Fichas
Buddhism
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- 1What is the Wheel of Life (Bhavachakra)?The Buddha taught that all human experience is ultimately tainted by dukkha (suffering) which has various causes and effects. The idea of kamma (karma) is that actions have consequences. The Wheel of Life (Bhavachakra) represents the idea of life, death and rebirth (samsara). Buddhists believe that what they are reborn as in future will depend on how they live their current life, if a person has good kamma, they will be reborn into a better realm.
- 2What are the seven elements in the Wheel of Life?The inner hub of the wheel shows the Three Poisons of ignorance, attachment (or greed) and hatred. Then, kamma. Then, the six realms of samsara. Then, the 12 links of dependent arising (or paticca-samuppada - everything is interconnected). The demon figure over the wheel represents the idea that nothing lasts forever (impermanence). The moon above the wheel represents the idea of liberation or freedom from samsara. The Buddha pointing towards the white circle shows the idea that people can become free from samsara.
- 3What are the Four Noble Truths?The important truths discovered by the Buddha during his enlightenment; all life is imperfect and involves suffering (dukkha), the cause of suffering is desire (samudaya), suffering can end (nirodha), and the way to end suffering is by following the Noble Eightfold Path (magga).
- 4What is Theravada Buddhism?The older and the more conservative division, often referred to as the ‘traditions of the elders’. They follow the teachings of the Buddha exactly, and many of them are monks or nuns. They strive to be arhats, who are perfected people who have gained true insight into the nature of reality. This means they have followed the Noble Eightfold Path to ‘blow out’ the three fires of greed, hatred and ignorance and have become enlightened. In Buddhism, enlightenment leads to nibbana (or nirvana), which means freedom from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Consequently, they will no longer be reborn through samsara.
- 5What is Mahayana Buddhism?They can achieve enlightenment through following the teachings of the Buddha. The goal of a Mahayana Buddhist may be to become a Bodhisattva and this is achieved through the Six Perfections (generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation, wisdom.). Compassion is very important, so Bodhisattvas choose to stay in the cycle of samsara to help others to achieve enlightenment as well as themselves.
- 6What is The Noble Eightfold Path?The fourth part (magga) of the Four Noble Truths. They are eight guiding principles that gives Buddhists a path they can follow to end suffering and achieve enlightenment. It is also known as the Threefold Way as it contains the three basic aspects of Buddhist life, which are ethics, meditation and wisdom.
- 7What are the eight actions?Right action (behaving in a skilful way and not harming others), right speech (speaking truthfully), right livelihood (earning a living in a way that doesn’t cause suffering or harm to others). Then,
right mindfulness (being aware of yourself and the emotions of others), right effort (putting effort into meditation and positive emotions), right concentration (developing focus so that you are able to meditate). Then, right view/understanding (remembering that actions have consequences), and right intention (being clear about following the Buddhist path). - 8What are these eight actions important?They will determine what a person is reborn as in their next life. Kamma is gained through good actions (following the Noble Eightfold Path) and results in positive consequences. Buddhists should begin with ethics as by clearing themselves of bad thoughts, through following the ideas in the Five Precepts, they will be in a better position to meditate. Meditation helps Buddhists to rid their mind of negativity, and leads them to gain wisdom by acting in a morally and ethical way.
- 9What are The Five Khandas?Theravada Buddhists are taught that the human personality is made up of five parts, called the Five Khandas. This idea appears in the Khanda Sutta, a Buddhist scripture. The Buddha taught that all people are made up of these five elements. The different parts are fluid, and change all the time, so there is no permanent ‘self’ (anatta).
- 10What are the five elements that form The Five Khandas?Form (the body), known as Rupa, this is matter that can be touched, and links to our five senses. Sensation (feelings), known as Vedana, these are feelings, physical or emotional, experienced from using the five senses. Perception (recognising what things are), known as Samjna, this allows people to recognise things in the world because they have seen or experienced those things before. Mental formations (thoughts), known as Samskara, the different opinions and feelings that people may have. Lastly, consciousness (an awareness of things), known as Vijnana, the awareness a person has of the things around them..
- 11What is Buddha-nature, a belief within Mahayana Buddhism?A Bodhisattva aims to teach others how to be free of suffering (dukkha) and reach Buddhahood, the state of enlightenment.
