Download Buddhist beliefs – Extra information

Buddhism session for Focus
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Brainstorm – Into groups – A3 paper – ‘Buddhism’ in the middle – brainstorm
what you know about it.
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Teaching
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Introduction
Buddhism is a spiritual tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development and
the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life. This makes Buddhism
different from many other faiths for it is not centred on the relationship between
humanity and God.
Buddhists do not believe in a personal creator God. It does not have the concept of a
Saviour, nor of Heaven and Hell in the popular sense.
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History
This is the story of Buddhism as a Buddhist would tell you. I’m going to tell you this
without commenting on it as a Christian. We’ll have the opportunity to do that later.
The history of Buddhism is the story of one man's spiritual journey to Enlightenment,
and of the teachings and ways of living that developed from it.
It was founded by Siddharta Gautama, more commonly known as Buddha.
Siddharta Gautama was born around the year 580 BC in the village of Lumbini in
Nepal. He was born into a royal family, and his privileged life insulated him from the
sufferings of life; sufferings such as sickness, age, and death.
One day, after growing-up, marrying and having a child, Siddhartha went outside the
royal enclosure where he lived. When he went outside he saw, each for the first time,
an old man, a sick man, and a corpse.
This greatly disturbed him, and he learned that sickness, age, and death were the
inevitable fate of human beings — a fate no-one could avoid.
Siddartha had also seen a monk, and he decided this was a sign that he should leave
his protected royal life and live as a homeless Holy Man.
Siddartha's travels showed him much more of the the suffering of the world.He
searched for a way to escape the inevitability of death, old age and pain first by
studying with religious men. This didn't provide him with an answer.
Siddartha encountered an Indian ascetic (avoiding physical pleasures and living a
simple life, often for religious reasons) who encouraged him to follow a life of
extreme self-denial and discipline. The Buddha also practised meditation but
concluded that in themselves, the highest meditative states were not enough.
Siddartha followed this life of extreme asceticism for six years, but this did not satisfy
him either; he still had not escaped from the world of suffering.
He abandoned the strict lifestyle of self denial and ascetism, but did not return to the
pampered luxury of his early life. Instead, he pursued the Middle Way, which is just
what it sounds like; neither luxury, nor poverty, and sought another way.
One day, seated beneath the Bodhi tree (the tree of awakening) Siddartha became
deeply absorbed in meditation, and reflected on his experience of life, determined to
penetrate its truth. He finally achieved Enlightenment and became the Buddha.
The Mahabodhi Temple at the site of Buddha's enlightenment, is now a pilgrimage
site.
Buddhist legend tells that at first the Buddha was happy to dwell within this state, but
Brahma, king of the gods, asked, on behalf of the whole world, that he should share
his understanding with others.
Buddha then set in motion the "wheel of teaching": rather than worshipping one god
or gods, Buddhism centres around the timeless importance of the teaching, or the
dharma. (the teachings of Buddha)
For the next 45 years of his life the Buddha taught many disciples, who became
Arahants or "noble ones", who had attained Enlightenment for themselves.
So that’s something of the history and beginnings of Buddhism. Let’s have a bit of a
look at what Buddhists believe.
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Beliefs
The Buddha taught many things, but the basic concepts in Buddhism can be summed
up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
The first truth is that life is suffering i.e., life includes pain, getting old, disease, and
ultimately death. We also endure psychological suffering like loneliness frustration,
fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger. It is realistic rather than pessimistic
because pessimism is expecting things to be bad. lnstead, Buddhism explains how
suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy.
The second truth is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion. We will suffer
if we expect other people to conform to our expectation, if we want others to like us,
if we do not get something we want,etc. In other words, getting what you want does
not guarantee happiness. Rather than constantly struggling to get what you want, try
to modify your wanting. Wanting deprives us of contentment and happiness. A
lifetime of wanting and craving and especially the craving to continue to exist, creates
a powerful energy which causes the individual to be born. So craving leads to
physical suffering because it causes us to be reborn.
