Buddhism

Buddhists see the Lord Buddha as an enlightened human being. This is very important, for it indicates that all humans are able, through Buddhism, to achieve the same enlightenment. A Buddha is a person who is 'deep, immeasurable, and hard to follow as is the great ocean' (Majjhima Nikaya 1.487). As a Buddha he is capable of seeing the past lives of all whom he meets and can see all of his own past lives. He is called the Lord Buddha because he was the one who re- awakened the Dharma for this present age. He is the best role model for Buddhists and is the one who has given humans the means to achieve enlightenment, the Dharma. His central teachings are known as the Four Noble Truths containing the Eightfold Path of Perfection. He is also the founder of the Sangha, understood as both the monastic communities and the universal community of all Buddhists. The Dharma is, first, the teachings of the Lord Buddha. It is the means by which he instructed his followers on the correct spiritual journey towards enlightenment and nirvana. It contains the description of the human condition (anatma, anicca and dukkha) and the way of overcoming this condition (the Four Noble Truths). The Lord Buddha is the Dharma in that his life and message indicate that the truth is attainable. Second, the Dharma is found within the sacred texts, primarily in the Tripitaka but also in the Suttas of Mahayana and texts accepted by Vajrayana Buddhism. The Dharma, however, cannot be contained only within the texts, for it is, third, the very laws of the universe. It is that which orders all things in the phenomenal world and has for its basis nirvana. Finally, the Dharma is the lived experience of Buddhism throughout the ages. The lives of holy men and women, the progress of the ordinary Buddhist, and the Sangha all indicate the Dharma. The Sangha is the universal community of Buddhists. It was founded by the Lord Buddha after his companions accepted the truth of his first sermon at Sanath (Benares). It is the oldest institute in history. Members of the Sangha observed the rules laid down in the Vinaya. The monks and nuns observe five precepts more than the nromal person is expected to observe. These are that no food is to be consumed after midday, that monks and nuns must avoid the distraction of entertainments or military parades, that they are not to sleep on high beds, that they are not to handle gold or silver (money), and that they are to dress according to the code of the monastery, which does not allow the use of any items of vanity such as jewellery or cosmetics. A further rule states that monks and nuns may not eat meat that has been killed for that purpose

define The Three Jewels - Buddha - Dharma - Sangha

The Sangha initially consisted of the close companions of the Lord Buddha, who received his instructions as to how to live and develop in the spiritual life. From these teachings arose the Vinaya (the code or set of rules for Bhikkus, monks). For many years the Lord Buddha refused to allow women to enter into this spiritual community by becoming Bhikkunis, nuns. After persistent requests, however, his foster mother, Mahapajapati, finally was given permission to establish the Sangha for women. This was of great significance in that it indicated that higher levels of the spiritual life were accessible to both men and women. Like the Lord Buddha, his early companions were wandering beggars. During the dry season they would travel through villages and cities giving instruction and receiving donations of food from the people. In the rainy season they would retire to the forest to live simply and use the time for meditation and study of the Dharma. The Buddha urged his followers to meet regularly so that all could agree on the correct understanding of his teachings and on the correct way of life for a monk. If there were disagreements the monks could vote and the majority vote would decide the disagreement.

describe the early formation of the Sangha within the first five years, including Mahapajapati's request for a female Sangha

death can influence the quality of our next rebirth. The text is therefore of great importance in achieving this new 'virtuous' karmic state. It is a book which guides people through dying and instructs them about what can be done in the immediate state after dying (bardo). The tripitaka illustrates Buddhist mantra, 'Om mani padme hum', and predicts the coming of 'Maitreya' (Skt. "Loving One"), the Buddha-to-be who waits to spread at some time in the future to help any who have not yet realised enlightenment. Besides the sutras, the Mahayana canon contains many shastras, treatises that interpret and comment on the philosophical statements contained in the sutras.

examine extracts from the Tripitaka, the Lotus of the Good Law and the Tibetan Book of the Dead which demonstrate the principal beliefs of Buddhism

Anicca is the knowledge that there is no thing that does not undergo change. Every aspect of life and the universe is impermanent. This universal law of change leads to one of Buddhism's most unique teachings: anatma. Failure to recognise that there is no permanent self and that all things change brings about the third condition. Dukkha is the suffering that humans feel because they cling to the deceit of the unchanging self and the idea that certain things will bring them unchanging happiness. But since all things change there is nothing that can guarantee such a permanent state of happiness. Anatma is the teaching that there is no permanent self. Humans do not possess a soul that gives them a permanent identity. The human consists of various parts (skandras) that themselves are ever changing. The only thing that survives the death of a person is karma, the consequence of all intentional acts. Because there is no permanent self that does not change, Buddhists argue that Buddhism is the only religious tradition that needs an ethical system. For if there were a permanent, unchanging soul then no act could affect it.

