Cards (30)

  • What is the primary focus of Theravada Buddhism?

    It is more strict and earthly-focused.
  • What does "Sthaviravada" mean in Theravada Buddhism?

    It means "School of the elders."
  • What are the three paths to enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism?

    1. The Student (Arhat) Path
    2. Solitary Buddha Path
    3. Full Buddha Path
  • In which countries is Theravada Buddhism primarily found?

    It is found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
  • What does Theravada Buddhism believe about its doctrines?

    It believes its doctrines to be more faithful to the original teachings of the Buddha.
  • How do human beings achieve enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism?

    They must achieve enlightenment through their own efforts, independent of any external support.
  • What does the term "Hinayana" refer to in Mahayana literature?

    It refers to the early schools of Buddhism that existed before the Mahayana tradition emerged.
  • What does "Mahayana" mean in Buddhism?

    It means "Great vehicle."
  • How does Mahayana Buddhism differ from Theravada Buddhism regarding enlightenment?

    Mahayana Buddhism believes that compassion for all living creatures is more important than wisdom and ascetic practices.
  • What are some reasons for the emergence of Mahayana Buddhism?
    • Death of Siddhartha Gautama
    • Meditative innovations
    • Mahasamghika "The Great Sangha" - oldest Buddhism school
    • Belief that Siddhartha Gautama was more than a human being
    • Existence of eternal beings willing to help attain Nirvana
    • Belief in Bodhisattvas (future Buddhas)
  • What is the central concept of Mahayana Buddhism regarding Bodhisattvas?

    The postponement of Nirvana by a Bodhisattva is a central concept.
  • Who is the most popular Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism?
    Avalokiteshvara.
  • How is Avalokiteshvara personified in different cultures?

    As the female Guan Yin in China and as the male Kwannon in Japan.
  • When did Mahayana Buddhism reach China?

    In the 1st century C.E.
  • What are the Four Noble Truths in Buddhism?

    They are the core of the teachings of Buddha.
  • What does Siddhartha Gautama propose in the Four Noble Truths?

    He proposes a diagnosis, an analysis, a description of a healthy state, and a prescription.
  • What does "dukkha" mean in Buddhism?

    It means "suffering" or "stress."
  • What are the three kinds of dukkha?
    1. Dukkha - dukkha, 2. Viparinama - dukkha, 3. Samkhara - dukkha.
  • What are the three kinds of dukkha and their meanings?
    1. Dukkha - dukkha: physical and mental suffering associated with birth, aging, illness, and dying.
    2. Viparinama - dukkha: emotional anxiety or stress of holding on to things that are constantly changing.
    3. Samkhara - dukkha: basic chronic dissatisfaction pervading all forms of existence.
  • What causes dukkha according to Buddhism?

    Dukkha is caused by craving (Pali Tanha).
  • What are the three kinds of tanha?
    1. Kama - tanha, 2. Bhava - tanha, 3. Vibhava - tanha.
  • What do the three kinds of tanha represent?

    1. Kama - tanha: sensual craving for objects that provide pleasant feelings.
    2. Bhava - tanha: craving to be something lasting and to dominate over others.
    3. Vibhava - tanha: a wish to be separated from painful feelings or to be nothing.
  • What is the end of dukkha according to Buddhism?

    There is an end or extinction (Pali nibbana) to dukkha by eliminating tanha.
  • What does Nirvana represent in Buddhism?

    Nirvana is the extinction of the false idea of a permanent and undying self.
  • How does one overcome ignorance in Buddhism?

    By accepting that reality is impermanent and letting go of tanha.
  • What is the Eightfold Path in Buddhism?

    1. Right View: Know the Four Noble Truths.
    2. Right Intention: Decide what we really want.
    3. Right Speech: Speak the truth and speak well of others.
    4. Right Action: Do not kill, steal, be unchaste, take drugs, or drink alcohol.
    5. Right Livelihood: Must do work that is ethical.
    6. Right Effort: Do things with 200% effort.
    7. Right Mindfulness: Keep our minds focused.
    8. Right Concentration: Meditate to see the world in a new way.
  • What is the purpose of the Eightfold Path?

    To extinguish dukkha.
  • What is the first step of the Eightfold Path?

    Right View: Know the Four Noble Truths.
  • What is the last step of the Eightfold Path?

    Right Concentration: Meditate to see the world in a new way.
  • What are the categories of the Eightfold Path?

    • Wisdom
    • Ethics
    • Meditation