Download Define the following words for Buddhism

Name _________________________________________
Date ___________________________
World Cultures: World Religions
Define the following words for Buddhism:
1. Buddha:
a. also known as Siddhartha Gautama
b. means “the enlightened one”
c. founded Buddhism
d. was born a Hindu prince
2. Enlightenment: Wisdom; understanding of ultimate reality and escaping the endless cycle of
existence an rebirth
→ Perfect wisdom + perfect compassion = balance
3. Four Noble Truths: One of the basic concepts of Buddhism
a. Life is filled with suffering and sorrow, which arises from impermanence
b. The cause of all suffering is people’s selfish desire for the temporary pleasures of this world
c. The way to end all suffering is to end all desires
d. The way to overcome such desires and attain enlightenment is to follow the eight-fold path,
which is called the Middle Way between desires and self-denial
4. Eightfold Path: The path preached by Buddha as a way to escape from anguish and suffering; a guide
to behavior, which includes the right to: understanding/view (4 Noble Truths),
thought, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.
5. Bodhi: To be enlightened or awakened; to have knowledge of the ultimate reality.
6. Bodhisttva: A being who has achieved awakening and has chosen to reincarnate in order to help
alleviate the suffering of all beings; waiting to achieve nirvana until all other beings have
reached enlightenment.
7. Dharma: Means the “truth” or the teachings of the Buddha (Four Noble Truths; Eight-Fold Path).
8. Karma: The law of cause and effect – we suffer at present because of past harmful or spiteful
actions; Underlines being responsible for past and present actions.
9. Mantra: A chant; repeating of phrases or words to help one concentrate and achieve focus.
10. Samsara: Endless cycle of existence in the impermanent world; goal of Buddhism is to escape
samsara.
11. Nirvana: The liberation from suffering and departure from the endless cyclic existence.
12. Mahayana: School of Buddhism that is prominent in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and East Asia. It has
incorporated many of the areas original religious beliefs with the original Theravada
beliefs and emphasizes the path of the Bodhisattva, along with compassion and faith.
13. Theravada: Means “Path of the Elders.” It is the original Buddhist school found predominately in
Southeast Asia and remains closest to the teachings of Buddha. The focus is on
individual liberation and concentration on the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path.
14. Stupa: In Buddhist temples, the Stupa is a structure built to house sacred relics.