examine the beliefs of - Anicca - Duhkka - Anatta

1. To abstain from killing sentient life forms. 2. Never to take what is not given. 3. Never to harm anyone through sensual pleasures. 4. To avoid harming anyone through speech. 5. To avoid all mind-changing substances. Each of the Five Precepts produces its own virtues. The first brings about compassion, the second generosity, the third contentment and genuine companionship, the fourth honesty, and the fifth clarity and awareness. The first precept makes unjustified the killing of any sentient life form. Sentient life forms are all creatures that possess senses and respond to the environment in which they live. Sentience indicates that there is the presence of karmic forces and a creature should be allowed to develop these forces during its life so that the karmic forces may be reborn into a better life form. The third precept simply states that a person cannot do harm to himself or to others through sensual pleasure or sex. In Buddhism any sexual act that is harmful directly to another (for example, rape) can never be permitted. But any act that may scandalise another is also to be avoided. Because a Buddhist wishes to attain enlightenment that is a pure understanding of the truth, any act that deliberately entails falsehood must be avoided. Finally, in order to develop the spiritual path, clarity of mind is of great significance. Any substance that clouds the mind or changes it from its function of gaining wisdom is to be avoided. Alcohol and mind-changing drugs that are used outside of medical advice will produce less opportunity for improving a person's ethical life (sila)—and in fact may ruin that person's life—and will also affect the development of the practice of meditation (samadhi).

name the five precepts and briefly give the ethical teaching they contain.

India in the sixth century BCE was a country consisting of many tribes and a diversity of cultures. Its religious tradition was that of the Vedas (ancient books containing the teachings and ritual expectations of the Brahmins) and the new Upanishads (philosophical works that taught the close relationship between the atman [soul] and the source of the universe, Brahman). It was a country divided into three classes: the Brahmins (priests), the Kshatriyas (knights) and the Vaishyas (skilled workers).The Hindu religion was based largely on animal sacrifices performed by the Brahmins. Adherents believed that through puja (ritual/devotion) at home and in the temple, along with discipline of the body and mind, they could increase good karma (the development of their atman) to achieve moksha (release from samsara [the cycle of rebirths] and the return of the atman to Brahman).

outline the context in which buddhism began

The goal for all Buddhists is to reach nirvana. This is not a place of eternal happiness like heaven or paradise, nor is it a reward for a good life. It is the realisation that all known objects and what appear to be individual experiences are illusions. There is nothing but nirvana. Having grasped this reality, the Buddhist enters into an extraordinary path towards attaining nirvana. That person will live a purer ethical life (sila) and practise higher levels of meditation (jhanas), gaining clearer understanding that all things are no thing (prajna). When all objectification has ceased (and this includes the dismissal of nirvana as a desirable object) then that person is what he has always been—nirvana.

outline the importance of nirvana in buddhism

The Five Precepts The most commonly held set of ethical rules are known as the Five Precepts: 1. To abstain from killing sentient life forms. 2. Never to take what is not given. 3. Never to harm anyone through sensual pleasures. 4. To avoid harming anyone through speech. 5. To avoid all mind-changing substances. Each of the Five Precepts produces its own virtues. The first brings about compassion, the second generosity, the third contentment and genuine companionship, the fourth honesty, and the fifth clarity and awareness. The first precept makes unjustified the killing of any sentient life form. Sentient life forms are all creatures that possess senses and respond to the environment in which they live. Sentience indicates that there is the presence of karmic forces and a creature should be allowed to develop these forces during its life so that the karmic forces may be reborn into a better life form. The first precept makes unjustified the killing of any sentient life form. Sentient life forms are all creatures that possess senses and respond to the environment in which they live. Sentience indicates that there is the presence of karmic forces and a creature should be allowed to develop these forces during its life so that the karmic forces may be reborn into a better life form. The third precept simply states that a person cannot do harm to himself or to others through sensual pleasure or sex. In Buddhism any sexual act that is harmful directly to another (for example, rape) can never be permitted. But any act that may scandalise another is also to be avoided. Because a Buddhist wishes to attain enlightenment that is a pure understanding of the truth, any act that deliberately entails falsehood must be avoided. Finally, in order to develop the spiritual path, clarity of mind is of great significance. Any substance that clouds the mind or changes it from its function of gaining wisdom is to be avoided. Alcohol and mind-changing drugs that are used outside of medical advice will produce less opportunity for improving a person's ethical life (sila)—and in fact may ruin that person's life—and will also affect the development of the practice of meditation (samadhi). The Vinaya Pitaka is the first collection found in the Tripitaka. It outlines the rules for monks within the monastery. It covers their dress, behaviour and diet and provides further rules about the punishments a monk will receive if he is found to have broken any of the rules. It also addresses the right under- standing of the teachings of the Lord Buddha. Among its many rules are five further instructions of importance for the monks: 1. They are not to eat after midday. 2. They may not attend any distracting entertainments or military parades. 3. They may not sleep on high beds. 4. They may not handle silver or gold (money). 5. They may not use cosmetics or jewellery.

