Meditaion And Festivals Flashcards
(21 cards)
Key quote needed for meditation
Indeed, wisdom is born of meditation; without meditation wisdom is lost
Why might Samatha meditation be more important that Vipassna or meta bahvna
It is a preparation for more complicated types of meditation
What are the aims of Samatha meditation?
A calming process to help clear the mind of clutter and prepare for meditation
Choose something to focus the mind on
Skill to be developed and practised
What is the metta bhavana meditation
Trying to achieve full loving kindness
A person must focus on the highest emotions
Focus on yourself, a neutral person, a friend, an enemy
Quote to back up metta bhavana
As a mother with her life protects her only child, so one should cultivate loving- kindness towards all living things
Buddha
What is the aim of vipassana meditation?
To learn the true meaning and nature of things and life
DHARMA - teachings of the Buddha
Why is Vipassana the hardest meditation?
Humans are used to seeing things distorted by their own preconceptioms
Why could Vipassana be seen as the most important meditation?
It’s aim is to bring about permanent change
Buddhists believe in anicca (impermanence) which causes suffering
The ultimate goal for a Buddhist is overcoming suffering
How is Samatha meditation done?
Breathing, sit with a straight back and count your breath
Might use mandala or candle
Who celebrates the festival of wesak?
Theravada Buddhists
When does Wesak take place?
Full moon during the Indian month of Vesahka (May)
What is celebrated at Wesak?
The Buddhas birth
Enlightenment
Desth
How is Wesak celebrated ?
Use of light, candles, lamps, paper lanterns and carried through the street
Lay Buddhists take on extra precepts, offerings to monks
Why is Wesak the most important Buddhist festival ?
It celebrates all the Buddhas life, including the enlightenment which is most important to Buddhists
Who celebrates Parinirvana Day?
Mahayana Buddhists
What does Parinivana day celebrate ?
The death of the Buddha into final nibbana, when he becomes free from the cycle of samasara
Who celebrates Parinivana day?
Mahayana Buddhists
How is Parinivana day celebrated ?
Go on a pilgrimage- religious journey to kushinagar
Reflect on own death or family death
Monasteries treat it as a social occasion
When does the Kathina festival take place?
Marks the end of vassa
Takes place in the four weeks after the end of vassa- rain and monsoon season
Why is Kathina referred to as the festival of unity
Lay Buddhists and monks both celebrate
Why is Kathina important to Buddhists ?
- is a chance to give thanks to the monks and what they do for the community
- traditional practise given by the Buddha
- the mahavagga says that giving Kathina robes if the greatest form of merit making
