Category: Buddhism

There is a conventional understanding that Buddhism and Christianity, like most religions, are fundamentally dissimilar. Religious fundamentalists are bent to pursue this belief to preserve their religion for fear of weakening or diversifying the grasp or influence on its current believers or practitioners. Understandably, since Buddhism and Christianity arose from different historical and cultural beginnings, the differences in the practices and teachings are at some level unique and specific to their backgrounds. Comparing these two religions based on their inherent characteristics would therefore be futile. Any similarities would not be readily apparent and assessing them would require a thorough understanding of these two religions. In other words, this entails looking at either belief while maintaining the essential teachings of the other. This paper aims to achieve this purpose by understanding the Christian Gospel through the eyes of a Buddhist. Eight major teachings in the Gospel will be analyzed in relevance to the Buddhist teachings. These eight teachings are regarding Love, Giving, Service, the kingdom of God, The Commandments, The Golden Rule, Perfection, and Repentance.

Love

“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so also should you love one another. By this will all know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13: 34-35.

The above words from the Bible indicate Christ’s instructions to love one another. In Matthew 19:19 He adds that one must love his neighbor as he loves himself. Followers of Buddhism can relate to these teachings since they are taught to conquer anger, evil, greed, and lies by love, goodness, generosity, and truth, respectively. Buddhists are also taught to love one another like how a mother loves and nurtures her only child. Furthermore, to have harmony and unity Buddhists are encouraged to be full of love for others. Love frees a person’s heart, a concept repeatedly invoked in Buddhist scriptures (Salm, p. 8).

Giving

Generosity or charity is one of the main teachings of Christ. In Luke 18:18-25, He commands men to give all material belongs to the poor and follow Him. He added that “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God. In Buddhist teachings, giving is not simply mere providing material things to those needing help”. A giver imparts strength and wisdom among other virtues. A giver shares these qualities in heaven and among people while living. In addition, Dharma should inspire everyone including the environment since everyone should be given service even those who have nothing (Salm, p. 12).

Service to Others

Regarding service, Christians are very familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10:30-37. The passage tells of a story of a man robbed and injured while traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. A priest and a Levite passed him by but not by the Samaritan who took care of him and gave him money and other needs. Christ reminds everyone that service to one another should be the primary goal of His followers. Buddhists are also taught of the same concern for others especially the suffering. Aside from physical services to the needy, they are also encouraged to take care of the spiritual needs of other people. Buddhists are taught to give compassion to impure persons to free them from imprisonment from bad karma. In addition, Buddha has a central doctrine of non-self called annatta (Knierim, p. 13). This doctrine instills that a person suffers for his actions while living and rendering service to other people takes away suffering (Salm, p. 13).

Kingdom of God

“The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17: 20b-21. The above words from the Bible show Christ describing when what and where the real heaven is – inside everyone. Buddhist beliefs have a similar view of this teaching. Nirvana which constitutes truth, enlightenment, and liberation can aptly describe the said Christian teachings. Although Nirvana roughly translates to extinguishing, the word is used to describe the long and arduous road of a whole-hearted seeker towards enlightenment (Dhammanada 10). A Buddhist can therefore relate to the phrase ‘kingdom of God’ as the process of living and discovering the heaven that is located within a person’s heart. The ultimate reward for any person is to achieve enlightenment (Salm, p. 21).

The Commandments

‘A certain aristocrat asked him, “Good teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said, “Why do you call me good? None is good except one, God. You know the commandments, you shouldn’t commit adultery, you shouldn’t kill, you shouldn’t steal, you shouldn’t bear false witness, honor your father and your mother.”’ Luke 18: 18-20.

In the above scripture, Christ laid down the commandments for his followers to enter the kingdom of God. If one is a Buddhist, he can easily comprehend these commandments since they also have a set of rules for the same purposes. With the above beliefs in Dharma, annatta, and Nirvana, a Buddhist can recognize what Christ was referring to. Buddhists are taught that anyone without compassion for living things is supposed to be considered an outcast (Dhammanada, p. 6). Anyone who helps himself or takes an interest in other’s properties is to be considered an outcast. Anyone who speaks falsely of others is to be considered an outcast. Anyone who takes the interest of the wives of other men is to be considered an outcast. Finally, anyone who neglects his parents is to be considered an outcast (Salm, p. 40).

The Golden Rule

“In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12. The very core of practicing Christianity is doing to others all that are good such as love and service. A Buddhism believer can easily relate to this teaching since this is a universal rule accepted by many races and cultures. Although it is a more sober version of the tooth-for-a-tooth law of early times, the idea is the same as good begets good. In Buddhist teachings these are summarized in the phrase: I am the heir to everything I do. This means that good or bad, the actions of the person will affect him ultimately in the future. The concept of karma demonstrates these principles as specified in the Mahabharata. Whoever strives to achieve enlightenment must believe in karma or the Golden Rule. Christ also urges everyone to do the same to enter the kingdom of God (Salm,p. 46).

Perfection

“You therefore must be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48. Christ urges us all to strive to be perfect like God in every action, word, and thought. In doing so, Christians can be worthy of entering God’s kingdom. Everyone must remain steadfast in commitment to His teachings, not for only a certain period but every moment of life. The Buddhists are well aware of such teachings as specified by karma (Dhammanada, p. 7), annata, and Nirvana. Life is a long and arduous road to perfection, enlightenment, and liberation (Knierim, p. 10). This is not achieved in a single act of goodness but of consistent adherence to these teachings. A series of rebirths are required to achieve full enlightenment and this is consistent with Christ’s commandment of casting away evil ways. Achieving Nirvana is tantamount to perfection therefore needs consistent improvement in the spiritual needs of a person (Salm,p. 82).

Repentance

“[Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing apart, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people – thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all of my income.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I say to you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18: 9-14.

