Buddhism
What was the name of the man who later became the Buddha and founded the religion of Buddhism?
The man who became Buddha and founded Buddhism was named Gautama.
What were the Four Passing Sights? Explain their significance to the origins of Buddhism.
The Four Passing Sights were the harsh realities of the world. The first three were penetrating lessons about the reality of suffering and the impermanent nature of life’s pleasures. However, the last one was an ascetic, who gave Gautama elation and hope that helped Gautama overcome his despair.
Explain the doctrine of the Middle Way.
The Middle Way is a basic Buddhist teaching that rejects both the pleasure of sensual indulgence and the self-denial of asceticism, focusing instead on a practical approach to spiritual attainment.
Describe the event of Gautama’s attainment of enlightenment.
Gautama attained enlightenment by defeating Mara and his daughters, who were Discontent, Delight, and Desire.
What is the Sangha? Who are its members?
The Sangha is the first Buddhist monastic community and it's members were men and women from all walks of life.
What are the Three Jewels of Buddhism?
The Three Jewels are the Buddha, the Dharma (the Buddha’s teachings), and the Sangha (the Buddhist monastic community).
What features of Buddhist cosmology are shared with Hinduism?
The features shared between Buddhism and Hinduism are time being cyclical, eternity, and samsara.
Describe the Buddha’s reaction against early Hinduism.
The Buddha rejected Hinduism because only males of the Brahmin  were allowed and controlled the sacrificial rituals and sacred texts.
Identify the Three Marks of Existence. How are they interrelated?
The Three Marks of Existence are anatta (no-self), anicca (impermanence), and dukkha (suffering). These Marks are interrelated because they all represent that everything is changing or in a constant rate of flux.
What is the doctrine of anatta? How does it relate to the Hindu concept of Atman?
The doctrine of anatta teaches there is no ultimate reality within, no essence  underlying existence, no eternal substratum that is truly real, enduring beyond the present moment. It relates to Atman because both of these idea reside deep within one’s self.
According to the Buddhist doctrine of samsara, what is actually reborn? Explain the role of karma in the Buddhist understanding of samsara.
According to Buddhist, the energy is reborn and patterned in correspondence with one’s karma.
List the Five Precepts, which apply to all Buddhist. Then list the five additional precepts that apply to monks and nuns.
Do not take life, do not take what is not given, do not engage in sensuous misconduct, do not use false speech, and do not drink intoxicants.
Do not eat after noon, do not watch dancing or shows, do not use garlands, perfumes, or ornaments, do not use a high or soft bed, and do not accept gold or silver.
What are some possible English translations of the term dukkha? Explain its meaning in your own words.
Some possible English translations of dukkha are suffering, frustration, and dislocation. To me this words means nothing is completely perfect and may needs the slightest bit of help to reach its full potential.
What is tanha? How does it relate to dukkha?
Tanha is the desire for individual attainment, for private fulfillment. It relates to dukkha because it is a seemingly unavoidable aspect of being an individual.
List the steps of the Eightfold Path.
Right views, right intentions, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right meditation are the steps for the Eightfold Path.
What is the difference between the Buddha and other humans who attain enlightenment?
Whereas other people need a model to obtain enlightenment, the Buddha does not require a model because they are able to acquire their liberation on their own.

Define and briefly describe the character of an arhat?
An arhat is one that is worthy, or has become awakened. Being awakened, this arhat is free from tanha and dukkha. He is still engaged in the world and the affairs but is no longer attached to them.
What is the literal meaning of the word nirvana? How does this help to explain the concept of nirvana?
Nirvana literally means “blowing out.” This helps explain the concept of nirvana because it is almost impossible to describe.
What are the three divisions of Buddhism?
They are Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.
What is the main focus of Theravada Buddhism?
The main focus of this type of Buddhism are cultivating wisdom thourgh knowing the Four Noble Truths and practicing the Noble Eightfold Path, especially meditation. In the end, the final aim is for the followers to enter nirvana.
What is the literal meaning of the name Mahayana and what are the implications of this meaning?
Mahayana means the Great Vehicle, which implies it is meant for great masses of Buddhist and those desiring to become a Buddha.
How does Vajrayana Buddhism “fight fire with fire”?
Vajrayana Buddhism fights fire with fire because Buddhist teachings prescribe shutting of the energy of desire to stop suffering. Vajrayana harnesses this energy and turns it against itself and the end goal is nirvana.

Who is the Dalai Lama? How is each Dalai Lama chosen?
The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of Vajrayana Buddhism, believed to be an incarnation of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Each one is chosen through a supernatural process and various means.
What are the primary geographical regions of the three divisions of Buddhism?
Cambodia, Burma, Sri Lanka, and Thailand are the primary locations for Theravada Buddhism. China, Japan, and Korea are the primary locations for Mahayana Buddhism. Tibet is the primary location for Vajrayana Buddhism.