Chapter 8 Review

Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama, founder of Buddhism; individuals who fully comprehend the nature of mind and reality are also referred to as Buddhas

Enlightenment

State of perfect happiness and understanding; characterized by unconditional compassion for all beings

Ascetic

Individual practicing severe self-discipline or abstaining from physical pleasures for religious reasons

Nirvana

State marking the end of personal suffering and the attainment of unchanging peace

Theravada

Branch of Buddhism believing only monks can achieve enlightenment, while others can gain merit by following Buddha's teachings

Mahayana

Branch of Buddhism focusing on teaching and aiding others in their spiritual journey

Vajrayana

Branch of Buddhism incorporating elements of local religions into its beliefs

Zen Buddhism

Branch emphasizing enlightenment through meditation and lifelong practice involving riddles or puzzling questions

Mandala

Visual object, often circular, used as a meditation aid

Mantra

Word or phrase chanted to aid meditation

Puja

Act of worship in Buddhism, influenced by Hindu practices due to Buddhism's roots in Hinduism

Wheel of Dharma

Symbol in Buddhism representing the eight central teachings

Samsara

Law of birth, death, and rebirth; process of reincarnation

Merit

Concept in Buddhism where accumulating wholesome deeds and intentions can lead to a rebirth closer to enlightenment

Vesak

Celebration of Siddhartha Gautama's birth, enlightenment, and death in some countries

Asalha Puja

Commemoration of the beginning of Buddha's teachings

Esala Perahera

Colorful procession in Kandy, carrying Buddha's tooth after his death

Tripitakas

Three Baskets of Buddhist scriptures - Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, Abhidhamma Pitaka

The Dalai Lama

Spiritual and political leader of exiled Tibetans, revered as a Bodhisattva incarnation

Karma

Law of cause and effect in Buddhism

The 3 Jewels

Central concept in Buddhism referring to the Buddha, his teachings (dharma), and the Buddhist community (Sangha)

Anicca

Impermanence, the belief that nothing is permanent in Buddhism

Dukkha

Suffering, encompassing physical pain, illness, and emotional discomfort

Anatta

Not Self, the idea that there is no permanent identity or existence

Monks

Individuals dedicated to studying Buddhism in their worldly life

Noble Eightfold Path

Buddha's path to avoid sorrow by addressing human expectations and desires

Five Precepts

Buddhist guidelines including refraining from harming living beings, stealing, sexual misconduct, incorrect speech, and intoxicants

Four Noble Truths

Core Buddhist teachings on suffering, its causes, cessation, and the path to end suffering