These words above from the Bible place importance in the act of true repentance for all who committed their sins. By humbly coming to God and asking forgiveness, one can come back to the righteous path and expect the mercy of God. In the Buddhist point-of-view, a person is reborn each step towards achieving Nirvana. This person must cast away wrongful actions and vow to never do these again. There must be heartfelt acceptance of being wrong to achieve self-restraint in the future. Repentance is therefore an important process for Buddhists, a process that can enable one to see his past actions and mistakes (Salm, p. 62). An acknowledgment of these wrongs is necessary to fully change and strive to attain perfection (Dhammanada, p. 11).

In summary, From the understanding of the Christian Gospel can be achieved by looking through the eyes of the Buddhist believer. Bible’s definition and commandments on Love, Giving, Service, the kingdom of God, The Commandments, The Golden Rule, Perfection and Repentance, a Buddhists point-of-view was found to have common grounds to understand Christian views.

Christ’s teachings are an amalgamation of lessons that are highly regarded and widely accepted while Buddhist teachings provide for these relevant concepts sufficiently for a Buddhist to understand the lessons of the Bible. If a person understands Dharma (Dhammanada, p. 6), karma, Nirvana and annatta then he can easily grasp what the service to others, the kingdom of God, and the Golden rule stand for (Ryusei, p. 16). The above analysis of these teachings offers proof of congruence in the two religions in question. Superficial differences are glaring but the essential concepts are significantly identical (Santina, p. 4). With an in-depth understanding of these core concepts, anyone including Buddhists can develop a saving faith in Christ.

Works Cited

Dhammanada, K. S. Buddhism as a Religion. Buddha Dharma Education Association, 1994. Web.

Knierim, T. Introduction to Buddhism. Web.

Ryusei, Takeda. Mutual Transformation of Pure Land Buddhism and Christianity. Nanzan Bulletin 22 (1998)

Salm, Rene. Buddhist and Christian Parallels: Compiled from the Earliest Scriptures.

Santina, P. D. Fundamentals of Buddhism. Buddha Dharma Education Association, 1984. Web.

Introduction

The faith of Buddhism was shaped by a man by the name of Siddhartha Gautama who is supposed to have been imagines by a miraculous conception “in which the future Buddha came to his look after in the form of a white monster and entered her correct side.” Siddhartha was born into an rich family; his father was a ruler in what is now Nepal. He was raise in a life of luxury and protected from the poverty and pain of the world. However, he knowledgeable visions presentation him the stark realness of the world approximately him, and afterward in life he renounced his riches and family and turn out to be an ascetic, seeking for answers to the mystery of life (www.buddhanet.net, 2004).

This research focused on this truth that Siddhartha tried many habits to achieve highest Enlightenment, but was not capable to achieve this condition. Finally Siddhartha did not tire a center path – one of neither self-indulgence nor self-denial and by means of this technique, finally erudite of the truths of realism and attained Supreme Enlightenment, flattering “Buddha” and beginning Buddhism.

Historical Analysis

Buddhism, a person centered religion over 2,500 years old has additional than 300 million faction all through the world. Originally a religion of Asia, Buddhism is progressively rising in Australia, Europe and North America. Buddhism’s uniqueness is its center o the person rather than on heavenly being and gods. Today Buddhism carries on growing in Australia.

Ethical thinking inside a Buddhist tradition involves the interaction of a vast collection of factors including, for instance, the ideas of its creator (s), the culture in which it’s experienced the changing needs of civilization and significant information in the later expansion of the custom. To this end a Buddhist custom both impacts on and is manufactured goods of wider civilization. (World Religions Rogers, k 2001:37).

Siddhartha Gautama was one of person’s remarkable populace. History tells us that he was natural the son of a ruler in Northern India about 2,500 years ago. His near the beginning life was one of lavishness and freedom. He lived in fantastic palaces, enjoying the most excellent food, clothes and entertainments. The good existence however, was not sufficient for Gautama; he required to know come again? The rest of the earth was like. So he begins to off in his chariot to visit the rural community near his fortress. What he establishes there was like not anything he had still known. He saw populace, sick people, and still dead bodies life form approved off to be cremated. These discoveries horrified Gautama that he could take pleasure in fortress life no longer. He longed to find out whether there was a method of end pain (www.buddhanet.net, 2004).

Core Teachings

Buddhism is “the education of Buddha that life is permeated with pain caused by wish, that suffering cease when wish ceases, and that explanation obtained through correct conduct, wisdom, and thought releases one from wish, suffering, and rebirth.” (dictionary.com, 2004) Buddhism teaches one to be a practical person, to understand that the earth contains a great deal suffering. It carry on to teach ways to flee the cycle of pain caused by karma, and teach dharma and the four essential facts of continuation. Buddhism differs from the majority additional religions in so as to in most luggages, Buddhists do not consider in or adoration a God, although Buddha himself has now turn out to be a God-like shape to many follower. The major objective of Buddhists is to arrive at nirvana, which will be discussed later in this document Four Branches related to Buddhism Dharma is the truths of realism, and Buddha’s teachings of dharma built-in the four basic facts of survival.

Life Unavoidably Involves Pain (Dukkha), Is Imperfect And Unacceptable

If we analyzed then we come to know that this truth is understandable to all of us. Birth causes pain. As children, we fall and hide our knees, which cause both ourselves and our mother suffering. We fall in and out of feel affection for and get hurt. We lose our jobs, misplace our appreciated ones, and produce old. Almost the whole thing in life can reason pain. By coming to this understanding, we can look past the pain and be able to realize the high-quality belongings that occur. We can be compassionate concerning things and come to a receipt that anguish happens. As humans, we just contain to deal by means of it and budge on.

Suffering Originates In Our Desires

This reality tells us that on one occasion we be acquainted with that existence contains suffering, we carry on to learn that pain is caused by our needs: desire for sensual enjoyment, desire to turn out to be, and wish to get rid of. Once we can be familiar with our needs, then we be able to let them go (Lexico Publishing Group, 2004).

