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FAITH CATHEDRAL DELIVERANCE CENTRE WELCOMES YOU TO THE STUDY ON BUDDHISM REFLECTION STATEMENTS Buddha gave 84,000 teachings revealing many methods of spiritual trainings, all of which are practical ways to control the mind Buddha urged followers to focus on the Four Noble/Holy Truths in order to free self from suffering The Four Noble/Holy Truths: 1. Suffering exists universally 2. Suffering has a cause 3. Suffering can be suppressed 4. Suffering ends by following the Eight-fold Path STATEMENTS CONT’D The Eight-fold Path: 1. Right Speech 2. Right Viewpoint/understanding 3. Right Thought 4. Right Action 5. Right Occupation/Livelihood 6. Right Effort 7. Right Contemplation/Awareness 8. Right Meditation/Concentration STATEMENTS CONT’D The Eight-fold Path is divided into three themes called the ‘Threefold Training’: 1. Good moral conduct 2. Concentration 3. Wisdom MATCH EACH WORD ON THE LEFT WITH ONE FROM THE RIGHT: Salvation Harmful work Speech Human work Action Focus on one thing Occupation Kill/steal Meditation Gossip ASSESSMENT Select the words from each set that relate to Part 5: 1. Nirvana, suffering, monastery, Sangha 2. Vehicles, wisdom, effort, Maya 3. Theravada, baskets, Dharma, meditation 4. Actions, sage, viewpoints, Ananda DID YOU DO YOUR ASSIGNMENT? CHRISTIAN LINK Use James 3: 5 & 8 to substantiate ‘Right Speech’ 2. Use Philippians 4: 8 to combat any concept of the ‘Eight-Fold Path’ 3. How would you associate Galatians 5: 22-23 with the ‘Eight-Fold Path’? 1. PART SIX SEQUEL TO THE “THREEFOLD TRAINING” GOOD MORAL CONDUCT Ten fundamental rules of good conduct have been established for the monastic community to guide monks in accordance with the rules . Abstention from taking life, stealing, unchastity, speaking falsely, slandering, abuse, foolish talk, coveteousness, malice and harbouring wrong ideas. GOOD MORAL CONDUCT - CONT’D Monks are also forbidden to drink intoxicating liquor, eat between meals, attend secular amusement, use perfume and jewellery, use luxurious beds, and accept and use money. WISDOM Insight into things as they really are. To have insight means to hold to the right view of things. MEDITATION/CONCENTRATION Has as its objective the control of the mind- i.e. to bring the mind to a single point and hold it steady on that point so there is no wavering or wandering (since it has a roaming intent). MEDITATION/CONCENTRATION – CONT’D Concentration requires long practice as the technique is worked out in elaborate details: The candidate chooses a monk, vows to follow instruction, a conducive place is chosen, the course of action prescribed, the master studies the mental learnings and prescribes the subject for concentration. MEDITATION/CONCENTRATION Candidate CONT’D undergoes trance like experiences to eradicate evil dispositions such as lust, hatred, sloth, pride, and doubt, thus there is calmness because of the absence of worldly desires. Multiple stages are embarked on until he goes into the realm of the extinction of perception and consciousness. MEDITATION/CONCENTRATION – Outwardly CONT’D it’s a state of coma where motion, speech, thought, and consciousness are absent. A state that differs from death only in the fact that physical life and bodily warmth still remain. It is said that before entering this state the practitioner must determine before hand when he ASSESSMENT How do you see meditation as a method to be used by Christians? KHARMA Specifically refers to those actions/ deeds (of body, spirit, mind) that spring from mental intent and which bring about a consequence/ result. KHARMA – CONT’D The good or bad actions one takes during ones lifetime. Good actions are positive acts such as generosity, righteousness and meditation bring about happiness in the long run. Bad actions such as lying stealing or killing bring about unhappiness. KHARMA - Good CONT’D skilful deeds or bad unskilled action produces seeds in the mind which come to fruition either in this life or in a subsequent rebirth. KHARMA - CONT’D The doctrine of Kharma ensures that good deeds are rewarded and evil deeds punished. As a result of the deeds performed in the past or present, a living being would continue in the cycle of rebirth and assume a different form in each rebirth. SAMSARA This is the doctrine of a continuous round of death and rebirth. It means that one has lived before and will live again but different from the current life. This is similar to reincarnation, the idea that after