Lesson 1 The Mystery of Living ?

1. What is it we have in common with Albert ? ( Albert is just an ordinary man on the street)

2. What are some of the things people cling to in their search for happiness ?

3. Underline the statements below that are correct.

We can always be happy with money and property.
We can always depend on others for support.
Disappointments are common to all.
True peace lies within us.

4. What makes a person become infatuated with things ?

5. Everything in the universe, from the largest to the smallest, is in the state of _______ .

Because everything rises and falls, clinging to them will only result in ________.

6. Things which please the senses, a man pursues for more and gets attached to them. He tries to own them in order to increase his egoistic feelings of “ _____” ,
“ _____ “ and “ _______”.

7. Why is a person’s wealth and property not really his ?

8. Where can true happiness be found ?

9. Just as mighty ocean is one flavour, the flavour of _________ , even so, this Dhamma is one flavour, the flavour of ____________ .

10. Do you want a rock to build your life upon ?

Lesson 2 What Buddhism Is Not ?

1. What are the disadvantages of a prejudiced mind ?
Do you always give yourself a chance to study new things ?

2. What motive was directing the spread of Buddhism ?

3. Who said Buddhism is the most perfect religion ? Whose comments about Buddhism among the five quotations impresses you most. Why ?

4. Buddhism is able to spread through peaceful means owing to ____________ .

5. Mere belief is replaced by _______ because ________ and _________ are needed to walk the path.

6. What does the image of the Buddha represent ? Explain the significance of some Buddhist devotional practices. What is a more meaningful way to pay homage to the Master ?

7. What takes the place of prayer ? Can recital of religious books and prayers bring salvation ?

8. Name the seven things Buddhism is not.

9. Is Buddhism pessimistic ? Why do you say so ?

10. Do you have misconceptions about Buddhism before taking this course ? Realising that Buddhism is based on understanding and compassion, a Buddhist does not force conversion on others. He only seeks to help another lead a good, noble and purposeful life. What have you learnt from this lesson which you find to be helpful ?

Lesson 3 What Buddhism Is ?

1. Why should a person question something which is doubtful ?

2. What should a person do before accepting or rejecting an idea or a belief ?

3. What are some similarities and difference between Buddhism and science ?

4. Grief and anxiety spring from _________. What are some wrong beliefs concerning the causes of suffering ?

5. What is meant by ‘You yourself must walk the path ‘?

6. Why is the faith or confidence a Buddhist has on the Buddha Dhamma not considered ‘blind faith’ ?

7. What is meant by chi-passiko or ‘come and see’ ?

8. How can a person always be close to the Buddha ?

9. The two most important qualities a person must develop for purification are ________ and ________ .

10. Give in point form why you think Buddhist appeals to a rational and well-informed man ?

Lesson 4 The Triple Gem

1. What does the Triple Gem refer to ? How has the Triple Gem benefited mankind ?

2. For what reason(s) does a devotee take refuge in the Triple Gem ?

3. Fill in the blanks.

“A unique being, an extraordinary man arises in this world for the ______ and _______ of the many, out of ________ for the world, for the good, benefit and happiness of gods and men. Who is this Unique Being ? It is the Tathgatha, the Exalted, ___________ .

4. What were the three sights Prince Siddhattha saw that shocked him into reality ?

What was the fourth sight and how was he influenced by it ?

5. Why did Prince Siddhatha renounced the security of home and all he had in exchange for the unknown ?

6. In his quest for truth, he found that the two extremes were to be avoided. What were they ?

7. What was the name of his first sermon and to whom did he preach ?

8. During his 45 years of ministry, he had devoted his energies towards preaching the Dhamma in order to _______ .

9. Why do we discredit the attachment of the Budhha if we make him into one of the gods ?

10. What can we learn from the life of the Buddha ?

Lesson 5 The Triple Gem – Dhamma and Sangha

1. What do we mean by the term ‘Dhamma’ and ‘Sangha’ ?

2. What do we call the lay devotees of the Budhha ?

3. Besides understanding the Dhamma, it has been a practice of every Buddhist to do two things. What are they ?

4. What are the Buddhist sculptures called ? Name each of the collections.

5. Give in point form why you think Buddhism can meet the challenges of scientific knowledge ?

6. What are the three Characteristics of Life ? Do these characteristics apply to all things and all forms of life ?

7. Buddhism is not a pessimistic religion. Why ?

8. Can we become good Buddhists while still leading the life of a layman ?

9. How do monks contribute to society ?

10. Perfecting oneself is not selfishness. Give two reasons to support this statement.

Lesson 6 The Timeless Truth

1. Have you ever visited the hospital or the orthopaedic ward ? We like to thank that life is rosy, but there is the other side of the coin too, isn’t there ?

