Religious studiesLesson 1 of 2 in the course Buddhism

Buddhism: Origins, Teachings, Practices, Texts, and Traditions

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson introduces Buddhism, its origins, and the teacher whose teachings are its foundation. It also explains how accounts of the Buddha’s life are studied carefully.

Buddhism is an Indian religion and philosophical tradition based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. It is also called Buddhadharma, meaning the teaching or doctrine of the Buddha, and Dharmavinaya, meaning doctrines and disciplines. The English word “Buddhism” is a comparatively recent Western term; Buddhist traditions have used names derived from words such as Dharma and Buddhadharma.

All flashcards

What is Buddhadharma?
It means the teaching or doctrine of the Buddha and is one name used for Buddhism.
What were śramaṇas?
They were Indian renunciants and spiritual seekers who pursued liberation outside ordinary household life.
What does “Buddha” mean?
“Buddha” means “Awakened One,” a person who has attained awakening and can teach the path.
What is the Middle Way?
It is the balanced spiritual approach taught by the Buddha, avoiding both severe asceticism and indulgence in sensory pleasure.
Why are accounts of the Buddha’s early life treated with caution?
The accounts are not entirely consistent, and some details—such as parts of his family and social background—are difficult to confirm.

Quiz questions

  1. What does the name Dharmavinaya refer to?Answer: Doctrines and disciplines.
  2. What kind of movement did Buddhism emerge from in ancient India?Answer: A śramaṇa movement of renunciants and spiritual seekers.
  3. Why do historians treat some details of the Buddha’s biography cautiously?Answer: Early accounts differ, and some claims cannot be securely verified.
  4. Which sequence best reflects the traditional account of Gautama’s spiritual search?Answer: He studied meditation, practiced severe asceticism, then pursued meditation leading to awakening.
  5. According to early Buddhist accounts, what did the Buddha’s awakening involve?Answer: Insight into karma and former lives, and the ending of mental defilements.

Based on the Wikipedia article Buddhism, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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