Suffering Will Cease If All Desires Cease

This research focused on this truth that this third noble fact is the usual causation of attaining the next noble truth. If we be familiar with our needs, and let them go, then our anguish will finish. How do we do this? By mediate on these noble truths, our brain, both aware and subliminal, can ponder our needs, the reasoning at the back it, and come to conditions with it, thus leasing it go.

One Must Follow The Noble Eightfold Path To Realize This State

According to the expert analysis this last and last noble truth shows the method to reach enlightenment. The eightfold trail includes right sight, right intention, correct language, right action, and right source of revenue, right attempt, right mindfulness and correct attentiveness. When follow in order, one achieves calm and serenity. There is agreement flanked by the intelligence, the character, and the feelings (buddhanet.net, 2004).

Nirvana

If we analyzed then we come to know that the ultimate goal of Buddha is to arrive at the state of nirvana. From side to side reincarnation after re-embodiment, once one reaches full explanation, they are said to go into the state of Nirvana. Nirvana can be obtained in existence. Once one reaches paradise, they know how to attain the end of their desires. Pain still occurs approximately them, though, they are able to grip this suffering, and appreciate it. The person who has reach paradise knows that they have not cause this pain, and this pain does not have an result on them. While this seems cruel, it is merely a complementary of feeling, of using understanding and knowledge to review what is occurrence approximately you.

Once one has reach nirvana in existence, it is said that winning bereavement they will reach total nirvana. In my view, this is the equivalent of heaven in Christianity, apart from you have to work harder to reach it and instead of leaving to hell if you be unsuccessful, you obtain to try again awaiting you do attain it. Once you die, you are not reborn, not revives. You stop to exist, and can lastly rest in peace. While this appears very final, it is the final peace. Personally, I would a great deal rather consider in attain this final paradise than believe that on one occasion I die I just am hidden in the earth and that is it. The concept of paradise seems impractical, and by this time it would be appallingly crowded. Nirvana reminds me of spirit balanced in the obscure, in a state of oblivion, with no doubts and no cares.

Conclusion

Through education such as the Lotus Sutra and Pali Canon, the way of Buddha has increase all through the world. It is a nonviolent religion that is single of the only religions that have needed to alter only somewhat with time. The core wisdom is still highly pertinent today. In today’s contemporary technical world, we are trained to think and examine the motive at the back daily occurrences, and this competition the Buddhism attitude (Fisher, M Fisher, M. P. 2003).

Reference

Fisher, M Fisher, M. P. (2003). Living religions (5th Ed.) [University of Phoenix Special Edition Series]. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Lexico Publishing Group, LLC (2004). Web.

Retrieved, 2004. Web.

Karuna in its simplest meaning stands for compassion. All the major religions of the world do stress on compassion as an essential quality of a good human being. But this word is given more importance in the religions of the east like Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism, especially in the case of Buddhism and Jainism. Karuna in this context means any action that is taken for the benefit and well being of others. In other words it could be termed as ‘compassionate action’. “Karuna means compassion, tenderness and devoted action to alleviate suffering.” (Karuna Centre for Yoga and Healing Arts).

The purpose of this paper is to study the concept of karuna in Buddhism and its relevance to the two major sects in that religion namely Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. It is to be noted that karuna was an important element in the early stages of Buddhism also. It formed a part of the four immeasurable attitudes known as the Brahma-Viharas or Divine Abidings. They are, loving kindness or metta, compassion or karuna, sympathetic joy or mudita, and equanimity or upekkha. The importance of karuna can be seen from the fact that it comes second in the list. These are essentially four states that the mind can achieve through right meditation. All these four attributes are said to have positive qualities that has to be directed towards the self, towards the family, the community that the practitioner lives in and the universe as a whole in that order. It should also include all enemies and even person one hates.

Theravada Buddhism is in reality what is left from the early teachings and schools of Buddha. It is also known as the ‘Southern Buddhism’ because of its impact on countries south of India like Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. Karuna in Theravada Buddhism is a part of the four attributes mentioned above. Unlike Mahayana Buddhism which lays more stress on action, the Theravada school relies on meditation to achieve these states. The first step to achieving compassion as well as all the other three attributes, a person has to exercise will power and try to be impartial. But this alone is not enough. The next step is methodical mediation which will help to achieve the above mentioned four sublime states.

This in turn will help the person to achieve jhana or meditative absorption. The meditative process starts with thinking about compassion with reference to the self or the person doing the meditation himself. Then it should expand to others whom the person doing the meditation loves and respects, like a teacher. Next comes persons who are loved like near and dear ones. Then it should extend to people who have no relationships whatsoever. Finally it should embrace one’s enemies and hated people. Once this has been achieved, problem of being partial in showing compassion towards certain types of people mentioned above may develop. Further meditation is necessary to be totally impartial to every one be it enemy, relative or friend. “After one has been able to cope with the hardest task, to direct one’s thoughts of loving-kindness to disagreeable people, one should now “break down the barriers” (sima-sambheda). Without making any discrimination between those four types of people, one should extend one’s loving-kindness to them equally.” (Thera).

Long periods of meditation will help in making these attributes deep into ones mind and also to express the same outwards to the world. As mentioned earlier the process will follow the order of self, relatives, neighbors, locality, country and the whole world or universe.

Mahayana Buddhism is also known as the Northern Buddhism because it was popular in north of India in countries like China and Tibet. Karuna in Mahayana Buddhism is viewed in a slightly different context when compared to the other schools. This school of thought is said to have emerged much later after the advent of Buddhism and has made a lot of reforms and changes to the rules and practices of the religion. According to Mahayana Buddhism it was selfless action towards the betterment of others that was important and hence, stress on meditation as a means of enlightenment was looked down upon. Mahayana Buddhism went to the extent of deriding other schools of Buddhism calling it the derogatory word of Hinayana (lesser vehicle) Buddhism.

