RE 1

• What is the Dhamma in Buddhism?


  The Dhamma is the whole of the Pali Canon of Buddhist scripture.
• What are the Three Sacred Jewels in Buddhism?

  • Buddha
  • Dhamma
  • Sangha (those on the path to Enlightenment)
• What does the Tripitaka consist of in the Dhamma?


  The Tripitaka consists of the Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka, and Abhidhamma Pitaka.
• What is contained in the Vinaya Pitaka?


  The Vinaya Pitaka contains the rules of discipline for the monastic Sangha.
• What does the Sutta Pitaka contain?


  The Sutta Pitaka contains the teachings from the life of the Buddha.
• What is the focus of the Abhidhamma Pitaka?


  The Abhidhamma Pitaka is the later philosophical section of the Pali Canon.
• What does Paticca-Samuppada represent in Buddhism?


  Paticca-Samuppada is the law of causation and the concept of conditionality.
• How does Paticca-Samuppada explain existence?


  It teaches that all that comes into being is maintained by a web of conditions.
• What happens when the conditions that maintain existence end?


  Everything ends when the conditions that maintain it end.
• What is the significance of change in existence according to Buddhism?


  The whole of existence is in a process of change.
• What are the Three Marks of Existence in Buddhism?


  The Three Marks of Existence are Anicca, Anatta, and Dukkha.
• How are the Three Marks of Existence interrelated?


  All three marks are interlinked and rely on each other.
• What does Anicca represent?


  Anicca is the concept of impermanence.
• What does Anatta mean?


  Anatta refers to the 'not-self', the not physical self.
• What does Dukkha signify?


  Dukkha is the concept of suffering.
• How does the story of Nagasena and the Chariot illustrate Anicca and Anatta?


  • Nagasena questions the nature of a chariot.
  • He asks if it is the wheels, axles, or a combination.
  • The conclusion is that there is no chariot independent of its parts.
  • This illustrates the concepts of impermanence (Anicca) and 'not-self' (Anatta).
• What philosophical question does Nagasena's dialogue about the chariot raise?


  It raises the question of whether objects exist independently of their components.
• Who is Nagasena?


  Nagasena is a figure in Buddhist texts known for his dialogue about the chariot.
• What text contains the story of Nagasena and the chariot?


  The story is found in the Milinda Panha.
• What are the Five Skandhas in Buddhism?


  Form, Feeling, Perception, Mental formation, Consciousness
• How do the Five Skandhas relate to a person in Buddhism?


  They constitute the components that make up a person
• What are the Five Skandhas?


  1. Form
  2. Feeling
  3. Perception
  4. Mental formation
  5. Consciousness
• How can the Five Skandhas be purified?


  Through meditation and practicing virtues
• Why is it important to understand the Five Skandhas in Buddhism?


  To understand the Four Noble Truths
• What role does 'clinging' play in relation to the Skandhas?


  'Clinging' causes more suffering and the Skandhas contribute to this
• What is the relationship between the Five Skandhas and suffering in Buddhism?


  • 'Clinging' to the Skandhas causes suffering
  • Understanding the Skandhas helps alleviate suffering
• What are the key elements of Buddhist life?

  Sunnata, Buddha-nature, and Buddhahood
• What does the term 'Sunnata' usually translate to?


  'Emptiness'
• How does Theravada Buddhism use the concept of Sunnata?


  To refer to the non-self and the meditative state of an individual
• How does Mahayana Buddhism interpret Sunnata?


  As the idea that all things are empty of intrinsic existence
• What does Tathagatagarbha refer to in Buddhism?


  Buddha-nature
• What is the significance of Buddha-nature in Buddhism?


  It indicates that all sentient beings have the potential to become Buddha
• What is an Arahant or Arhat in Theravada Buddhism?


  Someone who is already enlightened and has achieved nibbana/nirvana
• How do other schools of Buddhism define Arahant or Arhat?


  As those who have advanced along the path of Enlightenment but have not achieved Buddhahood
• What is a Bodhisattva?


  An individual who has the wish to reach Buddhahood
• What does Buddhahood signify in Mahayana Buddhism?


  The status of being a buddha or 'awakened one'
• What is Pure Land Buddhism?


  A branch of Buddhism found in Eastern Asia, focusing on the Buddha Amitabha
• Who is the principal Buddha of Pure Land Buddhism?

  Buddha Amitabha
• In which regions is Pure Land Buddhism primarily found?


  Eastern Asia, specifically China and Japan
• Where was Buddha born?


  In Lumbini, modern-day Nepal.