Buddhism Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards based on lecture notes about Buddhism.

Buddhism

A 2500-year-old tradition that began in India and spread throughout the Far East, based on the teachings of the Buddha.

Essence of Buddhism

The attainment of enlightenment.

Buddhist Path

A way of life that avoids self-indulgence and self-denial; the 'middle way of wisdom and compassion'.

Deities in Buddhism

Buddhism generally does not recognize a supreme god or deity.

THERAVADA & MAHAYANA

Two major schools of Buddhism, arising within two centuries after the Buddha's death.

The Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama, born in approx. 563 B.C.E. in present-day Nepal.

Siddhartha's Early Life

Born a Hindu (Kshatriya), raised in luxury but felt spiritually unfulfilled, leading him to seek enlightenment.

Four Sights

Sickness, Old Age, Death, and a Monk.

Nirvana

An awakening to the truth about life, achieved through meditation.

Differences from Hinduism

Rejects the authority of the ancient Vedic texts, the Caste System, Hindu deities, Vedic worship and ritual, and the concept of Brahman.

Similarities to Hinduism

Retains the notions of Reincarnation, Samsara, Karma, Dharma, and Nirvana.

Nirvana

A peaceful, detached state of mind, resulting in extinguishing suffering and escaping from the cycle of rebirth.

Dukkha

Dissatisfaction, suffering.

Anicca

Impermanence.

Anatta

No self, only changing parts.

The Noble Truth of Suffering

All life involves suffering.

The Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering

The cause of suffering is negative desire, craving.

The Noble Truth of the Extinction of Suffering

Reaching Nirvana is only possible when one can destroy the urge to possess more.

The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Extinction of Suffering

To end suffering, one must adopt the Middle Way.

I will avoid taking life

Positive aspect: Follow vegetarianism, show respect for all living beings. Negative aspect: Not killing, not hunting.

I will avoid taking what is not given

Positive aspect: Ask for consent, be happy with what I have, appreciate what I have, be generous. Negative aspect: Not steal, not be greedy.

I will avoid clouding my mind with alcohol and drugs

Positive aspect: Stay alert and attentive, be aware. Negative aspect: Not obsess on anything (people, things), not drink alcohol or do drugs, avoid peer pressure.

Eightfold Path

Right view, Right intention, Right speech, Right action, Right livelihood, Right effort, Right mindfulness, Right concentration

Three Refuges" or "Three Jewels

Buddha - the teacher, Dharma - the teachings, Sangha - the community

Candle

Represents the light of wisdom, shining to illuminate the path through life.

Flower

Beautiful, but will soon fade and die. Represents annica (impermanence).

Incense

Good deeds spread outward from the person who performs them, just as the smell of incense spreads out to fill the room.

Buddhist Scriptures

Earliest scriptures written in Pali, gathered in the first century C.E., called the Tripitaka, meaning 'three baskets.'

Tripitaka

Vinaya Pitaka (Basket of Discipline), Sutta Pitaka (Basket of Discourses), Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Further Discourses)

Sutras

Texts used by specific schools, written after Pali Cannon (Tripitaka), attempt to explain an individual's situation in his/her present life.

Theravada

Oldest school of Buddhism, found in southern Asia, focuses on wisdom and meditation, goal is to become a Buddha

Mahayana

Developed first century C.E., found in Northern Asia, Lay Buddhism ("for the masses"), Focus on compassion, Goal is to become a bodhisattva.

Tibetan

Developed 7th century C.E, A mix of Theravada & Mahayana. Rituals (Tantra): Mantras, Mandalas & Thankas (symbolic images), Mudras (hand gestures)

Zen

Seeks sudden enlightenment (satori) through meditation, arriving at emptiness (sunyata) and the 'Buddha Nature'.

Buddha Imagery

ushnisha (bump on head), urna (round mark on forehead), curled hair, long ears.

Historical Buddha

Depicts the moment Siddartha leaves the earthly realm and reaches enlightenment

Future Buddha

Maitreya breathes in all creation, retaining sorrow and suffering in his belly, and breathing out that which is happy, peaceful and compassionate

Wrathful Buddha

Reminder that we can use the energy bottled up in anger to do something positive to improve our situation.

Mudras

Symbolic hand gestures often performed with only the hands and fingers

Offering Bowls

Placed orderly, evenly spaced, centered. An orderly placement reflects orderly life and thought.

Number of Offerings

Traditionally 3, 5, or 7

Traditionally 3, 5, or 7

Traditionally 3, 5, or 7

Lotus Flower

Grows in muddy water & means rising and blooming above the murk to achieve enlightenment

Dorje Bell

To focuses attention and promote a sense of peace

Wood Fish

A percussion instrument struck with a mallet, slowly or quickly to set the rhythm of chanting

Mala Beads

A meditative tool used to count the number of times a mantra or prayer is repeated.

Prayer Wheel

Cylinder contains a mantra or prayer written around its circumference and may contain the same mantra or prayer written many times on paper inside

Prayer Flags

Written prayers and sacred drawings are strung between temples, homes or other buildings, or attached to posts or tree branches

Mandala

Sacred geometric figure that represents the universe.

Wheel of Life

Represents the endless cycle of life through reincarnation