Bernice Chan

Unit 3: Feature Summary- Buddhism

Problem:

In Buddhism, according to the first of the Four Noble Truths (the noble truth of suffering), the fundamental problem for all humanity is that all life consists of suffering, including the experiences of birth, old age, disease, death, sorrow, frustration, and other forms of suffering. Buddhists believe that moments of happiness do not last forever.

Cause of Problem:

The cause of this suffering, as stated in second of the Four Noble Truths (the noble truth of the origin of suffering), comes from negative desire and greed, which is the result of ignorance or delusion.

Goal or Ideal State:

The third noble truth (the noble truth of the extinction of suffering), states that the goal of Buddhism is to end suffering, and reach the ideal state of nirvana, where nothing causes suffering and samsara is stopped. It is a state of total liberation and serenity, and perfect wisdom and absolute peace is attained. Once nirvana is achieved, a person may choose to become a Bodhisattva and continue samsara in order to help others on their path to enlightenment.

Methods to Achieve Goals:

The fourth noble truth (the noble truth of the path leading to the extinction of suffering), states that to end suffering, one must adapt the Middle Way, the path between extremes, by following the Noble Eightfold Path, which encourages right view, right thought, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. Taking the Three Refuges including the Buddha (the guide), the dharma (the path), and the sangha (companions and teachers), also guide Buddhists in reaching enlightenment. As well, Buddhists follow the Five Precepts to prevent suffering and to achieve good karma. They are ahimsa, abstain from stealing, abstain from improper sexual conduct, abstain from false speech, and abstain from taking alcohol and harmful drugs. Ordained monks and nuns follow additional precepts, and Bodhisattvas practice the Six Perfections: giving, morality, patience, vigour, meditation, and wisdom. Meditation can improve concentration, calm the mind, and clear it of negative thoughts caused by hatred, greed or ignorance, hence it brings insights into truths and leads to the end of suffering. Chanting mantras can also help keep Buddhists in touch with their spiritual nature.

Most Sacred or “Ultimacy”:

The Buddha or the “the Enlightened One” is not worshiped like a god, but is regarded as the first person to reach the ultimacy, nirvana, and is the founder of Buddhism. His wisdom and teachings were later written down by his followers, forming the sacred writing, Tripitaka, or Three Baskets, which compose of the Basket of Discipline, the Basket of Discourses and the Basket of Further Teachings.

Personal Response:

I feel that Buddhism has many desirable aspects of the ideal religion that I am searching for, because it does not require people to accept its teachings based on blind faith; instead followers should go through direct religious experience. I find it very difficult to grasp the concept, which is present in many other religions, of believing before experiencing, since I think I need to go through a religious experience before I can truly have faith. Furthermore, Buddhism is very tolerant of other religions and suggests that people who do not find the truth in Buddhism are free to seek it elsewhere. I also like the fact that everyone, both male and female, have the equal opportunity to achieve nirvana and end suffering if they want to. In today’s materialistic world, people are constantly using money to buy happiness, but the Noble Truth of the origin of suffering reminds us that it is the greed and desire for these materialistic things that cause us to suffer. Learning about Buddhism really opened my mind, because it made me realize the possibilities of the truth of life and it is interesting to learn that we may just be living in a delusion, ignorant of reality.