BUDDHISM

What is Dhamma (Dharma)?

The Buddha’s teachings; the universal law; the truth he discovered.

What is dependent arising?

All things arise and cease due to conditions; everything is interconnected and impermanent.

What are the Three Marks of Existence?

• Anicca – Impermanence

• Anatta – No fixed self

• Dukkha – Suffering or dissatisfaction

What are the 5 Aggregates in Theravada?

Form, sensation, perception, mental formations, consciousness.

Key Mahayana beliefs about personality?

• Sunyata (emptiness)

• Everyone has Buddha-nature – can become a Buddha

What is an Arhat?

Enlightened person in Theravada who escapes samsara.

What is a Bodhisattva?

Enlightened being in Mahayana who delays nirvana to help others.

What is Pure Land Buddhism?

Belief in rebirth in a paradise by faith in Amitabha Buddha.

What were the Four Sights?

Illness, old age, death, holy man (Jataka 075)

Key stages of his life?

• Life of luxury

• Ascetic life

• Enlightenment under the Bodhi tree

1st Truth – Dukkha?

Suffering exists: birth, death, illness, loss.

2nd Truth – Samudaya?

Cause of suffering: Three Poisons – ignorance, greed, hate.

3rd Truth – Nirodha?

Suffering ends by ending craving (tanha); leads to nibbana.

4th Truth – Magga?

The Eightfold Path = path to end suffering.

What are the Threefold Way parts of the Eightfold Path?

• Sila (Ethics)

• Samadhi (Meditation)

• Panna (Wisdom)

What are key Buddhist places of worship?

Temples, shrines, monasteries (viharas), gompas.

What do they contain?

Buddha rupa (statue), artefacts, offerings.

What is Puja?

Devotional practice in temple or home.

Key forms of Puja?

Chanting, mantras, malas (prayer beads).

What is Samatha meditation?

Calm and concentration, often using mindfulness of breathing.

What is Vipassana meditation?

Insight into true nature of reality.

What is Zazen?

Seated meditation in Zen Buddhism.

What is visualisation meditation?

Imagining Buddhas/Bodhisattvas to develop qualities.

What is the focus of death rituals?

Transfer of merit to the deceased, especially in Theravada.

Which countries have special rituals?

Japan and Tibet – include ceremonies and prayers.

What is Wesak?

Celebrates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death.

What is Parinirvana Day?

Marks Buddha’s final passing into nirvana.

What is kamma (karma)?

Intentional actions with consequences; affects rebirth.

What is karuna?

Compassion – wanting to end others’ suffering.

What is metta?

Loving kindness – universal love for all beings.

List the Five Precepts.

• Don’t kill

• Don’t steal

• Don’t misuse sex

• Don’t lie

• Don’t take intoxicants

What are the Six Perfections?

• Dana – Generosity

• Sila – Morality

• Kshanti – Patience

• Virya – Energy

• Dhyana – Meditation

• Prajna – Wisdom