Mahayana Buddhism Overview
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Questions and Answers

What is the main focus of the Lotus Sutra in Mahayana Buddhism?

  • The history of the Buddha's life
  • The doctrine of emptiness
  • The perfection of wisdom
  • The inherent Buddhahood within every person (correct)

    • Which term refers to the 'Perfection of Wisdom Sutra' in Mahayana Buddhism?

  • Heart Sutra
  • Lotus Sutra
  • Prajna Paramita (correct)
  • Sukhavati Sutra

    • What does the term 'shunyata' refer to as discussed in the Heart Sutra?

  • The nature of reality (correct)
  • Boundless compassion
  • Mahayana teachings
  • Ultimate truth

    • Which of the following describes the characteristics of Buddhahood according to the Lotus Sutra?

    <p>Inherent in all individuals regardless of personal attributes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do the Sanskrit words 'prajñā' and 'pāramitā' signify in the context of Prajna Paramita?

    <p>Wisdom and perfection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Mahayana' translate to in Buddhism?

    <p>The Great Vehicle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was a key figure that provided a systematic philosophical articulation of Buddhist doctrine for Mahayana Buddhism?

    <p>Nagarjuna</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which century did significant variations begin to emerge in Buddhism under King Ashoka's reign?

    <p>3rd century BCE</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the name of the early Buddhist school that contributed to the growth of Mahayana Buddhism?

    <p>Mahasamghika</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a result of the religious schism that occurred during the Second Buddhist Council?

    <p>Emergence of different Buddhist sects</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In addition to the Tripitaka, what types of texts does Mahayana Buddhism incorporate?

    <p>A broader range of philosophical and devotional texts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sect is known as the 'Sect of the Elders' in Mahayana Buddhism?

    <p>Sthavira nikaya</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What belief does Mahayana Buddhism hold about its teachings in comparison to the original Buddhist teachings?

    <p>It considers itself a more genuine version of Buddha’s teachings</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ultimate goal for believers in Pure Land Buddhism after death?

    <p>Living in the Pure Land of the West</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symbol represents the dharma in Mahayana Buddhism?

    <p>The eight-spoke wheel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What practice is emphasized in the intuitive sects of Buddhism for achieving enlightenment?

    <p>Personal insight and meditation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is the central figure in Pure Land Buddhism?

    <p>Amitabha</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of enlightenment does the rationalist sect of Buddhism prioritize?

    <p>Comprehensive understanding through study and contemplation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following does NOT play a significant role in the intuitive sects of Buddhism?

    <p>Rituals and symbols</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main teaching of T’ien-t’ai Buddhism?

    <p>Valuing study and contemplation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these practices is important in Pure Land sect to achieve rebirth in Sukhavati?

    <p>Reciting the name of Amitabha</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main teaching of Nichiren Buddhism regarding enlightenment?

    <p>It is accessible by opening one's inherent Buddha-nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is considered the best-known face of Tibetan Buddhism?

    <p>The Dalai Lama</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did the Dalai Lama flee to India due to Chinese occupation?

    <p>1959</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Nichiren Buddhism emphasize as essential for personal development?

    <p>Human revolution and self-responsibility.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historical figure is associated with the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet?

    <p>Songtsan Gampo</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event occurred from 1959 to 1977 affecting Tibetan Buddhism?

    <p>Elements of Tibetan Buddhism were largely obliterated.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What teaches that rebirth in Sukhavati is ensured by invoking Amitabha's name?

    <p>Pure Land schools</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What form of protest has been utilized by Buddhist monks in the twentieth century?

    <p>Ritual suicides.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What key concept describes the awareness of mortality and suffering in Buddhist teachings?

    <p>Dukkha</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which practice is not mentioned as a means to achieve the goal of enlightenment?

    <p>Modern technological advancements.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which historical figure is recognized as the founder of Mahayana Buddhism?

    <p>Gautama Buddha</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'Bodhisattva' signify in Buddhism?

    <p>Enlightened existence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Bodhisattva is recognized as the embodiment of wisdom and intelligence?

    <p>Manjushri</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the paramitas in Mahayana Buddhism designed to help practitioners achieve?

    <p>Crossing from the 'sea of suffering' to the 'shore of happiness'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following concepts is related to the transient and empty nature of existence in Buddhist philosophy?

    <p>Dharmas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about Sukhavati is correct?

    <p>It is described as joyous and prosperous.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many Bhumis must a Bodhisattva pass to attain Buddha-hood according to Mahayana tradition?

    <p>10</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the concept of trikaya in Mahayana Buddhism?

    <p>It denotes the three bodies of Buddha.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which Bodhisattva is specifically known as the 'Buddha of the Future' in Theravada Buddhism?

    <p>Maitreya</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of existence does the concept of karma address in Buddhist belief?

    <p>The binding effects of past actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of the first five paramitas in Mahayana Buddhism?

    <p>Accumulating merits</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following practices is commonly observed in Buddhist temples?

