[4.5] Buddhist Practices Test

What are Buddhist places of worship mainly used for?

Meditation, study, and devotion

What is a Buddhist temple?

A large communal place of worship with shrines dedicated to the Buddha and other figures

What is a shrine in Buddhism?

Found in temples and homes; contains Buddha images (Buddha rupa) and offerings like candles, incense, and flowers

What is a monastery (vihara)?

A residence for monks and nuns, often with meditation halls and study rooms

What are Gompas?

Meditation or learning halls in Tibetan Buddhism

What is a Buddha rupa?

A statue of the Buddha used as a focus for meditation

What does incense symbolize in Buddhism?

Purity

What does a candle symbolize in Buddhism?

Wisdom

What do flowers symbolize in Buddhism?

Impermanence

What is Puja?

Acts of worship and devotion at home or temples

What are common practices in Puja?

Chanting, mantra recitation, and use of malas

What is a mala?

A string of 108 beads used to count mantra recitations

What happens in Buddhist worship at home?

Buddhists may meditate, chant, and make offerings at shrines with Buddha images

What happens in Buddhist worship at the temple?

Buddhists join the community for meditation, chanting, teachings, and rituals

Why is worship important in Buddhism?

It shows respect for the Buddha, deepens mindfulness, reinforces teachings, and strengthens community

What are the main purposes of Buddhist meditation?

Cultivating wisdom, concentration, and mindfulness

What is Samatha meditation?

Tranquillity meditation focusing on breathing and mindfulness

What is Vipassana meditation?

Insight meditation aiming to understand reality and see things as they truly are

What is Zazen?

Seated meditation in Zen Buddhism for direct insight

What is visualization meditation?

Meditating on Buddhas or Bodhisattvas to develop their qualities (Tibetan Buddhism)

Why is meditation sometimes challenging?

It requires discipline, focus, and overcoming distractions such as restlessness or wandering thoughts

What do Theravada Buddhists do after death?

Perform merit

What text is used in Tibetan death rituals?

The Tibetan Book of the Dead, guiding through the bardo state

What is Wesak (Buddha Day)?

Festival celebrating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing into nirvana with lanterns, chanting, and kindness

What is Parinirvana Day?

Reflection day on impermanence, marking Buddha’s final nirvana

Why are Buddhist festivals important?

They commemorate key events in Buddha’s life, strengthen community, and reinforce teachings

Why are Buddhist festivals important in Britain?

They build community, reinforce teachings, and encourage ethical action and meditation

What is kamma (karma)?

The law of moral cause and effect—good actions lead to positive outcomes, bad actions to suffering

What is rebirth in Buddhism?

Being reborn into samsara according to one’s kamma, until enlightenment breaks the cycle

What is karuna?

Compassion—feeling others’ suffering and striving to relieve it

What is metta?

Loving

What are the Five Moral Precepts?

1. Do not take life 2. Do not take what is not given 3. Do not misuse the senses 4. Do not speak falsehoods 5. Do not take intoxicants

What is the first moral precept?

Do not take life → promotes non

What is the second moral precept?

Do not take what is not given → promotes honesty and fairness

What is the third moral precept?

Do not misuse the senses → avoid sexual misconduct and indulgence

What is the fourth moral precept?

Do not speak falsehoods → avoid lies, gossip, and slander

What is the fifth moral precept?

Do not take intoxicants → prevents clouded judgment and supports mindfulness

What are the Six Perfections in Mahayana Buddhism?

1. Generosity (dana) 2. Morality (sila) 3. Patience (ksanti) 4. Energy (virya) 5. Meditation (dhyana) 6. Wisdom (prajna)

How is death marked in Japanese Buddhism?

Cremation ceremonies and chanting scriptures