Starter quiz
- Match each keyword to the correct definition.
- enlightenment⇔a state of wisdom that enables total clarity and understanding ✓
- Arhat (Arahant)⇔a perfected person who has reached enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism ✓
- Bodhisattva⇔an enlightened being in Mahayana Buddhism who remains to help others ✓
- human destiny⇔the path a Buddhist will take to achieve enlightenment ✓
- What does the word ‘Mahayana’ mean?
- 'great vehicle' ✓
- 'path to peace'
- 'cycle of rebirth'
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- What is the goal of an Arhat in Theravada Buddhism?
- to help others achieve enlightenment
- to be reborn in a Pure Land
- to escape samsara and reach enlightenment ✓
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- What is the key difference between an Arhat and a Bodhisattva?
- a Bodhisattva chooses to remain in samsara to help others ✓
- an Arhat follows the Eightfold Path while a Bodhisattva does not
- a Bodhisattva achieves enlightenment faster than an Arhat
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- Which Buddhist tradition places more emphasis on the Bodhisattva path?
- Theravada
- Mahayana ✓
- Zen
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- Which of the following is not a characteristic of an Arhat?
- removing all craving and desire
- following the Eightfold Path
- remaining in samsara to help others ✓
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Exit quiz
- What do Pure Land Buddhists believe the Pure Land is free from?
- suffering and distractions ✓
- rules and teachings
- rebirth and kamma
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- According to Pure Land Buddhism, what is a key way for Buddhists to be reborn in the Pure Land?
- following the Eightfold Path
- practising nembutsu ✓
- meditating for hours each day
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- What is the name of the vow in which Amitabha promises that those who call on him will be reborn in his Pure Land?
- the 18th Vow ✓
- the first Noble Truth
- the Fourfold Path
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- Why do Pure Land Buddhists want to be reborn in the Pure Land?
- it is a place of enjoyment and happiness
- they believe it makes enlightenment easier to attain ✓
- it guarantees them a better rebirth in their next life
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- Amitabha Buddha made a vow that anyone who recites his name with faith will be ______ in his Pure Land.
- 'reborn' ✓
- Pure Land Buddhists believe that Sukhavati is a place of ______ where they wish to be reborn.
- 'paradise' ✓
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Pure Land Buddhism follows the teaching of Amitabha (Amida) Buddha.
- Amitabha (Amida) Buddha features in Mahayana texts.
- He was a king who achieved enlightenment and created a kingdom free from suffering (a pure land).
- A goal of Pure Land Buddhists is to be reborn here.
- Alongside other Buddhist teachings, Pure Land Buddhists follow Amitabha (Amida) as a role model.
Common misconception
The Pure Land is nibbana (nirvana).
Some Pure Land Buddhists may believe this, while others believe it is a place to be reborn. The Pure Land is a land free from suffering and distractions, making it a more accessible place to attain enlightenment and achieve Buddhahood.
Keywords
Amitabha (amida) - the Buddha worshipped by Pure Land Buddhists
Pure land - a form of Mahayana Buddhism, based on a belief in Amitabha Buddha
Sukhavati - a place of paradise where Pure Land Buddhists wish to be reborn and the place where Amitabha Buddha resides
Buddhahood - reaching enlightenment
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