BUDDHISM

• What type of religion is Buddhism?

  Nontheistic religion
• How does Buddhism view the existence of gods?

  Buddhism believes in the existence of gods, but they are not worshipped
• What does Buddhism offer regarding the understanding of life?

  Buddhism offers a coherent explanation about the world, human mind, and conditions of life
• What does Buddhism believe is the root of suffering?

  Buddhism believes that pleasure is the root of suffering
• How does Buddhism remain relevant in today's world?

  Buddhism helps individuals find ways to practice spirituality to end the root of suffering in the mind
• What cultural influences has Buddhism had?

  Buddhism challenged social hierarchy, created opportunities for women, and gave individuals of all classes a role in spiritual practice
• When did Buddhism originate?

  In the 6th century BCE
• Where did Buddhism originate?

  In what is now modern-day Nepal and India
• Who is Siddhartha Gautama?

  Siddhartha Gautama is the founder of Buddhism, known as the Buddha
• What did Siddhartha Gautama do before becoming the Buddha?

  He was a prince who left his life of luxury to seek answers to human suffering
• What did Siddhartha achieve after years of meditation?

  He achieved enlightenment and started teaching the principles of Buddhism
• Who was Emperor Ashoka?

  He ruled the Kingdom of Magadha in Northeast India
• What motivated Ashoka to support Buddhism?

  He felt guilt from the bloodshed and suffering caused by war
• What did Ashoka do to promote Buddhism?

  He declared himself a member of the Buddhist sangha and supported the spread of Buddhism in his Kingdom
• What was the basis of Ashoka's rule?

  His rule was based on Dharma
• How did the Silk Road contribute to Buddhism?

  The Silk Road helped spread Buddhism through trade and the establishment of temples and shrines
• How many countries were involved in the Silk Road?

  150 countries
• What led to the decline of Buddhism in India?

  The Muslim invasion sought to convert Buddhists into Islam, leading to significant dislocation of Buddhism
• What is syncretism in the context of Buddhism?

  Syncretism is the mixing of religious ideas and practices together
• What problem did syncretism create for Buddhism?

  It blurred the distinction between Buddhism and Hinduism
• What are the Five Precepts in Buddhism?

  They are abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual relations outside marriage, lying, and getting drunk or using illegal substances
• What are the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism?

  1. Suffering (Dukkha): Life is filled with suffering and dissatisfaction.
  2. Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): The cause of suffering is desires.
  3. End of Suffering (Nirodha): It is possible to end suffering by overcoming desire.
  4. Path to End Suffering (Magga): The way to end suffering is by following the Eightfold Path.
• What is the Eightfold Path in Buddhism?

  1. Right Understanding
  2. Right Intent
  3. Right Speech
  4. Right Action
  5. Right Livelihood
  6. Right Effort
  7. Right Mindfulness
  8. Right Concentration
• What is Karma in Buddhism?

  Karma is the natural law of cause and effect, where we are responsible for our actions and their consequences
• What does "interconnectedness" mean in the context of Karma?

  It states that our karma affects not only us but also others
• What is good karma (Punya)?

  Good karma consists of actions that are ethical, kind, and compassionate, leading to positive effects
• What is bad karma (Papa)?

  Bad karma consists of negative actions that generate unfavorable consequences
• What is neutral karma?

  Neutral karma consists of actions that do not involve strong ethical decisions or significant consequences
• What is immediate karma?

  Immediate karma refers to actions that produce immediate consequences
• What is delayed karma?

  Delayed karma refers to actions that may produce effects not immediately apparent
• What is Samsara in Buddhism?

  Samsara is the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that all sentient beings are bound to
• What does Anatta mean?

  Anatta means no permanent soul, only a stream of consciousness continues in the cycle
• What is the Deva Realm?

  The Deva Realm is a realm of gods and blissful beings with great pleasure and luxury
• What is the Asura Realm?

  The Asura Realm consists of powerful beings filled with jealousy, conflict, and anger
• Why is the Human Realm considered favorable for attaining enlightenment?

  Because humans experience both pleasure and suffering, motivating them to seek liberation
• What characterizes the Animal Realm?

  Beings in the Animal Realm experience ignorance and delusion, governed by survival instincts and fear
• What is the Preta Realm?

  The Preta Realm consists of beings suffering from intense cravings and hunger, symbolizing greed and attachment
• What is the Naraka Realm?

  The Naraka Realm consists of beings suffering from extreme pain and torment due to very negative karma
• What is Nirvana in Buddhism?

  Nirvana is the ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing the cessation of suffering and the end of desire and ignorance
• What are the practices in Buddhism related to meditation and mindfulness?

  • Meditation helps achieve enlightenment.
  • Different forms include:
  • Vipassana
  • Breathing
  • Zen (the art of keeping still)