The third truth is that suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained; that
true happiness and contentment are possible. lf we give up useless craving and learn
to live each day at a time (not dwelling in the past or the imagined future) then we can
become happy and free. We then have more time and energy to help others. This is
Nirvana. This is the goal of Buddhism – Nirvana.
The fourth truth is that the Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of
suffering.
So what is the Noble 8-Fold Path?
In summary, the Noble 8-fold Path is being moral (through what buddhists say, do
and their livelihood), focussing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and
actions, and developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths and by
developing compassion for others.
The moral code within Buddhism is the precepts, of which the main five are: not to
take the life of anything living, not to take anything not freely given, to abstain from
sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence, to refrain from untrue speech, and to
avoid intoxication, that is, losing mindfulness.
One other belief we’ve probably heard about is Karma. What is Karma?
Karma is the law that every cause has an effect, i.e., our actions have results. This
simple law explains a number of things: inequality in the world, why some are born
handicapped and some gifted, why some live only a short life. Karma underlines the
importance of all individuals being responsible for their past and present actions. How
can we test the karmic effect of our actions? The answer is summed up by looking at
(1) the intention behind the action, (2) effects of the action on oneself, and (3) the
effects on others.
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Practices
There are two principle types of Buddhism – Theravada and Mahayana. We won’t go
into the details of the differences, but it does mean there are slightly different
practices.
However, two customs are basic to all traditions:
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Venerating the Buddha
This may take the form of meditating on the qualities of Buddha, and honouring the
Buddha or a Buddha-figure. A person could honour the Buddha by making offerings
to relics or images of the Buddha. In the Theravada tradition, Buddhist laypersons
often give gifts to Buddhist monks but giving is also encouraged more generally, to
one another and to good causes.
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Pilgrimage
Four main centres of pilgrimage sprung up within the first couple of hundred years
after Buddha's death which marked key locations in the Buddha's life. Since then
other centres have emerged in virtually every area where Buddhism has been
established, each with its own practices and customs. The purpose of pilgrimage is to
foster a spiritual discipline, to fulfil a vow or simply to travel. It is an important
Buddhist practice. Pilgrimage also helps to express feelings of devotion and creates a
relationship with the historical figures associated with the pilgrimage site.
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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.
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.
Temples - Buddhist temples come in many shapes. Perhaps the best known are the
pagodas of China and Japan. Another typical Buddhist building is the Stupa, which is
a stone structure built over what are thought to be relics of the Buddha, or over copies
of the Buddha's teachings.
Buddhist temples are designed to symbolise the five elements:
* Fire
* Air
* Earth, symbolised by the square base
* Water
* Wisdom, symbolised by the pinnacle at the top.
All Buddhist temples contain an image or a statue of Buddha.
There as many forms of Buddhist worship as there are schools of Buddhism.
Worship in Mahayana tradition takes the form of devotion to Buddha and to
Bodhisattvas. An enlightened person who has chosen to postpone nirvana in order to
help others become enlightened
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.
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A Christian’s Response
Group – How do buddhist beliefs effect our culture today?
How might they effect us as Christians?
Key issues – no acceptance of God or sin – we can all become enlightened through
buddhist teachings and meditation.
No idea of a need for salvation - No saviour concept in Buddhism. A Buddha is not a
saviour who saves others by his personal salvation. Although a Buddhist seeks refuge
in the Buddha as his incomparable guide who indicates the path of purity, he makes
no servile surrender. A Buddhist does not think that he can gain purity merely by
seeking refuge in the Buddha or by mere faith in Him. It is not within the power of a
Buddha to wash away the impurities of others
It is all about personal effort - The liberation of self is the responsibility of one's own
self. Buddhism does not call for an unquestionable blind faith by all Buddhist
followers. It places heavy emphasis on self-reliance, self discipline and individual
striving.
GROUP –How might we as Christians talk to a Buddhist about Jesus? How might we
share our faith?
Buddhist beliefs – Extra information
The Triple Gem
1. The Buddha — The self awakened one. The original nature of the Heart;
2. The Dhamma — The Teaching. The nature of reality;
3. The Sangha — a. The Awakened Community. b. Any harmonious assembly. c. All
Beings.
