan monastery
• they are full of artwork and statues of Bodhisattvas and the Buddha to aid in meditation
• Buddhists meditate here to focus on the dhamma

Question 16

what is a vihara and give two ways Buddhists use it

Answer 16

• The central place of worship and where Buddhist monks and nuns live
• many monks live here to get away from distractions in the world showing complete devotion to the Buddhist way of life.
• people make offerings here to both the Buddha and monks for positive kamma and monks in return aid them with spiritual growth

Question 17

What is a shrine and give two ways Buddhists use it

Answer 17

• an area with a statue of a Buddha or a Bodhisattva
• provides Buddhists with a focus point for meditation and devotion
• Offerings are often made to the statue or image to show gratitude and respect.

Question 18

How is worship different in Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism?

Answer 18

Mahayana Buddhists are attempting to communicate with the Buddha and bodhisattvas
= Theravada Buddhists do not believe that this is possible as he has achieved Pari nibbana and is just a historical figure. They instead focus on the three refuges and the 5 precepts .

Question 19

Who do Pure Land Buddhists worship and how?

Answer 19

• They worship the Buddha Amitabha
• They believe by trusting devotion to him they will be taken to the Pure Land
• They recite his name using mala beads

Question 20

What is Triratna Buddhism and who founded it?

Answer 20

• Sangharasita set up the Triratna school

- It is based on Buddhist tradition and positive aspects of modern Western culture

Question 21

How do Triratna Buddhists worship?

Answer 21

• Worship involves getting together and reciting a Sevenfold Puja to remind themselves of the value of the three jewels
• They may hear a reading of the life of the Buddha

Question 22

Give 3 ways Buddhists pay respect to the Buddha during worship ( actions )

Answer 22

• by folding their palms to show respect for the three refuges
• to prostrate before an image of the buddha or members of the sangha to show respect and humility
• recall the qualities of the buddha such as metta, karuna and wisdom

Question 23

Give two features of a shrine room

Answer 23

• Buddhist altars are set in the east as the buddha sat facing east beneath the bodhi tree when he reached enlightenment
• There will be a libraries as there is an integral focus on learning and understanding the dhamma

Question 24

Give three things Buddhists must do in a shrine room ( to respect it)

Answer 24

• the Buddha image should be placed higher than other articles of significance
• one should not sit with feet pointing to the image
• one should not engage in worldly conversation and aim to be in contemplative states of mind

Question 25

Wesak Festival: 1. what it celebrates and by who 2. give 3 ways it is celebrated 3. its importance to Buddhists today

Answer 25

1. it commemorates the birth, enlightenment and the passing into nibbana of the Buddha 2. visit a temple, observe extra precepts (8), give gifts to an altar to show respect for the Buddha's teachings 3. it is important as it is a time of reflection and celebration for Buddhists as they can practice the buddha's teachings and focus on attaining their own enlightenment

Question 26

Vassa: 1. How do monks celebrate Vassa 2. How do lay people celebrate Vassa 3. When is it celebrated and who celebrates it 4. why is it a convincing festival

Answer 26

- three month retreat during rainy season - monks spend time in meditation and chants - many Lay Buddhists renew their commitment to the Five Precepts and engage in a period of reflection. - The Buddha practiced this and encouraged monks to do this and therefore we should follow his example - Theravada Buddhists

Question 27

Kathina: - when is Kathina? - what happens during Kathina? - Who celebrate Kathina?

Answer 27

- occurs at the end of Vassa and a time of alms giving - Lay people traditionally offer cloths to the monks to make their robes - Theravada Buddhists

Question 28

Uposatha days: - what is it - Give three ways lays and monastics practice it - when is it observed and by who

Answer 28

- a day of observance used to help cleanse the mind - monastics chant about rules that they have neglected and teach the dhamma - lay people visit the temple, meditate and listen to the dhamma intently - they both reaffirm their commitment to the precepts - Theravada Buddhists - once a week - Mahayana Buddhists- 10 times a month

Question 29

Hanamtsuri : - what does it celebrate and when - how is it celebrated - what does that show - who celebrates it - why is it unconvincing

Answer 29

- celebration of the Buddha's birth on April 8th - buildings are covered in flowers and a special statue of the Buddha is erected - This reminds Buddhists of impermanence as flowers die like everything will - Mahayana Buddhists - it reveres the Buddha - it was not an original Buddhist festival but became incorporated with a previous festival

Question 30

Obon: - what does it celebrate and how long - give 3 ways it is celebrated - who celebrates it

Answer 30

- three day festival in Japan where spirits of the ancestors are honoured - prayers and chants ae offered, food offerings are made lanterns are hung to guide the spirits to their relatives and back to their world - Mahayana Buddhists

Question 31

Pari nibbana Day: - what does it celebrate - its importance ( freedom from what) - give 2 ways it is celebrated - who celebrate it

Answer 31

- celebration of the Buddha's enlightenment marking the death of the Buddha - It is celebrated as they believe that having attained enlightenment he achieved freedom from physical existence and its suffering and aim to do the same - Buddhists meditate, visit temples/monasteries - Mahayana Buddhists

Question 32

Lama Tsong Khapa Day - what does it celebrate - its importance - give 2 ways it is celebrated - who celebrate it

Answer 32

- It celebrates the enlightenment of Je Tsong Khapa. - it is important as they believe all merit from kamma is increased - · making many offerings of food, incense, lights and flowers · offering puja to Lama Tsong Khapa - Tibetan Buddhists

Question 33

Give 3 reasons against celebrates festivals - include counter

Answer 33

- it idolises and reveres the Buddha - Creates attachment to the worldly life rather than focusing on the attainment of enlightenment counter- some festivals focus on remembering the aim of enlightenment and to detach from the worldly life eg Vassa, Uposatha days - some may partake for the wrong intentions

Question 34

Give 3 reasons in favour of celebrating festivals include examples

Answer 34

- it can cultivate good kamma and metta and karuna through making offerings of robes eg; Kathina leading to unity in the Sangha - it allows one to commit to the Buddha's teachings and practice them more : Vassa - it allows for one to reflect on their own spiritual journey - Uposatha days

Question 35

Give two reasons why places of worship are not necessary for puja

Answer 35

- puja can be offered at home using Buddharupas and/or shrines - places of worship is not what matters but one's understanding of the dhamma

Question 36

Give three reasons why places of worship are necessary for puja ( reference to SOA)

Answer 36

- it can be seen as a place to show devotion by giving candles and other offerings to the Buddha - one can give alms to a monk - accumulating good kamma - one can listen to sermons and access libraries ( vihara) to understand the dhamma ( kimsila sutta)