Download Buddhism

EA: Influential Philosophy Summary
-5 Schools of Thought-
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy founded in India around 525 BCE by Siddhartha
Gautama, called the Buddha. There are over 300 million Buddhists worldwide. One of the great
world religions, it is divided into several different schools of thought that can be often found in
different parts of the world. Buddhism has largely disappeared from its country of origin, India,
except for the presence there of many refugees from the Tibet region of China and a small
number of converts from the lower castes of Hinduism.
Despite there being different schools of Buddhist practice, they all teach the same basic
principles as passed down by Buddha. Buddha knew people had many similarities. Everyone
can feel happy and confident but also sad, lonely, and afraid. People have the same feelings
now, as they have through the ages. Buddhism’s most basic teaching is the Four Noble Truths.
These are described as:
1. There is suffering in life. Imagine life is a bone that has slipped its socket. Life is
typically lived out of joint. Something is usually slightly wrong and needs to be properly
aligned. This “out-of-joint-ness” blocks creativity, causes undue conflict, and results in
personal suffering.
2. The cause of suffering is selfish desire. The desires that cause suffering are the wants we
have that pull at our entire life to be fulfilled, sometimes at the expense of other people.
3. Suffering can end completely. Life can be without suffering. Life’s problems are
corrected when a person reaches enlightenment or nirvana.
4. The cure to suffering is achieved through the Eightfold Path. In order to reach nirvana
and relieve suffering, a person must train themselves to live according to the Eightfold
Path. Before a person can begin the Eightfold Path, one must associate himself with the
“right” people who have already begun the Path.
The Eightfold Path consists of:
1. Right Knowledge. The first step of the path is knowledge of the Four Noble Truths which
give some idea of where a person is and some direction and purpose to follow.
2. Right Aspiration. A person must truly aspire to reach enlightenment and seek
enlightenment single-mindedly rather than being distracted by life’s attractions.
3. Right Speech. A person must notice what their speech reveals about their character and
seek to be truthful in their speech. Talking that is idle chatter, gossip, lies, and abuse
should be avoided.
4. Right Behavior. Try not to harm living beings. Try not to steal. Try not to use sexuality
excessively or to harm others. Try not to lie or call people names. Try not to use drink or
drugs that harm mind and body.
5. Right Work. A person seeking enlightenment should choose an occupation that allows
progress toward nirvana. A person may devote their livelihood to being a monk or
simply engaging in occupations that are useful, promote life, and will not harm people or
the environment.
6. Right Effort. A person should make an effort to live wisely, encourage good, and seek an
end to suffering.
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7. Right Mindfulness. A person should try to be mindful, which means being alert and
aware of what they are thinking, feeling, and doing, so that they will not behave in a way
that they will later regret. What a person chooses to do begins with a thought in his or
her mind.
8. Right Meditation.
Buddhism teaches that life is a process and the right steps must be taken in order to end that
process. Until the Eightfold Path is completed and a person reaches enlightenment, they will
exist in a changing form.
These teachings of Buddhism manifest themselves in several ways during daily life. Generosity
is very important in Buddhism. Buddhist monks and nuns renounce money and rely on the
generosity people to supply their needs. A Buddhist may help monks by giving money, giving
food, cooking, washing dishes, cleaning brass, putting fresh flowers in a shine, gardening,
providing clothes, giving medicine, and giving toothpaste, toilet paper, or detergent.
By providing monks with what they need to live, people give the monks the opportunity to live
harmlessly, meditating, and seeking the truth. In return, people are learning from the monks’
example and starting on the path toward right behavior.
Most Buddhists work or go to school like other people. Parents try to help children understand
the importance of always showing respect and generosity to all people. Likewise, adults strive
for right work by avoiding slaughtering animals, making weapons, selling weapons, gambling, or
charging high interest loans. As a result, many Buddhists teach, build homes, or help conserve
the environment.