Buddhism Written Report
When studying the different religions of the world we tend of focus on the distinctions between these religions and understanding what makes them unique, however it is important to note that although these religions are distinct and unique in their own way, there are common themes and structures that can be applied to them. Some of the common elements present in the different religions that we will be studying this semester are:
• Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Writings
o Divinely inspired writings that contain origins of the religion, essential beliefs, and major teachings. Some religions also revere writings of prominent figures throughout their history who have contributed to expounding the theology of the religion (ex: writings of the Christian saints)
• Beliefs and Practices
o Tenets of the religion that unify its community of believers on a variety of topics ranging from their relationship with the divine, soteriology, creation, eschatology, anthropology, etc.
• Prayer and Worship
o Liturgical practices that believers of the faith participate in throughout their daily lives. Some liturgical practices and rituals of prayer are performed in conjunction with the celebration of religious festivals at particular times of the week (ex: Sabbath) or times of the year (ex: Christmas)
• Morality – Code of Ethics
o Guiding principles that adherents of the faith abide by throughout their lives informed by the theology of the religion
• History
o Understanding how the religion was established and the advances of the religion throughout human history that shape the global image of the religion today while also recognizing changes in theology that have occurred throughout history due to major historical events
Instructions:
In your reading of Chapter 5 - Encouraging Buddhism: The Middle Path to Liberation you have gained a better understanding of what the religion of Buddhism is all about from the context of its history, beliefs and practices, code of ethics, etc. You will now use the information gleaned in the chapter to expand upon particular elements of Buddhism enumerated below:
1. Buddhist Symbols and Names (1 page)
A. Identify a common Buddhist symbol and explain its significance.
I. Consider the following:
1. History/Origins of the symbol
2. Important religious figure(s) associated with the symbol and their involvement with it
3. How is the symbol utilized by Buddhists today?
A. Is it used during prayer/worship?
B. Is it worm as an outward sign of faith?
B. Distinguish between the terms 'Buddhism' and 'The Buddha' as it relates to the religion itself.
2. Life of the Siddhartha Gautama (1 page)
A. Discuss who Siddhartha Gautama was and the impact that he had on Buddhism.
B. Describe 3 key events from Siddhartha Gautama's life.
C. Address how these events are commemorated by Buddhists today.
3. Beliefs and Practices (3 pages)
Throughout his life, Siddhartha Gautama did not record any of his teachings, but he is known for his influential sermons and the discussions that he had with his fellow monks. These sermons were transmitted orally for centuries before they were finally committed to writing by several different Buddhist groups. One of the most famous of The Buddha’s discourses is his first discourse titled Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma and in this discourse he outlines two ideas that would become the foundation of all Buddhist thought: The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path.
1.
A. Interpret the meaning of each of the Four Noble Truths (1.5 pages)
I. All life is suffering.
II. The Cause of Suffering is desire.
III. To end desire is to end suffering.
IV. to end desire, one must follow the Noble Eightfold Path.
B. Articulate the significance of each of the aspects of The Noble Eightfold Path listed below and demonstrate how Buddhists believe that following these practical techniques will help them to achieve nirvana (1.5 pages)
I. Right Understanding
II. Right Thought (Intention)
III. Right Speech
IV. Right Conduct
V. Right Livelihood
VI. Right Effort
VII. Right Mindfulness
VIII. Right Concentration (Contemplation)
Sample Solution
Buddhist Symbols and Names
A. The Wheel of Dharma
One of the most common and recognizable symbols in Buddhism is the Wheel of Dharma, also known as the Dharmachakra. It is a stylized representation of a chariot wheel with eight spokes, which symbolize the Noble Eightfold Path, the path to liberation from suffering. The wheel itself represents the teachings of the Buddha, and the spokes represent the eight steps along the path to enlightenment.
Full Answer Section
History/Origins of the Symbol The exact origins of the Wheel of Dharma are unknown, but it is believed to have originated in ancient India. The earliest known examples of the symbol date back to the 3rd century BCE. The wheel was originally used as a symbol of the sun, but it was later adopted by Buddhism as a symbol of the Buddha's teachings. Important Religious Figure(s) Associated with the Symbol and Their Involvement with It The Wheel of Dharma is closely associated with the Buddha himself. It is said that the Buddha saw a wheel in his vision while meditating under a Bodhi tree. The wheel is also associated with the Dharma, the Buddha's teachings. The Dharma is often depicted as a wheel that turns endlessly, symbolizing the constant cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. How is the Symbol Utilized by Buddhists Today? The Wheel of Dharma is a popular symbol among Buddhists today. It is often used in temples and monasteries, as well as on personal items such as jewelry and clothing. The symbol is also used in Buddhist meditation practices. Is it Used During Prayer/Worship? Yes, the Wheel of Dharma is often used during prayer and worship. It is sometimes placed on the altar during ceremonies, and it is also used as a focus of meditation. Is it Worn as an Outward Sign of Faith? Some Buddhists wear the Wheel of Dharma as an outward sign of their faith. However, it is not a requirement of the religion.- Distinguishing Between 'Buddhism' and 'The Buddha'
- Buddhism: Buddhism is a religion and philosophy that is based on the teachings of the Buddha. It is a path to liberation from suffering, and it is practiced by millions of people around the world.
- The Buddha: The Buddha was a man named Siddhartha Gautama who lived in India in the 6th century BCE. He is the founder of Buddhism, and he is revered by Buddhists as a teacher and a guide.
- Life of Siddhartha Gautama
- The Great Renunciation: At the age of 29, Siddhartha Gautama renounced his royal life and left his wife and child to seek enlightenment. He spent the next six years wandering the countryside, studying with various teachers and practicing asceticism.
- The Enlightenment: After six years of searching, Siddhartha Gautama sat down under a Bodhi tree and vowed not to rise until he had achieved enlightenment. After 49 days of meditation, he finally attained enlightenment and became the Buddha.
- The First Sermon: After his enlightenment, the Buddha spent the next 45 years teaching others the path to liberation from suffering. He gave his first sermon in Varanasi, India, and he continued to teach and travel until his death at the age of 80.