Buddhist Vocabulary
What does the term “karma” mean?
action, work or deed
Where was the Buddha born?
North India/Nepal
How many “Noble Truths” do Buddhists follow?
Four
How many steps are there in the “path to enlightenment”?
8 steps
What is the Hindu term for “the soul”?
Atman
What is the meaning of the term “Buddha”?
enlightened one
What caste was the Buddha born into?
a wealthy caste he was a prince
What is the first noble truth?
all life is Dukkha (suffering)
How is this path to enlightenment often pictured/depicted; and what does this symbol signify?
is a wheel
What is the name for the Ultimate Reality or Ultimate God?
Brahman
What is “samsara”?
cycle of life
The Brahmin priest determined that the Buddha would pursue one of two destinies; what were they?
a holy man or a great king
What is the cause of our problems here on earth? How do we eradicate them (the second noble truth)?
due to attachment, eradicate through letting go
What is one example of “right livelihood” and what constitutes “wrong livelihood?
no harm to any living being
Which gods form the Hindu Trinity and what are their functions?
Brahma creator, Vishnu preserver, Shiva Destroyer
What is dharma?
truth or way of life
What were the “four sights” that determined the Buddha’s destiny?
sickness, death, old age, monk
What did the Buddha mean when he said that we must pursue the “middle way”?
not depriving of everything and not having everything
How would a Buddhist define “right speech”
no hurtful talk/gossip/lying
How did the caste system develop?
started with the belief that what you do affects your next life, leads you to a lower or higher caste
What does “tripitaka” mean?
"three baskets" and it is the teachings of Buddha
How does the Buddha reach enlightenment?
first going through a time where he stopped eating and then sitting under a bodhi tree
How are Buddhists saved from the endless cycle of reincarnation? What is the last noble truth?
follow the eightfold path and live skillfuly
How is “right concentration” practiced and how does it help us to live wise and compassionate lives?
focus on impermanence
What happens when you achieve enough good karma?
you achieve "Moksha" (liberation)