Download File - Year 11-12 Studies of Religion 2Unit 2013-4

OHP 1
Pali Canon
sacred writings that contain
stories of the foundation of
Buddhism
Divide into three groups of discourse
known as the
Tripitaka
(Three Baskets)
Sutta-Pitaka
Vinaya-Pitaka
Abhidharma-Pitaka
(Sermon Basket)
contains five
collections of
discourses and
dialogues spoken by
Buddha, stories of
previous births of
Buddha (Jataka),
Path of Teaching
(Dhammapada)
(Discipline Basket)
contains monastic
rules for the members
of the brotherhood
(sangha)
(Metaphysical Basket)
contains doctrinal analysis
and refinements of a specific
and technical nature.
Within the Pali Canon you will find a variety of styles of writing e.g.
poetry
prose
sayings of Buddha
dialogues between Buddha and others
myths about previous lives of the Buddha and other buddhas
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 2
Four Noble Truths:
 suffering (dukkha, unsatisfactoriness)
 the origin of suffering (craving or selfish desire)
 the cessation of suffering (Nirvana)
 the way leading to cessation of suffering (the Noble
Eightfold Path)
Suffering
Birth, diseases, old age, death, not getting what one desires or
getting what one does not desire.
The origin of suffering
Craving (tanha, selfish desire), which is the result of ignorance.
The cessation of suffering
Nirvana :
cessation of suffering
extinction of craving
extinction of greed, hatred and delusion
consummation in peace and understanding
The way leading to cessation of suffering
The Noble Eightfold Path
Right:
understanding
thought
speech
action
livelihood
effort
mindfulness
concentration
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 3
Buddhism
The wheel is a common Buddhist symbol
for Buddha’s teaching. His first sermon ‘set
in motion the wheel of the Doctrine’. The
wheel is used in some cultures as a symbol
of the sun, eternity and of the cycle of life.
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 4
Buddha’s teaching life
Buddha’s first sermon was given to his five fellow
ascetics who had deserted him earlier in his search for
truth. He gave his sermon at Sarnath near Benares.
The sermon he gave is known as the ‘sermon setting in
motion the wheel of truth’ which explains the Four
Noble Truths. The five ascetics understood his teaching
and reach full enlightenment.
Buddha organised his followers into an order of
monks, or Sangha. (later women were able to join)
They:
 lived a simple nomadic life style
 had few possessions
 received gifts of food in return for
giving discourses encouraging the lay
people to practise the teachings of the
Buddha in their everyday lives.
Buddha spent the next 45 years teaching. He led a
nomadic life for 9 months of the year and spent the 3
rainy months of the year in monasteries. He taught in
a way people could easily understand using stories
and parables to illustrate his point of view.
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 5
He was 80 years old when he died at Kusinara (Kushinara)
in North India.
His last words were:
“Impermanent are all compounded things.
Strive on with heedfulness”
Buddha’s message, in essence, was to:
“abstain from doing bad, cultivate good,
purify your mind”
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 6
Four Noble Truths
The Buddhist tradition is based heavily upon
the Ways of Holiness. The key to the
Buddhist Middle Way (Way of Holiness)
begins with the FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS.
These were the answers to Buddha’s search
for the answer to the questions of suffering
and evil. These are the core of Buddhist
philosophy.
1st Noble Truth: (dukkha unsatisfactoriness)
FACT - Unsatisfactoriness of Life
The first truth is the knowledge of suffering. This
states that all individual existence is miserable and
painful.
e.g.
Birth, diseases, old age, death, not getting what one
desires or getting what one does not desire.
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 7
2nd Noble Truth: (samudaya - origin)
CAUSE - Cause of Suffering
The second truth concerns the origin of suffering.
Suffering and indeed all existence (since they are the
same) has its source in desire and ignorance: for
example the desire of the senses, the desire to be, the
desire to destroy oneself.
Craving (tanha, selfish desire), which is the result of
ignorance.
3rd Noble Truth: (nirodha - cure)
ENDING - Cessation of Suffering
The third truth deals with the destruction of suffering.
Suffering must be totally extinguished; there is to be
no remainder. This means being freed from the
endless cycle of rebirth (samsara) and entering the
blessed state of Nirvana.
Nirvana :
cessation of suffering
extinction of craving
extinction of greed, hate and delusion
consummation in peace and understanding
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 8
4th Noble Truth: (magga - Middle Way)
WAY LEADING TO END Method of Being Free of Suffering
The fourth truth indicates the way to this removal of
suffering. This is by means of the Noble Eightfold
Path, which formed Gautama Buddha’s basic
teaching on Buddhist life-style.
Right:
understanding
thought
speech
action
livelihood
effort
mindfulness
concentration
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 10
Aspects of Meditation
(Theravada Tradition)
The reflectiveness of mind and emotional balance is developed as a
result of practising concentration and mindfulness meditation.
The two divisions in meditation are samatha and vipassana.
Samatha (calm) meditation:
 concentrating the mind on one object e.g. sensation of
breathing.
 by this process you bring your attention to the breathing of
your own body and concentrate the mind on that sensation
 letting go of outside distractions and becoming one within
yourself
 when you really concentrate, you become very tranquil this is
called "becoming" – the samatha meditation is a "becoming
process"
 samatha meditation can take you to some very high and
radiant experiences in your mind – but they all end.
Vipassana (insight) meditation:
 this follows on from the above technique
 requires being mindful and letting go of everything and
accepting the uncertainty, the silence and the cessation of
conditions, the result is that you will feel peaceful rather than
tranquil
 that peacefulness is a perfect peacefulness, it is complete
 as you develop this technique and understand it more you
will experience true peacefulness, non-attachment, Nirvana
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 11
Different types of meditation
Within Buddhism there are many different types of
meditation, each designed to overcome a particular
problem or to develop a particular psychological
state.
The most common and useful types of meditation
are:
 Mindfulness of Breathing meditation (anapana
sati)
 Loving-Kindness meditation (metta bhavana)
Mindfulness of Breathing
 mindfulness on in-and-out breathing
 it is one of the most important experiences for
reaching mental concentration
Loving-Kindness
Loving-Kindness is a meditation practice taught by
the Buddha:
 to develop the mental habit of selfless or
altruistic love
 which brings about positive attitude changes as it
systematically develops the quality of ‘loving
acceptance’
 as a way of healing the troubled mind to free it
from pain and confusion.
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 12
The practice of Loving-Kindness meditation:
Once a person is familiar with Mindfulness of
Breathing they are ready to start Loving-Kindness
meditation.
It should be done two or three times each week after
you have done Mindfulness of Breathing.
1. You turn your attention to yourself and say to
yourself words like:
“May I be well and happy.
May I be peaceful and calm.
May I be protected from dangers.
May my mind be free from hatred.
May my heart be filled with love.
May I be well and happy.”
2. you think of :
a) a loved person,
b) a neutral person, that is ,
someone you neither like nor
dislike,
c) a disliked person,
wishing each of the above well as you do so.
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 13
Buddhist Calendar for 2001
Theravada Tradition
Some important festivals and special days:
Date
Festival /Special Days
8 February
Dhamma Day / Magha Puja
13th April
New Year – Sonkran
7th May
Vesak Day
Birth, enlightenment and
passing away of the Buddha
Buddha Day
World fellowship of
Buddhists
th
20th July
Asalha Puja / Sangha Day
21st July
Vassa Begins
Beginning of Rains Retreat
3rd October
Pavarana Day
Rains Retreat ends
Late October Kathina
or Nov
©
Follows the end of the
Rains Retreat
2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 14
Buddhist Ethics (Theravada)
Buddha and his truths