Special stress was given to karuna and prajna (insight) and the practice of paramita (six perfections) like generosity, morality, patience, perseverance, meditation and insight. But the greatest difference when compared with other schools was how compassion was viewed. In following the practice of compassion, Mahayana Buddhism allowed certain fundamental deviations from the basic teachings. For example, ahimsa or non violence took a back seat if an act was done in the pursuit of compassion. A bodhistava of the Mahayana order could even commit violent acts like murder. If a person would surely commit a crime in the near future and the fact became known to a bodhistava, he could even kill that person so that the crime could be avoided. “The pressure to bend or suspend rules in the interests of compassion results in certain texts establishing new codes of conduct for bodhistavas which sometimes allow the precepts to be broken.” (Keown, P. 19).

Whatever the differences in the two schools of thought, karuna is an integral part of the religion and has many followers throughout the world. Buddhism has also been popular in the west with many well known personalities like Richard Gere, Steve Jobs and Jennifer Lopez who have become Buddhists or at least have adopted the important tenets of this great religion. Buddhism’s principles are increasingly become relevant in this violent era and age.

Works Cited

Karuna Centre for Yoga and Healing Arts. 2008. Web.

Thera, Nyanaponika. The Four Sublime States: Contemplations on Love, Compassion, Sympathetic Joy and Equanimity: Introduction. BPS. 2007. Web.

Keown, Damien. Buddhist Ethics: A Very Short: Introduction. Skilful Means (upaya-kausalya). Oxford University Press. P. 19. 2005. Web.

Introduction

Nobody can avoid dying because people cannot live forever. Birth and death are part of everybody’s life: birth is the beginning of living, and death is the end of it. However, Christianity offers another view: death is not the end; it is the beginning of a completely new existence, free of suffering and full of joy. Buddhism, similar to Christianity, views death as the beginning of the new life, not the eternal one, though, but the new life on earth in another body.

Death, according to Bible

As it is written in John 5.24, whoever believes in Jesus Christ will have eternal life and will not be condemned, thus he will cross over from death to life. According to this line, death may lead to nothing, emptiness, and at the same time, it can lead to the new form of life, the eternal existence of the soul. However, Christianity holds the special prerequisite: believing in Jesus Christ as the son of God and that His death has marked the offer of eternal life to all of His followers.

Paul has devoted many verses to teaching the believers about earthy life, death, and life after death. He notes that it is important to be dead to sin but be alive to God. It means that humans must resist the earthy temptations which take them from God, and they should take care of their soul prior to death and be willing and ready to accept the Word of God into their lives. “Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of weakness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness” (Letters of Paul).

The notion of death is also covered in Colossians 3. It is written that evil desires, greed, lust, sexual immorality, idolatry, anger, rage, filthy languages, and other negative emotions and actions are sins. If the person fails to get rid of them, he will die forever; his soul will cease to exist. However, if the person leads a righteous life, follows the commandments of God, and believes in Jesus Christ with all of his heart, he will not die but find an eternal life after his earthy life ends.

Death according to Buddhism

Despite holding very different views, Christians and Buddhists have a common perception of death and life after death. Buddhists also believe that evil desires bring the person to death and end his existence. It is written in the Bible that eternal life is available to all, but not everybody can find the path to it. It is not only about proper actions; it is about the deep inner belief in God. According to Buddhism, death is not a release from earthy sufferings; it is the prelude to rebirth, to the new life, either on earth on in eternity. Returning to the Buddhism assumption of emptiness, death, and life, as dual concepts, are related, and one cannot come without another; thus, when the person dies, he will be reborn.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Christian view of death helps the believers to follow the guidance of God because they know that their deeds will be considered, that their actions and thoughts do matter. Thus, eternal life after death is like a reward for the righteous life. Buddhism, on the contrary, does not offer eternal life; however, it does not support having evil thoughts, feelings, and deeds as well. If Christians hope for eternal life after death, Buddhists seek to find the right Path.

Introduction

Buddhism is not a religion, it is rather a philosophical thought which speaks for the objective of living: realization of the essence of existence. Buddhism writers have produced an intensive number of works on life values, human values, and feelings. Dualism, as the essential part of Buddhism philosophy, is found in the writings on ignorance, fixed feelings, and clinging, with the emphasis made on the notion of emptiness.

Dualism, ignorance, and clinging

“Heaven and earth are set apart; if you wish to see it before your own eyes, have no fixed thoughts either for or against it” (Seng-t’san’s, “On Believing in Mind”). These words carry symbolic meaning and underline the key principle of Buddhism – having no fixed thoughts. If the person has a fixed perception of something, gives labels to everything around him, he is not able to see the essence of these things. To understand the truth of life, the essence of objects, and the meaning of existence, it is necessary to set yourself aside from fixed thoughts.

Seng-t’san’s encouraged us to avoid pursuing dualism, and as soon as the person has a clear perception of right and wrong, the Way is lost. Reality can be seen only by ignorant people, those who do not try to seek after the true and those who cease to cherish the opinions of others. Clinging has no boundaries, and all things follow the order they should. Essence cannot depart as well as cannot abide (Seng-t’san’s, “On Believing in Mind”). He further notes that ignorant cherish the ideas of dualism (rest-unrest, likes-dislikes, right-wrong), and to understand the essence, the Way, the person has to leave dualism aside.

Buddhism, Emptiness, and Awareness

Emptiness contains nothing and everything at the same time. Two opposite objects cannot be distinguished in one emptiness, and when the person draws a distinction between the two, he has an understanding of neither. “The wisdom of emptiness refers to a lack of something” (Zen Master Seung Sahn). Existence means that things appear and exist independently, while at the case time, they exist in dependence upon cause and condition. The understanding of emptiness is about understanding that nothing exists separately from the rest of the things, everything depends on some events and things. All humans depend on other humans; dying depends on birth, birth depends on becoming, becoming depends on attachment, and attachment depends on thinking. The sequence of causes and conditions is unlimited, and when something appears, something else has to disappear.

Bare awareness is the realization that emptiness is not anything; emptiness is everything. “Men come and go with empty hands” (Zen Master Seung Sahn). For example, people do not understand the emptiness and interdependence of all things because it is directly related to human perception. When people perceive something as outside, when they are able to separate something from their own self, they gain the awareness of this object’s essence.

