Buddhism

Buddhism

Introduction

History

Tenants

Introduction

Buddhism is regarded as a religion, but more a collection of various philosophies. Buddhism makes no reference to God at all.

Although it originated in India about 2,500 years ago, it has moved into many other places in the world including China, Japan, Vietnam and many others

Presently, many estimate the number of Buddhist followers is between 250 and 500 million.

History Buddhism originated near

the Indian-Nepalese border

between 400-600 BC

Siddhartha Guatama, son of

a king, was to be sheltered

from the world around him

and the unpleasant reality of

everyday life.

However, despite his fathers

efforts, at the age of 29, he

discovered the suffering of

his people.

History (continued)

His encounter with the “real world”

became known as “The Four Sights” (the

suffering of an elderly man, a diseased

man, a decaying corpse, and an ascetic)

Gautama fled his palace, left his family

and began his spiritual quest.

On his journey he discovered what is

known as “The Middle Way”

History (Continued)

“The Middle Way” is a path of moderation, away from the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification.

After 49 days of meditation he achieved “bodhi” or “enlightenment”

Bodhi carries the same meaning as Nirvana, an understanding of the true nature of reality. It also requires a distinction of greed, hate, and delusion.

Nirvana is the unchanging state that is reached by enlightened beings, the ultimate state of pure being.

Nirvana is attained by development of morality, meditation, and wisdom.

Once Buddha, the enlightened one, attained this, he spent the rest of his life teaching his insights as a Dharma.

Life of Buddha

Tenants

Understanding “The Four Noble Truths”

There is suffering

There is a cause of suffering—craving/desire

There is an end (stop) to suffering

There is a way leading to the cessation of

suffering—the Noble Eightfold Path

Understanding these gives you wisdom

The Noble Eightfold Path

Right Speech—not hurtful, truthful

Right Actions—wholesome actions

Right Livelihood—does not harm self or others directly or indirectly

Right effort/exercise—effort to improve

Right mindfulness/awareness—see things for what they are

Right concentration/meditation—being aware of present reality within self, without craving

Right understanding

Right thoughts

The goal of Buddhism – end suffering, achieve nirvana, and escape what is seen as a cycle of suffering and rebirth.

Two major branches of Buddhism are recognized: Theravada (The School of

the Elders) Achieve nothingness

Mahayana (The Great Vehicle) Achieve nirvana or reuniting

with the Brahmin

Both believe in Karma and rebirth

Sila (Moral Cultivation)

There are certain rules Buddhists follow to have morality, ethics, and virtue Refrain from taking life

Refrain from taken what is not given

Refrain from sensual misconduct

Refrain from lying

Refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness

Refrain from eating at the wrong time (only eat from sunrise to noon)

Refrain from dancing, using jewelry, going to shows

Major Celebrations

Wesak The most important of the Buddhist festivals and is

celebrated on the full moon in May. It celebrates the

Buddha's birthday, and, for some Buddhists, also

marks his enlightenment and death.

Dharma Day, or Asalha Puja marks the beginning of the Buddha's teaching. The word

Dharma can be translated as truth and is the term used for the

path to enlightenment, or the Buddhist teaching.

Kathina The Kathina festival, which originated 2,500 years ago,

celebrates the largest alms-giving ceremony of the Buddhist

year.