LWC6_Ch 6 Part 4 - Breakthrough to Nirvāṇa - The Pāli Tradition Flashcards
(500 cards)
What distinguishes nirvāṇa with remainder from nirvāṇa without remainder?
Nirvāṇa with remainder refers to an arhat’s liberation while still alive, whereas nirvāṇa without remainder occurs at the arhat’s death, when all aggregates cease.
Elaborate on: What are the unique qualities of a sammāsambuddha?
A sammāsambuddha possesses perfect wisdom, compassion, and skill in teaching, having attained awakening without guidance.
Describe: What is the ‘dry insight’ path to liberation?
It is a path where insight alone, without full absorption into jhāna, leads to the realization of nirvāṇa.
Describe: What is the ‘dry insight’ path to liberation?
It is a path where insight alone, without full absorption into jhāna, leads to the realization of nirvāṇa.
How are the four noble truths integral to all paths of awakening?
They form the foundational structure guiding both śrāvakas and buddhas to liberation by diagnosing and curing suffering.
Elaborate on: How does the Theravāda tradition approach the question of the arhat’s state after death?
Theravāda texts emphasize that the arhat cannot be described in terms of existence or non-existence after death, highlighting the ineffability of nirvāṇa.
Elaborate on: How are the four noble truths integral to all paths of awakening?
They form the foundational structure guiding both śrāvakas and buddhas to liberation by diagnosing and curing suffering.
What is the significance of conceptual silence in relation to nirvāṇa?
Nirvāṇa is beyond conceptual elaboration, and its true nature is realized only by direct meditative insight, not through discursive thought.
In the Pāli tradition, how is a fully awakened buddha superior to an arhat?
A buddha discovers the path independently and teaches it to others, while an arhat follows an existing path to liberation.
Explain what are the unique qualities of a sammāsambuddha?
A sammāsambuddha possesses perfect wisdom, compassion, and skill in teaching, having attained awakening without guidance.
What role does momentary concentration play in the vehicle of pure insight?
It supports insight practice by allowing mindfulness and wisdom to directly investigate impermanence, suffering, and non-self.
Describe: How are the four noble truths integral to all paths of awakening?
They form the foundational structure guiding both śrāvakas and buddhas to liberation by diagnosing and curing suffering.
Elaborate on: How does the Mahāyāna understanding of liberation differ from the Theravāda?
Mahāyāna emphasizes full buddhahood and benefiting all beings, whereas Theravāda focuses on individual liberation as an arhat.
How does the Mahāyāna understanding of liberation differ from the Theravāda?
Mahāyāna emphasizes full buddhahood and benefiting all beings, whereas Theravāda focuses on individual liberation as an arhat.
What is the ‘dry insight’ path to liberation?
It is a path where insight alone, without full absorption into jhāna, leads to the realization of nirvāṇa.
Elaborate on: How does the Mahāyāna understanding of liberation differ from the Theravāda?
Mahāyāna emphasizes full buddhahood and benefiting all beings, whereas Theravāda focuses on individual liberation as an arhat.
Elaborate on: What is the significance of conceptual silence in relation to nirvāṇa?
Nirvāṇa is beyond conceptual elaboration, and its true nature is realized only by direct meditative insight, not through discursive thought.
Explain what distinguishes nirvāṇa with remainder from nirvāṇa without remainder?
Nirvāṇa with remainder refers to an arhat’s liberation while still alive, whereas nirvāṇa without remainder occurs at the arhat’s death, when all aggregates cease.
Describe: What is the Theravādin response to the claim that arhatship is inferior to buddhahood?
Theravādins affirm that arhats attain the same nirvāṇa as buddhas, differing only in the method and scope of realization.
Elaborate on: What is the ‘dry insight’ path to liberation?
It is a path where insight alone, without full absorption into jhāna, leads to the realization of nirvāṇa.
What distinguishes nirvāṇa with remainder from nirvāṇa without remainder?
Nirvāṇa with remainder refers to an arhat’s liberation while still alive, whereas nirvāṇa without remainder occurs at the arhat’s death, when all aggregates cease.
Describe: What role does momentary concentration play in the vehicle of pure insight?
It supports insight practice by allowing mindfulness and wisdom to directly investigate impermanence, suffering, and non-self.
Explain what is the significance of conceptual silence in relation to nirvāṇa?
Nirvāṇa is beyond conceptual elaboration, and its true nature is realized only by direct meditative insight, not through discursive thought.
How does the Mahāyāna understanding of liberation differ from the Theravāda?
Mahāyāna emphasizes full buddhahood and benefiting all beings, whereas Theravāda focuses on individual liberation as an arhat.