Conclusion

Fixed thoughts, labels, and perceptions are obstacles on the way to understanding the world, the essence of everything, and the realization of the Way. Emptiness is everything because all objects appear as the result of other object’s disappearance. Thus everything appears out of nothing.

The Four Noble Truths symbolise the foundation of Buddhism. This is because they carry the real meaning of Buddha’s teachings. While meditating under the bodhi tree, the Buddha came to understand the following four basic principles:

• Dukkha- the truth of suffering
• Samudaya- origin of suffering
• Nirodha- cessation of suffering
• Magga- the path towards the end of suffering

Comparisons have been drawn between a physician and the Buddha. For example, he diagnosed the problem (in this case, suffering) and discovered the cause of suffering in the first two of the Four Noble Truths. In the third Noble Truth, the Buddha identified a cure to the problem and in the fourth Noble Truth, he identified the prescription to end suffering.

Dukkha- the truth of suffering

This is the first Noble Truth. There are many forms of suffering including sickness, old age, and death (Molloy 18). The Buddha observed that there is nothing no such thing as an ideal life and as such suffering is much deeper that what we see on the surface. We are faced with cravings and desires that we are never able to fully satisfy and if we do, it is only for a short time. Buddhists find this teaching realistic.

Samudaya- origin of suffering

This is the second Noble Truth. Some of the identifiable causes of our everyday troubles include pain from an injury, thirst, and sadness after losing our loved ones. The Buddha affirmed that he had identified the cause of all suffering in his second Noble Truth. He claims that suffering is due to deeply rooted issues that are beyond immediate worries (Molloy 21).

According to Buddha, all suffering stems from desire. Suffering comes about when we attach to negative, positive and neutral thoughts and sensations. Thirst comes about when we decide to ignore the self. Our lives are characterized by an attachment to physical things, opinions and ideas about us in an attempt to gain security. When the world fails to behave like we anticipated, we get frustrated.

Nirodha- cessation of suffering

Nirodha is the third Noble Truth taught by the Buddha. We can only extinguish desire (the root cause of suffering) by ridding ourselves of attachment. As human beings, we are capable of this seeing that the Buddha himself was a living example. Suffering is brought about by delusion, hatred, and greed and if we are to attain enlightment (Nirvana), we must extinguish the three aforementioned fires of delusion, hatred, and greed (Molloy 22).

According to the Buddha, we can overcome craving through diligent practice. Enlightment comes about when we are satisfied once we have ended the chase of the hamster-wheel. This is the state of Nirvana. Nirvana symbolise a state of intense spiritual joy, devoid of fears and negative emotions. A person who has attained Nirvana demonstrates compassion to all living things.

Magga- the path towards the end of suffering

Magga is the fourth Noble Truth as taught by the Buddha. It symbolises the path followed to get rid of suffering. This is the Eightfold path that helps one to overcome severe asceticism and indulgence (Molloy 54). According to the Buddha, the Eightfold Path aids in enlightment. Buddhism is different from majority of the other religions because no specific benefits accrue when one simply believes in a given doctrine. Instead, Buddhism places a lot of importance on walking the path and living the doctrine.

Works Cited

Molloy, Michael. Experiencing the World’s Religions, 5th edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009. Print.

Introduction

One of the inspiring stories of the first of enlightened females in the literature is of Princess Yeshe Bawa who was a follower of the Buddha of her time and was determined to become enlightened. At that time the religious leaders did not believe enlightenment could come to one in a female body and advised her to pray to be reborn into a male body. She persisted however and progressed from being a bodhisattva to being a fully enlightened Buddha whom we nowrefer to as Tara. (p.17)

Main text

Tara is a manifestation of the absolute, open, and spacious nature of mind often called the Great Mother. She is generous with her gifts: she heals, purifies, protects, increases good, and magnifies the beneficial. We see in the images which focus on these aspects the benign and peaceful aspects of deities who approach us at the beginning of the Tibetan Book of the Dead (p. 2 TBD). She also exhibits aspects of the more wrathful deities later in the book. She dispels, destroys, and crushes the negative. (TEA). Ultimately she assures us of non-duality based on either sex, geography, tradition, custom, intellectual or social systems. We are led by her to help all living beings, seen or unseen. We are encouraged to be loving, compassionate, courageous, and committed.

The relevance of her activities is perhaps more important now than at any of the past millennia of her worship. She is involved in stopping wars. This is the focus of many modern women. As natural caregivers, we try to encourage by healthy habits the longevity she granted. As we nurse those who are ill we do our best to cure as she did. More than that we try to encourage bravery and approach life fearlessly. She shed the light of her illumination upon the causes of fear and dispelled them. Thus can we acquire mental peace.

Without fear, we can look realistically upon the world and ourselves and can see both our inner selves and the outer world clearly. Modern psychology teaches us that stress, fear, and conflict can cause not only spiritual but also physical ills. The images which Tara presents give birth to and develop our enlightened minds, and reconnect us with the enjoyment, relaxation, and freedom from the confusion that our modern world and many obligations can produce. Her smile, truthfulness, and positive image can bring forth the goddess within us, and help us to see, not our own ego-centered world, but the greater unity of all things.

Further our centeredness upon such a positive image can help us toward the five perfections as teachers and students in the right place upon the right occasion with the right content to convey and absorb. As proof let us examine the manifestations of Tara in her manifestations as shown in the “Twenty-one Praises to Tara”.

