Buddhism

Sangha (jewel)

(the community) The living example of the teachings of the Buddha put into action. 'I take refuge in religious community' Term initially only used for monks and nuns - they were a jewel of Buddhism as they reflected Buddha's teachings in their lives. Lay people look to the sangha for guidance, help with meditation and ethical decisions. Today the word 'sangha' is also used to refer to the entire Buddhist community.

The Vinaya

A framework for monks and nuns that directs monastic behaviour and life. They have another five precepts. In Theravada Buddhism the Vinaya includes 227 vows for monks. There are various penalties for breaching these rules, depending on crime e.g. confession or expulsion from the Sangha. Ethics are important to Buddhists in achieving Nirvana and living fulfilling lives.

Practice of Puja

A particular time and space established, a mala (prayer beads), use of incense and bells, a picture of the Buddha or significant Buddhist teacher. Formalised and focused time, no interruptions. Might use aids. Personal devotion a way of developing mindfulness to apply Buddhism to daily life and developing skills and insights to achieve enlightenment and reach nirvana.

Magga

A way out is to follow the 8 fold path 'Middle way' A way of putting Buddhist theory into practice. The method of attaining nirvana and ending suffering. Middle way - avoidance of two extremes (desire and asceticism).

Significance of jewels

Buddha as a model represented around us in statues and transcends cultures. Dharma as buddhist teachings are carried out today. Sangha as dynamic and alive in helping buddhists achieve nirvana, it being practiced today shows it as living.

Buddha a model for Buddhist life

Buddha can inspire all - philosopher and religious leader Achieved enlightenment - proof it is possible, serves as a guide. Postponed nirvana to assist others on the path - a model of selflessness Teacher and inspiration - taught through sermons (now in sacred texts), showed importance of middle way.

Second council

Held in Vaishali around 70 years later, deep discussions of money were a notable outcome (where monks were judged guilty for receiving money). This dispute led to the formation of the variants/ schools of thought - Theravada and Mahayana. First two councils were important as they allowed the community to overcome problems that occured after the death of the Buddha (the ultimate authority while he lived) and agree on the precise teachings of the Buddha.

Karma

Moral causation, meaning actions and attitudes have repercussions that affect people in their current or future lives. The consequence of any act that a person willingly and knowingly does. Good (kusala) acts bring good karma while bad (akusula) acts bring bad karma. Connects with 8 fold path, encourages sympathy in all life forms (e.g. be vegetarian). Karma results in samsara (cycle of rebirths).

Lotus flower

Symbol of Buddhism, roots in the mud, leaves on the water and a beautiful flower standing tall.

Extra five precepts

Taking untimely meals Dancing, music, singing. The use of perfumes and personal adornments. The use of high seats. Accepting gold or silver

Mandalas

'Circle' drawn or coloured sand grains, symbolic representations of cosmos/ the Buddhist worldview and impermanence (anicca) used in Vajrayana Buddhism.

Sections of Tripitaka

'Three baskets' Vinaya Pitaka, Sutta Pitaka and Abhidhamma Pitaka.

Mahayana Buddhism

(great vehicle) In Vietnam, China and Japan, up to 1 billion Mahayana Buddhists. Began in India as an early break away movement within the early Buddhist community. This group changed monastic rules, adapted texts and rejected some changes that had been made in the first council. Spread to China around 100 BCE and adapted to their culture - therefore becoming more and more popular. Had similar aspects to Taoism - a religion already popular in China and Japan. Most popular school of Buddhism and more inclusive than Theravada.Theravada Buddhists argue that much of what Mahayana practice goes beyond the teachings of Buddha - including bodhisattva and sudden enlightenment. Sacred texts are Tripitaka, Mahayana Sutras and 2184 sacred writings.

Buddha (jewel)

(the person) Prime source of authority and inspiration. 'I take refuge in Buddha' Difference among Buddhists how influential the Buddha is. Traditionalists claim he is just an example for us and has since exited the cycle of suffering and the cares of existence. At the other extreme (East Asia), the Buddha is seen as a powerful being, even a deity, whom people pray to. Buddhists were initially wary of symbols but now: a set of footprints, a stupas (burial mound), actual form of Buddha as a statue. His image and his life form the centre point of much meditation.