2. What approach does Buddhism adopt that had made it timeless and universal ?

3. What principles form the heart of Buddhism ? List them out.

4. What do you understand by the Pali word “Dakkha” ?

5. Has it ever occur to you that at the moment you are happy, many others elsewhere are suffering ? If we take a realistic view of the world, we are forced to recognise that it contains more sorrow than joy.

6. What is the cause and end of suffering ?

7. What do we mean by the five aggregates of attachment ?

8. What is the Buddhist goal ? How can we achieve it ?

9. Though like is dukkha, can a true Buddhist be happy instead of melancholic ?

10. How much each of us face and solve our problems ?

Lesson 7 The Ageless Truth

1. For what reason was Professor Rhys Davids contented to shape his life according to the Eightfold Path ?

2. In what ways are we linked to every form of life ?

3. How can a person maintain right speech ?

4. What actions would we consider right action ?

5. What are the occupations a good Buddhist should try to avoid ?

6. What are the factors considered under Sila ?

7. Why it is important for us to develop right mindfulness ?

8. What do you understand by right concentration ?

9. What are some realizations that are considered right understanding ?

10. How can we apply the Eightfold Path into our lives ?

Lesson 8 Good Seeds and Reap the Harvest

1. If a deed is performed unintentionally, does it give rise to results ?
Why is there no law-giver to the law of Kamma ?

2. What is difference between Kamma and Vipaka ?

3. From the jingle given, what are the things that cause the shaping of a destiny ? Can you see now why it is important to be mindful of our thoughts ?

4. In what way(s) is Kamma similar to a savings account, and in what way(s) is it different ?

5. What is purpose of performing meritorious actions and how does a person benefit from his performance ?

6. What are the rich fields of merits ?

7. What are some of the things we can do as to increase our store of merits ?

8. Not everything is due to Kamma. Give two reasons supporting this statement.

9. What can the strong aspiration for Nibbana lead to in relation to craving ?

10. Explain in your own words what you understand by the word ‘Kamma’. Why do you think this concept is important ?

Lesson 9 More Lives Than One

1. Is the belief of rebirth confined only to Buddhism and Hinduism ? Why do you say so ?

2. Give reasons why the doctrine of rebirth seems more reasonable than the believe in only life after death ?

3. What is the Buddhist view on life and death ?

4. What are some of the ways experiences of the past lives could be remembered ?

5. To a Buddhist , who is considered the greatest authority on rebirth and why ?

6. What is the major difference between the doctrine of rebirth and the belief of reincarnation ?

7. Has the man in this life to suffer for the actions he performed in his past years ?

8. What are the similarities and differences between the heavens and hells taught in Buddhism with that taught in other religions ?

9. Why is suicide wrong in Buddhism ?

10. In your opinion, what are the three strongest reasons that support the doctrine of rebirth.

Lesson 10 The Unlosable Treasure Store ( Part I ) Dana ( Generosity )

1. What are the three meritorious deeds every person should perform ?

2. What are some of the things a person can give to others ?

3. With the flame of age and death in the world, how do we save our goods ?

4. Give some of the reasons why some people are reluctant to give ?

5. What are the five blessings a generous person who gives alms gets ?

6. How is true generosity performed ?

7. Why is the one who exploits the generosity of others really at the losing end ?

8. Besides giving something away, there are two other ways we can perform dana. What are they ?

9. Why is the gift of Truth considered to be the highest gift ?

10. What can the gift of Dhamma do ?

Lesson 11 The Unlosable Treasure Store ( Part II ) Sila and Bhavana

1. What does a person benefit for the practice of the Five Precepts ?

2. What are the things the practice of the Five Precepts seek control and develop ?
List them in order.

3. As a result of our imperfections, we sometimes find it difficult to observe the precepts perfectly. Name two precepts you consider difficult to observe perfectly and why do you say so ?