1. The Nobel lady Tara Nyuma Pama holds a conch shell that is used to trumpet religious practices, which, if we may imply from her activities, frees heroically from suffering. This teaches us to persevere in our religious practice.
2. The Nobel Lady Loter Yangehenma carries a mirror with which to see things as they really are, and her association with the sound of creation implies an understanding of peace, harmony, truth, and wisdom. This teaches us that creation was intended to be peaceful and harmonious and to seek these things is a key to truth and wisdom
3. The Nobel Lady Sonam Tobché carries a wish-fulfilling jewel that increases merit and prosperity. From this image, we realize that both merit and prosperity are worthy goals.
4. The Nobel Lady Tsugtor Namgyalma carries a nectar vase which increases life force and longevity. We learn from this to focus our life force and to admire and seek longevity.
5. The Nobel Lady Wangdü Rigjé Lhamo carries a bow and arrow which reminds us to focus on beneficial wisdom.
6. The Nobel Lady Jigjé Chenmo carries a dagger used to subdue demons, such as those that are imagined or which plague the mentally ill. It represents firmness of spirit and spiritual power.
7. Our Lady Zhengyi Migyalma carries a flaming sword that destroys internal and external artifices, reminding us to rid ourselves of the obsession with things.
8. Our Lady Zheng Migyalma carries a flaming vajra to inspire in us the correct upright posture for thought and meditation, that we may destroy bad thoughts and subdue illusions.
9. Our lady Sengdering Nafchi carries a dharma wheel, helping us to realize the unity of all creation and protect us from outer and inner fears.
10. Our Lady Jigten Sumlé Gyalma carries the victory banner, which symbolizes freedom from worldly distractions and from arrogance, making us humble.

Conclusion

These are examples of the symbols which the aspects of Tara can lend us to inspire and strengthen our daily lives. There are, in total, twenty-one. By meditating on each in turn, we can remind ourselves of the proper pathway and of the gifts within us. One’s religion does not really matter. There is value here for all.

Padmasambhava arrived in Tibet with Buddhist beliefs that he had learnt in India. He found Tibetans practising rituals and ceremonies according to Bon religion. These were conducted by priests and priestesses. Deities were believed to occupy all spaces, from the earth to the sky (Kozak, 2011).

Kozak (2011) discusses that Padmasambhava built a monastery at Samye (A.D. 749) to aid his mission. He assisted in translating “Buddhist scriptures into Tibetan, and educated the populace about Buddhist teachings” (Kozak, 2011 p. 34). Bon religion believed in many gods.

Padmasambhava came at a time when the Bon religion believed evil spirits were attacking them. Padmasambhava “subdued them and recruited them to the Buddhist camp” (Chattopadhayaya, 1996 p. 236). Later, the blend of the two religions was known as Lamaism.

Buddhists in Tibet integrated ancient practices of the Bon religion. “Rites of sacrifice, exorcism, and ransom” were absorbed into Tibetan Buddhism (Philip & Lieberman, 2003 p. 5). According to legend, the Bon deities who were converted by Padmasambhava are “bound under mighty oaths to serve Buddhism in new roles as protectors and defenders of the law” (Philip & Lieberman 2003, p. 5). The lesser deities act like guards of entrances to sacred places.

Simplicity in Taoism means something in its original state. According to Fowler (2005), “something not having been tampered with in any way thus retaining its original, and natural state” (p. 124). Simplicity is also described as a state of mind in which it is freed from the burden of experience and knowledge (Taoism, Daoism, 2012).

Relativity is the ability to see “Tao within all things and to conform oneself to its way”(Taoism, Daoism, 2012 para. 11). Natural things, events, and people are considered to be interrelated. Bradshaw-Jones & Legge (2006) quote that “with that gentleness I can be bold… firmly to maintain its ground” (p. 92). Gentleness means preservation of creation. Restraining the force to put others into submission.

Taoists emphasize the balance that exists between nature, and human beings. Tao Tsang which means “canon of the way” are traditional writings interpreted in accordance with Taoism. One of the concerns of Taoists is the ability to conduct sacrifices that can prolong human life (Merriam-Webster, 1999). Ancient Taoists were committed to Mao Shan revelations which predicted the upcoming Buddhist influence. Modern times Taoists teach “ways of movement, breathing, and aspects of body awareness” that are similar to Yoga (Swatos & Kvisto, 1998 p. 511). They also teach morality.

One part of Shinto’s moral philosophy teaches respect “towards spirits, human beings, and nature” (Chapter Summary, 2008 para. 2). The other part is practising of purification rituals, demonstrating cleanliness, and reverence.

Shamanism is a practice that involves believers meditating through a journey into the spiritual world where they seek guidance, power, and healing. Individuals are supposed to have a power-animal which is an image of an animal that favors them. They also need a teacher who is the image of a superior spirit that acts like a mentor (Lama, n.d). Edson (2009) discusses that “Shamanism is a traditional, natural religious phenomenon that is being passed on by the central figure of the shaman” (p. 22).

Shamans are people chosen to connect communities with the gods. They are believed to possess supernatural powers. Edson (2009) discusses that the “shaman entered the realm of the deities and personally carried the message to the deities” (p. 22). The group believes in inviting and exorcising spirits. There is a connection between the past and future events.

References

Bradshaw-Jones, C., & Legge, J. (2006). The Tao Te Ching, Eighty-One Maxims from the Father of Taoism. Maesteg, Wales: Infinity Café.

Chapter Summary. (2008). McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Web.

Chattopadhayaya, A. (1996). Atisa and Tibet. New Delhi, India: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.

Edson, G. (2009). Shamanism: A Cross-cultural Study of Beliefs and Practices. North Carolina, USA: McFarland & Company.

Fowler, D. J. (2005). An Introduction to the Philosophy and Religion of Taoism: Pathways to Immortality. Portland, USA: Sussex Academic Press.

Kozak, A. (2011). The Everything Buddhism book: A complete introduction to the history, traditions, and beliefs of Buddhism, past and present. Avon, USA: Adams Media.

Lama, R. (n.d). Adaptation of Shamanic Practice. Eagle Spirit Ministry. Web.

Merriam-Webster, Inc. (1999). Merriam-Webster’s Encyclopedia of World Religions. Springfield, USA: Merriam-Webster.

Philip, T., & Lieberman R. M. (2003). Brief Introduction to Basic concepts on Tibetan Buddhism. Web.

Swatos, H. W., & Kvisto, P. (1998). Encyclopedia of Religion and Society. Walnut Creek, USA: AltaMira Press.