belief in the law of Karma and rebirth
Salvation comes from samsara ( cycle of life and death)
Buddha experienced enlightenment – became the enlightened one
Buddha saw himself as the bearer of a message, the teacher of the
dharma or doctrine that could transform people’s lives
 Buddha set in motion and kept turning ‘the wheel of the
Doctrine’. The core of this doctrine is contained in the Four
Noble Truths
 Goal of the Eightfold Path is a Buddhist’s salvation; the
experience of nirvana, the extinction of individuality and desires
The doctrine and the way
 Ethical and moral principles are governed by examining whether
a certain action, whether connected to body or speech is likely to
be harmful to one's self or to others and thereby avoiding any
actions which are likely to be harmful.
 Buddhist morality is personal, it is a way of life for those who
wish to reach nirvana.
 Buddhism sees dharma as a universal truth about all human life
 Dharma insists that:
- human life is essentially a suffering or non-fulfilled existence
- change and impermanence are universal
- human beings have deep-seated craving within them. From
this inward craving results rebirth - this is how life is
Salvation can only be achieved through dependence of self, how
far you travel along the path to nirvana depends on your own
perseverance. There is no promise of divine grace or aid to make
the task easier.
from Set your Heart on Goodness, page 140 -7
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 15
Moral conduct for the lay Buddhist
(Theravada)

Good conduct should be cultivated by training in what are
known as the ‘Five Precepts’ (refer to OHP 16)

The Five Precepts are training rules.

