Buddhism
Buddhism
Buddhism is the fourth largest of the world’s religions, with about 350 million followers, and like Hinduism, its influence extends far beyond the actual numbers
Theravada, the most traditional, conservative form, today is found primarily in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia
Although some of its followers intermingle animistic beliefs and practices, Theravada is essentially nontheistic
enlightenment must be achieved by one’s own efforts, without supernatural assistance.
Buddhism began in India, though now it is a tiny minority there
it started as a reform movement within Hinduism but developed into a separate religion
Siddhartha Gautama, its founder, was born into the family of a Kshatriya raja (minor ruler).
Many legends have developed regarding his life, and sorting fact from later additions is difficult.
Generally accepted dates for his life are 560–480 BC.
According to tradition, at his birth it was foretold that if he saw only beauty and youth he would become a great king, but if he saw disease and death he would become a religious teacher. Since his father preferred the former outcome, Gautama grew up in an extremely sheltered environment, rarely leaving the walls of his palace.
According to tradition, at his birth it was foretold that if he saw only beauty and youth he would become a great king, but if he saw disease and death he would become a religious teacher. Since his father preferred the former outcome, Gautama grew up in an extremely sheltered environment, rarely leaving the walls of his palace.
He married and had a son, but around age thirty became restless with his confined life. He slipped out and, deeply disturbed by seeing sick and dead people in the area, left his family and took up the life of a wandering monk
He tried philosophy, then the most extreme forms of asceticism. One legend claims that during this period he lived on one daily grain of rice.
Finally, through meditation, Gautama found enlightenment and became the Buddha, meaning “Enlightened One.”
The Buddha was about thirty-five when he was so illuminated, and spent the rest of his life spreading his teaching and gathering disciples
He rejected the authority of the Vedas and said both men and women from any caste had the potential to attain enlightenment.
Buddhism accepted karma and reincarnation; life’s goal was to become free of the endless cycle (birth, death, and rebirth).
Hinduism believes ultimate reality is the sum of everything, the Buddha taught that ultimate reality is a void, or Nothingness
The Hindu goal of moksha, “oneness with Brahman,” is replaced with Nirvana, “extinguishing” or “ceasing to exist.”
if life truly is suffering, as Buddhism teaches, then not having to return to it again and again is indeed preferable.
During his period of meditation, the Buddha developed what he called the Four Noble Truths:
1. Life consists of suffering and pain.
2. Suffering exists because of desire.
3. The way to end suffering is ceasing to desire or crave things.
4. The way to cease desiring is to follow the Eightfold Path (often called the Middle Way because it avoids both extremes of indulgence and asceticism).
The steps on this path are:
1. Right view
2. Right intention
3. Right speech
4. Right action
5. Right livelihood
6. Right effort
7. Right mindfulness
8. Right concentration
As Theravada Buddhism holds that enlightenment can be achieved only through human effort, its temples are for meditation and reflection rather than worship.
As Theravada Buddhism holds that enlightenment can be achieved only through human effort, its temples are for meditation and reflection rather than worship.