Taoism, Daoism. (2012). Nations Online. Web.

General background of Buddhism

The birth of the Buddhism religion emerged as a result of the search of enlightenment by Buddha Siddhartha Gautama dating back to 580 BC. During this period, he underwent through meditation and self denial which made him realize the need of easing human suffering and pain. He then started a journey to teach masses on enlightenment path to liberate them from vicious cycle of poverty, life and death, (Schaefer, 2012).

Progressively, Buddhism began to spread worldwide, which gave birth to Buddhism religion. As time went by, there were numerous divisions and movements within the Buddhism such as the Mahayana and Theravada.

After the emergence of the Buddhism and Christianity, there have been several additions and alterations because of the expansion to other countries. Christianity and Buddhism are followed by populations belonging to different races and linguistic groups from of their founders, (Lincoln, 1999). Also, it is worth to mention that both Christianity and Buddhism have had several principles and theories explaining their religion after the departure of their founders many years ago.

Similarities between Christianity and Buddhism

The Buddhist doctrine gives more emphasis on love towards humankind irrespective of the class, race or relationship. This is also similar in Christianity where love is based on the doctrine of ‘Love thy neighbor’, which means love should be showered on all human beings. In the worship perspective, both religions follow some form of worship such as prayers, monasticism, meditation, ringing of bells and the use of rosary and incense to enhance worship.

Both religions possess concepts and golden rules which are based on the welfare of the people and are easily approachable. Lord Buddha based the general ethics on the golden rule whereas Jesus Christ spread the gospel according to the golden rule for the benefit mankind.

Difference between Christianity and Buddhism

Christianity and Buddhism differ in terms of whom to be worshipped. Buddhist doctrines have no Godly figures but in the recent years, there have been introduction of godly figures whom they can be worshipped. Christian doctrine entails a Godly creature, Jesus Christ, who is approachable and lovable by all kinds of humanity. Salvation in both religions differs too. It is believed in Buddhism that salvation is gained as result of one’s own effort whereas in Christianity, salvation is a free gift and Jesus is their savior.

Role of religion in our society

Religious teachings of various religions are intended to regulate the behavior and conduct of human beings, provide the value-system and moral standards to enhance the human existence.

These standards and moral values guide human actions, deter the criminal tendency and mind of human nature and ensure harmony, love and peaceful co-existence among human beings. True religion ensures the sustenance of true governance in our society and government institutions that would otherwise been disrupted by corrupt and malicious people in the society.

All religions ensure that the family values are upheld in all times. Without the family values, the society would the burden of all manner of evils as a result of breakage of families and child destitution, (Christerson, 2005). Therefore, religion averts the deterioration of human mind due to desensitization and dehumanization of the modern lifestyle, thus providing long term family stability.

A society without a religion

Without a religion in a society, human virtues die. If religion does not exist, then everything would be permissible and therefore all manner of evils would be rampant. People in the society would base their actions on opinions rather than morality. This would be one indicator of a deteriorating society with no option to heal back.

With the technological improvements, there have been cases of fading rationality as a result of believe that everything is good without religion. Religion is the main pillar that differentiates between evil and good, (Lincoln, 1999). Human beings would therefore continue with what they deem best yet it harmful to the general society.

References

Christerson, B., Edwards, K. L., & Emerson, M. O. (2005). Against all odds: The struggle for racial integration in religious organizations. New York [u.a.: New York Univ. Press.

Lincoln, C. E. (1999). Race, religion, and the continuing American dilemma. New York: Hill and Wang.

Schaefer, R. (2012). Racial and ethnic groups. (13 ed.). Boston: Pearson College Div.

Introduction

According to Karen (187), Buddhism is one of the religions that are most prevalent in the Asian subcontinent. It encompasses various traditions and practices, as well as a system of beliefs that are based on the teachings of its founder. The founder of this religion is Siddhartha Gautama, a prince who forsook the throne to be a spiritual leader.

This prince is famously known as the Buddha, which is a Pali or Sanskrit word for “the awakened one” (Lama 22). This is a man who was born into a community that was peripheral to the Asian continent, both in terms of its culture and geographical location. He lived and taught, according to scholars such as Kasulis (49), in the northeastern part of India. The scholars approximate that he lived and taught between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE.

Two main classes of this religion are recognized and practiced both in the Indian subcontinent and other parts of the world. The first is what Wynne (73) refers to as the Theravada, or “The School of the Elders”, which is common in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia (Lama 31).

The second is Mahayana, or “The Great Vehicle”, which is mostly practiced throughout East Asia. It is made up of several traditions, such as the Pure Land, Zen, and Tiantai among others. Some scholars also recognize Vajrayana, which is mostly found in Tibet and Mongolia regions, as another class of Buddhism. However, others conceptualize it as a sub-branch of Mahayana (Wallace 29).

In this paper, the author is going to discuss Buddhism as a religion. Several aspects of the religion will be analyzed to this end. This includes the name of the religion followers, the history and origins of the religion including the founders, the name of the Supreme Being or God, as well as the name of the place of worship for followers of this religion.

Four major beliefs of Buddhism will also be analyzed, as well as two of the most important rituals or observances. Symbols used in the religion will also be highlighted, including their meaning and why they are used. Finally, the researcher will look at 10 key words found in Buddhism and try to define them as accurately as possible.

Name of the Religion’s Followers

A person who practices Buddhism is referred to as a Buddhist. It is noted that to be a Buddhist is to go beyond the mere practicing of the rituals and other activities that goes with religion (Kasulis 55). It is embracing, and being guided by, a set of philosophies that define the way of life. Philosophy can be taken as the “love of wisdom” (Lama 33), and seeing that a Buddhist is always seeking wisdom and enlightenment, Buddhism can then be taken as a philosophy.

