REL 133 week 3

Buddhism

REL/133

Who is Buddha?

Buddha was born as Siddhartha Gautama during the 5th century B.C. in Nepal. Buddha’s was born into royalty his father Suddhodana the king of the Sakyas and his mother was named Maya. It is believed that before Siddhartha was born a holy man prophesized great things for Siddhartha: he would be a great king, a military leader or a great spiritual leader. A few days after his birth his mother died. After her death Siddhartha’s father raised him in a place built just for him and he was secluded from the world around him.

It is said that in the prince’s late 20s he traveled outside the palace walls and found a world of suffering. His curiosity grew, and this led him to take more journeys into the real world. During these adventures he encounters an old man, an ill man. a dead man and an ascetic. This believed to be the four passing sights. He learned that the ascetic lived a disciplined life void of pleasure which would release them from human suffering and death.

During the next six years the prince lived as an ascetic, he took part in their practices, studies and learned the art of meditation. Siddhartha guide were the words of different religious leaders. He adapted to this new way of life with a group of 5 followers. However, when he did not get the answers to his questions even after living the ascetic way he became aware that the austerity would not help him reach inner liberation. He renounced the ascetic ways and urged people to seek a life of balance. This is known as the Middle Way.

The Birth of Buddhism

Unable to achieve spiritual release Siddhartha became frustrated and on night sat under a Bodhi tree vowing to stay there until the truths came to him. He spent several days in mediation during this time he defeated a demon named Mara. Once Mara was defeated Siddhartha found the answers about suffering. It is then when Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, “he who is awake”.

The core belief of Buddhism is reincarnation this is when a person is reborn after dying. This is based on the karma meaning every action has a reaction. These actions will determine the cycle of reincarnation and amount of suffering. The objective of Buddhist is to end this cycle and be free. Buddha’s basic teachings are known as the Dharma included:

The Four Noble Truths:

· The truth of suffering *Dukkha

· The truth of the origin of suffering *Samudaya

· The truth of the cessation of suffering *Nirodha

· The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering *Magga

The Noble Eightfold includes:

· Right Understanding

· Right Intent

· Right Speech

· Right Action

· Right Livelihood

· Right Effort

· Right Mindfulness

· Right Concentration

These teachings were used as guides by Buddhists, however, there are many different Buddhist monks all over the world whose life and customs are different and still has spiritual meaning. Buddhist of all kinds have routines of mediation, scripture reading and partaking in ceremonies.

Buddhism falls into three major groups the Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. The Theravada are known as the “school of the elders”. This group teaches about karma and focuses on mediations that can distance thoughts and feelings. The Mahayana are known as the “great way”. They teach the Bodhisattva Attitude which focuses on compassion and wisdom. And the Vajrayana the “diamond way” teaches the Buddhist Tantra find enlightenment through identity with tantric deities.

Conclusion

Buddhism focuses on self-growth which develops a spiritual path that leads to deep insight on the meaning of life. Buddhism is one of the largest religions in the world with millions of followers and it continues to grow. It focuses on human suffering and achieving inner peace.

References

Biography.com Editors. (2018). The Biography.com website. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/people/buddha-9230587