death the soul is reborn into another body. SAMSARA - The CONT’D quality of the next life one lives depends on what one does and what is learnt from the current life. SAMSARA - CONT’D The force of past kharma is so strong it causes a new being to come into existence inheriting the fruits of the past kharma, while the new complex that is reborn is different from the one just passed away. SAMSARA Buddha CONT’D taught that every being creates his/her own reality which crosses over to form a given world or realm in which one may exist or be reborn. Ones state of existence depends on ones karmic activities. There are six basic categories: SAMSARA - CONT’D Three unfortunate or lower realms The realm of Hell The realm of ghosts The realm of Animals Three fortunate or good realms The realm of Asura (Demons) The realm of Human The realm of Deva (Heaven) SAMSARA - CONT’D (HELL) Suffering is severe, continuous, everlasting. Beings who committed unforgivable and evil deeds with no regret or repentance. The evil karma determines their existence in hell. They suffer until they are completely retributed or the evil karma vanishes. SAMSARA Those CONT’D (HELL) who committed the deadly sins, (kill mother, father, Arhat, shed Buddha’s blood and create disharmony among the Sanga) they will stay in hell without any specific time to be liberated. SAMSARA It CONT’D (HELL) is not the judgement of any Buddhas or gods, nor is it the judgement of any Supreme God. Hell is the manifestation of ones mind so self punishment is inflected . SAMSARA This CONT’D (GHOST) realm, is a state of intense and insatiable desire, frustration, and dissatisfaction. Gratification is always beyond reach. (The hungry ghosts cannot eat as their throat is as narrow as a pin, but their stomach is as large as a drum). SAMSARA If CONT’D (GHOST) one wants to avoid descending into the realm of the hungry ghost, one has to learn to control one's desires for money, sex, fame, food and sleep. The realm of hungry ghosts is a form of punishment for greed. SAMSARA This CONT’D (ANIMAL) is another realm of misery but those in this realm are not cognisant of their misery because this state is characterised by stupidity. Those in animal consciousness, there lives are governed by conditioning, indoctrination and seeking personal gratification. SAMSARA This CONT’D (ASURA) is another realm of misery but those in this realm are not cognisant of their misery because this state is characterised by stupidity. Those in animal consciousness, there lives are governed by conditioning, indoctrination and seeking personal gratification. SAMSARA - CONT’D (HUMAN) The realm of man is considered the highest realm of rebirth, and so one of relative advantage. In this realm one has the ability to seek and enjoy pleasure and happiness. The experience is equally grounded in difficulty and hardship. SAMSARA One CONT’D (HUMAN) has to observe the five precepts – avoid killing, stealing, illicit sex, lying and intoxicants – in order to be reborn human. The realm of man also offers one other aspect lacking in the other five planes, an opportunity to achieve enlightenment, or Nirvana SAMSARA –CONT’D (DEVA) It is a heaven for those who are wise and kind as the retribution for their good deed If ordinary people want to qualify for ascension to the heavens, they have to practice and perfect the Wholesome Actions: Avoidance of killing, stealing, adultery, lying, filthy language, coarse language, greed, anger, and delusion ASSESSMENT Use concepts from Christianity to counteract Samsara. BUDDHISTS’ SYMBOLS Eight-spoked Wheel is the main symbol of Buddhism. Its eight spokes are a reminder that the teachings of the Buddha are summed up in the eight-fold path. This sets out the middle way – the life lived between a life of luxury and a life of self denial. THE EIGHT-SPOKED WHEEL SYMBOLS - CONT’D The Buddha The statute of the Buddha is the most important symbol, always having Buddhist meditating in front of it. SYMBOLS - CONT’D The Buddha is often shown adopting the lotus position, which is the thumb and first finger of one hand forming a circle. This symbolizes the first teaching that he gave to his followers after he was enlightened. SYMBOLS - CONT’D A bump at the top of his head shows that he has been given special powers. A third eye in the middle of his forehead, symbolizes the belief that he has unique spiritual insight. SYMBOLS - CONT’D Long ear lobes showed that he came from a royal and important family. His curled hair indicates