Dharma (jewel)

(the teachings) the body of teaching. 'I take refuge in Dharma' Dharma - Pali, right way of living, the totality of the Buddha's teachings. The published dharma consists of the words the Buddha spoke. Recited in ritual, a code for living and debated as the basis of all Buddhist philosophy. Includes: the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path and accounts of teaching that the Buddha passed on. Much of his teachings are found in the sacred text.

Vajrayana Buddhism

(thunderbolt/ diamond) Form of Mahayana/ successive continuation of Mahayana/Theravada). Mainly found in Tibet. It arose from Mahayana thinking and concentrates on accessing the real core of existence - cutting away the fictions that people construct about themselves, status and desire. Tibetan Book of the Dead - manual of the soul and for mourners at death, emphasises mystical characteristic of Buddhism. Tripitaka. The Dalai Lama is a Vajrayana Buddhist.

Theravada Buddhism

(way of the elders) In Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, 100 million Theravada Buddhists. Considered more orthodox/ conservative variant, in keeping with the teachings of the Buddha also less gender equality. Claims their form of teaching and monastic behaviour is the oldest. Sacred text is Tripitaka.

Five precepts

Abstaining from: Killing living things - do no harm e.g. vegetarianism and pacifism Taking what is not given e.g. no adultery, encouraging generosity Engaging in sexual misconduct - or sensual misconduct e.g. no sexual abuse, rape, incest or adultery, or the stealing of another's dignity or self respect also no gluttony or overindulgence Speaking falsely - no dishonesty e.g. no lying, slandering, deceitful behaviour or words i.e. speak lovingly Taking drugs or drink that affects the mind - as it affects the other precepts, by inhibiting decision making. E.g. no junk food or media, Theravada interpret strictly as no alcohol whereas Mahayana may allow some use.

Early councils

After the Buddha died, several councils were held so there could be agreeance on the words of the Buddha and debate rules on how members of the Sangha (monks and nuns) should live.

Dukkha

All life is suffering. Suffering is woven into the fabric of life, it is a reality of life. When everyone is craving and suffering, learn to want what you have and no more.

Meditation

An inward mental search to attain liberation from samsara/ cycle of rebirth, the clearing of the mind, reflecting on world as it really is (Anatta) development of positive energy, the cessation of uncontrolled or unwanted thought. Meditation related to Hindu Yoga (various systems of discipline in Hindu philosophical system concerned with achieving union of body and mind with universal spirit).

Mahapajapati requests a female Sangha

Approached Buddha several times requesting females be allowed to join the Sangha - he finally agreed. Radical idea at the time, that women would join a wandering order of philosopher monks (cultural and safety). Buddha provided a system of thought open to all - Buddhism began to eradicate all sex and class differences (as opposed to caste system of India). Sections of Buddhism remain (e.g. Theravada Buddhists in Thailand, Burma) that have the view that women can never be as spiritually developed as men.

Context

At the time, India was going through social changes - growing urban centres, powerful monarchs taking control of democratic villages, formation of religious groups: sanghas. Buddha was therefore, not only a religious leader or philosopher but a force against the growth of new monarchies.

Middle way

Avoids the extremes of indulgence and denial through the eightfold path, the ideal life for a Buddhist.

Origins

Began as branch from Brahmanism 2500 years ago, developed into Vedism and emerged as Hinduism. Offers a chance for religious development free from class discrimination (appeals to less fortunate). Extinguishment of desire leads to ultimate goal of Buddhism. Rose in India during the Upanishadic period, a time when many wanted to talk about gods, religion and philosophy - there was religious change in the air. Influenced by Hinduism, accepting Indian assumptions including reincarnation, but rejects idea of caste system. Buddha suggests that there was no self/soul however the concept of rebirth continues and the essential person (self/soul) continues the cycle of rebirth. We live thousands of lives called reincarnation. People who live well are born into a better life, people who live badly are born into a worse life.