outline the principal ethical teachings of buddhism

1) To undertake the training to avoid taking the life of beings. This precept applies to all living beings not just humans. All beings have a right to their lives and that right should be respected. 2) To undertake the training to avoid taking things not given. This precept goes further than mere stealing. One should avoid taking anything unless one can be sure that is intended that it is for you. 3) To undertake the training to avoid sensual misconduct. This precept is often mistranslated or misinterpreted as relating only to sexual misconduct but it covers any overindulgence in any sensual pleasure such as gluttony as well as misconduct of a sexual nature. 4) To undertake the training to refrain from false speech. As well as avoiding lying and deceiving, this precept covers slander as well as speech which is not beneficial to the welfare of others. 5) To undertake the training to abstain from substances which cause intoxication and heedlessness. This precept is in a special category as it does not infer any intrinsic evil in, say, alcohol itself but indulgence in such a substance could be the cause of breaking the other four precepts. These are the basic precepts expected as a day to day training of any lay Buddhist. On special holy days, many Buddhists, especially those following the Theravada tradition, would observe three additional precepts with a strengthening of the third precept to be observing strict celibacy. The additional precepts are: 6) To abstain from taking food at inappropriate times. This would mean following the tradition of Theravadin monks and not eating from noon one day until sunrise the next. 7) To abstain from dancing, singing, music and entertainments as well as refraining from the use of perfumes, ornaments and other items used to adorn or beautify the person. Again, this and the next rule. 8) To undertake the training to abstain from using high or luxurious beds are rules regularly adopted by members of the Sangha and are followed by the layperson on special occasions.

8 fold path

The Four Noble Truths are among the most insightful understandings about the human condition. The Lord Buddha, at his enlightenment, discovered the cause of human suffering and the means by which suffering would cease. The first Noble Truth is about suffering (dukkha). All aspects of a human's life contain elements of suffering. Dukkha is the experience of the loss of happiness, of pain and illness, of death, and of a sense of never being satisfied. The second Noble Truth is about the cause of suffering. What brings about dukkha is craving after things that a person does not have. It is not being content with the present moment as it really is. To end this suffering the third Noble Truth teaches that a person merely needs to cease craving. Once all cravings and attachments have ceased, then the person will achieve nirvana. Even the craving to achieve nirvana must, in the final stage of spiritual development, be destroyed. The fourth Noble Truth is the truth about how to cease cravings and is known as the Eightfold Path of Perfection. The first two paths deal with the gaining of wisdom (prajna). The next four paths teach how to live a good ethical life (sila) and the final two give instruction in the practice of meditation (samadhi).

Identify the four noble truths

Devotion (puja) in the home may be a time for an individual or a family to show reverence and to offer prayers. There is usually a specific place in the home for a shrine that is cared for by members of the family. This shrine may contain a statue or picture of the Buddha or a Bodhisattva. It may simply consist of a wall-hanging of calligraphy that presents a small piece of sacred text. There is no formal time for puja. It may be undertaken at any time during the day or night. Most often it will be one of the first things a person or family does in the day. The person or family ensures that they are properly dressed and clean. They will sit or stand before the shrine and bow towards it. Three bows shows reverence to the Three Jewels—the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha. Offerings may be made. These may take the form of flowers, in particular the lotus as a sign of the flowering of Buddhism above the muddy waters of ordinary life. Fruit may also be offered. For some, incense is offered, which represents the belief that there is a spiritual reality and path that the Buddha preached. Incense may also represent the prayers and petitions of the person 'going-up' to the Lord Buddha or Bodhisattva. The family may chant prayers or parts of sacred texts. Some may use beads (malas) to concentrate on the repetition of the prayers. The shrine is also used as a place for samadhi (meditation). It is an important place in the home and is never used for any other purpose than puja and meditation.