These rules are seen as a day to day training for any lay
Buddhist.

If one of the rules is broken then self-examination takes place to
look for ways of avoiding the same mistake again.

There is no system of punishment or reward.

Buddhism places a great emphasis on ‘mind’ and its mental
anguish such as remorse, anxiety and guilt - which are to be
avoided in order to cultivate a clam and peaceful mind.

On special holy days, lay Buddhist of the Theravada Tradition
would observe three additional precepts. (refer to OHP 17)
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 16
The Five Precepts:
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.
(practising loving kindness)
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 it is
intended for you.
(practising generosity)
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.
(practising contentment)
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.
(practising truthful communication)
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.
(practising mindfulness)
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 17
Additional Precepts for Holy Days
(Theravada Tradition)
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.
8. To undertake the training to abstain from using high or
luxurious beds
These rules are regularly adopted by members of the Sangha
and are followed by the layperson on special occasions.
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 18
Virtues of the Laity
(Theravada Tradition)
 Expected to support the monks in their quest by:
 daily offering of food
OR
 building and upkeep of the monastery
 Lay Buddhists should:
- try and undertake the training of the Five Precepts daily
- treasure the Three Jewels – the Buddha, the doctrine,
and the Sangha
- be receptive to the teachings of the monks
 Virtues of:
Friendliness
Compassion
Joy
Equanimity
are what each Buddhist strives for.
 Metta or friendliness, benevolence or love is an important
Buddhist virtue. It is the moral ideal that a person aspires to in
their personal relationship.
Metta means that people should:
- avoid quarrelling
- control their temper
- strive always for peace
©
2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 19
Moral conduct for the Buddhist Monk
(Theravada)
 The moral life of a monk is the means to salvation and it can
only be fully undertaken within the disciple and with the
support of the sangha
 Buddha established ‘Ten precepts’ or rules, (refer to OHP 21) which
apply to all Sangha members irrespective of their Buddhist
tradition.
 Later more rules became necessary and a compilation known
as the Patimonkha (there are 227 rules for Bhikkhus and 311
for Bhikkhunis)
 These rules are contained in the Vinaya or first collection of
the Buddhist scriptures
 Theravada Buddhists observe these rules to the letter of the
law. In many cases, however, the following is more in theory
than in actual practice:
For example the rule ‘prohibiting the handling of gold
and silver’ in other words money. Theravadin monks
today in practice tend to split hairs on this rule; they
will not touch coins, however they may carry credit
cards or a chequebook.
 The Sangha has been a moral and spiritual light and its beams
have reached far beyond the monastery walls.
©
2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 20
Ten Precepts
1.
To refrain from taking the life of beings.
2.
To refrain from taking things not given.
A monk must not beg or take what does not belong to him but
must be totally dependent on the generosity of others. To do
otherwise is stealing
3.
To refrain from sensual misconduct.
Monks are expected to live a life of celibacy.
4.
To refrain from false speech.
5.
To refrain from substances which cause intoxication and
heedlessness.
6.
To refrain from taking food at inappropriate times.
7.
To refrain from dancing, singing, music and
entertainments
8.
To refrain from the use of perfumes, ornaments and other
items used to adorn or beautify the person.
9.
To refrain from using high or luxurious beds
10. To refrain from accepting gold or silver
©
2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 21
Buddhist Calendar for 2001
Mahayana Tradition
Some important festivals and special days:
Date
Festival /Special Days
2 January
Sakyamuni Buddha’s NirvanaEnlightenment
New Year Day
Year of the Dragon
Birthday of Maitreya (Mi Lo
Fwo)
Samantabhadra (Pu Hsien)
Bodhisattva’s Birthday
Sakyamuni Buddha’s
Renunciation
Manjusri (Wen Shu Shih Li)
Bodhisattva’s Birthday
Sakyamuni Buddha’s Birthday
Buddha Day
nd
24th January
15th February
2nd March
26th April
30th April
7th May
8th August
2nd September
16th September
14th November
©
Avalokitesvara’s (Kuan Yin)
Enlightenment
Ullambana – The Feast of the
Hungry Ghosts
Ksitigarbha’s (Ti Tsang)
Bodhisattva’s Birthday
Bhaisajyaguru’s (Yao Shih
Fwo) Birthday
-the coming Buddha, or
next Buddha-to-be
representing the
perfection of wisdom
World fellowship of
Buddhists
Earth Store Bodhisattva
who has vowed to help
and deliver all beings
the healing Buddha
2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 22
Buddhist Ethics (Mayahana)
Buddha and his truths
 belief in the law of Karma and rebirth
 Salvation comes from samsara ( cycle of life and death)
 Buddha experienced enlightenment – became the
enlightened one
 Buddha saw himself as the bearer of a message, the
teacher of the dharma or doctrine that could transform
people’s lives
 Buddha set in motion and kept turning ‘the wheel of the
Doctrine’. The core of this doctrine is contained in the
Four Noble Truths
 Goal of the Eightfold Path is a Buddhist’s salvation; the
experience of nirvana, the extinction of individuality and
desires
 Buddha is seen as a transcendent being, eternal and
sovereign over the world.
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2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 23
The doctrine and the way
 Mayahana tradition changed the whole context of the
moral life because of the above view of Buddha.
 The struggle to reach nirvana did not depend on a
person alone. There were saviours whose help could
be sort.
 The concept of divine grace became prominent in the
Mayahana tradition.
 Salvation was seen less and less as a human
achievement but as a boon bestowed on those who put
their trust in a heavenly being
 Ethical and moral principles are governed by
examining whether a certain action, whether
connected to body or speech is likely to be harmful to
one's self or to others and thereby avoiding any actions
which are likely to be harmful.
 Buddhism sees dharma as a universal truth about all
human life
 Dharma insists that:
- human life is essentially a suffering or non-fulfilled
existence
- change and impermanence are universal
- human beings have a deep-seated craving within
them. From this inward craving results rebirth- this
is how life is.
from Set your Heart on Goodness, pages 140,150-151 - 7
©
2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 24
Moral conduct for the lay Buddhist
(Mayahana)

