Buddhism Concepts of Existence and Impermanence
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Questions and Answers

What does the Buddhist theory of transitory nature imply about all things?

  • All things are subject to change and decay. (correct)
  • All things originate without conditions.
  • All things are permanent and unchanging.
  • All things exist independently of causes.

According to the doctrine of dependent origination, what happens when the initial conditions cease to exist?

  • New conditions will emerge.
  • The existence of an event strengthens.
  • The event will continue indefinitely.
  • The event will cease to exist. (correct)

What does Buddha imply about the relationship between birth and death?

  • Birth occurs only in the absence of death.
  • Death is always a surprise after birth.
  • Birth and death are unrelated events.
  • Death follows birth as an inevitable consequence. (correct)

What does the law of causation indicate about events, both mental and physical?

<p>They arise in relation to specific causes and conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects the teaching about the nature of existence as described by Buddha?

<p>What seems permanent will eventually cease. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core concept discussed regarding the nature of existence?

<p>Existence is defined by momentariness. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the author illustrate the concept of momentariness?

<p>By comparing the effectiveness of seeds in different contexts. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the author's argument, what must a thing do to be considered existent?

<p>Generate an effect in a single moment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What argument does the author make regarding the idea of enduring entities?

<p>They cannot generate consistent effects over time. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best summarizes the author's view on existence?

<p>True existence is only acknowledged in fleeting moments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical stance does the concept of dependent origination primarily counteract?

<p>Eternalism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are Samsara and Nirvana related in the context of dependent origination?

<p>Both are aspects of the same reality and represent cycles of existence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of dependent origination primarily assert about existence?

<p>Existence is dependent and conditional on prior causes. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept is central to understanding the relationship between the principles of Avidyā and māyā in ancient Indian thought?

<p>Impermanence and conditionality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of Pratītyasamutpāda contribute to Buddhist teachings regarding suffering?

<p>It posits that suffering arises from conditional dependencies. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary teaching of Pratītyasamutpāda in Buddhism?

<p>All dharmas arise in dependence on other dharmas. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Middle Path in Buddhism aim to avoid?

<p>Eternalism and nihilism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best represents the concept of momentariness in Buddhist philosophy?

<p>Everything exists for an instant and is subject to change. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the twelve links (nidanas) in Buddhism?

<p>They depict the cycle of rebirth and the nature of suffering. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'If this exists, that exists?'

<p>It signifies that conditions are necessary for the existence of phenomena. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Momentariness (Ksanika-vada)

The belief that all things exist only for brief moments, and cannot produce effects over time.

Effect-Producing Principle

The idea that a thing must be able to have an effect in order to be considered existent.

Inconsistency of Effects

The argument that a thing that exists beyond a single moment should consistently produce the same effect, but this is not always true.

Enduring Entity

An enduring entity, existing over time, that can produce effects.

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Rejection of Enduring Entities

The idea that things cannot produce effects over time, because they exist only for a single moment.

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Impermanence

Everything in existence is constantly changing and will eventually cease to exist.

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Dependent Origination

All things arise from specific causes and conditions, and when those conditions change, the thing itself will disappear.

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Dharma (or Dhamma)

The unchanging law that governs the relationship between causes and effects in the universe.

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Transitory Nature of Things

A core Buddhist teaching that emphasizes the impermanent nature of all things, including our own lives.

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Momentariness

The idea that nothing is eternally fixed or permanent; everything is subject to change and decay.

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Dependent Origination (Pratityasamutpada)

The idea that everything that exists is dependent on something else, and it exists in a state of constant change. It avoids both eternalism (things existing forever) and nihilism (everything ceasing to exist).

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Samsara

The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, characterized by suffering. It represents the relative, conditioned state of existence.

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Nirvana

The state of liberation, the end of suffering and the cycle of Samsara. It represents the absolute, unconditioned reality.

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Avidyā or māyā

A state of ignorance or illusion, covering the true nature of reality. The concept is associated with the delusion of permanence and separation from the true self.

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Middle Path (Madhyamika Pratipat)

Buddha's approach to avoiding extreme views like eternalism (unchanging self) and nihilism (nothing matters). It emphasizes finding a balanced path to enlightenment.

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Dependent Origination (Pratītyasamutpāda)

The principle that everything in the universe arises in dependence on other factors, not independently. It's a core concept in Buddhism and helps understand suffering's origin and cessation.

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Twelve Links (Nidanas)

The 12 links that illustrate the cycle of dependent origination, showing how ignorance leads to suffering and how ending the cycle can bring freedom from suffering.

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