Buddhism Review: History, Life of Buddha, and Dhamma Principles

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the geography of Jampudvipa, the caste system, competing ancient doctrines, the life phases of the Buddha, major Buddhist holidays, and core Dhamma principles from the lecture notes.

Jampudvipa

The name of South Asia in Buddhist history, translated as 'The Island of Large Rose Apples,' encompassing India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

Majhimajanapada

The 16 main states and 5 minor states located in the central part of Jampudvipa.

Pajjantajanapada

The small rural or suburban zones of Jampudvipa located in the outskirts.

Magadha

An important state serving as the center of prosperity and Buddhism, with Rajgir as its capital and King Bimbisara as its ruler.

Kosala

The state where Sravasti was the capital; it was the location of Jetavana and Pubbarama temples and was ruled by King Pasenadi.

Samagghidhamma

The system of governance used in the Vajji state, described as an early form of republic or democracy where power was shared among multiple rulers.

Santhagara

The assembly hall or parliament building used in the Vajji state's democratic administration.

Samvejaniyatthana

The four holy sites of Buddhism: Lumbini (Birth), Bodh Gaya (Enlightenment), Isipatana Marigadayavan (First Sermon), and Salavanodhayana (Parinirvana).

Brahmin

The highest caste originating from the 'Head' in the caste system theory; represented by the color white.

Chandal

A social outcast born from the union of a Brahmin and a Shudra, considered outside the four main castes.

Akiriyavada

The doctrine of Purana Kassapa which claims that merit and sin do not truly exist.

Ahetukavada

The doctrine of Makkhali Gosala which suggests that everything happens by chance and without specific causes.

Nattikaditthi

The doctrine of Ajita Kesakambala stating that everything is composed of Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire, and there is no afterlife.

Sassatavada

The doctrine of Pakudha Kaccayana claiming seven permanent elements including Earth, Water, Wind, Fire, Pleasure, Pain, and the Soul.

Amara-vikkhepika

The 'eel-wriggling' doctrine of Sanjaya Belatthaputta that avoids commitment to any definitive view.

Mahabhiniskramana

The Great Renunciation of Prince Siddhattha at the age of 29, symbolized by cutting his hair at the Anoma River.

Dukkaracariya

The practice of extreme self-mortification involving teeth-clenching, breath-holding, and fasting.

Majjhima Patipada

The Middle Way defined as the path that avoids the two extremes of Kama-sukhallikanuyoga (sensual indulgence) and Attakilamathanuyoga (self-torment).

Pubbenivasanussati

The knowledge of recollecting past lives, achieved during the first watch of the night of enlightenment.

Cutupapata

The knowledge of the death and rebirth of all beings, achieved during the middle watch of the night.

Asavakkhaya

The knowledge of the destruction of mental intoxicants (defilements), leading to full enlightenment during the last watch of the night.

Pancavaggiya

The group of five first disciples: Kondanna, Vappa, Bhaddiya, Mahanama, and Assaji.

Visakha Bucha

A major Buddhist day occurring on the 15th day of the 6th waxing moon, marking the Birth, Enlightenment, and Parinirvana of the Buddha.

Magha Bucha

The day marking the gathering of 1,250 Arahants without prior appointment, where the Ovadapatimokkha was delivered.

Atthami Bucha

The day for the cremation of the Buddha's body, occurring 8 days after his death.

Pavarana Day

The day marking the end of the Rains Retreat (Phansa) where monks allow each other to offer criticism and advice.

Khandha 5

The Five Aggregates comprising a being: Rupa (Form/Body), Vedana (Feeling), Sanna (Perception/Memory), Sankhara (Mental Formations), and Vinnana (Consciousness).

Niyama 5

The five natural laws: Utuniyama (physical laws), Bijaniyama (biological laws), Cittaniyama (psychological laws), Kammaniyama (moral laws), and Dhammaniyama (causality).

Brahmavihara 4

The four sublime states of mind: Metta (Loving-kindness), Karuna (Compassion), Mudita (Sympathetic Joy), and Upekkha (Equanimity).

Gharavasa-dhamma 4

The four virtues for a householder: Sacca (Truthfulness), Dama (Self-training), Khanti (Patience), and Caga (Sacrifice/Generosity).