Good conduct should be cultivated by training in what are
known as the ‘Five Precepts’ (refer to OHP 16)

The Five Precepts are training rules.

These rules are seen as a day to day training for any lay
Buddhist.

If one of the rules is broken then self-examination takes place to
look for ways of avoiding the same mistake again.

There is no system of punishment or reward.

Buddhism places a great emphasis on ‘mind’ and its mental
anguish such as remorse, anxiety and guilt - whichare to be
avoided in order to cultivate a calm and peaceful mind.

Some lay Buddhists will take a Bodhisattva vow, and also
follow a strictly vegetarian diet.
This is not so much an additional precept but a
strengthening of the first precept.
The eating of meat would be considered a contribution to
the taking of life, indirect though it may be.
©
2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 25
Virtues of the Laity
(Mahayana Tradition)
 Lay Buddhists should:
- try and undertake the training of the Five Precepts daily
- treasure the Three Jewels – the Buddha, the doctrine,
and the Sangha
- be receptive to the teachings of the monks
 Virtues of:
Friendliness
Compassion
Joy
Equanimity
are what each Buddhist strives for.
 Metta or friendliness, benevolence or love is an important
Buddhist virtue. It is the moral ideal that a person aspires to in
their personal relationship.
Metta means that people should:
- avoid quarrelling
- control their temper
- strive always for peace
©
2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 26
Moral conduct for the Buddhist Monk
(Mahayana)
 The moral life of a monk is the means to salvation and it can
only be fully undertaken within the disciple and with the
support of the sangha
 Buddha established ‘Ten precepts’ or rules, (refer to OHP 20) which
apply to all Sangha members irrespective of their Buddhist
tradition.
 Later more rules became necessary and a compilation known
as the Patimonkha
 These rules are contained in the Vinaya or first collection of
the Buddhist scriptures
 Mahayana Buddhists tend to put their interpretation of rules
into practice.
For example: the rule ‘not to take food at an inappropriate
time’ is interpreted as refraining from eating between
mealtimes as compared to Theravada monks who would
fast from noon to sunrise.
For example: the rule ‘ prohibiting the handling of gold and
silver’ (money), is interpreted as avoiding the accumulation
of riches which leads to greed.
 The Sangha has been a moral and spiritual light and its beams
have reached far beyond the monastery walls.
©
2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.
OHP 27
Buddhism as a Living Religious System
Three Jewels
BUDDHA
DHARMA
- showed how to break the
bonds of rebirth by
KARMA
accumulating merit
through deeds performed
- and the cycle of life and
SAMSARA
death
- provided insight
FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS
- a person could work one’s
way to enlightenment
NIRVANA
- this would be by way of
the…
SANGHA
©
EIGHTFOLD PATH
- the most perfect way to
live out the Eightfold
Path
TEN PRECEPTS
- community of monks
- 227 practical rules for
monastic life help to
PATMOKKHA
ensure that the Eightfold
Path is lived out as well as
possible
2001 Depth Study 1: Buddhism. This sheet may be copied for non-commercial classroom use only.