Outline puja and its importance

Around 560 BCE Siddhartha Gautama, was born. His mother, conceived him when a white elephant passed through her side. At his birth, his father, called learned scholars and priests to predict what future this child would have. They responded that he would become either a powerful ruler of men, like his father, or a great religious leader. The father decided that Siddhartha would become a ruler. In order for this to happen, the father gave his son all the comforts that his palaces could provide and removed all situations of suffering that might cause the child to think about the meaning of life beyond the here and now. On three journeys away from the comforts of the palace, he encountered a sick person, an old person and finally a dead person. All these sights made him realise that he too would suffer and die. On a final journey he met a holy man and saw the peacefulness that he had attained. Determined to find the solution to all human suffering, Siddhartha left his wife and child. (This is seen by Buddhists as a noble deed whose outcome would benefit all humankind.) He first sought for the solution in the various schools of philosophy. But having mastered them, he still had not found the solution. He next tried asceticism, disciplining his body in order for his mind to find the answer through meditation. Finding this disciplined life unsatisfactory, he allowed a milkmaid to give him a drink. His companions, disgusted by his renunciation of their discipline, abandoned him. Siddhartha, however, resolved to enter into a state of meditation until he had either died or had found the solution. Under the Bodhi Tree at Bodh Gaya, Siddhartha became enlightened. At that moment he became the Lord Buddha (the Enlightened One). He had discovered the cause and the solution to human suffering. His insights became known as the Four Noble Truths. Deciding that his solution could be taught to others, he sought out his companions and preached his first sermon, known as 'The Turning of the Great Wheel of the Dharma'.

examine the principal events of the Buddha's life, including the enlightenment

The Tripitaka (the 'three baskets', for they were originally three collections of scrolls kept in three baskets) contains three divisions, the second of which is the Sutta Pitaka, which is the collections of sayings of the Lord Buddha and stories about his life. It is therefore of great importance to the Buddhist, for it contains the essential teachings (Dharma) and the life of the founder, presented as the most significant model of the way of attaining nirvana. The Lotus of the Good Law is a Mahayana text regarded by many as a classic of literature. It tells about the wonderful powers of the Divine Buddha. It invites everyone to become one with the divine Buddha through the help of the Bodhisattvas. It is important in that it shows the differing path for attaining nirvana that Mahayana Buddhism offers. It is a clear denial of the path offered by Theravada Buddhism. The Lotus of the Good Law has become an important text for Japanese Buddhism. Many schools of Buddhism within Japan would see this as an essential elaboration of the means of achieving enlightenment.

examine two extracts from buddhist scriptures that demonstrate principal teachings of buddhism.

Karma is the consequence of any act that a person willingly and knowingly does. Those acts that are good (kusala) bring about good karma, while those that harm any sentient life form (akusula) bring about bad karma. Karma results in samsara, the cycle of rebirths. After the person dies, karma seeks a suitable rebirth. The rebirth is determined on the amount of karma. The most desirable rebirth is that of becoming a human, for only as a human can the Buddhist achieve enlightenment.

