Introduction to Buddhism

Study Guide for Your Final Exam on Dec 6th.

Key terms:

All the terms in red in the lecture notes on my WebPage.

Questions:

  1. List at least three main differences between western religion(s) and Buddhism.
  2. What are the differences and similarities between early Indian thinkers and the Buddhism?
  3. What are Buddha's contributions?
  4. What are the characteristics of Buddhist cosmology?
  5. How does Tibetan Buddhism understand the death (explain sky bury)?
  6. Explain the doctrine of No-soul in Buddhism.
  7. Explain the theory of relativity in Buddhism and compare it with that in Daoism.
  8. What are the Four Noble Truths and The Five Aggregates?
  9. List the difference between Theravada and Mahayana.
  10. What are the similarities between Daoism and Buddhism.
  11. Explain Wu-wei in Daoism

    12. 12. Explain Confucius’ "filial piety"

  12. Describe the relationship between Chinese Emperors and Buddhism.
  13. What are Chan doctrines?
  14. What are the learning methods of Chan?
  15. Explain the doctrine of Tun wu/Satori in Zen.
  16. Who are Bodhidharma, Hui-ko/Hui-ke and Hui-neng? Are there any relations among them?
  17. What are the two important Japanese Zen Schools?
  18. Explain Zen Principles and practice.
  19. What are the differences between Zen and fatalism.
  20. How does Zen Buddhism argue against dualism?
  21. What are the differences between Zen arts and regular paintings?
  22. Why does the open spaces play an important role in Zen arts?
  23. Explain the understanding of Time in Zen