All humans have the nature of the Buddha within them already as a seed that can grow, so everyone has the ability to become enlightened like the Buddha if they commit themselves to the Buddha’s teachings, The Dhamma, and The Sangha. - 12What is the Path of the Arhat, within Theravada Buddhism?An arhat is a ‘perfected person' that has reached enlightenment and ended their suffering. To become an arhat, the Buddha stressed the importance of following the Four Noble Truths, ridding yourself of pleasures, controlling the senses, becoming free of cravings, not doing evil things, and practising patience and concentration. An arhat has ‘blown out’ the Three Poisons of greed, hatred and ignorance. Once a person becomes an arhat, they are free from the cycle of samsara and will not have to be reborn again once they die. After death, they achieve nibbana and are fully enlightened. The Buddha and some of his followers were arhats as they freed themselves from worldly desires and suffering.
- 13What is the Path of the Bodhisattva, within Mahayana Buddhism?A Bodhisattva believes that they should stay in the cycle of samsara so that they can help other people to reach enlightenment as well as themselves.
To become Bodhisattvas, Buddhists must practise the Six Perfections. These are; be generous and give to others, live a life in which you do the right thing, have patience with all people, sustain your energy so that you keep going through difficult times, work on concentration by meditating, and gain wisdom. - 14What is Kamma?The idea that all actions have consequences. A skilful action produces happiness, and an unskilful action produces suffering. The Buddha taught that kamma is important because people have the power to determine their own destiny through their actions, and they can be set free from ignorance and suffering. By following the Noble Eightfold Path and the Buddha's teachings, Buddhists can reach enlightenment and freedom from samsara.
- 15What is Karuna?Compassion, a feeling of concern for others who are suffering and a desire to help. The Buddha taught that showing compassion to others can be practised by everyon, and Buddhists should try to practise empathy. Compassion is one of the Four Sublime States, which the Buddha taught that people should develop within themselves, so that they know (through wisdom) how to help others.
- 16What is Metta?Loving kindness, another one of the Four Sublime States. It is important as Buddhists want to develop this quality in order to help others to be free from suffering. Metta is a more positive way of looking at life than karuna, as it is about trying to show love to others before they need help. Metta leads people to be kinder, more considerate and more helpful. The other two of The Four Sublime States are sympathetic joy and calmness.
- 17What is the idea of Rebirth?When someone dies, they will be reborn again as something else, but what they are reborn as depends on their kamma in their previous life. The cycle of rebirth is called samsara and it is an ongoing cycle of life, death and rebirth. Humans go through an unknown number of cycles of rebirth over many lifetimes. Through doing skilful actions in their life, a person can be reborn into one of the six realms.
- 18What are the six realms?The realm of the gods, the realm of the angry gods, the realm of the animals, the realm of the tormented beings, the realm of the hungry ghosts, and the realm of humans. Buddhists believe that the human realm is the best one to be in if they want to reach enlightenment.
- 19What are The Five Precepts?The Buddhist version of a code of conduct to help people behave in a moral and ethical way, to get rid of suffering and to achieve enlightenment. It is important to practise the precepts over time, they count as skilful actions, which produce good consequences.
- 20What are the five rules?Refrain from taking life, so not killing any living being, many Buddhists are vegetarian. Refrain from taking what is not given, so not stealing from anyone.
Refrain from the misuse of the senses, so not having too much sensual pleasure, such as committing adultery. Refrain from wrong speech, so not lying or gossiping about other people. Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind, so not drinking alcohol or drugs. - 21Why is Buddhism seen as more of a philosophical system than a religion?Buddhism does not have core beliefs about a creator god or gods. Also, its founder, Siddhartha Gautama, did not have a mystical vision, nor a revelation from a higher being. Instead, he based his teachings on conclusions he drew after a very long period of deep thought, reflection and experience.
- 22Who was the Buddha?Buddhism started with Siddhartha Gautama, an extraordinary and noble person, born approximately 2,500 years ago in Nepal. He was born into a life of luxury as a prince, his father was King Suddhodana Tharu and his mother was Queen Maya. He grew up in India, so he had many Hindu beliefs, including the idea of samsara.
- 23Why was the Buddha's birth important?Queen Maya had a dream in which she learned she would give birth to a holy child. She named him Siddhartha, meaning ‘perfect fulfilment’. After he was born, a prophecy foretold that he would be a great ruler or a holy man. The king wanted him to be a great ruler so he shielded his son from seeing any pain or suffering, and he lived a life of luxury in a palace, so he wouldn’t want to leave.
- 24What happened when Siddhartha got married?He grew up to become a caring and kind person, and when he was 16 years old he married his cousin, Yasodhara. He wanted to see what was outside the palace, so with his chariot driver, Channa, he left the palace on a trip to the city and saw what have become known as The Four Sights., four things that he had never seen before.
- 25What are The Four Sights?An old man. Channa explained that when people get older they physically decline.
