Download Notes beliefs buddhism

Beliefs -Buddhism
 Ultimate goal is the end of human suffering.
 A very different view of the world.
 An introspective religion, where the most important
aspect is taking responsibility for one's own
salvation.
 There is no central source of beliefs such as the
Bible instead there are a number of sources to help
guide Buddhists to spiritual truth.
 Buddhists goal is to see an end to Samsara
(endless cycle of rebirths), to see an end to human
suffering by achieving nirvana and attaining perfect
wisdom.
 Women in Buddhism
- No distinction between men and women because
gender is seen as an illusion to the unenlightened
mind.
-Not considered the property of men.
-Physical abuse is not tolerated.
-Seen more as equals because of the belief in
reincarnation.
 A belief in the three characteristics of existance - anicca
(impermanence), dukkha (dissatisfaction) and anatta
(selflessness)
1. Anicca- The idea that the world is constantly changing
and nothing stays the same.
2. Dukkha - The idea that all humans and animals
experience suffering. There is no such thing as
continuous happiness. People get diseases, experience
loss, have mental illnesses etc.
3. Anatta ( no self) - Difficult to understand. They believe
that there is no permanent independent self, only
changing parts we designate as self.
 The five precepts
These are rules followed to control improper, nonbeneficial, physical and verbal behaviour that can cause
suffering. They include:
1. Abstain from killing or harming living beings (Ahimsanonviolence)
2. Abstain from stealing.
3. Abstain from improper sexual conduct.
4. Abstain from false speech (lying, gossiping)
5. Abstain from taking drugs or alcohol.
 Priests and nuns follow additional precepts.
 The four Noble truths
 These are central to understanding Buddhism.
1. The noble truth of suffering
- To live is to suffer. They believe because we live we will
suffer, not all the time, but at times throughout life. They
still believe in moments of happiness, but this happiness
does not last forever.
2.The Noble truth of the origin of suffering.
- Suffering is caused by negative desire, selfish desire.
People do harmful things to their bodies because of
greed for the wrong kind of pleasures.
-Suffering has its origins in greed.
3. The noble truth of the extinction of suffering
- Suffering will end when the urge to possess more and
more things is destroyed.
-A person puts a stop to greed by changing one's views
and living a more natural and peaceful life.
-A person who achieves nirvana is in a blissful, happy
and content state where nothing whatsoever causes any
kind of suffering.
- Nirvana can be compared to Heaven but it is not a
place, it is a state of being.
4. The noble truth of the path leading to the extinction of
suffering
- To end suffering you need to follow the Noble Eightfold
Path. Following this path involves adopting your Buddhist
way of life - a life of self improvement. It can be thought
of as a wheel with the center of the wheel being nirvana.
The spokes of the wheel represent the steps needed to
achieve Nirvana.
They include:
a) Right view- A blueprint to guide us through life.
b) Right thought- Freedom of the mind from ill thoughts.
c) Right speech- Speak only kind words with honesty.
d) Right conduct- Behaviour according to the five
precepts.
e) Right livelihood- earn a living through occupations that
do not cause harm to living things (Ahimsa)
f) Right effort- Individuals must do their best at all times
and conquer all evil thoughts.
g) Right mindfulness - Purpose must be mindful of what
is good and proper and act accordingly.
h) Right concentration - The focusing on one thought or
object at a time. This concentration leads to peace of
mind and enlightenment through meditation.
 The Three Refuges
- These were established by the Buddha in order to
make it easier to follow his teachings. They include:
 The Buddha (the guide)
 the dharma ( the path, his teachings)
 The sangha (companions and teachers)
- Taking refuge is the first step to enlightenment.
 The six perfections
A Bodhisattra is a person who has achieved nirvana but
choose to be reborn again so he can help others on the
path to enlightenment. This person practices the six
perfections:
-Giving
-Mortality
-Meditation
-Patience
-Vigour
-Wisdom