Key Concepts in Buddhism and the Life of the Buddha

Who was the man who became the Buddha?

Siddhartha Gautama

What dream did Queen Maya have before giving birth to the Buddha?

She dreamt of a White Elephant who told her she would give birth to a holy child.

Describe three unusual beliefs about the Buddha's birth according to Buddhists.

Queen Maya suffered no pain; the Buddha could walk and talk at birth; the Buddha took seven steps, and a lotus flower grew at each step.

What did the Buddha say when he was born?

'I am the Chief of the world... this shall be my last rebirth.'

Explain the prophecy made about Siddhartha Gautama.

He would either become the next great king or, if he encountered suffering, a great holy man.

Describe the actions taken by Siddhartha's father to ensure his future as a leader.

He gave Siddhartha a life of luxury and sheltered him in a palace to prevent him from encountering suffering.

Why did the Buddha decide to leave the palace?

He became increasingly curious about what lay beyond the palace walls.

List the Four Sights.

An old man, a sick man, a dead man, and a holy man/ascetic.

Name two realizations the Buddha had after seeing the Four Sights.

Living a life of luxury is a lie; suffering, old age, sickness, and death are inevitable.

What did Siddhartha do after seeing the Four Sights?

He decided to leave the palace, gave up his luxuries, and became an ascetic.

Define asceticism.

Harsh treatment of the body for spiritual purposes; giving up bodily pleasures.

Name two activities the Buddha engaged in as an ascetic.

Fasted for long periods and meditated.

Why did the Buddha give up the ascetic life?

He became too weak to meditate and realized he was no closer to curing suffering.

What did the Buddha learn from his ascetic life?

The Middle Way.

Define Enlightenment in Buddhism.

Overcoming ignorance and gaining knowledge that allows a Buddhist to escape the cycle of reincarnation (samsara).

What did the Buddha declare on the night he was enlightened?

'I will not leave this seat until I have achieved the highest wisdom.'

Who is Mara in Buddhist teachings?

Mara is an evil demon who attempts to tempt and hinder the Buddha from reaching enlightenment.

Name two ways Mara tried to stop the Buddha from reaching enlightenment.

1. Sent his daughters to seduce Siddhartha. 2. Sent his armies to attack Siddhartha.

How did the Buddha respond to Mara's attempts to distract him?

He continued to meditate.

What are the Three Witches of the Night in Buddhism?

They are: Siddhartha gained knowledge of all his past lives, he understood the cycle of samsara, and he understood why suffering happens and how to overcome it.

Define the cycle of samsara.

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

What is karma?

The way in which one's past and present actions impact their next birth.

Explain reincarnation.

Rebirth; when the soul takes on a new body.

How do Buddhists believe one can escape the cycle of samsara?

By becoming enlightened.

List three practices or actions that support Buddhists in reaching enlightenment.

Meditation, following the Eightfold Path, following other Buddhist teachings, and virtuous actions.

What are the Three Marks of Existence?

Dukkha (suffering), anicca (impermanence), and anatta (no fixed self or soul).

List the elements of the Eightfold Path.

Right views, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.

How are the Three Marks of Existence interconnected?

They help Buddhists understand the nature of suffering; understanding and accepting these truths is part of the path to enlightenment.

What are the Three Poisons in Buddhism?

Greed, hatred, and ignorance.

Why are the Three Poisons considered harmful?

They prevent a person from reaching enlightenment and trap them in the cycle of samsara.

How does anicca (impermanence) cause suffering?

Because everything is impermanent, including happiness, and we desire things that are transient.

Whose story illustrates anicca as a cause of suffering?

Kisa Gotami.

What does the story of Kisa Gotami demonstrate?

Everyone suffers; everyone is mortal. Accepting suffering, mortality, and impermanence brings peace.

What story is used to illustrate the concept of anatta (no fixed self)?

Nagasena's chariot.

What is the purpose of Nagasena's chariot story?

To show that we are constantly changing and that nothing remains fixed.

What does the story aim to show?

We are constantly changing and that nothing remains