Buddha: The Legend
This prince's name means "he who achieves his aim," and he left his palace at age 29 after encountering the Four Sights.
What is Prince Siddhartha Gautama?
The “anchor” we return to again and again in meditation, especially when the mind wanders.
What is the breath?
A traditional Zen style of poetry, with 5-7-5 syllabic structure.
What is "haiku"?
The four common brain reactions to a perceived threat.
What are fight, flight, freeze, and faint or fawn?
The Buddha sat under this type of tree in Bodh Gaya when he achieved enlightenment after 49 days of meditation.
What is the Bodhi tree (or fig tree/Ficus religiosa)?
A meditation that moves awareness slowly from feet up to the top of the head, noticing sensations without judging them. Name this kind of meditation.
What is a "body scan"?
Two things to do before entering a tea ceremony.
What are: 1) Wash your hands; and 2) Remove your shoes?
Regular meditation can reduce the activation and even the volume of this brain structure involved in threat detection and strong emotional reactivity.
What is the amygdala?
This demon king tried to distract Siddhartha with temptations and terrors on the night before his enlightenment.
Who is Mara?
A practice where you silently contemplate phrases like “may I be safe” or “may you be at ease” for yourself and others. Name this heart-centered meditation practice.
What is "metta" or "loving-kindness" meditation?
A zen style of art that sees beauty in imperfection.
What is "wabi-sabi"?
Three types of brain waves that increase during meditation.
Alpha, Theta, and Gamma waves.
According to legend, the Buddha took this many steps immediately after birth, with lotus flowers blooming where his feet touched the ground.
What is seven?
The name of the traditional instrument that calls people to meditation in Zen temples. (Bonus: The phrase that is inscribed on it)
What is "the han"? (Bonus: "Wake up! Life is transient. Swiftly passing. Be aware of the great matter. Don't waste time!")
A zen style of art that highlights impermanence.
What is "mono no aware"?
The name of the brain network that activates when the mind is at rest.
What is the DMN or "Default Mode Network"?
The Buddha's first teaching begins with honestly recognizing suffering and its causes, and ends with a path of practices like wise view, wise speech, and wise action. Name this teaching.
What are the Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path?
Pema Chödrön's six points of posture.
What are: 1) The seat; 2) The legs; 3) The torso; 4) The Hands; 5) The Eyes; and 6) The Mouth & Jaw?
The legendary wide-eyed Zen ancestor whose eyelids became tea plants, helping Zen practitioners stay awake during zazen.
Who is Bodhidharma?
3-4 possible benefits of meditation when it comes to brain function.
What are: 1) Improved emotion regulation; 2) Increased attention span; 3) Improved decision-making; 4) Improved interoception (self-knowing)
This modern Buddhist movement emphasizes applying meditation and wisdom to issues like racism, war, and climate crisis in our communities and daily lives.
What is "Engaged Buddhism"?