explain the connection between karma and samsara

The Theravada school of Buddhism exists throughout the countries of South-East Asia. It is known as the 'School of the Elders' and is regarded as the oldest of the three schools. It has a strong emphasis on monastic life as the means of attaining enlightenment. It teaches that only men can become enlightened and that this is only possible for members of the Sangha. Those who attain enlightenment are called 'Arahats'. It stresses that enlightenment is brought about through meditation (samadhi) and the doing of good works (sila). These bring about an increase in prajna (wisdom). They accept the Tripitaka (sacred texts) as possessing the authentic teachings of the Lord Buddha. Theravada Buddhism is seen as a means by which a person can overcome the three human conditions. The Mahayana school of Buddhism is found in Northern Asia. It accepts the principal teachings of the Lord Buddha found within the Tripitaka, First, the school accepts that the Lord Buddha was a historical human person who found enlightenment. It also, however, recognises that he is one of many Buddhas who existed either in the past or within different universes. This school teaches that there is a Buddha nature that has three aspects: one that lies at the essence of all things, one that shows itself to Buddhas and other holy man and women, and a third that is seen in the human form of Sakyamuni. Second, these holy men and women (Bodhisattvas) begin the spiritual journey by undertaking the Bodhisattva vow. This vow is to seek nirvana but to assist all sentient beings in also attaining it before they themselves will achieve this state. Bodhisattvas are thought to be holier than the Arahats of Theravada Buddhism and to be able to respond to the petitions and needs of humans. Third, nirvana is understood differently. Mahayana Buddhism understands nirvana as underlying all phenomena and that it is nothing and formless (sunyata). Because all phenomenal things experienced by humans are really indications of nirvana, individuals strive to prepare themselves to be awakened to enlightenment at any moment or through any experience. The human sees that he or she is nothing other than nirvana. Therefore, people do not require the Sangha in order to achieve nirvana, and enlightenment is possible for both men and women. It further stresses that a life of commitment and devotion is also necessary. Mahayana Buddhism accepts other texts as sacred. Important texts like the Diamond and Lotus Suttas contain information about the existence of the Bodhisattvas and the true nature of the Lord Buddha. The Vajrayana school of Buddhism is practised in Tibet and Nepal. It came about through the adoption of local religious beliefs and customs, particularly incorporating local gods and goddesses into its belief system. According to this school, enlightenment is achieved under the guidance of gurus (persons who have achieved high levels of meditation and understanding). The path towards enlightenment is rigorous and uses three means: mudras (bodily postures), mantras (spiritual sounds or mystical phrases) and mandalas (spiritual maps of the various realms of the Buddhas). There are two principal paths in Vajrayana. The first is known as the Right-hand Path and stresses the use of the mantras, mudras and mandalas. The Left-hand Path incorporates the worship of shaktis (goddesses) who mate with gods in loving compassion, and also recognises the powers and temptation of demons. When a person achieves the highest spiritual levels, he may use practices that other schools would recognise as immoral, such as the eating of meat and drinking of alcohol.

explain the unique features of theravada buddhism, mahayana buddhism and vajrayana buddhism

His insights and teachings (Dharma), his ability to explain the ethical life (sila) and his guidance into the correct ways of meditating (samadhi) clearly presented him as the role model for all Buddhists. He preached and lived the Middle Path, avoiding the extremes of academic rigour and asceticism. His simplicity in dress and manner, his welcome to all who sought him out, and his acknowledgement that all humans, regardless of what caste they belonged to, could find enlightenment using the methods and the teachings he had discovered made him the living example of what would become known as Buddhism.

explain why the Buddha is the model of Buddhist life

The importance of these councils is that, in their earliest development, the Sangha collectively decided what the truth of the Dharma was and how they should live it out. Ananda, a close companion of the Lord Buddha, had asked him who would succeed him as leader of the Sangha. He stated that no one was to lead the Sangha—only the Dharma could hold such a position of authority. These community meetings ensured that no hierarchical system of government developed for all members of the Sangha outside of each community. Each Sangha could make decisions without seeking advice from an external leader. Only when the decisions made within a Sangha were recognised as wrong or heretical would other members from different Sanghas assemble to decide what was right. This gave the oldest institution in the world the means to survive and adapt to varying circumstances and cultures. It eventually permitted the evolution of the three Schools of Buddhism— Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana.

identify the importance of the first two councils in the development of Buddhism

The Tripitaka (the 'three baskets', for they were originally three collections of scrolls kept in three baskets) contains three divisions, the second of which is the Sutta Pitaka, which is the collections of sayings of the Lord Buddha and stories about his life. It is therefore of great importance to the Buddhist, for it contains the essential teachings (Dharma) and the life of the founder, presented as the most significant model of the way of attaining nirvana. The Lotus of the Good Law is a Mahayana text regarded by many as a classic of literature. It tells about the wonderful powers of the Divine Buddha. It invites everyone to become one with the divine Buddha through the help of the Bodhisattvas. It is important in that it shows the differing path for attaining nirvana that Mahayana Buddhism offers. It is a clear denial of the path offered by Theravada Buddhism. The Lotus of the Good Law has become an important text for Japanese Buddhism. Many schools of Buddhism within Japan would see this as an essential elaboration of the means of achieving enlightenment. This significant text for Vajrayana Buddhism spells out the means by which a Buddhist can help determine his next rebirth. The text is therefore of great importance in achieving this new 'virtuous' karmic state. It is a book which guides people through dying and instructs them about what can be done in the immediate state after dying (bardo).

• identify the importance of: - Tripitaka - Lotus of the Good Law - Tibetan book of the Dead