Sangha and the councils

Buddha had gathered numerous disciples at the end of his life, nuns and monks who formed the original community Sangha. Following the night of enlightenment the Buddha remained seated under his tree for weeks in a state of bliss, joined by 5 men where he preached the noble truths. Job of Sangha was to recount and interpret words of Buddha - still done today with Buddhist councils determining the nature of tests and validity. Sangha travelled to spread philosophy of the Buddha. Has strong links to monastic life - a community devoted to the teaching and quest for enlightenment. Monks must live under the guidance of several hundred rules e.g. no alcohol, use of money or sex. Men were originally seen as having a higher status, however women were eventually included to use the Buddha's teachings on an equal footing. Thus, Buddhism more accessible.

Mahapajapati

Buddha's aunt and stepmother (married King with her elder sister)

The Four Noble Truths

Buddha's plan to help achieve enlightenment. It begins with the four truths. Dukkha, origin of suffering, a way out, 8 fold path.

Personal devotion in the home

Buddhism is in essence a private religious tradition. Personal devotion will differ amongst Buddhist e.g. A Chinese Buddhist mayim to pay respect to the ancestors, Western Buddhist may see personal devotion as a time to focus on one's positive energies, Tibetan may seek to appease evil spirits. The practice of meditation, together with prayer, is essential. Prayer is an act of worship, whereas meditation is the cleansing of the soul, clearing of mind.

Reincarnation

Concept of rebirth in physical form to the earth. The rebirth of a soul in another body. The belief that the soul, upon death of the body, comes back to earth in another body or form.

Samsara

Cycle of rebirth or reincarnation. In Buddhism more of a metaphorical system for the endlessness that accompanies an unenlightened life (rebirth). Nirvana is the only way to break an unending cycle. Karmic force that is created continues after the body ceases to exist to become evident in the next life.

The Vinaya Pitaka

Deals with rules and regulations for the monastic community, including 227 rules for monks, further regulations for nuns, and guidelines for the interaction between the Sangha and the laity. Most of these rules derive from the Buddha's responses to specific situations in the community.

The Abhidhamma Pitaka

Discussion of the Buddha's sermons and miscellaneous writings, including songs, poetry, and stories of the Buddha and his past lives.

Dharma

Duty, living life according to buddhism/hinduism.

Dharma wheel

Eight spoked wheel representing the noble eightfold path, the way of life for Buddhists.

Teachings of Vajrayana

Emphasises the unity of relative truths and the absolute truth. Enlightenment attained through the chanting of magical spells, special hand gestures and mystical diagrams. Tradition passed orally. Buddhahood is embodied in various male and female deities and accorded particular respect as special embodiments of wisdom. Prajna - wisdom to discriminate between reality and illusion, important aspect of Vajrayana (and Mahayana). It includes the idea of compassion and realisation that the world in an illusion. Infused with elements of Hinduism, animism, occultism and magic. Mystical form of Buddhism.

Three Jewels

Essential to Buddhism, to become Buddhist a person takes refuge in the Jewels (expressing confidence in them). They are Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.

Third council

Established by Emperor Asoka (a new convert to Buddhism) a few centuries after. It was during and after his time that Buddhism began to spread throughout India and to the East and West (200 BCE - 100 CE). Affirmation of the approved teachings of the elders. Addition to the third part of the Pali Canon and the Abhidharma (a discussion of the Buddha's sermons).

Core ethical teachings

Ethical actions are less about right and wrong and more about actions being 'skilful' or 'skillful' in achieving enlightenment. The basis of Buddhist ethics is respect for life and seeking the welfare for all. Primary focus on intention - intent to do good is better than the act itself. Some emphasis on sacred writing as source of authority but more given to the community (sangha) for ethical authority. The sangha has greatly respected teachers who provide ethical guidance. Commitment to the Three Jewels is a requirement for being a Buddhist.

First council

First council held settled the contents of the dharma (the Buddha's teachings) and created Vinaya texts (rules of how a monk/nun should live), following a recitation by Ananda (Buddha's companion). Pali Canon/ Tripitaka (three baskets) - the Buddhist sacred text, written in Pali, began forming during the first council.

The Five Precepts Info

Fundamental Buddhist values/ethics are contained within the five precepts. Discussion of fourth step of the 8 fold path (right action). Actions are related to thought. They are guides to correct behaviour rather than strict rules. They are concerned with an individual's relationship with others and the world. They are not commandments but are expectations of behaviour.