that he was a holy man before and after he was enlightened. SYMBOLS CONT’D The Lotus Flower The root of this flower grows in muddy water, but the petals rise up out of the water and opens towards the sun. It symbolizes the growth of every Buddhist towards spiritual fulfilment. SYMBOLS - CONT’D Worshippers sometimes cup their hand as they pray to symbolize the lotus flower. SYMBOLS – CONT’D Lotuses are symbols of purity and ‘spontaneous’ generation and hence symbolize divine birth. They are usually differentiated by their colour. The white lotus – symbolizes Bodhi, the state of total mental purity and spiritual perfection. It generally has eight petals corresponding to the Noble Eightfold Path. SYMBOLS – CONT’D The Red lotus – symbolizes the original nature of the heart. (love, compassion, passion) Blue lotus – is the symbol of the victory of the spirit over senses, of intelligence and wisdom, of knowledge. It is always represented as a partially opened bud, and (unlike the red lotus) its centre is never seen. SYMBOLS – CONT’D Pink lotus – This the supreme lotus, generally reserved for the highest deity, it is the lotus of the historical Buddha. SYMBOLS – CONT’D Purple lotus – This is the mystic lotus. The eight petals represent the Noble Eightfold Path. The flowers may also be depicted presented in a cup or on a tray, as a symbol of homage. ASSESSMENT Identify & explain some Christian symbols. FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL DAYS There are many special or holy days held throughout the year by the Buddhist community These are held to bring people together to meditate and learn about Buddha. FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS – CONT’D Buddha Day or VESAK: The major festival of the year to celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of The Buddha. Candles decorated with symbols (wheel of life, bodhi tree and lotus flower) are used. Some homes are decorated with candles. FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS - CONT’D Rainy Season Retreat Movement is restricted during the rains so monks congregate for a spiritual retreat. Monks get the things they need for their existence. When the season is over the monks go back to their monasteries to serve the people. FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS - CONT’D New Year This is celebrated for three days, but differently by each country. Bells – are rung to cast out wrong passion making the passage to enlightenment easier. Water – the Buddha statue is washed, people spray each other, rescue fish, and release birds from cages. FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS - CONT’D Sangha Day Takes places in March. This holy day is observed to commemorate an important event which occurred early in the Buddha’s teaching life. FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS - CONT’D Dhamma Day This is designed to pay homage to the Buddha about July. It commemorates the Buddha's first teaching. FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS - CONT’D Songkran People clean their houses, wash their clothes and enjoy sprinkling perfumed water on the monks, novices and other people, for at least two or three days. FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS - CONT’D The Ploughing Festival In May, two white oxen pull a gold painted plough, followed by four girls dressed in white who scatter rice seeds from gold and silver baskets. FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS - CONT’D The Ploughing Festival This is to celebrate the Buddha's first moment of enlightenment, which is said to have happened when the Buddha was seven years old. FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS - CONT’D The Elephant Festival Held on the third Saturday in November. The Buddha used the example of a wild elephant which, when it is caught, is harnessed to a tame one for training. A person new to Buddhism should have a special friendship of one FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS - CONT’D The Festival of the Tooth A great temple which was especially built to house a relic of the Buddha - his tooth. The tooth can never be seen, as it is kept deep inside a casket. However, once a year, (August) there is a special procession for it. FESTIVALS/SPECIAL DAYS - CONT’D Ancestor Day It is believed that the gates of Hell are opened so that ghosts may visit the world for fifteen days. Food offerings are made during this time to relieve the sufferings of these ghosts. People