    <p>Chanting and praying to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristic does Avalokiteshvara personify in Buddhism?

    <p>Compassion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT one of the Bodhisattvas commonly recognized in Mahayana Buddhism?

    <p>Maravijaya</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Mahayana Buddhism

    • Also known as the "Great Vehicle"
    • One of two major Buddhist traditions
    • Originated in India between 150 BCE and 100 CE
    • Believed to be the more authentic version of Buddha's teachings
    • The beginnings date back to the 1st century BCE to the 1st century CE, with Nagarjuna's systematic philosophical articulation later forming the basis of Mahayana teachings.
    • Variations in Buddhism arose during the 3rd century BCE, coinciding with missionary efforts by the Mauryan king Ashoka
    • Mahasamghika, an early Buddhist school, was the source of the early growth of Mahayana Buddhism, especially during the "Second Buddhist Council."
    • A religious schism occurred between the Mahasamghika and Sthavira nikaya during the Second Buddhist Council.
    • This division resulted in a new form of Buddhism distinct from the Theravada teachings of Siddhartha
    • Mahayana Buddhism accepts the canonical texts of the Theravada school (including the Tripitaka)
    • Includes a wider range of philosophical and devotional texts, reflecting openness to changes and influences from indigenous cultures.

    Sacred Scriptures

    • Mahayana Buddhism accepts the Tripitaka
    • Includes a variety of philosophical and devotional texts.

    Lotus Sutra

    • One of the most prominent Mahayana Buddhist texts.
    • In Sanskrit, it's known as the "Sutra of the Lotus of the Wonderful Law."
    • Contains the Buddha's most complete teachings.
    • Shakyamuni expounds the ultimate truth of life.
    • Key message is that Buddhahood is inherent in all beings.

    Prajnaparamita

    • Known as the "Perfection of Wisdom Sutra."
    • Perfected way for seeing the nature of reality.
    • Incorporates a body of sutras with a focus on the concept of "Great Mother"
    • Combines Sanskrit words prajna ("wisdom") and paramita ("perfection").

    Heart Sutra

    • Discusses the doctrine of emptiness (Shunyata), central to reality.
    • Explains suffering as cyclic, arising due to mortality, action (karma), selfhood (skandhas), and transient reality (dharmas).

    Sukhavati

    • Also known as the "Pure Land of Bliss," it's a blissful realm in East Asian Mahayana.
    • Nirvana is achieved by invoking Amitabha's name at the hour of death.
    • Described as a joyous realm.

    Beliefs and Doctrines

    Siddhartha Gautama

    • Founded the historical Buddha of Mahayana Buddhism
    • Attained Enlightenment at the age of 35
    • Known as Gautama Buddha
    • Taught across India
    • Died at the age of 80

    Trikaya (Three Bodies)

    • A concept of the nature of Buddha in Mahayana Buddhism;
    • Dharmakaya: body of absolute truth, representing the ultimate nature of all beings.
    • Sambhogakaya: body that experiences the bliss of enlightenment
    • Nirmanakaya: body that manifests in the world, embodying the Dharmakaya in human form.

    Bodhisattva

    • Enlightened beings in Mahayana Buddhism who have put off reaching nirvana to help others attain enlightenment.
    • Spontaneous desire to achieve enlightenment is known as Bodhicitta.
    • Mahayana embraces different variations of Bodhisattvas across countries

    Worship and Observances

    • Buddhist practices involve rituals, prayers, and chants.
    • Worshippers offer vegetarian food and light incense to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, particularly in temples.
    • Symbols like lotus, dharma wheels, and mudras (hand gestures) hold importance.

    Subdivisions

    • Pure Land Buddhism: Originated in India, spread to East Asia. Centers on reaching a western paradise known as Sukhavati after death by reciting Amitabha's name.
    • Intuitive Sects: Emphasize personal enlightenment through meditation, not external guidance.
    • Rationalist Sect: Founded by Chih-I (Zhiyi) in 6th-century China. Emphasizes studying and contemplation to achieve spiritual enlightenment.
    • Socio-Political Sect: Developed in 13th-century Japan. Centers on devotion to the Lotus Sutra.
    • Tibetan Buddhism: Introduced to Tibet in the 7th century CE.

    Issues

    • Tibet: Centuries-long claims by China and India. Tibet enjoyed independence, but faced a failed uprising in 1959, resulting in the Dalai Lama's exile.
    • From 1959 to 1977, Tibet underwent persecution. The elements of Tibetan Buddhism were almost completely destroyed.

    Engaged Activism

    • Buddhist monks have engaged in ritualistic suicides to protest governmental actions.
    • These actions occurred in the 20th century.

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    Description

    Explore the fundamentals of Mahayana Buddhism, also known as the 'Great Vehicle.' This quiz covers its origins, key philosophical developments, and the schisms that differentiate it from Theravada Buddhism. Test your knowledge on this significant tradition within Buddhism!

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