Practices - Buddhism (Will's) Flashcards
(65 cards)
1
Q
What religion did Buddhism develop alongside in India?
A
Hinduism
2
Q
Why did Buddhism merge with cultures and traditions from Asia and its neighbours?
A
Because it spread through most of modern day: -China -India- Japan- Malaysia -Burma/Myanmar -Nepal -Sri Lanka -Thailand -Tibet -Vietnam
3
Q
Where (except for Asia) can communities of Buddhist monks be found?
A
- Europe
- America
4
Q
Why is there so much variation between Buddhist Temples and Viharas?
A
Because of the way they have merged a little with local cultures and traditions.
5
Q
What did Viharas used to contain?
A
- Shrines
- Temples
6
Q
Do Viharas have a blueprint?
A
No they are free to deviate as local culture or tradition dictates, however there are key features that most have.
7
Q
What are the 7 key features of a Vihara?
A
- Accommodation
- Dining Hall
- Classroom
- Library
- Meditation Hall
- Bodhi Tree
- Stupas
8
Q
Why is there accommodation in a Vihara?
A
- Would provide a place for Bhikkus to sleep and live.
- Can take the form of a dormitory.
- Mahayanan Vihara’s may have accommodation for Bhikkunis as well.
- Provide shelter for visitors or lay Buddhists staying for retreats or meditation instruction.
9
Q
What is the significance of the dining hall?
A
- Place for communal eating
- Meals are often taken in silence.
- For Theravadan Bhikkus all meals are taken before midday.
10
Q
Why is there a classroom?
A
- In some Buddhist countries the Viharas are the best place for general schooling of children.
- Good place for training of Bhikkus or Bhikkunis.
- Can be used for Instructing lay Buddhists about the way of the dhamma.
11
Q
What are the important texts in Buddhism?
A
- The sacred texts of Buddhism are called the TIPITAKA, meaning ‘3 baskets’
- They were written on palm leaves and stored in baskets.
- They are divided into 3 groups
- Most Viharas try to have the sacred texts in their library
12
Q
What is the library in the Vihara for?
A
- Storing the TIPITAKA
- [Theravadan] for the DHAMMAPADA
- [Mahayanan] for the Lotus Sutra and Heart Sutra
13
Q
What is the importance of the meditation hall?
A
- For performing PUJA (Buddhist devotional practice).
- There would be a shrine or a statue of the Buddha, to help focus the mind and provide an example of how he achieved enlightenment.
- Mahayanan shrines would be very elaborate and have statues of BODHISATTVAS such as AVALOKITTESVARA and MANJUSHRI.
- There might be very small stupas in the meditation hall
14
Q
What is the Bodhi Tree for and where is it?
A
- In the viharas garden
- Because Gautama achieved enlightenment under the fig tree at Bodh Gaya.
- The tree reminds people of what he Buddha achieved and encourages them to practice meditation.
15
Q
What is a Stupa?
A
- A dome shaped structure which can be very small or very large.
- They represent the Buddha.
- Some Stupas also have Buddhist relics inside them.
- Often places of burial are marked by Stupas.
16
Q
What would one find within a typical Buddhist shrine?
A
- Statue of the Buddha
- Flowers
- Candles
- Incense
- Offerings
17
Q
Whats the importance of the statue of the Buddha within the Shrine?
A
- Focal point of the shrine
- There are many different statues of the Buddha often reflecting the culture and country where the shrine is found.
- Those found in Therevadan shrines tend to be simpler than those found in Mahayanan shrines.
- Can be covered with gold leaf or painted gold.
- Some may be of vast size whilst others are ancient and hold specific significance.
- Can symbolise Buddha teaching-Can symbolise the Buddha as a historical figure
- For many it symbolises following the dhamma and meditating to achieve enlightenment and nirvana like the Buddha.
18
Q
Where is the biggest statue of the Buddha in Britain?
A
-Conishead Priory in Ulverston (A vihara and temple built upon Tibetan Mahayanan traditions)
19
Q
Importance of Flowers?
A
- Given as an offering
- Add beauty and decoration
- Symbolic of ANNICA (one of the 3 LAKSHANAS) which means that everything is impermanent and always subject to change.
- Artificial flowers can never be used.
20
Q
Importance of Candles?
A
- Provide light
- Symbolic of enlightenment as taught by the Buddha.