visit cemeteries to make offerings to the departed ancestors. ASSESSMENT Do Christians celebrate special days? Explain. DEVOTIONAL PRACTICES Buddhist Shrines and Images Buddha images have been the object of Buddhist devotion and identify for over 2000 years, acting as the inspirational focus and the means for devotees to express their reverence and gratitude for the Buddha's Dharma or Teachings. DEVOTIONAL PRACTICES Buddhist Shrines and Images When Buddhists pass by a shrine in their homes or visit a temple, and see the peaceful image of the Buddha, it reminds them that they can be peaceful too. DEVOTIONAL PRACTICES - CONT’D Folded Palms The palms are placed together and raised to the level of the chest. This gesture expresses deep reverence to the Triple Gem Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. DEVOTIONAL PRACTICES – CONT’D Prostration Prostrating before an image of the Buddha or members of the Sangha expresses deep veneration. This also helps to overcome egoistic feelings (pride) to become more ready to listen to the Teaching of the Buddha. DEVOTIONAL PRACTICES – CONT’D Prostration before the Buddha images, remind of his qualities and incite respect for them i.e. lovingkindness, compassion, virtue, patience, concentration and wisdom. This is motivation for them to develop these extraordinary qualities too. OFFERINGS They make offerings to create positive energy and develop good qualities such as giving with a respectful attitude and gratitude. Moreover, the offerings remind of certain teachings of the Buddha. OFFERINGS - CONT’D Offering of Light (Lamp/Candle) Light symbolizes wisdom and drives away darkness. Similarly, the light of wisdom dispels the darkness of ignorance. OFFERINGS - CONT’D Offering of Incense When incense is lit, its fragrance spreads. Incense symbolizes the fragrance of pure moral conduct which each wants to cultivate. OFFERINGS - CONT’D Offering of Water Water symbolizes purity, clarity and calmness. Thus a reminder to practise the Buddha's teachings, so as to cleanse the mind, which is full of desire, ill-will and ignorance; and so attain the state of purity. OFFERINGS - CONT’D Offering of Fruit Fruit symbolizes the ultimate fruit of Enlightenment which is the goal. It also reminds that all actions will have their effect. OFFERINGS - CONT’D Offering of Flowers This reminds of the Buddha's teaching that all things are impermanent. Place value on what is possessed now and live in the present. As things will soon fade and become useless. WORSHIP Buddhists can worship both at home or at a temple. It is not considered essential to go to a temple to worship with others. WORSHIP - CONT’D At home Buddhists will often set aside a room or a part of a room as a shrine. There will be a statue of Buddha, candles, and an incense burner. WORSHIP - CONT’D Temples All Buddhist temples contain an image or a statue of Buddha. WORSHIP - CONT’D Worshippers may sit on the floor barefoot, facing an image of Buddha and chanting. They will listen to monks chanting from religious texts, perhaps accompanied by instruments, and take part in prayers. WORSHIP - CONT’D Mantras A mantra is a word, a syllable, a phrase or a short prayer that is spoken once or repeated over and over again and that is thought to have a profound spiritual effect on the person. WORSHIP - CONT’D Prayer Aids It's common to use prayer beads to mark the number of repetitions of a mantra. Mantras may also be displayed on a prayer wheel and repeated by spinning the wheel, or written on a prayer flag - in which case the prayer is repeated each time the flag moves in the wind. ASSESSMENT Give one word for each term: 1. Actions & deeds from mental intent that bring results 2. Doctrine of continuous death & rebirth 3. Insight into things as they really are 4. Control of the mind 5. Place for those who commit the deadly sins ASSESSMENT Give 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. one word for each term: A state of punishment for greed The state characterised by stupidity Collective term for demons Heaven for those who are wise & kind Physical life & bodily warmth are intact CHRISTIAN LINK What offerings are Christians expected to make? How are Christians expected to worship? Use biblical examples. What part does prayer play in the life of a Christian? HOMEWORK/ASSIGNMENT Indicate in writing any question you may have on Buddhism. (Due date May 27, 2012) THANKS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION UNTIL NEXT WEEK BE BLESSED!!