Hinduism and Buddhism Quiz Review

Flashcards for Hinduism and Buddhism terms and concepts.

Ahimsa

The doctrine of non-violence towards all living creatures.

Puja

A common thanksgiving ritual that involves offerings of flowers, food, and other articles to the deities.

Shiva

Destroyer/restorer of universe.

Vedas

Collection of writings ranging from the divine spirit, to medicine and the sciences.

Mahabharata

One of India’s 2 greatest epics.

Ramayana

One of India's 2 greatest epics.

Samsara

The endless cycle of rebirths

Moksha

Liberation of the soul from the endless cycle of rebirths. Ultimate goal of Hindus. Attained by uniting Atman with Brahman

Hindu Trinity

A concept that unites the Gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva into one entity.

Varanasi

India's holy city; home of god, dedicated to shiva

Yogi

Spiritually evolved individual who practices meditation

Smirti

Human made literature or knowledge that is remembered

Dharma

Religions or moral duties

Ganesh

Son of Shiva and Parvati. Looks like an elephant head. Gives good luck

Shruti

Knowledge revealed or “discovered” by the seers of Hinduism, contained in vedas.

Swastika

Represents well being and luck, usually written in red

Om

Sound made when meditating. Mantra to evoke the supreme essence of Brahman. Contains the secrets of the universe and is the most sacred sound. Symbolizes the present, past, and future.

Jnana

Path of Wisdom: All for the guidance of teachers. Learn about relationships between Brahman and Atman and the natures of the universe. Followers gain insights to achieve salvation.

Bhakti - Path of Devotion

Path to salvation, devotion and love towards a personal deity. A popular path. Surrendering themselves to their deity.

Karma - Path of Action

Key to the path is good deeds and thoughts. Leads to accumulation of good Karma.

Raja - Path of Meditation

Achieve salvation through meditation and the contemplation of Brahman.

4 Sights

Old man, a sick+lying man, a corpse being prepared for cremation, and an ascetic hindu monk.

4 Noble Truths

The 4 Noble Truths sum up the Buddha’s teachings on the nature of human suffering and how humans can escape suffering

The Noble Truth of SUFFERING

It’s important to recognize that suffering is real and almost universal. All life is suffering Suffering has many causes: loss, sickness, pain, failure, the impermanence of pleasure, etc.

The Noble Truth of the Origin of SUFFERING

Suffering is caused by the desire to have things and the desire to control things

There is an end to SUFFERING

Suffering ceases with the final liberation of Nirvana. To remove suffering, we must remove desire, greed, ignorance, and attachment. If we stop the things that cause us to desire, then suffering will stop.

Follow the Noble EIGHTFOLD PATH

To end suffering and achieve enlightenment, unending peace, and freedom from desire, humans should follow the Noble Eightfold Path.

Right View

Making the commitment to living in such a way that suffering can end

Right Thought

Learning that the nature of reality and truth about life

Right Effort

Making sure your efforts are constructive and not destructive

Right Speech

Speaking the truth in a helpful and compassionate way

Right Conduct

Living a life consistent with our values

Right Livelihood

Earning a living in a way that doesn’t hurt others

Right Mindfulness

Recognizing the value of the moment; being mindful of who we are and where we come from

Right Concentration

Expanding our consciousness through meditation

Lotus Flower

A symbol of purity, enlightenment, self-regeneration, and rebirth

Mandala

Creating one is an exercise in meditation and prayer. They may be temporary (sand) or permanent (wall hanging). The viewing of a mandala generates healing energy and brings the viewer close to enlightenment When completed, monks chant and pray before the sand mandala is swept up and placed into a stream or body of water (which symbolizes impermanence of the world)

Wheel of Dharma

8 spokes represents the steps of the Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism Buddhist teachings must be put into motion. The wheel also represents the endless cycle of suffering that Buddhists believe humans face (Samsara)

Stupas

Are dome-shaped mounds built to hold relics of the Buddha or other holy figures A pilgrimage to a stupa and the construction of a small stupa are merit-gaining activities.

Mudras

Are hand gestures that appear in images of Hindu deities and important Buddhist icons. They are often used in meditation.

Buddhapada

Representations of the Buddha’s footprints According to Buddhist legend, after the Buddha attained enlightenment, his feet made an imprint in the stone where he stepped Symbolize the Buddha’s presence

Mala

Consists of 9, 21, or 108 beads strung on a string As individuals, we may think we are seperate, but we’re not. We are connected to each other, to our family, to the world. We are all living beings together.

Bodhi Tree

The Buddha achieved awakening under the shelter of a sacred fig tree known as the Bodhi tree Symbol of Buddha’s enlightenment and the heart shaped leaf is a symbol of the potential that lies within each of us to awaken.