Buddhism Key Terms and Concepts

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to Buddhism as described in the lecture notes.

Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama, the leading figure in the Buddhist religion.

Middle Way

A path of moderation, avoiding extremes of self-indulgence and self-denial.

Asceticism

The practice of self-denial and abstinence of pleasures.

Mantras

Resonating chants that harness the potency of sound.

Mudras

Hand positions that balance energy in the mind and body.

Mandalas

From Sanskrit, meaning circle, signify deep levels of cosmic unity, harmony, and balance.

Dharma

Moral duties, responsibilities, and the right way of living that sustains individuals and society.

Annica

The concept that existence is constantly changing.

Dukkha

The concept that suffering is the natural result of change.

Anatman

"No-self," the concept that everyone is constantly changing; there is no true eternal self.

Siddhartha Gautama

Born into a noble family in Northern India, he lived a privileged life before seeking enlightenment.

Sangha

The Buddhist community.

Nirvana

The "eternal bliss," similar to Moksha, where one is liberated from the physical world. It is reached when a Buddhist person reaches "Enlightenment."

Noble Eightfold Path

The teaching on how to end suffering and achieve/reach enlightenment.

Four Passing Sights

Old Age, Disease, Death, and Asceticism; sights that Siddhartha Gautama saw on his journey to becoming a monk.

Three Marks of Existence

Anicca (impermanence), Dukkha (suffering), and Anatta (non-self).

Four Noble Truths

Life is full of suffering, the cause of suffering is desire, the end of suffering comes with the end of desire, and the path to the end of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path.

Theravada

One of the three sects of Buddhism.

Mahayana

One of the three sects of Buddhism.

Vajrayana

One of the three sects of Buddhism.