A Buddhist is a person who aspires to live by the philosophies of the religion as indicated above. Wynne (73) sums up these philosophies into three. The first involves leading a moral life, which means not prioritizing pleasure in this life. The second philosophy is being mindful and aware of one’s thoughts and actions, or karma, and finally, to seek and develop wisdom and understanding (Wynne 73).

According to Wallace (30), Buddhism is regarded as the fourth largest religion of the world, following Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. It is estimated that today, 376 million people around the world are Buddhists. This is a major fete considering the humble beginnings of Buddha, the founder of the religion.

Origins of Buddhism

Like other religions such as Christianity and Islam, the origins of Buddhism can be traced back to a single individual. A discourse on the origins of Buddhism that fails to mention the Buddha, or the Enlightened One, can be taken as an incomplete account of the religion.

Buddha, as indicated in the introductory part of this paper, was born as a prince. His father was the king of the Sakya tribe in latter day’s Nepal, and Buddha was born circa 566 BC (Karen 190). He left his father’s palace at the age of 29, and went to seek out spiritual enlightenment. He became the Buddha after he was enlightened following a long period of meditation.

For almost half a century, Buddha went around the plains of northeastern India teaching people the path or “Dharma” (Kasulis 56) as it was revealed to him during his enlightenment. He developed a band of followers, known as Sangha, which was made up of monks and nuns who came from all the tribes and castes in India. He died at the age of 80 years, leaving behind his followers to continue the teachings. This is the origin of what is today known as Buddhism.

The Name of the Supreme Being

Islam has Allah, Christians have God, and Hindus have Brahma, but what about Buddhists? According to Wallace (33), it is noted that Buddhists, unlike their counterparts in other religions such as Christianity and Islam, have no recognizable Supreme Being or God that they supplicate to.

Buddha, the father of the religion, is not worshipped how Christians worship Christ or Muslims worship Mohammed. In fact, Buddhism scholars acknowledge that Buddha was not a God, and he never made claims to the contrary. He taught his followers on how to identify and follow the path to enlightenment, and this was based on his own experience, as opposed to spiritual revelations (Wynne 55).

Buddhists are not known to pay homage to idols or images representing gods. Buddhist respect images of the Buddha, but it should be noted that it is not in worship or requests for favors (Wynne 55). When a Buddhist bows to a statue of the Buddha, it is not in worship; rather, it is a way of showing their gratitude for the teachings of the enlightened one.

Sacred or Holy Texts of the Buddhist

There are various scriptures and texts that are to be found in this religion. The different schools identified earlier in this paper attach varying levels of importance to these various scriptures.

Most of the texts are written in Pali, Tibetan, Mongolian or Chinese, while others are in the traditional language of Sanskrit (Kasulis 55). There is no single text or scripture that is universal to all Buddhists in the world. Some of the scriptures which are highly revered are the Vinaya Pitaka as well as the first four Nikayas of the Sutta Pitaka, which are common to most adherents of this faith (Kasulis 55).

Place of Worship for the Buddhist

Like their Hindu counterparts, Buddhist worship mainly in a temple. For example, Mahabodhi temple in Bodhgaya India is built near the Bodhi Tree under which the Buddha acquired Nirvana or enlightenment. The Buddhist also practices pilgrimage as a way of following the path.

4 Major Beliefs of Buddhism

Karma

This is one of the beliefs of a Buddhist, which is a Sanskrit word for “action or work” (Lama 31). They believe that karma is the force that propels samsara, or the cycle or suffering and rebirth that attends every being on earth.

Rebirth

Buddhist believes that beings go through a process involving succession of lifetimes which takes various forms of “sentient life”, according to Kasulis (55). This is what they refer to as rebirth, where each rebirth process runs through conception to death.

Samsara

Buddhists also believes that human beings, who falls under the sentient beings classification, seek out pleasure while avoiding pain as they transit from birth to death (Kasulis 43). Samsara refers to the cycle of conditioned existence and suffering that is brought about by the seeking out of pleasure while avoiding pain.

The Four Noble Truths

They also believe in the four noble truths, which are “suffering, the arising of suffering, the end of suffering and the way leading to the end of suffering” (Lama 27).

Rituals and Observances in Buddhism

Yoga

This is one of the major rituals and practices in Buddhism. It involves a state of meditation, where the Buddhist tries to attain some level of “mindful” awareness.

Refuge in the Three Jewels

This is one of the first steps that a Buddhist is taught in order to be grounded in the faith. The first jewel is the Buddha, who is an individual who has attained nirvana; the second is dharma, or the teachings of the Buddha Gautama, and the Sangha, who are the individuals who have successfully gone through any of the four stages of enlightenment.

Symbols of Buddhism

One of the symbols in Buddhism is the Dharmachakra wheel, which is a representation of the Noble Eightfold Path (Kasulis 55). The other is the wheel of life, which has six realms (Wynne 77). In traditional Tibetan Buddhism, this is represented in a Thangka.

10 Key Words used in Buddhism and their Definition

Karma

This is, as earlier explained, action or work

Bodhi

It is a state of enlightenment

Prajna

This is the wisdom that purifies that mind (Wynne 100), which helps the practitioner to gain spiritual insight into the true nature of all things in the world

Sila

This is ethics or morality, avoidance of unwholesome deeds

Vac

This refers to speaking the truth and in a non-hurtful manner (Wynne 100)

Ajivana

This is non-harmful way of living

Samadhi

This is the mental discipline that is needed by a Buddhist to acquire mastery over their mind

Smrti

This is the ability to see things for what they really are, and with a lucid consciousness

Nirvana

Enlightenment

Anicca

Impermanence, meaning that all things are not permanent

Works Cited

Karen, Armstrong. Buddha. London: Penguin Books, 2004.

Kasulis, Titus. Zen as a Social Ethics of Responsiveness. Journal of Buddist Ethics, 22(3), 2009.

Lama, Dalai. The Middle Way. New York: Wisdom Publications, 2009.

Wallace, Griffiths. Buddhism in the World Today. New York: Free Press, 2007.

Wynne, Alexander. The Origin of Buddhist Meditation. London: Routledge, 2007.