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Buddhist Beliefs

Buddhist Beliefs. Based on Exploring World Religions , pages 168-174. What is the ultimate goal of Buddhism ? The goal is to end human suffering – both for oneself and for others What do Buddhists believe about reincarnation?

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Buddhist Beliefs

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  1. Buddhist Beliefs Based on Exploring World Religions, pages 168-174

  2. What is the ultimate goal of Buddhism? • The goal is to end human suffering – both for oneself and for others • What do Buddhists believe about reincarnation? • Reincarnation does not involve the caste system. Karma impacts future lives. Samsara is the transference of one’s consciousness to a new body. • Why is there no distinction between the genders in Buddhist thought? • The Buddha taught that all people have been both male and female in previous lives… and this will continue. • Explain the suffering of women and why it may not be considered an obstacle. • Women suffer more than men (menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth) and the overcoming of this suffering brings them closer to enlightenment.

  3. What is the Buddhist view of women? • Women are equal to men. They are not the property of men. • Other than nirvana, all things have three fundamental characteristics. What are they? Summarize these 3 characteristics in point form. • Dukkha – dissatisfaction, life involves suffering • Annicca – impermanence, nothing lasts forever • Annatta – no-self; the self is not permanent, no part of a person is *them*. Link to aging, loss of abilities.

  4. Why are there rules to be followed by Buddhist lay people (i.e. non-monks)? What are these five precepts? What precepts must be followed by Buddhist monks and nuns? • To control improper (or non-beneficial) behaviour that might cause suffering. This includes both physical or verbal behaviour. • The 5 precepts for lay people are: • Do not kill living beings • Do not steal • Abstain from improper sexual conduct • Abstain from false speech (lying, idle speech) • Abstain from alcohol and drugs (intoxicants) • The additional precepts for monks/nuns are: • Abstain from eating after noon • Abstaining from watching entertainment • Abstain from luxury like perfume (things to adorn a person) • Abstain from using comfortable beds • Abstain from accepting gold and silver

  5. Buddha’s observations about the truth of the world were not necessarily negative. How does his worldview help to prevent disappointment? • We need to be realistic about the world. Even suffering can be overcome and is impermanent. • Briefly summarize the Four Noble Truths as expressed in this section. • 1. Noble truth of suffering – to live is to suffer • 2. Noble truth of the origin of suffering – DESIRE, selfishness, greed • 3. Noble truth of the extinction of suffering – end suffering by ending greed (changing one’s views) • 4. Noble truth of the path leading to the extinction of suffering – we must adopt the 8fold path to end desire (the therefore end suffering)

  6. Briefly summarize the Noble 8fold Path. • THE WAY OF WISDOM • Right View • Striving to understand the Four Noble Truths • Understanding life for what it is, not what we wish it to be  • Right Thought • Understanding that our thoughts influence who we are and what we become • Avoid dwelling on the past or future • Understanding what leads to suffering and committing to eliminate it

  7. THE WAY OF MORALITY • Right Speech  • Speak only honest, kind, nurturing and worthy words • Do not lie, avoid harsh words, gossip and idle chatter • Right Action • Do no harm • Karma is the law of the universe – all deeds come back to us, in one way or another • Follow the five precepts (and additional precepts for monks and nuns) • Right Livelihood  • Earn an honest living that does not harm others or violate any precepts • Earn a living that does not negative affect one’s own morality 

  8. THE WAY OF MENTAL TRAINING • Right Effort • Be determined to cleanse the mind, concentrate on the mind to eliminate desires and attachments • Understand wholesome and unwholesome states of mind and commit to control them • Right Mindfulness • Be fully aware of what you are doing • Always have concern for others • Concentrate on the body to eliminate desires and attachments • Right Concentration/Meditation • Intensely meditate to reach salvation

  9. How does the symbol of the wheel illustrate life and the path the Buddha proposed? • The wheel keeps moving, like time, like actions, like karma • Define the term bodhisattva. • A person who has attained nirvana but remains in samsara to help humankind (people take a bodhisattva vow. Holy beings in Buddhism are known as bodhisattvas in Mahayana countries. • REFLECTION: • What do you take refuge in? What do you think are refuges for other North Americans? • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=226w04QMPzQ

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