Importance of nirvana

Goal is to reach nirvana Not a place of eternal happiness like heaven or paradise, nor is it a reward for a good life. Nirvana is the realisation that known objects and what appear to be individual experiences are illusions, there is nothing but nirvana. Buddhists realise this and enter into an extraordinary path towards attaining Nirvana, living a purer ethical life, practicing higher levels of meditation, gaining clearer understanding that all things are nothing. When objectification has ceased (including seeing Nirvana as a desirable object) then that person is what he has always been - nirvana.

Life written in texts

Mahavastu - the great event Buddhacarita - the acts of the Buddha Written hundreds of years after his death, by that time he was mythologised by followers The Jataka (tales of Buddha and his former existences - parables) detail episodes of how he struggled to find an answer for human existence.

Lotus of the good law

Mahayana Buddhism accepts several other works as sacred texts such as the Heart Sutra and the Lotus of the Good Law. Lotus of Good Law is second of three works known as the 'Threefold Lotus.' It teaches that all people can reach a state of enlightenment - contrasting to the Theravada view that only scholars and monks can. The text emphasises skillful means (actual skills) and faith, rather than meditation and asceticism (avoiding indulgence). Earliest translation of this text c. 300CE. The Lotus of the Good Law has become an important text for Japanese Buddhism.

Five aggregates of personality

Material shape of things in the world Feelings/emotions The need to process sensory or mental objects The will by which people define themselves Discriminative consciousness - the ability to discern what an object consists of.

Sanghas

Monastic community.

Puja

Personal devotion. A way to engage the heart and all energies to purify oneself from negativity. It includes making offerings, rituals that may be carried out at a public temple or in the home. Not the same as worship as Buddhists don't believe in a deity. A way to experience the otherness of life: free from suffering and expressing gratitude and acknowledgement of the Buddha and bodhisattvas. It is intensely personal. Western Buddhists use it as a way to integrate the dharma, internalising and actualising it through meditation. Puja becomes a routine that helps in staying on the right path or journey. A habitual routine, that helps in staying on the Buddhist path or journey through life.

Teachings of Theravada

Promote the idea that nirvana can only be achieved by those who dedicate themselves fully to Buddha's message Strong emphasis on personal experience and individualism, analysis, thought and meditation to achieve nirvana. Most will require assistance from the Sangha to achieve enlightenment. Emancipation by self effort. Arhat - final goal of Buddhist practice, achieved enlightenment, someone who is enlightened and saintly. Generally accepted that only male monks can achieve enlightenment. Strong emphasis on monks - to the point that many nunneries in the Theravada world have shut down. Generally reject concepts of god, philosophy, rituals, spirits and mystical influences - often found in Mahayana. Prayer is meditation.

Koans

Riddles that challenge thinking.

8 fold path

Right understanding/ view - right concepts, leading away from corrupt ones, the wisdom to comprehend cause and effect. Right thought - determination, resolve to not be greedy, angry or ignorant. Right speech - wholesome verbal karma (the effects of one's actions in life, be they good or bad, the natural consequences of actions), not lying, gossiping, flattering Right conduct/ action - wholesome bodily karma, no violence, stealing or sexual misconduct Right living/ livelihood - right occupation and making a living Right effort - eliminate negative thoughts, do good, right diligence Right mindfulness - knowing and understanding that feelings are the origin of suffering, thoughts are impermanent, all phenomena are independent. Right concentration - focuses mind and settles body for better cultivation, includes meditation.

Sutras

Sacred texts containing the words of the Buddha.

Meditation techniques include

Samatha - 'calm', aims to achieve calmness and concentration, raises perception of personal meditating. Vipassana - 'insight', aims to achieve wisdom and insight and helps self awareness concerning behaviour and understanding of the Noble Eightfold Path.

Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama/ Prince Shakyamuni. Origins: Nepal (NE India), Lived between 563 - 400 BCE.

Contribution

Significant teacher and philosopher, profound thinker who tried to explain why we perceive life the way we do. Proposed a way of ceasing to be reborn by turning our desires for rebirth. Proposed middle way between lavish and asceticism (avoiding indulgence).

