...Tammy Chen Theology 279 - Teachings of the Buddha March 14, 2014 The Sage People who are wise go beyond the negativity, to be calm you have to go beyond the negativity, “Do not grieve for what is lost or be controlled by desire.” This passage could play a positive role in everyone’s lives. If people follow this passage they will be able to control their mind and their emotions. Dhammapada This passage discusses how your thoughts are always in your control and if you can control your thoughts you can control your actions and if we can control our thoughts and actions we can control our own happiness. Harmlessness This passage discusses how people who seek happiness by hurting others will never find happiness and I think this is not so much a religious passage but a passage of advice to help those who are negative along with those who are positive to help the negative. Great Discourse on Blessings This passage tells us all of the great things we should be to make us happy and good individuals. It also tells us what to stay away from such as intoxicants, have an unshaken mind. If we can fulfill all of the supreme blessings, there will be well-being everywhere. Hatred never dispels hate The only way to get rid of hate is to love. Everyone passes away, so why waste your life hating and being angry. Joy Live in joy, in love even among those who hate because how can someone hate someone who is full of love. Be free from fear and attachment because that is...
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...Buddha and Christ Similarities and Contrasts A number of recent books have proposed the idea that Buddha and Christ are brothers in spirit. Close to the end of Living Buddha, Living Christ, Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh asserted, "When you are a truly happy Christian, you are also a Buddhist. And vice versa." In his controversial book, Jesus and Buddha: The Parallel Sayings, New Testament scholar Marcus J. Borg asserted that both religious founders espoused a "world-subverting wisdom that undermined and challenged conventional ways of seeing and being in their time and in every time." Borg claims that both were teachers of wisdom, not only regarding "moral behavior, but about the 'center,' the place from which moral perception and moral behavior flow." Both, according to Borg, "were teachers of the way less traveled. 'Way' or 'path' imagery is central to both bodies of teaching." In their article, "Are Jesus and Buddha Brothers?", by Carl E. Olson and Anthony E. Clark (This Rock, Volume 16, Number 5, May-June 2005), the authors note that Jesuit Father Robert E. Kennedy . . . holds Zen retreats at Morning Star Zendo in Jersey City. Further, "the St. Francis Chapel at Santa Clara University hosts the weekly practice of 'mindfulness and Zen meditation.' Indeed, the number of Buddhist retreats and workshops being held at Catholic monasteries and parishes is growing." The article also mentions additional books espousing this viewpoint: * Zen Spirit, Christian Spirit ...
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...that they may be sincere, nor of his actions that they may be resolute – he simply speaks and does what is right.” I do believe this quote succinctly rounds up the events of Siddhartha Gautama’s life and innovative philosophies that gave way to the fourth most popular religion as of this year, with over 375 million members. (Infoplease.com, 2014) As the first man to reach enlightenment, the Buddha or the “Awakened One”, revolutionised India’s belief system in both his own time and subsequent ages. His new-found path to enlightenment was forged through his earnest belief and morals – not through his former social standing and reputation to effectuate reformation. Siddhartha...
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...1 All in One One in All The Nature of Interbeing hic Nha Hanh hat T hic h Nhat Hanh For Free Distribution 2 Published for Free Distribution Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery Publications, Arts & Design Department 88 Bright Hill Road, Singapore 574117. Tel : ( 65 ) 552 7426 Email : publication@kmspks.org Copyright © 2001 by Thich Nhat Hanh All Rights Reserved. 3 Content Taking Good Care of Our Habit Energies 6 All in One, One in All 31 Going to the Shore of Non – suffering 60 Overcoming the Fear of Death 92 Five Mindfulness Trainings 129 4 Dear Reader, if you wish to share in the printing cost of this and many other beautiful Dharma Books for free distribution, so that more people could be touched by the beauty of Dharma and be inspired to live a happy and meaningful life, please photocopy the Contribution Slip at the end of this books, fill in your particular and return to us. “ The gift of Dharma excels all gifts” 5 Taking Good Care of Our Habit Energies Dear friends, welcome to the Summer Opening in Plum Village. Who is three years old? Who is less than three years old? I would like to introduce to you Bao-tich who is four years old. He just celebrated his birthday two days ago. Here is Bao-tich. This is his second year in Plum Village to practice. Can you turn around? He came last year and he practiced very well. He was so happy, so this year he came again. Bao-tich is his name...
