Introduction to Buddhism

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to Buddhism, including its teachings on suffering, the path to nirvana, and practices for achieving enlightenment.

Dukkha

The Sanskrit term for suffering, encompassing both overt and subtle forms of distress.

Four Noble Truths

The foundational principles of Buddhism; they explain the nature of suffering and the path to liberation

Middle Way

A balanced approach in Buddhism that avoids extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification.

Nirvana

A state of consciousness in Buddhism where worldly illusions are transcended and suffering is fully alleviated.

Cravings

Desires that, according to Buddhism, lead to suffering and must be overcome to achieve liberation.

Ignorance

In Buddhism, the misunderstanding of the nature of reality that contributes to suffering.

Right Speech

One of the components of the Eightfold Path, emphasizing honesty and compassion in communication.

Right Conduct

A principle of ethical behavior in Buddhism, advocating actions that do not harm others.

Meditation

A key practice in Buddhism for achieving mindfulness and understanding the nature of self and reality.

Right Mindfulness

The practice of being aware of the present moment, central to Buddhist meditation.

What problem was buddha most concerned with?

Buddha was most concerned with the problem of suffering, referred to as

"Dukkha" in Sanskrit. He aimed to understand the nature of suffering, its causes, and how to overcome it. This investigation led to the development of the Four Noble Truths, which explain the nature of suffering and the path to liberation from it.

What are the four noble truths?

The Four Noble Truths in Buddhism are: 1. Life is suffering (Dukkha), 2. The cause of suffering is craving (Tanha), 3. The end of suffering is possible by overcoming craving (Nirvana), 4. The path to the end of suffering is the Eightfold Path.

What is the Eightfold Path?

The Eightfold Path in Buddhism consists of eight steps to achieving enlightenment and ending suffering. It includes right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. This aligns with the discussion on Buddha's response to Hindu beliefs and the importance of subjective interpretations in defining reality.