Nirvana

State of no desire, suffering or sense of self - resulting from enlightenment. The endpoint of all evolved souls (equivalent of heaven). Release from the state of samsara. The Buddha experienced nirvana on the night of his revelation - but did not focus on what it is like in his teachings (because a frog could never explain to a tadpole what it is like to breathe air). Some Buddhists suggest that achieving nirvana is experiencing the highest absolute peace - the end of mortal anguish.

Nirodha/ there is a way out of suffering

Stopping dukkha. Nirvana is the exit point from suffering. Nirvana is a state that can be achieved by those living who are called arhat (achieved enlightenment). The Buddha was in this stage from 35 to death at 80. In day to day life, the cessation (ending) of suffering comes from the cessation of desire.

Teachings of Mahayana

Strongly respects the Buddha's teachings but is more flexible to local customs/influences (e.g. in China). Practise a 10 stage path of the Bodhisattva. Strong connection to Bodhisattva path - when Buddha achieved enlightenment and attained Nirvana, he taught for a further 40 years before he died. Once he died, he passed through parinirvana - that is completed nirvana. Bodhisattva - one who achieves enlightenment but, unlike the Buddha, takes an oath to reincarnate to assist all beings to achieve enlightenment, hence they delay their own nirvana for the sake of other beings. Promote the Buddha not simply as a teacher but as an all-knowing transcendent being. Enlightenment is available to everyone: monks, nuns, lay people. Elaborates on metaphysics and includes rituals and petitionary prayer, believes that man is not alone and should be involved with others.

The Sutta Pitaka

The Buddha's sermons. It contains the Buddha's teachings on doctrine and behaviour, with a strong focus on meditation techniques.

Anica

The absence of permanence or the idea of impermanence. Buddhism suggests there are no certainties in life. Not even the self is a certain and unchanging entity. As things come into existence, they are already fading and decaying.

Anatta

The absence of self or soul. As all life is impermanent in Buddhism, so too is the idea of self. Buddhists teach that the mind is a constant flow of unstable mental states. Thus, for Buddhists, consciousness is like a flowing river - always changing in its flows. To accept anatta leads one to accept that nothing separates the self of all parts of existence. To hold oneself apart from all that exists is a false construction.

Samudaya/ the origin of suffering

The cause of suffering is desire/attachment. People seek to be satisfied and have a thirst for life, which often leads to disappointment. Buddha teaches that people suffer because they desire and all that can be desired is impermanent and ultimately unobtainable - so disappointment leads to suffering. Understanding this and learning that desire originates in your mind.

Pali Canon (Tripitaka)

The sacred text for all Buddhist variants. A collection of the Buddha's sermons with instructions for monastic discipline. There is also a section which a philosophical discussion of the Buddha's teachings - not directly from the Buddha. Contains sutras. The only text accepted by the Theravada Buddhists (accepted by all variants).

Dukkha (mark)

Translated as 'suffering.' Strongly linked with the five aggregates of personality. What causes suffering is that all the above points are illusions - empty of a substantive existence (having a firm basis in reality and so important/meaningful). At a basic level, this means that those things we consider 'real' are simply part of an existence that is insubstantial.Individuality is a social and psychological construct. Dukkha refers to the suffering that arises from a false notion of the self - a human condition best expressed as 'anguish.'

The Tibetan Book of the Dead/ Bardo Thodol

Vajrayana Buddhism considers this the most significant text. Written in the 8th century CE for a Tibetan king. Book is read to people as they were dying - includes the four bardos (phases) which people travel through after death. Offers advice on how to find the heavenly realm, rather than the lower realm where the cycle of birth and death continues. Also provides insight into the Tibetan Buddhist cosmology and teachings on the mind, consciousness, death and rebirth. "Let virtue and goodness be perfected in every way. Be not fond of the dull smoke-coloured light from hell."

Path to enlightenment (story of Buddha)

Was a prince had needs catered for, had son and wife then left in search of purpose and enlightenment. Saw happiness in simple life, lived simply but decided the 'middle way' was better for helping others.

sangha

Wider buddhist community.