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...130 Date 4/1/2016 Book Review The book called “SIDDHARTHA” By: Hermann Hesse translated by Hilda Rosner and Published By: New Directions Publishing Corporation. Is about is about a story of a young man’s quest in search of the ultimate answers to what a men need to do in this world of ours. The young Indian boy was named Siddhartha. This book is about the young boy who will find his destiny and must go through challenges in his life, by facing love affairs, heartaches, struggle leaving his son and the temptations of wealth and power. Siddhartha will go through all of this to become what he known today in this day in age as the Great Buddha. This book is intended for any reader that wants the life and struggles of the Buddha. As well as to know the struggles he faced with his farther, wife and son whom he just left and did not come back to until many years later. The author wanted to let the reader know how Buddhism came to be, and how the story of the Buddha’s life was growing up, finding his enter peace, and how the Buddha faced multiple daemons inside himself to help find Nirvana. The time line for this book was written in or around 5th century. Hermann Hesse: author of the book “SIDDHARTHA” is a great Swiss writer who won the Nobel Prize in 1946 for this book. He also won the Nobel Price in Literature, Gotethe Prize, Peace Prize of the German Book Trade, Pour le Merite and Gottfried-Keller-Preis. Hermann was born on July 2, 1877, he was a German born and he was a fabulous...
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...are very different religions, they have similar underlying patterns. Both believe that there was a savior or someone to follow in the footsteps of, being Buddha for Buddhist and Christ for Christians. Both believe, in different respects, which we are only here in temporarily. I will explain more so that it will make sense. In my opinion, as I compare and contrast these two religions, you will capture that in both religions have a strong focus upon being humbled to certain degrees in order to achieve something greater. Every religion has a story, I’ll start with Buddhism, which began before Christianity. It dates back to the 6th century BCE and Christianity was founded in about 30-33 AD. Buddhism’s founder was a Gautama Buddha named Prince Siddhartha. Who was born into a royal family in Lumbinia, now known as Nepal. At age 29, he realized that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teaching religion and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation, he finally found the middle path and was enlightened. After englightment, Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism- called Dharma or truth until age 80 when he died. Its teachings is centered on Buddha and is a Dharmic Religion. Buddhism who followers of Buddha, are call Buddhist. It is also an Atheistic religion. It doesn’t raise questions about the existence of God that dominate the philosophy of Abrahamic religions...
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...palm facing outward. The gesture is an ancient one, demonstrating that the hand is empty of weapons and thus indicating friendship and peace. To western eyes, it looks like the gesture meaning "stop." In both cases, the gesture implies fearlessness before a potential enemy. In Buddhism, the gesture is a symbol of the fearlessness—and thus the spiritual power—of the Buddha or bodhisattva who makes it. According to Buddhist tradition, the historical Buddha made this gesture immediately after gaining enlightenment. And later, when the historical Buddha was about to be attacked by an angry elephant, he held up his hand in the fearlessness gesture and immediately calmed it. The gesture of fearlessness is is only seen on Buddhas or boddhisatvas and appears most commonly in standing images. In Thailand and Laos, the abhaya mudra is seen on the walking Buddha (also called 'the Buddha placing his footprint'), a posture unique to that region. When the right hand is in the abhaya mudra, the left hand usually hangs loosely at the side of the body or makes thevarada mudra, or gift-giving gesture. In some SE Asian Buddha images, both hands are held in the abhaya mudra. In Gandhara art, this mudra was sometimes used...
