Buddhism Lecture Notes

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the life of Buddha, core teachings, branches of Buddhism, and symbolic rituals based on lecture notes.

Karma

The concept that actions have consequences.

Samsara

The cycle of rebirth.

Nirvana

The end of suffering and the escape from the cycle of rebirth.

Dharma (Hinduism)

A person's duty or role in society.

Dharma (Buddhism)

The teachings of the Buddha and the right path.

Caste System (Buddhism vs Hinduism)

A social hierarchy used in Hinduism but rejected in Buddhism.

Four Signs

The four things Siddhartha saw outside the palace: an old man (aging), a sick man (suffering), a dead man (death), and a monk (seeking truth).

Asceticism

A practice involving extreme self-denial, which Siddhartha followed in the forest before finding enlightenment.

The Middle Way

A path of balance between extremes practiced in Buddhism.

Bodhi Tree

The specific location where Siddhartha Gautama reached enlightenment.

Mara

The figure representing temptation and distraction who tried to stop Siddhartha's enlightenment.

White Elephant Dream

A dream Siddhartha’s mother had where an animal entered her side, signifying she would give birth to a special child.

Dukkha

One of the three characteristics of existence meaning suffering; also the first Noble Truth.

Anicca

One of the three characteristics of existence meaning impermanence.

Anatta

One of the three characteristics of existence meaning "no self."

Samudaya

The second Noble Truth stating that craving and desire cause suffering.

Nirodha

The third Noble Truth stating that it is possible to escape suffering.

Eightfold Path

The fourth Noble Truth consisting of right view, thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

Five Precepts

Ethical guidelines forbidding murder, stealing, sexual misconduct, harsh speech, and alcohol/drugs.

Three Jewels of Buddhism

The Buddha (the teacher), the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the community).

Theravada

Known as the "lesser vehicle" or "way of the elders"; it is conservative, focuses on the teachings, and views Buddha as a man.

Mahayana

Known as the "greater vehicle"; it emphasizes Bodhisattvas and views the Buddha as a god.

Bodhisattva

An enlightened person who chooses to stay in the cycle of rebirth to help others reach nirvana.

Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhism)

Known as the "diamond vehicle"; it emphasizes rituals, lamas, and the belief that nirvana can be reached in one lifetime.

Mantras

Sacred sounds, syllables, or words repeated during meditation.

Zen Buddhism

A branch of Buddhism emphasizing meditation and the use of koans to break the illusion of normal thinking.

Koans

Riddles used in Zen Buddhism to help break normal thinking and illusions.

Lamas

Religious leaders in Tibetan Buddhism who perform religious rites.

Dalai Lama

The leader of most worldly and spiritual affairs in Tibetan Buddhism.

Giving Alms / Making Merit

Ritual actions performed by Buddhists to gain spiritual credit.

The Lotus

A symbol representing purity and the ability to rise above suffering.

Wheel of Life

A symbol representing the cycle of rebirth or samsara.

Mandalas

Symbolic patterns that represent the universe and are used to focus the mind.

Mudras

Hand gestures used during yoga and meditation.

Stupas

Sacred monuments that hold relics.

Thich Nhat Hanh

A Zen teacher credited with bringing mindfulness to the West.