Lecture 17: Historical and Philosophical Foundations of Buddhism

A collection of flashcards summarizing key concepts and terminology from the lecture on the historical and philosophical foundations of Buddhism.

Siddhartha Gautama

The historical Buddha, a privileged prince who renounced his wealth to seek enlightenment after encountering sickness, old age, and death.

The Middle Way

An approach developed by Gautama that avoids both indulgence and extreme asceticism to achieve enlightenment.

The Four Noble Truths

The core teachings of Buddhism which are: (1) life is suffering, (2) suffering is caused by desire, (3) desire can be eradicated, (4) the Eightfold Path is the means to achieve this eradication.

Eightfold Path

A set of practices in Buddhism categorized into three groups: Right Conduct, Mental Discipline, and Right Insight aimed at attaining enlightenment.

Sunyata

The concept of emptiness in Buddhism, which posits that all things lack a permanent, individual identity.

Interdependence

A key philosophical tenet in Buddhism indicating that all entities are interconnected and lack individual, stable existence.

Caste System

A rigid social hierarchy in ancient India, divided into four main categories, with the Brahmin at the top and 'untouchables' at the bottom.

Dukkha

The first noble truth in Buddhism which states that all living beings experience suffering.

Tanha

The craving or desire that is identified as the cause of suffering in the Second Noble Truth.

Mental Discipline

A category within the Eightfold Path emphasizing mindfulness, meditation, and detachment.