- Symbolic also of the dhamma which helps to answer the problem of Dukkha.
21
Q
Importance of Incense?
A
- Burnt in front of the Buddha
- Drives away bad odours
- Symbolic of a person cleansing their mind of the 3 POISONS.
- Form of preparation for approaching the Buddha and focussing on the dhamma.
- Just as sweet smoke spreads, so does the positive message of the dhamma.
22
Q
Importance of offerings?
A
- DANA (generosity) is one of the 6 PARAMITAS (perfections)
- Is a way of cleansing the mind of one of the 3 poisons
- Greed.
- Depending on culture can be food offerings that are given to Bhikkus/Bhikkunis. eg. Thailand [Theravadan] Bhikkus go out onto streets with their alms bowl to collect food from the Lay people.
- Can be put in front of Buddha statue as a symbol of gratitude.
23
Q
Are Temples or Viharas neccesary?
A
YES
- Provides a focus for the SANGHA (Buddhist community)
- Weddings and funerals take place here.
- An important place for learning.
- Can raise awareness of Buddhism in the wider community.
NO
- Puja can be performed at home with a personal shrine.
- Buddha did not say that Buddhists have to visit a Vihara or temple.
- Important part of being Buddhist is that meditation can take place anywhere.
24
Q
What is the most important step of escaping Samsara?
A
Achieving enlightenment
25
How is enlightenment achieved?
Through meditation
| - The third part of the eightfold path is the way of meditation.
26
What are the six sensory organs?
- Eyes (Visual)
- Ears (Hearing)
- Nose (Smelling)
- Tongue (Taste)
- Body (Touch)
- Mind (Perception)
27
What is the parable the Buddha uses to explain the process of Meditation?
The parable of the Silk scarf with the 6 knots.
His parable implies that by meditating we are untying these knots and ultimately restoring it to its natural form.
28
What is the purpose of Meditation according to Buddhists?
- Quiten and purify the mind
- Put a complete end to suffering and lead people to enlightenment.
- Developing the mind so that it is free of the constantly arising ideas, memories, worries, distractions, and thoughts.
29
What are the 3 types of meditation?
- Mindfullness of breathing meditation
- Metta bhavana Meditation
- Insight meditation
30
What is Mindfullness of breathing meditation?
- This is also called samatha (calm and abiding) meditation
- All this involves is focussing on the breath entering and leaving the body.
- If a jumble of thoughts arises one simply focusses on the breath crossing their lips.
- It is often used as a starting point/foundation for other types of meditation.
31
What is Metta bhavana Meditation?
- Metta means 'loving kindness'-Bhavana meanas 'cultivation'
- Metta Bhavana is about showing kindness and compassion to others around you (like Christianity's Agape)
- Metta is an important part of Sila for Buddhists.
- There are 5 stages to this meditation:
1) Having thoughts of Metta about oneself by thinking 'May I be well, May I be happy, May I be at peace.'
2) Having thoughts about Metta about someone who is loved by thinking 'May they be well, May they be happy, May they be at peace'
3) Having thoughts of Metta about someone who one is neutral about by thinking 'May they be well, May they be happy, May they be at peace'
4) Having thoughts of Metta about someone who is a difficult person or an enemy by thinking 'May they be well, May they be happy, May they be at peace'
5) Bringint together oneself, the person who is loved, the person one is neutral about, the person who is difficult, and all beings in the whole world together in ones mind and having thoughts of Metta by thinking ' May all be well, May all be happy, May all be at peace'
32
What is Insight Meditation?
- This is also called Vipissana (Insight in Pali) meditation.
- This meditation can take many different forms and is the type described by the Buddha in the Surangama Sutra.
- The person normally focusses on the 3 Lakshanas or the 3 marks of existence.
1) Dukkha2) Annica3) Anatta
- In this way the person can rise about the 6 sensory organs and become detatched from themselves and their surroundings and recognise 'The one mind is free from all external phenomena.
33
What does Triratna mean?
Three Jewels
34
What does the Triratna symbolise?
- The top jewel represents the Buddha
- The left hand jewel represents the dhamma
- The right hand jewel represents the Sangha (The Buddhist community)
35
What is the Triratna compared to?
A three legged stool
| -All three parts are needed for the chair to stand
36
What does the Triratna form an integral part of?