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...in the world, just behind Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. For this study, I conducted an interview and researched the religion to gain a better understanding of their practices and beliefs. I also included a comparative section to help understand the differences and similarities between this religion and Christianity, one of the largest known religions. Buddhism is different from many religions because they there is no belief in a supernatural deity, known as nontheistic (Fisher, 2005, pg. 134). Buddha is not a God and is not worshipped as one. Buddha was the man that founded the religion based on his desires to end human suffering. Instead of worshipping a God, Buddhists follow beliefs that will eventually lead them to an enlightened life and Nirvana in the afterlife. The beliefs that they follow are known as the Eight Fold Path. This path is used to help humans end the suffering in their life and achieve liberation. It is based on The Four Noble Truths that Buddha set forth in his first Sermon (Fisher, 2005, pg. 135). The Four Noble Truths speak of suffering as an inevitable part of life. It states that suffering can be ceased through the ending of wants and desires, because these things cause our suffering in life. By understanding the Four Noble Truths and following the Eight Fold Path, followers can learn to liberate themselves from suffering and find enlightenment. Many different forms of this religion exist today. The Zen sect of the Buddhist religion...
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...Buddhism Deriving from India as early as the 6th century BC Buddhism is one of the worlds oldest religions. Buddhism has been and still is one of the world’s most popular religions with about 350 million followers ranking just below Christianity, Islam and Hinduism. There is no surprise in the amount of followers that Buddhism has considering it has been around for so long and wouldn’t be able to stay a religion so long without loyal adherents. Buddhism is based off of the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, a royal prince born in Nepal. Siddhartha Gautama is also known as the Buddha or in other words “the awakened one”. The Buddha was believed to be enlightened teacher who believed it was best to live in the moment. As said by the Buddha “The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.” Buddhists who would follow his teachings did so to escape their suffering. To escape their suffering they would have to achieve the state of nirvana. To achieve nirvana the Buddhists must first understand The Four Noble Truths and then practice the Eightfold Path. Buddhism believes in three main ideas when it comes to life and the rest of the world: Samsara, Karma, and Rebirth. Samsara is when a person continually goes through birth, life and death while cycling through the six realms of existence while doing so. Samsara causes suffering and unhappiness, which is the purpose of it because...
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...people went to Buddhism as a comfort religion. The two religions have different ways to reach salvation. In both religions, Jesus and Buddha never wrote down their teachings and the spread of their teaching was through their disciples and or missionaries. Christianity is an offshoot of Judaism and Buddhism is an offshoot of Hinduism. In Christianity, Jesus was born a Jew and lived as a Jew for many years of his life. Jesus followed and worshiped the Jewish law. Just like in Judaism, Jesus emphasized God’s love and teachings of the need of morality, justice, and do good work for others, but because Jesus claimed to be the messiah everything changed. Buddhism is an offshoot of Hinduism...
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...FREEDOM OF LEARNING IN BUDDHISM Buddhism does not prevent anyone from learning the teachings of other religions. In fact, the Buddha encouraged His followers to learn about other religions and to compare His Teachings with other teachings. The Buddha says that if there are reasonable and rational teachings. The Buddha says that if there are reasonable and rational teachings in other religions, His followers are free to respect such teachings. It seems that certain religionists try to keep their followers in the dark, some of them are not even allowed to touch other religious objects or books. They are instructed not to listen to the preachings of other religions. They are enjoined not to doubt the teachings of their own religion, however unconvincing their teachings may appear to be. The more they keep their followers on a one-track mind, the more easily they can keep them under control. If anyone of them exercises freedom of thought and realizes that he had been in the dark all the time, then it is alleged that the devil has possessed his mind. The poor man is given no opportunity to use his common sense, education, of his intelligence. Those who wish to change their views on religion are taught to believe that they are not perfect enough to be allowed to use free will in judging anything for themselves. Religious Freedom in the Context of Human Rights In a recent article that I have read,it is stated that the Human Rights speaks of "the right to freedom...
