Buddhism

• What is Theravada Buddhism known as?

  The first tradition of Buddhism that emerged after Buddha’s death
• In what language are Theravada Buddhism's scriptures written?

  Ancient Pali
• Which Southeast Asian countries predominantly practice Theravada Buddhism?

  Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand
• How do Theravada teachings compare to Mahayana teachings?

  They are more direct, practical, simple, and down-to-earth
• What is the highest goal for a Theravadin?

  Achieving enlightenment
• What does Theravada Buddhism indicate about reliance on gods?

  One should not rely on gods or any force beyond oneself
• How does Theravada Buddhism view sainthood?

  Sainthood can be obtained here on Earth through striving to become a monk
• What happens when a saint dies in Theravada Buddhism?

  They attain nirvana and are liberated from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
• What is emphasized in Theravada Buddhism regarding monastic living?

  Higher spiritual development to attain enlightenment
• What are the three key practices monks develop in Theravada Buddhism?

  Wisdom (panna), ethical virtue (sila), and mental concentration (samadhi)
• What does Theravada Buddhism emphasize about the role of the individual?

  It emphasizes the role of the individual without depending on others or the gods
• What is the first link in the Law of Dependent Origination?

  Ignorance, which is not knowing and not understanding the dharma and the Four Noble Truths
• What results from ignorance according to the Law of Dependent Origination?

  All kinds of actions (karma formations)
• What does the second link in the Law of Dependent Origination refer to?

  Karma formations together with ignorance
• What is the significance of the third link in the Law of Dependent Origination?

  It represents the first moment of consciousness in the present life
• What does the fourth link in the Law of Dependent Origination refer to?

  Name and form, which is the mind-body phenomena
• What arises as the fifth link in the Law of Dependent Origination?

  The six senses, which include the five physical senses and the mind
• What is the sixth link in the Law of Dependent Origination?

  Contact between the senses and their objects
• What arises from the contact between the senses and their objects?

  Feeling, which can be pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral
• What is the eighth link in the Law of Dependent Origination?

  Craving, which is the desire for pleasant objects
• What does the ninth link in the Law of Dependent Origination refer to?

  Grasping or desire itself, conditioned by craving
• What does the cycle of rebirths lead to according to the Law of Dependent Origination?

  Decay, pain, suffering, and death
• How does Mahayana Buddhism differ from Theravada Buddhism?

  Mahayana Buddhism teaches beyond what Buddha preached and has revolutionary ideas
• What is the Madhyamika School in Mahayana Buddhism?

  A school founded by philosopher Nagarjuna that emphasizes the middle way
• Who founded the Pure Land School in Mahayana Buddhism?

  An Indian prince named Dharmakara
• What is the Lotus Sutra in Mahayana Buddhism?

  A prominent text that conveys the definitive teachings of the Buddha
• What does the Lotus Sutra teach about enlightenment?

  It is open to all people regardless of gender, race, social status, and education
• What are the three bodies in Mahayana Buddhism?

  Dharmakaya, sambhogakaya, and nirmanakaya
• Who is Avalokiteshvara in Mahayana Buddhism?

  The most revered and popular Buddhist deity among all bodhisattvas
• What is the significance of the Six Perfections in Mahayana Buddhism?

  They guide practitioners in their journey toward enlightenment
• What are the Six Perfections of Mahayana Buddhism?

  • Perfection of Giving
  • Perfection of Behavior and Discipline
  • Perfection of Forbearance
  • Perfection of Vigor and Diligence
  • Perfection of Meditation
  • Perfection of Transcendent Wisdom
• What are the key characteristics of Theravada Buddhism?

  • Emphasis on individual effort for enlightenment
  • Atheistic inclination
  • Monastic living is central
  • Focus on ethical virtues and wisdom
  • Belief in attaining sainthood on Earth
• What are the key differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism?

  • Theravada emphasizes individual effort; Mahayana emphasizes community and compassion.
  • Theravada has a conservative approach; Mahayana has revolutionary ideas.
  • Theravada recognizes only the historical Buddha; Mahayana recognizes multiple Buddhas.
• What is the significance of the Law of Dependent Origination in Buddhism?

  • It explains the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
  • It outlines the links between ignorance, craving, and suffering.
  • It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all phenomena.
• What are the main beliefs regarding bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism?

  • Bodhisattvas delay their own enlightenment to help others.
  • They embody great compassion and wisdom.
  • They are central figures in Mahayana teachings.
• What role does meditation play in Theravada Buddhism?

  • It is the primary means to attain liberation.
  • It involves cultivating mindfulness and concentration.
  • It is essential for spiritual development.
• What are the key texts in Mahayana Buddhism?

  • The Lotus Sutra
  • The Tripitaka
  • Various sutras unique to Mahayana
• What are the main symbols in Mahayana Buddhism?

  • The lotus symbolizing purity
  • The eight-spoke wheel representing dharma
  • Various hand gestures (mudras)
• What is the historical significance of Siddhartha Gautama in Buddhism?

  • He is considered the historical Buddha.
  • He achieved enlightenment and shared his teachings.
  • His life and teachings form the foundation of Buddhism.