An ill person, Channa explained that, during their lives, people get ill. A dead person, Channa explained that everyone dies eventually. A holy man, that made Siddhartha curious, as the holy man was looking to understand truth. - 26What was Siddhartha's path to Enlightenment?To find out how it might be possible to end suffering, he decided to leave the palace and his family behind to go into the world. He gave up all his possessions and expensive clothes, and became an ascetic by living a simple life and refusing to indulge in pleasure. To try to understand suffering, he was disciplined in meditating and fasted for long periods of time.
- 27What did Siddhartha discover?Eventually he ate some rice, and this made him realise that he still didn’t understand how to get rid of suffering. He decided that the way to live was the Middle Way between luxury and poverty. Siddhartha continued to meditate over time and eventually became enlightened. He then became known as the Buddha, which means ‘enlightened one’.
- 28What is Sangha?The Buddhist community of monks, founded by the Buddha in the 5th century BC, it is made up of people who want to dedicate their lives to a disciplined and ascetic way of life by following the Buddha’s teachings. These teachings were passed on by word of mouth by his immediate followers and then through teachers of the growing monastic community, they were not written down until hundreds of years after his death, the writings are known as the Tipitaka.
- 29What does Dhamma mean?The truth about existence that the Buddha came to understand when he reached enlightenment. It also refers to the teachings of the Buddha, such as the Noble Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths. The Buddha wanted people to follow his teachings, so he could test them to see if they believed in what he taught. The Buddha’s teachings are intended to relieve suffering, and help Buddhists deal with bad things.
- 30What else do Buddhists believe Dhamma is?A refuge. The Buddha taught that people try to take refuge in things that actually cause suffering like material possessions. Instead, Buddhists should take refuge in the Sangha, so they can gain help and guidance from the teachings of the Buddha and community to try to avoid suffering, and as a way to gain enlightenment.
- 31What is Dependent Arising?Also known as paticca-samuppada, it explains the Buddhist idea of reality. It suggests that everything arises and is dependent on something else to exist. Buddhists believe that nothing in life is permanent and nothing lasts forever. For example, trees take in carbon dioxide we breathe out and convert it into oxygen which humans need to stay alive.
- 32How do the images on The Wheel of Life show the idea of Dependant Arising?It shows old age and death, through the cycle of samsara, this demonstrates that nothing stays the same and everything is always changing. Buddhists aim to break out of the cycle of samsara to end suffering. Also, desire leads to suffering because we attach ourselves to things that bring about suffering. If Buddhists follow the teachings of the Buddha they will no longer suffer and achieve nibbana.
- 33What are The Three Marks of Existence?Buddhists believe that there are three characteristics that are common across everything in life, they can help Buddhists to achieve nibbana and end suffering. They are; Dukkha (suffering) as people usually do not achieve complete satisfaction as everything has limitations, Anatta (no soul) as there is no fixed sense of self because everything is constantly changing, and Anicca (Impermanence) as things in life are always changing nothing stays the same.
- 34Why is Dukkha important?It is vital that Buddhists understand and accept that suffering exists, and they must strive to end suffering by understanding why people suffer. Suffering comes from craving things and also from events in a person's life, such as birth, old age and death. Types of suffering include; emotional pain, physical pain, suffering from change, and suffering from a loss of people and possessions.
- 35Where did the idea of Anatta come from?The Buddha taught that people have no soul because nothing is permanent. The Nagasena and the Chariot story is about a monk that told the king that he was similar to a chariot because he was also a collection of parts (organs), and that a person only exists because the parts all exist together, there is no soul or self that is separate from these parts.
- 36How does Anicca relate to suffering?Buddhists must accept that everything must move on, change, and grow older.
The Buddha taught that people suffer because they cannot accept change, and people can only come closer to enlightenment when they accept that they are changing beings. - 37What are The Four Noble Truths?The truth of suffering (Dukkha) so accepting that all life is impermanent and imperfect, and involves suffering. The truth of the origin of suffering (Samudaya) so knowing that there are things in life that cause suffering like desire. The truth of the end of suffering (Nirodha) so understanding that suffering can be ended if we detach ourselves from craving and desire. The truth of the path to the end of suffering (Magga) so knowing that suffering can end through the Noble Eightfold Path.
- 38How can suffering be ended through The Four Noble Truths?Everything is the result of existing conditions, so if the cause of suffering is removed, then the suffering will be stopped. The Noble Eightfold Path (magga) is the way to end suffering, it is not easy but by following the teachings of the Buddha, a Buddhist can ‘blow out’ the Three Poisons (causes of suffering) of greed, hatred and ignorance, and our minds can be freed from unhappiness so we can reach enlightenment.
