Buddhism and the Causes of Suffering

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary location where Siddartha Gautama found his answer to the origin of suffering?

In a river

Under a mountain

In a temple

Under a tree (correct)

What is the core theme of suffering according to Siddartha Gautama?

Lack of education

Wanting or desire (correct)

Lack of wealth

Lack of social status

What is the state of wanting nothing or enlightenment in Buddhism?

Moksha

Brahma

Samsara

Nirvana (correct)

What is the process to attain Nirvana according to Siddartha Gautama?

Get rid of all desires which can take multiple lifetimes Signup and view all the answers

What is the first noble truth in Buddhism?

Life has inevitable suffering Signup and view all the answers

What contributed to the popularity of Buddhism in Asia?

The idea that people had the power to change their lives for the better Signup and view all the answers

What is shared between Hinduism and Buddhism?

The belief in a 'salvation point' or 'heaven' Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of the Buddhist 8-fold path?

To end suffering by attaining Nirvana Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Vedas in Hinduism?

To contain the truths and rules of Hinduism Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of an individual's multiple rebirths in Hinduism?

To attain enough good karma to attain Moksha Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of all souls in Hinduism?

To achieve moksha and join Brahman Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept that encourages individuals to do good in their life to be rewarded in their next life or current life?

Karma Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a stage of the cycle of life in Hinduism?

Rebirth Signup and view all the answers

What is the essential self that holds all aspects of one's soul in Hinduism?

Atman Signup and view all the answers

What determines the caste or life form that a soul is reborn into in Hinduism?

The soul's karma Signup and view all the answers

Which Hindu god is associated with the destruction of life?

Shiva Signup and view all the answers

What is the moral obligation to serve one's caste in Hinduism?

Dharma Signup and view all the answers

What led to the creation of the three main sects in Hinduism?

A split in belief within Hinduism Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the state of being released from the cycle of rebirth in Hinduism?

Moksha Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of Siddartha Gautama's search for wisdom?

To understand the cause of all suffering Signup and view all the answers

How many minor gods are there in Hinduism?

Over 3000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the religion that began in India and became a major religion?

Buddhism Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis of the Hindu text, the Upanishads?

The explanations of the truths in story form Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the teachings of the Buddha?

The teachings of the Buddha Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Birth of Buddhism

Siddartha Gautama meditated under a tree for 7 years to find the cause of suffering and became known as the Buddha.
He determined that suffering comes from 3 things: wanting what we like but do not have (greed), wanting to keep what we like and already have (selfishness/not sharing), and not wanting what we dislike but have (ungratefulness).

The Four Noble Truths

Life has inevitable suffering.
The cause of suffering is desire.
There is an end to suffering by attaining Nirvana.
The end of suffering is contained within the 8-fold path.

Key Concepts in Buddhism

Nirvana: a state of wanting nothing or enlightenment (salvation point of Buddhism).
To attain Nirvana, one must get rid of all desires, which can take multiple lifetimes.
Reincarnation: the process in which a soul is rebirthed into a new body when the old body dies, based on karma.

Hinduism and Buddhism

Both believe in a 'salvation point' or 'heaven' (Brahma and Nirvana).
Both believe in Moksha, where the soul must free itself.
Typically takes multiple rebirths in a new form to attain enough good karma to attain Moksha and unite with Brahman.

Karma

The effects of good or bad actions on your soul in the future.
Do something good and you will be rewarded in the future or future life (good karma).
Do something bad and you will be punished in the future or future life (bad karma).

Hindu Concepts

Atman: the essential self that holds all aspects of one's soul.
Dharma: the moral obligation to serve your caste.
Brahmin: the single universal spirit that can take many different forms, the Hindu heaven/salvation point.

The Cycle of Life

Life must end for there to be new life.
Represented by the 3 main gods of Hinduism: Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), and Shiva (destroyer).
The cycle of Life follows the creation, preservation, and destruction of life.

Reincarnation and Moksha

Reincarnation: the process in which a soul is rebirthed into a new body when the old body dies, based on karma.
Moksha: the state of being released from the cycle of rebirth to join Brahman or 'heaven'.

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Description

This quiz explores the Buddha's understanding of suffering, including the three main causes of suffering according to Siddhartha. Test your knowledge on the core themes of want and desire.