4. When a person is faced with the problem of choosing whether or not to break the precepts, what must he do ?

5. What is the purpose of observing the Eight Precepts and when are they normally observed ?

6. In what way do the Buddhist ethics differ from other morals and ethics ?

7. How does the practice of Bhavana help one to grow spiritually ?

8. What are the three stages of transformation in Bhavana ?

9. Why is Bhavana considered central in the practice of Buddhism ? What is the Buddha’s message in this doctrine ?

10. Trace the processes how a person can build a treasury of merits and work his way to Nibbana.

Lesson 12 Buddhist Living

1. How does one become a lay follower of the Buddha ?

2. What should a lay Buddhist do daily ?

3. How can a child repay his great debt to his parents ?

4. How should husband and wife conduct themselves in order to create an Ideal Buddhist home ?

5. What are some of the ways to use one’s wealth and what are some the activities to avoid ?

6. What are the qualities of a true friend ?

7. What are the four factors which give rise to happiness in this world ?

8. What are the four factors which give rise to happiness thereafter ?

9. What do we practise to remove anger, cruelty, jealousy and discrimination ?

10. From all you have learned, what do you think are the main essence in Buddhist living ?

35 Conclusion

In Buddhism, a person’s first duty is mental purification. To cleanse ourself of the mental defilements of greed, hatred and delusion. The uproot of these mental defilements will bring great benefits to others in the society as well as to oneself.

As we practise the Noble Eightfold Path, our experiences tell us that it does lead to a lessening of desires and an increase of happiness and contentment.

We can gain happiness and in the future by performing the three highly meritorious activities. They are Dana (generosity), Sila (morality) and Bhavana (mental culture).

By performing the Ten Meritorious Deeds which will purify and cleanse our mind which also benefits ourselves and also brings good advantage to others.

Embracing the Dhamma, (Buddha’s Teachings) and Sangha as offering security and happiness. This is done by taking refuge in the Triple Gem so as they free ourselves from Samsara and freedom from suffering.

Faith is important as it imparts a self-confidence, strength and fearlessness that makes us see everything as of secondary importance of the Dhamma.

Wisdom therefore gained by the development of the qualities of mind.

A Buddhist should avoid becoming attached to a living world of desires, instead of becoming greedily in possession of things.

The sharing of some of one’s wealth for the needs of the community, nation and devote some to the needs of the religious teachers, the building of religious structures and the welfare of people.

One should lend a balanced life and live within one’s means, being neither too extravagant nor to stingy. We live according to Buddhist’s principles by following the Five Precepts for good behaviour. Respects the Buddha’s teachings by following the Way taught by Buddha, one can experience peace and harmony.

A just and equitable society offers the maximum opportunities for humans to be happy and to develop spiritually. If such a society is to develop, ethics must be applied to the relationships humans develop with each other as much as they do to individual behaviour. We begin to treat our fellows with love, justice and equality and thus what we can call the ethics of relationships is an essential part of the Buddhist living.

Apart from the religious practising of the Noble Eightfold Path, it is essential for every Buddhist to do the  Nava Puja – the devotional practices of a meaningful ceremony meant to help strengthen and give expression to our faith and to remind us daily of our commitment to the Triple Gem (Ti-ratana).

The Buddha image is given the highest seat of a Buddhist home. A Buddhist treats the Buddha image with reverence as he would the Buddha himself. Having cleaned ourselves in the morning and offer flowers, lighted candles and burning of incense sticks in the evening. We remind ourselves of the importance of virtue and aspire to become more virtuous as we offer incense.

We bow three times, a representation of the Buddha, such a gesture being an outward expression of our inward feeling of reverence, respect and gratitude. The first bow to the Buddha, the second bow to the Dhamma and the third bow to the Sangha. Beginning and ending the day with expressions of confidence and reverence for the Triple Gem, helps one to maintain calmness and happiness through the day.

By observing the Five Precepts, with the exception of the Eight Precepts, at all times in daily life so as to build up a consistency moral character.

Culturing the mind by constant practising of meditation to our own spiritual growth and for a radical change of our very being, leading ultimately to the supreme realization of Enlightenment itself.

To conclude, none of us can avoid death and if we are free from the vicious cycle of death and its paradoxical nature of suffering, of happiness and sadness, youth and ageing, healthiness and sickness, pain and death, all because we are so attached to the existence in the first place.