- 39What is Dukkha (The First Noble Truth)?To acknowledge that there is suffering in the world. The cycle of samsara, birth, life, death and rebirth, means that people will experience suffering many times over. A person cannot prevent suffering, instead they have to accept it. A person may use temporary solutions to end suffering, but this does not last forever. Buddhists want to work to try to stop suffering.
- 40What is Samudaya (The Second Noble Truth)?The concept that something causes suffering to happen. The Buddha taught that people need to understand the cause of suffering in order to move forward. The Buddha believed that most suffering is caused by a tendency to crave or desire things. The Wheel of Life contains images of the three poisons, a pig (ignorance), a cockerel (greed) and a snake (hatred). To end suffering, Buddhists must avoid the three poisons to become free from samsara and reach enlightenment.
- 41What is Nirodha (The Third Noble Truth)?The knowledge that suffering will end. Buddhists must recognise that there is a way to stop suffering which will enable them to reaching enlightenment. Buddhism teaches that people should not want many different things as the enjoyment won’t last, they must try to stop craving stuff to end suffering.
- 42What is Magga (The Fourth Noble Truth)?There is a way to end suffering, such as by following the Buddha’s teachings and meditating. The Buddha also taught that people should live the Middle Way (the Noble Eightfold Path) the path that falls between the two extremes of luxury and poverty, which can end suffering.
- 43What is Meditation?An important type of worship, with the purpose to develop a calm and focused mind, and to have a better understanding of the teachings of the Buddha, so that Buddhists can reach enlightenment. The three types of meditation are; Samatha (calm concentration), Vipassana (insight), and Metta Bhavana (loving kindness).
- 44Why is Samantha Meditation important?Theravada Buddhists try to focus the mind by concentrating on their breathing. The focus is on the body and it is about calmness and relies on the mindfulness of breathing. The Buddha taught that using kasinas (visual objects) to concentrate thoughts and attention on aids meditation. This teaches them to focus which Buddhists must do to reach enlightenment.
- 45Why is Vipassana Meditation important?It helps Buddhists to seek the truth about reality and to develop wisdom, so that they can reach enlightenment. Buddhists aim to gain insight into true reality by reflecting on the teachings of the Buddha by focusing on the Three Marks of Existence. Zen Buddhists practise zazen, a seated form of meditation. They sit and relax for long periods to focus on their breathing.
- 46Why is Metta Bhavana Meditation important?Buddhists try to develop calm and inner peace, they focus on developing good qualities within themselves, such as kindness towards others. They focus the loving kindness on themselves so that they can love themselves no matter what faults they have, and then they can focus loving kindness on others.
- 47What is the role of Visualisation in Meditation?Some Buddhists visualise the detail of an object in their mind to gain depth of concentration and focus. Some Buddhists focus on the qualities of a deity, someone who has been enlightened (Buddha), when they meditate, to help them understand what they want to be like and reach enlightenment. Mahayana Buddhists visualise themselves as the Buddha to gain spiritual development and reach enlightenment.
- 48What are Chanting and Mantras?Ways of learning and showing devotion to Buddhist teachings. Like meditation, they are another way of focusing the mind. Chanting involves speaking certain sayings, known as mantras, repeatedly. Mayahana Buddhists speak mantras while using malas (prayer beads) to help them to count the number of times they have repeated the saying.
- 49What do Mantras contain?The teachings of the Buddha, such as the Three Refuges or the Five Precepts, to try to copy the characteristics of the Buddha and get closer to reaching enlightenment. Buddhists often memorise these mantras and then teach them to other people. They may spin a prayer wheel to show the prayers to be chanted. Also, Buddhists give offerings and bow to show their dedication to the Buddha, bowing three times shows respect to Three Refuges.
- 50What are Mahayana Buddhists Mantra?They recite the mantra Nam Myoho Renge Kyo, which contains the concept that everyone has the ability to overcome any problems they encounter, and transform suffering into non-suffering because the Buddha was a human who was able to achieve enlightenment and stop the suffering in his own life.
- 51What are Theravada Buddhists Mantra?They believe in Namo Buddhaya, meaning “homage to the Buddha”. It is one of the Three Refuges, through which Buddhists acknowledge the importance of the Buddha. The other two refuges are the Sangha and Dhamma.
- 52Why is the Temple an important place of worship?It is the heart of the community and brings Buddhists together to study the religion, the main room enables Buddhists to meet to show devotion. Within this room there is a buddharupa (an image of the Buddha), a gompa (a space where Buddhists can meditate), and a space for Buddhists to learn more about Buddhism. Buddhist temples represent the five elements of wisdom, water, fire, wind and earth. The stupa is a building containing special artefacts linked to the Buddha.