The Four Noble Truths
1. The Noble Truth of Dukkha - stress, unsatisfactoriness, suffering;
2. The Noble Truth of the causal arising of Dukkha, which is grasping, clinging and
wanting;
3. The Noble Truth of Nirvana, The ending of Dukkha. Awakening, Enlightenment.
"Mind like fire unbound";
4. The Noble Truth of the Path leading to Nirvana or Awakening.
All Buddhist teachings flow from the Four Noble Truths. Particularly emphasised in
the Theravada.
The Four Bodhisattva Vows
1. I vow to rescue the boundless living beings from suffering; (Link to 1st Truth)
2. I vow to put an end to the infinite afflictions of living beings; (Link to 2nd Truth)
3. I vow to learn the measureless Dharma-doors; (Link to 4th Truth)
4. I vow to realise the unsurpassed path of the Buddha. (Link to 3th Truth)
Foundation of the Mahayana Path, these vows say. 'Whatever the highest perfection
of the human heart-mind may I realise it for the benefit of all that lives!'
The Eight Fold-Path
Right, Integral, Complete, Perfected.
1. Right View, Understanding;
2. Right Attitude, Thought or Emotion;
3. Right Speech;
4. Right Action;
5. Right livelihood;
6. Right Effort, Energy, and Vitality;
7. Right Mindfulness or Awareness;
8. Right Samadhi "concentration", one-pointedness. Integration of, or establishment
in, various levels of consciousness.
Alternate meanings are given as the original Pali has shades of meaning not available
in one English word.
The Five Precepts
I undertake to:
1. Abstain from killing living beings;
2. Abstain from taking that which not given;
3. Abstain from sexual misconduct;
4. Abstain from false speech;
5. Abstain from distilled substances that confuse the mind. (Alcohol and Drugs)
The underlying principle is non-exploitation of yourself or others. The precepts are
the foundation of all Buddhist training. With a developed ethical base, much of the
emotional conflict and stress that we experience is resolved, allowing commitment
and more conscious choice. Free choice and intention is important. It is "I undertake"
not 'Thou Shalt". Choice, not command.
The Five Precepts in positive terms
I undertake the training precept to:
1. Act with Loving-kindness;
2. Be open hearted and generous;
3. Practice stillness, simplicity and contentment;
4. Speak with truth, clarity and peace;
5. Live with mindfulness.
The Ten Paramita
Paramita means gone to the other shore, it is the highest development of each of these
qualities.
1. Giving or Generosity; *
2. Virtue, Ethics, Morality; *
3. Renunciation, letting go, not grasping;
4. Panna or Prajna "Wisdom" insight into the nature of reality; *
5. Energy, vigour, vitality, diligence; *
6. Patience or forbearance; *
7. Truthfulness;
8. Resolution, determination, intention;
9. Kindness, love, friendliness;
10. Equanimity.
* In Mahayana Buddhism, 6 are emphasised, they are, numbers l., 2., 4., 5., 6.,
Samadhi (see Path) & 4.
The Four Sublime or Uplifted States
1. Metta — Friendliness, Loving-kindness;
2. Karuna — Compassion;
3. Mudita — Joy, Gladness. Appreciation of good qualities in people;
4. Upekkha — Equanimity, the peaceful unshaken mind.
Full development of these four states develops all of the Ten Paramita.
The Five Powers or Spiritual Faculties
1.Faith, Confidence;
2. Energy, Effort;
3. Mindfulness;
4. Samadhi;
5. Wisdom.
The Five Hindrances
1. Sense craving;
2. Ill-will;
3. Sloth and Torpor;
4, Restlessness and Worry;
5. Toxic doubt and the ruthless inner critic.
The Four bases or Frames of Reference of Mindfulness
1. Mindfulness of the Body — breath, postures, parts;
2. Mindfulness of Feelings, Sensations — pleasant, unpleasant and neutral;
3. Mindfulness of States of Consciousness;
4. Mindfulness of all Phenomena or Objects of Consciousness.
The Three Signs of Existence or Universal Properties
1. Anicca — Impermanent;
2. Dukkha — Unsatisfactory, stress inducing;
3. Anatta — Insubstantial or Not-self.