Download OREINTAL PERSPECTIVE I. Buddism n Judaism

Oriental Perspectives I
Buddhism n Judaism [Ancient]
For Class Discussions Only
Yolafile.160705
Place of Origin: India
History: Sakyamuni (563 -483 BC, sage of the Sakya clan), Siddhartha Gautama's
tribal name, was born in northeast India (Nepal). It is believed that he meditated
for 49 days under a Bodi tree [“tree of wisdom”] until his “awakening”. Hence, the
term “Buddha”-“the one who woke up.”
Background: Hindu Beliefs
Text/Scriptures: Vedas [Sanskrit `knowledge’]- include the
1. Brahmanas = prose commentaries of the Vedas concerned with the
interpretation of the sacrificial liturgy.
2. Upanishads (to sit near)= Sacred
Sanskrit Text that represents the basic tenets of Hindu thought. It contains
speculative ideas about the ultimate nature of reality as expressed in the terms –
Brahman, atman, samsara, karma, and moksha.
A central philosophical idea of Upanishads : there is one single unifying principle
underlying the entire universe [called Brahman], and that the world of multiplicity
is one of interconnected unity. In other words, everything is radically interconnect
ed [overall theme of the Upanishad].
Terms/concepts relating to Human Person: Brahman (Sanskrit, grow/expand/
increase) is the ultimate reality and absolute ground of all beings.. . It is the
unchanging reality that transcends space, time, causality and all particular things.
It is the power that animates everything or sustains the whole cosmos. Only
Brahman is real, and the individual souls and the universe are illusory [Maya]
manifestations of Brahman.
Atman= the true self of each person is identical with Brahman. It is the essence of
man rooted in the divine absolute; derives its essence from the eternal.
Hinduism believes in reincarnation and eternity of the self/soul.
Life's goal is to achieve Moksha [liberation / release from the cycle of rebirths =
Nirvana. This is the highest of ends, surpassing pleasure, wealth, as all other
things. Accordingly, no soul is eternally damned.
Karma, - the law of sowing and reaping, determines the form that will be taken in
each new existence.. This is the law of cause and effect. Men determine his destiny
through his conduct [this is the way to achieve moksha] An evil life leads to
rebirth as a sub-Human creature; while good life leads to more favoured existence
or to ultimate liberation from the rounds of rebirths. Hence the Moral structure of
the universe is the ground of the doctrine of Karma and Rebirth.
-2Related to the goal of liberation and perfection to needs and tasks of daily life are
the life of Meditation (hermitage, where as adult person seeks illumination in the
forest) and the Spiritual stage (union with Brahman) - man's inner spirit is the
focus of attention; seeking spiritual release (moksha). A very important value
include Ahimsa - non-violence/non-injury to living things, compassion, rejection
of worldly attachment, simplicity, humility, and courage.
Human Nature The essential self of human being is radically connected to all
beings. The ultimate self, atman, is part of all interrelated network of reality.
Atman is two aspects: self as ego identified with the body and environment. It is
the ordinary self. The essential self is atman, immortal and unchanging self.
A central teaching of the Upanishads is that the true self is that external aspect of
reality that is somehow not different from the highest reality of Brahman. In sum,
one’s essential self transcends individuality, limitation, suffering and death.
Terms to Remember: Brahman, karma, moksha, atman, nirvana, ahimsa, Caste
members, Vedas, Upanishads, Brahmanas, Maya, samsara
--------------------Buddhism rejects the Vedic Scripture and the concept of Brahman and Atman but
retains the Law of Karma and Rebirth. The Buddha (Enlightened One) rejected the
authority ascribed to the ancient gods and urged men to rely mainly on the
resources within themselves. He also rejected caste system since wisdom rather
than rebirth is important.. Constant change, finiteness, and suffering impressed
the Buddha.
Basic Tenets 1. All phenomenal (conditioned) realities are impermanent/transcient
Whatever exists, including man, changes. Hence there is no permanent reality
2. There is no soul or permanent self.
3. Human Person has 2 categories: A.. Nama = name/mind/psychological or
mental aspect of human beings. B.. Rupa = form/ matter /body /physical
aspect.. Human beings then are called Nama-Rupa -> man as psycho-physical
being that constitute a person as distinct individual. Both nama-rupa are interdependent [belong to each other] One can't exists without the other.
Individual has 3 characteristic: 1. dukkha = suffering 2. anicca = impermanence
3. anatta = absence of eternal self. The anatta doctrine implies that living beings
have no eternal soul and that there is no cosmic self.
-3The Buddhist Noble Truth 1. The existence of suffering seen in experiences of
childbirth, illness, failure to satisfy desires, separation from loved ones, old age, or
death. 2. Suffering is caused by tanha (selfish desires) originally literally "thirst".
3. Possibility of the release - if one can gain enlightenment, the wheel of existence
may be ended and Nirvana (salvation) gained. 4. There is a way out through the
noble Eightfold path. Monastic life is necessary for nirvana. {in sum, doing things
that have important spiritual value}
Duties of the Laity bans 1. killing (animals) 2. stealing 3. Wrong sexual
relation 4. Wrong use of speech [lying, malicious gossip] 5. consumption of
alcohol/drugs. Monks must be celibate, rejects property, and have self control
through meditation.
Terms to Remember: Nama-rupa, dukhha, anatta, anicca, tanha, Buddha
-------------------------------------