The Buddha urged us to prepare for death, to prepare for that journey by cleansing the mind and not being so attached to things, to be able to let go and release ourselves for needing to us, from needing to have.

Through this we will not suffer so much as we pass through the final stage of the present life, we can let go, be grateful for what we had but not clutch to it, not try to ensure permanency and cause ourselves to suffer more than we need to. This way we can end the cycle and leave forever, obtaining nirvana and release from the cycle of death and rebirth.

The ultimate goal of the Buddhist life and practice is Nirvana, which is sometimes described as the complete destruction of greed, hatred and delusion.

We finally work our way by attaining the freedom and happiness of Nirvana.

Thank you very much for your interests in completing all the lessons “All About Buddhism.”

Hope that you will put into practice the knowledge you have gained. After all, Buddhism has the spirit of thought and investigation. The Dhamma has increased your understanding in relation to yourself and to others around you; how it leads to joy and lightness of your heart.

Finally, would like to wish you joy and friendliness as you walk your Path. May you make progress in your insight and may you be liberated from the Samsaric cycle !

36 The Merits

The Merits of Producing Buddhist Teachings and Buddha Images.

1. One’s light karmic misgivings will dissolve, while heavy ones lighten.

2.One will be protected by devas, and be unharmed by natural and man-made disasters.

3. One will always be free from the suffering of hatred and vengeance.

4. One will be unharmed by yaksas, evil spirits and wild beasts.

5. One’s mind will be at peace, free from harm and nightmares.

6. One’s complexion will be radiant.

7. One will be full of auspicious energy.

8. One who practises the Dharma wholeheartedly will have adequate living necessities. 

9. One’s family will be harmonious and be blessed with fortune and wisdom.

10. One who practises what one preaches will be respected and loved by all.

11. One who is dull-minded will gain wisdom.

12. One who is ill will gain health.

13. One who is poor will gain wealth.

14. One will be free of being reborn in the negative realms.

15. One will be able to help others grow in wisdom and gain great merits in doing so. 

16. One will always be able to learn the Dharma, till one’s wisdom and spiritual penetrations are fully grown and one becomes a Buddha.

Dedication of Merits

May the merits of this Dhamma giving be dedicated to Dhamma masters, teachers and parents.

Through the merit created by preparing, learning, and sharing this Dhamma Teachings with other, may all Teachers of Dhamma live long and healthy lives.

May the Sacred Dhamma and Dhamma activities constantly flourish and spread throughout the infinite reaches of space.

May all sentient beings quickly come to know the Triple Jewels, actualize their wisdom and swiftly attain realization of their Buddha nature.

May the world enjoy peace and freedom from sufferings and turmoil.

May there be no war, no natural disaster or unhappiness, may there be only great prosperity.

May all beings be guided by only perfectly qualified Dhamma teachers, enjoy the happiness of Dhamma, have love and compassion for all sentiment beings, and may all sentiment beings quickly attain enlightenment.

Verse of Transference

May the merit and virtue received from this work,

Adore the Buddhas' Pure Lands;

Repaying four kinds of kindness above,

And aiding those suffering in the paths below.

May those who see and hear of this,

All bring forth resolve for Bodhi,

And when this retribution body is over

Be born together in Ultimate Bliss.

Care of Dhamma Books

Dhamma books should be treated with respect – keep off from the floor and places where people sit or walk – and not step over them.

They should be covered or protected for transporting and kept in a high, clean place separate from “mundane” materials.

Other objects and materials should not be placed on top of Dhamma books.

Licking the fingers to turn pages is considered bad and created negative kamma.

If it is necessary to dispose of Dhamma materials, they should be burned rather than thrown in the trash. Before burning them, first recite OM AH HUM. Then visualize the words of the texts absorbing into the AH, and that absorbing into you.

These considerations may also be kept in mind of Dhamma artwork, as well as the written teachings and artwork of other religions.

37 Disclaimer

The information or contents contained herewith may be used for your intended personal use.

It is neither confidential nor copyright. Any dissemination, distribution or copying of the information contained herewith is exercised at your own discretion.

The use of any part of this publication reproduced, transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, or stored in a retrieval system, do not need the consent of the publisher or writer and is not an infringement of the copyright law.

Hereby not held liable for any misled of knowledge, beliefs, facts, for any consequences arising from the use of this information.

Truly respect an individual or a group of their own beliefs with no discrimination held.

The End

1997.03.25