Exploring Mahayana Buddhism: Meditation, Karma, and Rebirth

Mindfulness is a practice that involves different types of meditation aimed at being aware of the present moment without judgement. It helps increase understanding and decrease negativity, eventually leading to a state of not reacting and being calm.

Concentration in the context of meditation refers to the practice of focusing the mind on a single object, such as the breath or a picture, in order to develop unbroken attentiveness and tranquility of thought.

The basic types of meditations include mindfulness & concentration, samatha for calming or centering, and vispassana for gaining insight into reality. Yoga, pilates, aerobics, zumba, weightlifting, and crossfit are forms of physical exercise, not meditation practices.

Mahayana Buddhism emerged around -100BCE, reshaping the older way of Buddhism by offering new opportunities for both monks and lay people, and focusing on wisdom and compassion. It emphasized expansiveness and universality, allowing both monks and lay people to achieve liberation with less emphasis on historical and cultural aspects.

Mahayana Buddhism is characterized by its belief in expansiveness and universality, emphasizing the enlightenment of all beings and the vastness of compassion.

Soteriology specifically pertains to theories and beliefs surrounding liberation or salvation, rather than other concepts like reincarnation, astrology, or meditation.

Buddha in Buddhism represents the ultimate realization of the nature of reality and serves as an example for followers to emulate. The belief is not centered around miracles or material wealth, but rather spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Nirvana, Karma, and Meditation are important concepts in Buddhism, but they are not specifically considered key doctrines of Mahayana Buddhism.

Bodhicitta refers to the intention to follow the spiritual path for the benefit of all beings, taking a vow to save/liberate all beings, along with a personal sense of relief achieved through selflessness.

The Bodhisattva Ideal is the practice of compassionate conduct and altruism in Mahayana Buddhism, where individuals delay their own enlightenment to help all other sentient beings achieve liberation.

The correct virtues of perfections are Giving, Morality, Patience, Energy, Meditation, and Wisdom. The incorrect answers do not fit the description of Boddhisattva virtues.

Uppaya refers to 'Skills in means' or 'Expedient means', which is exemplified by the scenario of a father using deception to save his children from a burning house.

Shunyata or Emptiness teaches that all factors of existence lack intrinsic existence and nothing stands alone, rejecting the ideas of complete void, inherent essence, and the existence of ultimate truth.

The correct answer emphasizes the idea that emptiness and compassion are interconnected through the concept of 'inter-being' and mutual conditionality, highlighting the importance of recognizing the interdependence of all things.

Devotion in Buddhism is recognized as a skillful means to alleviate suffering and is not limited to specific individuals or considered the highest form of practice.

Buddha-nature refers to the belief that all beings have the potential to become enlightened, as they possess the essence of Buddha within them. It is not about achieving Buddhahood, but realizing and uncovering the inherent Buddha-nature that already exists in each individual.

The question asks about eternal Buddhas, not just any Buddhas or Bodhisattvas. The correct answers represent concepts that have always existed and are eternal in nature.

The term 'Scriptures (Sutras)' originally meant foundational texts, but can also refer to oral scriptures passed down orally through memorization. The term specifically relates to Buddhist teachings and the 'Word of the Buddha'.

Sutras are typically orally communicated, focusing on a specific topic in a particular time and place, directed towards a specific audience, following a traditional format of starting with 'This I have heard' and ending with 'I understand.' This format differentiates them from narratives, covers a specific topic rather than a wide range, and is intended for group discussion rather than individual study.

The rise of Mahayana Sutras was attributed to the belief that texts should be considered as the Buddha's word, revealing a wider set of doctrines and practices that were hidden until the world was ready. This development started around the 1st century BCE.

The Diamond Sutra is a well-known Mahayana sutra from the perfection of wisdom, considered very early in the Buddhist scripture. It is also notable for being the earliest complete survival of a dated printed book found in the deserts of Dunhuang, China.

The Lotus Sutra emphasizes the idea of one path leading to one goal, skillful means, the manifestation of the cosmic Buddha, and the belief that everyone will eventually be fully awakened. It is a devotional text that is quite popular in East Asia.

The Vimalakirti Sutra is known for its teachings that go against traditional norms and support lay practitioners in their spiritual journey. The correct answer highlights key aspects such as the appearance of Vimalakirti as a layman and the promotion of Chinese social values.