Up@dawn 2.0

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Buddhism Summary

Midterm Report: Heather Faulkner, Riley Fox, Victoria Cowen 
Section 12

Buddha Statue

The founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, was born into a royal family. His life was full of luxuries, in part, because his father wanted to prevent him from becoming a renouncer. Gautama’s ideas about human suffering began when he went on several chariot rides, where he witnessed various forms of human suffering of great severity. He couldn’t help but notice the contrast between his life and the lives of those who suffered, leading him to believe that the pleasures of life can only temporarily disguise human suffering.  

After Gautama left his wife, he met a multitude of mentors. He experienced an increase of suffering when he began practicing renunciation under a tree until he nearly starved. In order to end his suffering, he consumed food, of course, but he also continued meditating. He continued his meditation until he eventually reached Nirvana. Later becoming known as the Buddha, or the “Enlightened One,” Gautama attempted to ease the suffering of others by teaching them the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.  

The Four Noble Truths include Dukkha, Samudaya, Nirodha, and Magga. Dukkha refers to the idea that suffering exists. Samudaya means that there is always a cause of suffering. Nirodha suggests that there is an end to suffering, while the fourth noble truth, or Magga, instructs that in order to successfully end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path.
  
The Eightfold Path can be broken up into three basic sections. The first, including Samma Ditthi and Samma Sankappa, stresses the importance of wisdom. Next, Samma Vaca, Samma Kammanta, and Samma Ajiva, promote the idea of virtue and morality in speech, conduct, and livelihood. Lastly, Samma Vayama, Samma Sati, and Samma Samadhi, represent concentration and meditation, as it relates to one’s thoughtful effort, mindfulness, and concentration.  

Buddhist religious practices are meant to aid individuals along the path of enlightenment. In many ways, these practices are also a form of worship to show one’s loyalty to the Buddha. Meditation is a practice meant to elicit deep understanding of the world and oneself through personal transformation. The goal is to reach a state of enlightenment, or nirvana, by stilling the mind. 

Prayer Wheels
Short phrases or prayers, called mantras, are repeatedly said aloud, or in one’s thoughts, in order to bring about spiritual enlightenment. Mantras, such as, “om mani padme hum,” are often recited during meditation. To keep track of one’s mantra repetitions, it isn’t uncommon to use prayer beads or prayer wheels 

Also used during meditation are mudras, or hand gestures, which serve as a nonverbal form of communication, symbolizing divine beings and powers. A famous mudra often found in Buddhist art, is the Abhaya Mudra, which represents fearlessness. Lastly, the veneration of Buddha involves meditating on Buddha’s character, showing reverence, or gift-giving.  

Buddhist Monk
After the Buddha passed away, the monks, his celibate followers, began settling into monasteries that were essentially funded by the gifts given to them by the laity, or ordinary people, in exchange for spiritual guidance through the Buddha's teachings. Buddhism eventually spread throughout Sri Lanka and South India with the help of Ashoka, a famous king, and his son.  

Interestingly, elements of Buddhism are still quite popular today, even in the western world. However, modern meditation doesn't seem to be as attached to its more traditional and spiritual Buddhist roots. Westerners may choose to meditate, at least in part, because of recent research touting the countless psychological and physical benefits associated with regular meditation.   

Many understand Buddhism as a way of life, which may explain why certain teachings and practices seem to be relatively compatible with differing secular and religious viewpoints. It is not uncommon for westerners to enjoy the benefits of Buddhist practices, such as meditation, either through solo practice, or with the guidance of popular phone apps, including Headspace or Calm. 



Discussion Questions: 
1.) Is it possible to completely turn away from vices? 
2.) Are these rules reasonable? 
3.) Would you be able to follow these practices? Willing to?  
4.) Is meditation a possible remedy? Why or why not would it work in your opinion? 

       Quiz Questions: 
      1.) What are the short prayers or phrases called? Mantras 
      2.) What is the end goal of Buddhism? Find nirvana 
      3.) What is the main practice performed in this religion? Meditation 





3 comments:

  1. I mentioned Walking Meditation...

    Thich Nhat Hanh said “The true miracle is not walking on water or walking in air, but simply walking on this earth.” ... And,“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.” And “When you walk, arrive with every step. That is walking meditation. There’s nothing else to it.” And “When we return to our breathing, we return to the present moment, our true home. There’s no need for us to struggle to arrive somewhere else. We know our final destination is the cemetery. Why are we in a hurry to get there? Why not step in the direction of life, which is in the present moment?” And “You have feet, and if you don’t make use of them it’s a loss and a waste. Someone is telling you now so that in the future you cannot say: “No one told me that it was important to enjoy using my feet.”

    And “Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.”

    ReplyDelete
  2. Cody Maness 119:36 AM CDT

    I would find it incredibly hard to turn away from certain vices. I do not believe it is possible for me. Giving up worldly desires does not sound very desirable to me.
    - Cody Maness Section 11

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cody Maness Section 119:40 AM CDT

    Suggested Quiz Question:
    How did Buddha attempt to ease the suffering of others?
    - Cody Maness Section 11

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.