Kiaya
Nickens
Mr.
Sanchez
Christian
in the World – p. 8
February
28, 2013
Buddhism
Questions:
1. What was the name of the man who later became
the Buddha and founded the religion of Buddhism?
The
name of the man who later became the Buddha and founded the religion of
Buddhism is named Siddhartha Gautama.
2. What were the
four passing Sights? Explain their significance to the origins of Buddhism.
The
four passing sights that Siddhartha saw were the following: an old man, sick
man, dead man and the ascetic man. The passing sights gave Siddhartha elation
and hope, from these sights he formed the foundation of Buddhism which states
that all life is suffering.
3. Explain the
doctrine of the Middle Way.
The
Middle Way doctrine is a Buddhist teaching that rejects the pleasures of
sensual indulgence and the self- denial of asceticism, and focuses mainly on
the practical approach to spiritual fulfillment.
4. Describe the
event of Gautama’s attainment of enlightenment.
Gautama’s attainment of enlightenment by
discovering the four Noble Truths. Gautama had attained enlightenment which is
spiritual perfection within one’s life, and through this enlightenment
salvation is obtained.
5. What is the
Sangha? Who are its members?
The
Sangha is the first Buddhist monastic community. The members of this community
included men and women from all walks of life. The sangha had specific roles
for monks and nuns and a defined relationship with the lay people.
6. What are the
three jewels of Buddhism?
The
three jewels of Buddhism are the following : The Buddha, the Dharma, and the
Sangha.
7. What features
of Buddhist cosmology are shared with Hinduism?
Some
features of cosmology that are shared with Hinduism is that both religions
regard time as cynical. Another feature is that they maintain that the universe
as eternal. Both Hinduism and Buddhism are regarded as eternal. The basic
cosmology of both religions is the doctrine of samsara which is the wheel of
rebirth, which states that individuals are to be reborn continuously.
8. Describe the
Buddhist reaction against early Hinduism.
Gautama
rejected the institutional structure of Hinduism, for example how each of the
classes of individuals played specific roles pertaining to the sacred text.
9. Identify the
three Marks of Existence. How are they interrelated?
The
three Marks of Existence include the following: Anatta, Anicca, and Dukkha. The
three marks are all interrelated because the all have the same message.
10 What is the
doctrine of anatta? How does it relate to the teaching of Atman?
The
doctrine of anatta includes that there is no reality within, no essence of underlining
existence. This relates to the teaching of Atman because Atman teaches that
everything is one being or the same reality, and anatta teaches there is no
reality which is saying everything is the same which is the same message as
Atman.
11. According to
the Buddhist doctrine of samsara, what is actually reborn? Explain the role of
karma in the Buddhist understanding of samsara.
In the Buddhist doctrine of samsara, what is
actually being reborn is the transference of energy that is being reborn. Karma
is the same in Buddhism as it is in Hinduism which states it as the moral law
of cause and effect. Karma in Buddhist understanding states that rebirth or
samsara depends on ones Karma.
12. List the 5
Precepts, which apply to all Buddhist. Then list the five additional precepts
that apply to monks and nuns.
The
5 precepts that apply to all Buddhist are the following:
-
Do
not take life
-
Do
not take what is not given
-
Do
not engage in sensuous misconduct
-
Do
not use false speech
-
Do
not drink intoxicants
The five precepts that apply to monks
and nuns are the following:
-
Do
not eat after noon
-
Do
not watch dancing or shows
-
Do
not use garlands, perfumes, or ornaments
-
Do
not use a high or soft bed
-
Do
not accept gold or silver
13. What are the
possible English translations of the term dukkha? Explain its meaning in your
own words.
Some
of the possible English translation for the term dukkha is the “frustration” “dislocation”or
“discomfort” . Which indicates that all human beings must encounter suffering
throughout their lives.
14. What is
tanha? How does it relate to dukkha?
Tanha
is “thirst” or “desire”. Tanha is the second of the Noble Truths. Tanha causes
dukkha.
15. List the
steps to Eightfold Path.
-
Right Views
-
Right Intentions
-
Right Speech
-
Right Conduct
-
Right Live hood
-Right
Effort
-Right
Mindfulness
-
Right meditation.
16. What is the
difference between the Buddha and other who attained enlightenment?
The
difference between the Buddha and other who attained enlightenment is that the
Buddha has reached the stage of nirvana. Which is liberation from samsara.
17. Define and
briefly describe the character of arhat.
Arhat
is the one who has become enlightened, the ideal type of Thervada in Buddhism. Arhat has become enlightened,
and awakened and is worthy of nirvana.
18. What is the
literal meaning of Nirvana. How does this help explain the concept of Nirvana.
The
literal meaning of Nirvana is “Blowing Out”. This explains the concept of
Nirvana because it relates to the concept that everything is over or done with.
19. What are the
three divisions of Buddhism?
The
three divisions of Buddhism are the following: Theravada, Mahayanna, and the
Vajrayana.
20. What is the
main focus of Theravada Buddhism?
The
main focus of Theravada Buddhism is teaching or cultivating wisdom through
knowing the four Noble Truths and practicing the Eightfold Path such as
meditation.
21. What is the
literal meaning of the name Mahayana, and what are the implications of this
meaning?
The
literal meaning of the name Mahayana is the Great Vehicle. The implications of
this meaning is celebrating the Buddha himself as a savior of their people.
22. How does
Vajrayana Buddhism “fight fire with fire”?
Vajrayana
“fights fire with fire” by harnessing energy and turning it against itself.
With the end goal of nirvana.
23. Who is the
Dalai Lama? How is the Dalai Lama chosen?
The
Dalia Lama is the spiritual leader of Vajrayana, the Dalai Lama is chosen by
supernatural ways as well as mundane ways to choose the successor.
24. What are the
primary geographical regions of the three divisions of Buddhism?
The
primary geographical regions of the three divisions of Buddhism is Tibet.
