merit making

Question 1

why is merit making important in buddhism

Answer 1

• good rebirth
• enlightenment
• gaining good karmit merit
• all attained via good conduct –> 6P, 8FP, kusala/skillful means

Question 2

why is transferring/sharing merit important in buddhism

Answer 2

• generosity, caga
• better than mourning at funerals as it demonstrates non attachement to the merit and the person –> pure land buddhism
• M: bodhisattvas, help people become enlightened through transference –> coming back to teach

Question 3

what does punya/punna mean

Answer 3

merit

Question 4

what does Dana mean

Answer 4

giving
- perfect giving in the 6 perfections

Question 5

quotes on merit making

Answer 5

‘a beneficial and protective force which extends over a long period of time’ BJ Terwiel

‘the pursuit of merit is the buddhist way to develop a wise sense of self’ bhikkhu bodhi

‘cultivate wholesome actions, to purify one’s mind’ the dhammapada

Question 6

ways to make merit

Answer 6

• meditation
• arms round, lay buddhists
• group merit making
• following ethical systems
• can give non material things –> time dedication

Question 7

intentions/benefits for making merit

Answer 7

• performing a good selfless action, rejecting 3 fires
• karma, accruing karmic merit
• 8 fold path
• better rebirth
• M: enlightenment for all not just sangha
• generosity, acts of self sacrifice
• CANNOT GIVE PURELY TO GAIN KARMIC MERIT

Question 8

how much merit do u receieve dependent on ur good action’s RECIPIENT

Answer 8

1. arhat/monastic sangha
2. mink/nun on arhat path (monk>nun)
3. buddhist who has taken precpts
4. not spiritually advanced
5. immoral people

• interdependence between L + S: monks give back spiritually when laity support them
• immoral people last as they do not give back spiritually (could argue they need it more)
• should not expect a thankyou as it giver does not give the blessing to the recipient

Question 9

importance of transference of merit

Answer 9

• M: bodhisat, releases merit to devotee
• paul williams: path to another power

Question 10

what is meditation

Answer 10

an altered state of conciousness induced in a controlled manner
- benefits are cumulative and sustained

Question 11

what is bhavana

Answer 11

mental development

Question 12

what is brahma viharas

Answer 12

4 sublime/divine states

Question 13

samatha meditation

Answer 13

calming meditation
- involves calming the mind and developing deeper concentration

Question 14

what is vipassana meditation

Answer 14

• insight meditation
• developing understanding of the nature of reality

Question 15

what is zazen

Answer 15

• zen b
• awareness of present moment

Question 16

why is meditation important in buddhism

Answer 16

• the buddha gained enlightenment during meditation –> all schools see it as the high road to nirvana
• one can gain a greater awareness and understanding of the buddhas teachings
• experential part of B as a religion
• comprehensive ‘tune up’ for peak mental functioning –> increases concentration, senses pf calm and stillness increases
• removes mental static and reduce mental chatter which dissipates psychic energy
• practiced at all levels, most important for L and S
• magical powers gained: B could fly etc –> clairvoyance, knowing others thoughts, recollection of past lives

Question 17

what is samatha meditation

Answer 17

• Therav
• develop calm and positive emotion
• tranquil settled restful mind
• mindfulness of breath –> focus of meditation
• calm and concentraed mind prepares for developing wisdom and understanding the nature of reality –> prep for V med
• focus on one neutral simple object/process –> sole focus
• pursued to reach 4 jhanas

Question 18

what are the 4 jhanas

Answer 18

• detatchment and clarity
• stillness and joy
• rarified joy
• clear calm conciousness

Question 19

what is vipassana med

Answer 19

• Therav
• inderstanding and wisdom, insightful
• penetrate and gain insight into the nature of reality –> reflection on 3 MOS and how they characterise all things
• everything can be explored objectively (eg body, then attractiveness and how to become less attatched to feeling attractive)
• can switch attention
• makes meditation on a core part of the 8FP –> complete understanding and enlightenment

Question 20

what is zazen

Answer 20

• zen Bud in japan
• seated med
• intended to lead to a deeper understanding of the nature of existence
• meditator focuses on the present moment and tries to remain thoughts there

Question 21

meditation as a form of therapy

Answer 21

• cleanse the mind of troubles –> sense of peace and tranquility
• use in prisons to help them reflect on their actions –> ask for forgiveness and give them the strength to change and begin a new life
• elimination from 3 fires to reduce suffering –> detach from emotion
• mental cultivation: can see nature of mind beyond thoughts and emotions, to achieve highest wisdom, compassion, and peace are attained

Question 22

scientific discovery with meditation

Answer 22

improvement in health
- harvard med school: meditation activates sections of the brain in charge of the automatic nervous system, governing bodily functions we cannot control like digestion and blood pressure
- new scientist journal: in left pre frontal lobe, positive emotions and good moods

Question 23

theravadin devotion

Answer 23

• offerings of candles, flowers and rosaries/incense
• laity not expected to meditate/know the sciptures
• gain merit by supporting sangha and living life of reverence + devotion
• expressed through worship and ethical living

Question 24

mahayanan devotion

Answer 24

• emphasis on mantras + chanting –> tibetan
• elaborate worship
• halls for shak B in viharas
• more emphasis on rituals than T, rituals for deceased
• surangama sutra–> practice manual for spiritual enlightenment
• tells M how to move through each meditation towards one that leads to nirvana

Question 25

vispani and modern mindfulness

Answer 25

- western mindfulness: not spreading dharma --> profound understanding of samsaric condition reduced to self help - dharma and dukkha a intertwined --> no matter the form dukkha takes in society - mental issues in 21st century