Buddhist and Christian Beliefs and Practices

These flashcards cover key Buddhist and Christian beliefs, concepts, and practices to aid in exam preparation.

Middle Way

A Buddhist teaching that emphasizes avoiding extremes in behavior and thought to achieve enlightenment.

Anicca

The Buddhist concept of impermanence, stating that everything changes and that attachment causes suffering.

Anatta

The doctrine of 'no fixed self', asserting that there is no permanent soul, and ego is an illusion.

Dukkha

The concept of suffering or unsatisfactoriness, which is seen as a universal experience.

Dependent Arising (paticcasamupada)

The principle that all things arise due to causes and conditions, emphasizing interconnectedness.

Four Noble Truths

The foundation of Buddhist teaching; stating that suffering exists, craving causes it, it can end, and there's a path (Eightfold Path) to achieve this.

Eightfold Path

The Buddhist path leading to the cessation of suffering; consisting of ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom.

Karma

The principle that actions (intentional) determine future rebirth and experiences.

Nirvana

The ultimate goal in Buddhism; a state of freedom from greed, hatred, ignorance, and rebirth.

Theravada

A branch of Buddhism focused on individual enlightenment and monastic life, emphasizing scriptures from the Pali Canon.

Mahayana

A branch of Buddhism that encourages practitioners to strive for the enlightenment of all beings, advocating compassion and wisdom.

Five Aggregates (skandhas)

The components that make up an individual: form, sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness.

Puja

A ritual of worship in Buddhism involving offerings, chants, and meditation to express respect and devotion.

Dana

The practice of generosity in Buddhism, considered spiritually beneficial.

Zazen (Zen Meditation)

A form of meditation in Zen Buddhism focusing on posture and awareness to attain enlightenment.

Visualisation (Mahayana)

A meditative practice of imagining Buddhas/Bodhisattvas to develop spiritual qualities.

Five Precepts

Guidelines for ethical behavior in Buddhism that encourage moral purity and compassion.

Retreats

Periods of intensive meditation and study to deepen understanding and insight.

Creation

The Christian belief that God created the world and humans in His image, emphasizing the inherent value of life.