- 53Why are Shrines important for worship?They are found within Buddhist temples and contain a statue or image of the Buddha (Theravada) or a Bodhisattva (Mahayana) to help Buddhists to focus their devotion and meditation, and assist Buddhists in their search for enlightenment. Shrines are spaces where Buddhists can make offerings to demonstrate special appreciation to the Buddha, such as flowers to represent change, incense to represent purity, and candles to represent knowledge overcoming ignorance.
- 54Why are Monasteries important within Buddhism?Buddhists monks live in monasteries to get away from distractions in the world. This enables them to show complete devotion to the Buddhist way of life. In monasteries, monks can spend time practising their spirituality and meditating upon the teachings of the Buddha in the hope that they will reach enlightenment.
- 55What does Puja mean?Worship, and this enables Buddhists to show their thanks and respect to the Buddha for his lessons, and helps them to realise that it is vital for them to follow his teachings if they are to reach enlightenment. Theravada Buddhists perform puja by putting flowers and candles in front of an image of the Buddha as an offering. In Mahayana Buddhism, puja ceremonies take place over a longer period of time.
- 56Why are Prayers important in Buddhism?Through prayer, Buddhists request blessings from the Buddha and can ask for help. They may also perform puja in the hope of removing certain obstacles in life, such as money worries or health worries, or obstacles that are getting in the way of the person’s spiritual development.
- 57Why is Death important in Buddhism?It is necessary so that the cycle of samsara can move forward, and a person can be reborn so that they can try to gain enlightenment. The belief of anicca means that Buddhists must accept that life must change. Funerals provide a reminder of the Buddha's teaching of impermanence, this helps Buddhists to accept changes, which reduces their suffering by encouraging them not to hold on to things.
- 58What are the Death Rituals?When a person is dying, a monk reads important words to them that act as a reminder of the teachings of the Buddha. The Tibetan Book of the Dead is sometimes read to remind people that they are moving on to the next life and that death is not the end but a transition.
- 59What are the Funeral Rituals in Theravada Buddhism?Rebirth happens immediately after death. Theravada Buddhist funerals involve a shrine with the dead person’s picture and an image of the Buddha surrounded by candles, flowers and incense. A monk leads the funeral service by giving a talk and carrying out important rites. Family members carry the person and lift them up, which marks the final stage of the funeral, the person is buried or cremated.
- 60What are the Funeral Rituals in Japanese Buddhism?Buddhists wash the body and dress the person in a suit or a kimono. The eldest son takes charge of the funeral arrangements and service. The body is placed in a casket with the coffin pointing west, and the community chants as they walk around it. There are special readings from the Lotus Sutra, an important text in Japanese Mahayana Buddhism. The casket is cremated, and the ashes in the urn is kept in the grave or family home.
- 61What are the Funeral Rituals in Tibetan Buddhism?They often have a sky burial, so the body of the deceased is placed high up on a hill or mountain so that it can be eaten by vultures. If the vultures eat the body, the belief is that the deceased had no sins. Once this has happened, the remains of the body are collected and burned. Prayers are said and lamps are offered every seven days.
- 62What are Buddhist Retreats?They provide a chance to spend periods of time with other Buddhists away from everyday life, monks gather to meditate and study the Buddha's teachings. One retreat is Vassa, or Rains Retreat. This is an annual retreat that takes place during the rainy season from July to October. They do this to remember the Buddha, who spent time in a forest near the city of Varanasi, India to shelter from the rain.
- 63What is the Wesak Festival (Buddha Day)?Buddhists remember the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death, that happened on the same day of the year. Buddhists honour the Buddha and remember his teachings, it takes place at the full moon during May or June. Buddhists decorate temples and light lamps to signify enlightenment. Lanterns are made and used in temples to decorate Bodhi trees and stupas. Monks make offerings to the Buddha and give talks on his life.
- 64What is the Parinibbana Festival (Nibbana Day)?A Mahayana Buddhist festival celebrated during February, it recalls the fact that the Buddha went into Parinibbana. They celebrate that the Buddha died but reached enlightenment and attained nibbana. During this festival, Buddhists think about their own death to consider how they will reach nibbana, and remember others in their lives who have died. The festival reflects the Buddhist idea of anicca, Buddhists visit their local temple, meditate and reflect.
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- Religious Studies Fichas sobre Buddhism, creado por Miss Rogers el 23/05/2020.
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