The Core of Buddhism
I. There is no god (existence of supernatural power) in Buddhism.
II. Buddhism is based on Rationality:
Buddha says on rationality/reasoning:
Do
not believe in traditions merely because they have been handed down for
many generations and in many places; do not believe in anything because
it is rumoured and spoken of by many; do not believe because the
written statements of some old sage is produced; do not believe in what
you have fancied, thinking that because it is extraordinary, it must
have been implanted by a deva or a wonderful being. After observation
and analysis, when it agrees with reason and is conducive to the good
and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it. – Kalama
Sutta, Anguttara Nikaya
Accordingly Buddhism requires nothing to be accepted on trust without enquiry.
III. Panchacila:
1. Pranatipata vermani sikka padam samadiyami
Meaning no killing of living being.
2. Adinna dana vermani sikkapadam samadiyami
Meaning no stealing.
3. Kame su mithyachara vermani sikkapadam samadiyami
Meaning no adultery.
4. Musa vada vermani sikkapadam samadiyami
Meaning no lying
5. Suramerayamajja thana vermmani sikkapadam samadiyami
Meaning no consumption of intoxicating drinks.
IV. The Four Noble Truths
1. Dukkha – Suffering
2. Samudaya –The arising of the suffering
3. Nirodha –The cessation of suffering
4. Magga –The path leading to the cessation of suffering
V. Noble Eightfold Path
Noble Eightfold Path consists of the following :
1. Samma – ditthi (Right Understanding)
2. Samma – sankalpa (Right Thought)
3. Samma – vaca (Right speech)
4. Samma – kammanta (Right action)
5. Samma – ajiva (Right livelihood)
6. Samma – vayama (Right Efforts)
7. Samma – sati (Right Mindfulness)
8. Samma – samadhi (Right Concentration)
VI. Ten Paramitas
Parami is a Pali word meaning perfection.
1. Dana – Giving, generosity, liberality
2. Cila – Virtuous conduct, morality, righteousness
3. Khanti – Forebearance, patience
4. Virya – Energy
5. Nekkhamma – Renunciation, selflessness
6. Prajna – Wisdom, insight, intution
7. Sacca – Truthfulness, honesty
8. Pranidhana – Aspiration or resolution/determination
9. Metta – Loving-kindness, compassionate
10. Upekkha – Equanimity, calm, serene, unruffled and peaceful
VII. Advice of Buddha:
Sabba papassa akaranam, kusalassa upasampada
Sacittapariyodapanam, etam Buddhana sasanam
Meaning,
To cease from doing all evils, to cultivate good.
To purify one’s mind, this is the advice of Buddha.
To purify one’s mind, this is the advice of Buddha.
VIII. Dr.B.R.Ambedkar on Buddhism:
I like Buddhism because it gives the following three principles, which no other religion does:
1. Prajna (Understanding as against superstition and super-naturalism), 2. Karuna (Love), 3. Samata (Equality). That is what man wants for good and happy life on earth.
References
- Buddhism in a nutshell: by Narada Thera, Buddhist Missionary Society, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- The Essence of Buddhism: by P. Lakshmi Narasu, Asian Education Services, New Delhi, India
- Buddha & His Dhamma: by B.R.Ambedkar, Dr Ambedkar Writings & Speeches Vol.11, Mumbai, India
Fundamentals of Buddhism
• What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.
• Is Buddhism a Religion?
To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
(1) to lead a moral life,
(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
(3) to develop wisdom and understanding.
• How Can Buddhism Help Me?
Buddhism explains a purpose to life, it explains apparent injustice and inequality around the world and it provides a code of practice or way of life that leads to true happiness.
• Why is Buddhism Becoming Popular?
Buddhism is becoming popular in western countries for a number of reasons; the first good reason is Buddhism has answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies. It also includes (for those who are interested) a deep understanding of the human mind (and natural therapies) which prominent psychologists around the world are now discovering to be both very advanced and effective.
• Who Was the Buddha?
Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 BC. At 29, he realized that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path' and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism — called the Dhamma, or Truth — until his death at the age of 80.
• Was the Buddha a God?
He was not, nor did he claim to be. He was a man who taught a path to enlightenment from his own experience.
• Do Buddhists Worship Idols?
Buddhists sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, not in worship, nor to ask for favours. A statue of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile reminds us to strive to develop peace and love within ourselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching.
• Why are so Many Buddhist Countries Poor?
One of the Buddhist teachings is that wealth does not guarantee happiness and also wealth is impermanent. The people of every country suffer whether rich or poor, but those who understand Buddhist teachings can find true happiness.
• Are There Different Types of Buddhism?
There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching — the Dhamma or truth.
• Are Other Religions Wrong?
Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like 'Christian', 'Moslem', 'Hindu' or 'Buddhist'; that is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, only explain if an explanation is sought.
• Is Buddhism Scientific?
Science is knowledge which can be made into a system, which depends upon seeing and testing facts and stating general natural laws. The core of Buddhism fit into this definition, because the Four Noble truths (see below) can be tested and proven by anyone in fact the Buddha himself asked his followers to test the teaching rather than accept his word as true. Buddhism depends more on understanding than faith.
• What did the Buddha Teach?
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.
• What is the First Noble Truth?
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. This is an irrefutable fact that cannot be denied. It is realistic rather than pessimistic because pessimism is expecting things to be bad. Instead, Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy.
• What is the Second Noble Truth?
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.
• What is the Third Noble Truth?
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.
• What is the Fourth Noble Truth?
The fourth truth is that the Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering.
• What is the Noble 8-Fold Path?
In summary, the Noble 8-fold Path is being moral (through what we say, do and our livelihood), focusing 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.
• What are the five Precepts?
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.
• What is Karma?
...................To be added..................To be added..................
• What is Wisdom?
Buddhism teaches that wisdom should be developed with compassion. At one extreme, you could be a goodhearted fool and at the other extreme, you could attain knowledge without any emotion. Buddhism uses the middle path to develop both. The highest wisdom is seeing that in reality, all phenomena are incomplete, impermanent and do no constitute a fixed entity. True wisdom does not simply believe what we are told but instead experiencing and understanding truth and reality. Wisdom requires an open, objective, unbigoted mind. The Buddhist path requires courage, patience, flexibility and intelligence.
• What is Compassion?
Compassion includes qualities of sharing, readiness to give comfort, sympathy, concern, caring. In Buddhism, we can really understand others, when we can really understand ourselves, through wisdom.
• How do I Become a Buddhist?
Buddhist teachings can be understood and tested by anyone. Buddhism teaches that the solutions to our problems are within us not outside. The Buddha asked all his followers not to take his word as true, but rather to test the teachings for them. ln this way, each person decides for themselves and takes responsibility for their own actions and understanding. This makes Buddhism less of a fixed package of beliefs which is to be accepted in its entirety, and more of a teaching which each person learns and uses in their own way.
