Religion paper

BUDDHISM BY THE NUMBERS

ZERO GODS (Buddha is an inspirer [in Theravada], or a type of cosmic helper or savior [Mahayana])

ONE GOAL: Nirvana (an annihilating fulfillment)

ONE KEY INSIGHT: Nothing in life is permanent

THREE JEWELS:

1. I take refuge in the Buddha

2. I take refuge in the Sangha (monastic community)

3. I take refuge in the Dharma (the truth about existence as taught by the Buddha; the teaching)

THREE PRINCIPAL BRANCHES:

1. Theravada (teaching of the elders; traditional form of Buddhism prevalent in Sri Lanka and southeast Asia)

2. Mahayana (large raft; popular or devotional Buddhism; principal form of Buddhism in China, Korea and Japan)

3. Vajrayana (thunderbolt vehicle or raft; principal form of Buddhism in Tibet, Nepal, and Mongolia)

FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS:

1. The truth of suffering (it is universal & unavoidable)

2. The truth of the origin of suffering (it comes from wanting too much/”ego-craving” & getting frustrated

3. The truth of the cessation of suffering (there is a path to serenity)

4. The truth of the eight-fold path to the cessation of suffering

EIGHT FOLD PATH:

A. Concepts:

1. Right belief or view (of the nature of reality)

2. Right aspiration/intention/purpose

B. Conduct:

3. Right speech

4. Right behavior/actions

5. Right livelihood/occupation

C. Concentration:

6. Right endeavor/effort

7. Right mindfulness/alertness; right focus

8. Right meditation/concentration/contemplation

FIVE PRECEPTS:

1. No killing

2. No stealing

3. No illicit/abusive sexual activity

4. No lying

5. No intoxicating beverages

FIVE ADDITIONAL PRECEPTS FOR MONKS/NUNS:

1. No eating after midday

2. No use of jewelry/ornaments

3. No Attendance at musical or theatrical performances

4. No handling of money

5. No use of soft beds