Core Concepts
what is the idea that all life is interconnected?
Oneness
Moral behavior breaks what cycle?
Negative karma cycle
Sangha
The Buddhist monastic community.
The oldest and most conservative branch.
Theravada
Zazen
Zen’s main sitting meditation practice.
Accepting life in the present moment to avoid dukkha.
Here and Now
Negative karma
Immoral behavior produces this.
Laity
The group that supports monks with food/shelter.
The largest branch focused on Bodhisattvas.
Mahayana
Koans
Paradoxical riddles used in Zen
Releasing thoughts that don’t align with reality.
Non-attachment
Intentions
These must be pure to offset negative karma.
Originally, this community was only male monks.
Sangha
Tibetan Buddhism belongs to this branch.
Vajrayana
Zen values direct experience above this.
Scripture/study
Loving-kindness that breaks ego-attachment.
Selflessness/compassion
The five Precepts
1. Do not take life
2. Do not take what is not given
3. Do not engage in sensuous misconduct
4. Do not use false speech
5. Do not drink intoxicants
What the laity receive from monks in return.
Spiritual guidance
Branch that emphasizes compassion for all beings.
Mahayana
Sudden enlightenment.
Satori
Happiness depends on the people you surround yourself with.
Right Association
Significance of intention
This teaches that motivation matters more than the action itself.
The relationship between monks and laity shows this principle.
Interdependence
Zen
Another tradition you must match on the test besides the main three.
Zen aims to break this mental habit.
Attachment