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...Contemporary Issues in Buddhism Team D REL/133 May 21, 2013 Prof. Joseph Pirelli Buddhism is considered one of the oldest forms of religion dating back over 2,500 years; which originated in Thailand and has spread throughout Asia and begun to spread in Northern America, with over 125 million practicing Buddhists today. Siddhartha Gautama the founder of Buddhism became Buddha, his teachings and philosophy of selflessness and love towards others, modest and meek lifestyle, karma and reincarnation, education, and total submission and control of the mind and body are the basics of this religion. Buddhism has similar characteristics with other major religions that include practices, rituals, scriptures, and believes such as the belief in a deity or higher greater power. It has a doctrine accepting teachings of salvation and a code of conduct. The Buddhism religion maintains an essential qualities or religious practices that are passed down from generation by sources such as authorities and or their followers are accept as sacred. The Buddhist teachings consist of the Noble Eight Fold Path: 1.) Right View- full understanding of life. 2) Right of Intention- selflessness and good will towards all. 3.) Right Speech- always watching words 4.) Right Actions- always in control of ones actions and the results or impact of them. 5.) Right Livelihood-live upstanding example nothing illegal or unethical. 6.) Right Effort- always displays effort in all...
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...time the Buddha was staying in the Jeta Grove, near the city of Sravasti. With him there was a community of 1,250 venerable monks and devoted disciples. One day before dawn, the Buddha clothed himself, and along with his disciples took up his alms bowl and entered the city to beg for food door to door, as was his custom. After he had returned and eaten, he put away his bowl and cloak, bathed his feet, and then sat with his legs crossed and body upright upon the seat arranged for him. He began mindfully fixing his attention in front of himself, while many monks approached the Buddha, and showing great reverence, seated themselves around him. Chapter 2. After a time a most venerable monk named Subhuti, who was sitting in the congregation, rose from his seat. He uncovered his right shoulder, placed his right knee on the ground, and as he joined his palms together he respectfully bowed and then addressed the Buddha: "Most Honored One, It is truly majestic how much knowledge and wisdom your monks and disciples have been given through your most inspired teachings! It is remarkable that you look after our welfare so selflessly and so completely." "Most Honored One, I have a question to ask you. If sons and daughters of good families want to develop the highest, most fulfilled and awakened mind, if they wish to attain the Highest Perfect Wisdom, what should they do to help quiet their drifting minds and help subdue their craving thoughts?" The Buddha then replied: ...
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...Sanskrit word dhyana that is a mind consumed in meditation. The most well known practice of Zen is zazen, which is a type of meditation where one sits down. History of Buddhism Buddhism was formed in the 5th century B.C.E. and began in India. This religion started about 2500 years ago when Suddhartha Gotama, or the Buddha was liberated at 35 years old. This religion currently has about 350,000,000 followers and does not have a formal headquarters. Its sacred texts are Pali Tipitika, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Canons. The word originates from “budhi”, which means to awaken. Many followers, Buddhism is more than Religion it is away of living their lives. They feel it is a philosophy, in that this word means love of wisdom. Buddhism is a practice that leads to moral living, being mindful and being familiar with ones way of thinking and what they do, also gaining knowledge and discernment. Buddhism is gaining more existence in western countries because the followers feel It answers the problems of society. In addition they feel it encompasses a strong awareness of the human mind. Basic teachings of Buddhism Per the class reading, it is not actually known what Buddha taught. During the time of his life there was only oral text which was...
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...that will take them to nirvana. Buddha gave up all the riches of his father and his family. In order to teach other a way of life that was in the middle of self-indulgence and asceticism. After reaching his enlightenment he traveled to teach his lifestyle to others. The Mahayana branch of Buddhism is one of the three branches of Buddhism that survived after Buddha’s death. Mahayana is known of the “Big Vehicle” and is the second of the three branches. History of Buddhism Buddhism was founded by Buddha Shakyamuni. He was a royal prince born in 324 BC in a place that was originally northern India that is now considered Nepal. This prince’s name means Able One. This prince started his Spiritual life when he was 29 and retired to the forest. It was after six years the he was able to attain enlightenment underneath a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. He was requested to teach; it was this request that was the beginning of Buddhism. It was this request that allowed Buddha to rise from meditation as he taught the first Wheel of Dharma. It is these teachings that include the different steps the Noble Four Steps, and more discourses. Principal sources of Hinayana, even the Lesser Vehicle of Buddhism; while later he would teach the Second and Third wheel of Dharma. Buddha Buddha or the Awakened One came into this world as a prince. It was only at the age of 29 when he became known as Buddha (Malloy, 2012). As a prince Buddha was kept inside of the castle in...
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