The Puja
37
What is Mantra recitation?
Repeating a phrase many times during Puja and meditation.
38
Whos Mantra is extremely common in Mahayanan Buddhism?
Avalokittesvara's
| -It is believed that by hearing, saying, seeing this mantra great blessings will come from Avalokittesvara.
39
What is a common device used in Mantra recitation?
Mala beads
| -There are usually 108 of them
40
Common prayer technique
Reciting mantra
- Counting with mala beads in right hand
- spinning prayer wheel in left hand
41
What is a Mudra?
A hand gesture
- Used in devotional practices
- Statues and images of Buddha and Bodhisattvas often display different Mudras as a symbol of an important teaching.
- In some aspects of Buddhism -mainly Tibetan- they will focus on their own hand gestures so that the mudra becomes a mantra for the body. In this case it becomes a physical focus for meditation.
42
What can Puja involve?
- Mantras
- Mudras
- Prayer wheels
- Mala beads
43
Give a description of a Mudra:
Mudra of warding off evil
- The thumb holds down the two middle fingers whilst the thumb and index fingers stand straight.
- This symbolises the horns of a yak warding off an enemy, reminding Buddhists of the need to ward away the 3 poisons.
44
What are Buddhists reminded of during a funeral service?
The Three Lakshanas
- Dukkha
- Anicca
- Anatta
45
Who leads the service?
It can be led by a Bhikku. Bhikkuni, or a lay person
46
What is a typical funeral service?
There isn't one as there is so much variation between traditions and cultures.
47
Within Theravadan communities what ceremonies could take place?
- The person who is dying, their family, and bhikkus recite or chant passages from the sacred text to create Punna (good) Kamma to bring about a fortunate rebirth.
- After death the Bhikkus recite the Pancha Sila and all may join in chanting verses known as the 'Annica vata cinkhara'
- In some Theravadan communities one ritual is for the family to give Dana of Cloth (for robes) and food for the Bhikkus.
- Another is for the family to gather around the deceased and pout water into a cup so that it overflows.
- Depending on the community the body may remain at home for 3 days, sometime surrounded by candles or incense. An atmosphere of quiet and peace would be encouraged.
48
Is a Buddhist burial/funeral a time for grief and sorrow?
NO
| -Tirokudda Sutra says 'No weeping, no sorrowing, no other lamentation benefits the dead.'
49
How long is the interval between death and rebirth?
49 days
| - this is known as ANTARABHARVA
50
What does the Bardo Thodol mean and describe?
Bardo Thodol means 'in between becoming' ' liberation'.
- It is a sacred text used in Tibetan Buddhism
- It is known in english as the Book of the Dead
51
What are the 3 Bardos?
1) After the moment of death the first bardo is when the person sees a brilliant light. This is the light of Nirvana and if welcomed frees them from the wheel of existence and they will no longer be reborn. Most people are terrified of it so turn away and it fades. The person then realises that they are dead and the second bardo begins.
2) The person sees their past life and their actions and are again presented by this great light, which is the light of the God realm into which they could be reborn if they have sufficient Punna kamma. However most people are again scared of this light and turn away from it. At this point the 3rd Bardo begins
3) This is when the person is now destined to be reborn. At this stage it is a persons Kamma which determines their rebirth. With sufficient Punna Kamma they will find a womb in which their human status will be higher than before. Insufficient Kamma may mean that they are reborn in a lesser realm.
52
Why is it important to study the Bardo Thodol during life?
- You are then prepared for what happens at death.
- In all 3 Bardos there are Bodhisattvas that can be called on to help and show Karuna. There are also demons which are illusions created by a persons Pappa Kamma.
53
What is a Tibetan Sky Burial?
1) A lama chants the Bardo Thodol to the deceased person as they are dying and after they are dead.
2) The body is washed, placed in the foetal position, and wrapped in white cloth. It may be taken to the nearest Vihara where the lamas continue chanting the Bardo Thodol.
3) The body is then taken to a field far away from the Vihara where the cloth is removed, the head is tied to a post and the body is cut open whilst the vultures and other carrion birds gather. They are then left to eat the body. Any remains left are crushed up and left for the crows to eat.
54
What is the annual Buddhist Festival?
Wesak
55
What is Wesak?
