Thursday, February 28, 2013

Buddhism Questions - 2-28-13


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.

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