The english version of the word Vaisakha which is th ename if the ancient Indian lunar month that corresponds to April/May.
56
When is Wesak now celebrated?
On the day of the first full moon of the month of May.
57
Wesak celebrates what 3 key events in the Buddhas life?
Birth, enlightenment, passing away
58
How is Wesak celebrated?
- Light is a key symbol. Carrying lanterns, lighting up shrines, viharas, temples, and statues of the Buddha are important ways of celebrating. There are often processions of Buddhists carrying candles symbolising enlightment.
- Water is another key symbol. In China Wesak is known as 'Bathing of the Buddha day' or 'Yufojie'. For many washing statues of the Buddha is a symbol of washing away Punna kamma and renewing a persons commitment to being Buddhist.
- Freeing animals is another symbol. In some countries Buddhists let loose captive birds symbolising the liberation from Dukkha.
- Giving Dana. Most Buddhists hope to visit their local Vihara and take a Dana of candles, incense, and flowers. Dana of money may also be given to charities to help relieve suffering.
59
What is the most important focus of Wesak?
- Refocussing on being a Buddhist by chanting Triratna and by trying to put into practice words which are chanted.
1) They focus on the Buddha and give thanks for his Bith, enlightenment and Paranirvana.
2) They focus on following the Dhamma by example, by reading sacred texts such as the dhammapada and by reciting their commitment to Pancha Sila (5 moral precepts)
3) They focus on the Sangha by taking part in parades and processions and by visiting Viharas.
60
In Mahayanan Buddhism what is the most important festival?
Paranirvana day
- Normally the 15 February Buddhists remember how the Buddha aged 80 died and entered a state of complete nirvana after death
- Paranirvana.
61
How is Paranirvana day marked?
- People focus on the 3 Lakshanas but particularly Anicca because death is a reminder that everything is impermanent.
- In particular Mahayana Buddhists read or chant extracts from the Mahaparanirvana sutra, which describes the exact last days of the Buddha's life and his last teaching that he gave to his principle disciples, his first cousin Ananda. The Buddha knowing he is about to die arrives at Kushinara and lies on his right side between two trees supporting his head. He then talks about Annica and not to cry or lament for he had always taught about impermanence. He then asks his assembled Bhikkus 3 times if they have any questions to ask him, they remain silent and he says his last words. 'All conditioned things are subject to decay. Attain perfection through diligence.'
62
What is Vassa?
Vassa is a Theravadan tradition of retreating to the rainforests for a 3 month period. This has its origins in the life of Buddha. Today Bhikkus follow this example by trying to remain in their Viharas as much as possible during Vassa.It begins with the Bhikkus chanting the Dhamma Chakra Pavattna Sutra. This means ' The setting in motion the wheel of the Dhamma sutra'. This is the sermon in which the Buddha first refers to the four noble truths on which all Buddhist teaching is based. Lay Buddhists try to come to the Vihara to hear these sermons being read out.During the 3 months Buddhists intensify their efforts to meditate, study and recieve instruction from senior Bhikkus. Outside the Vihara lay Buddhists may assign the 3 months to focus on renewing their own commitment to Buddhism by following more closely the Dhammapada and Pancha Sila.
63
When is Vassa?
This is determined by the Lunar calendar. It usually takes place between July, August, and September.
64
How does Vassa end?
Vassa ends with Parvana day. Parvana means invitation and Bhikkus who have lived closely together for the past 3 months meet and comment on behaviour and how how they can improve.
65
What is Kathina?
Following the ending of Vassa there is a month long period for lay Buddhists to offer cloths for making robes to Bhikkus. They may also make other offerings to help life in the Vihara.The word Kathina was given to a sewing frame on which cloth was spread out to make into robes.In Theravadan communities Kathina is celebrated in the following way.
-The lay Buddhists meet at the Vihara in the morning for a communal meal. The Bhikkus eat first then everyone else.-After a lay Buddhist is chosen to lead the people in reciting the Triratna and Pancha Sila. Then the offering of finely folded cloth is given and accepted by 2 Bhikkus on behalf of the other Bhikkus. The announcement is given about who will receive new robes. Monks with damaged robes are given priority and after it is designated according to seniority. Once cloth is accepted the monks begin cutting and sewing at once. Sewing of the robes should be completed that day. When robes are completed, usually in the evening monks are ceremonially given their new robes.
