Buddhism

Buddhism

1. nature and value of life

   • Buddhist believe that all life is equal - There is no salvation without compassion for all beings.

2. Karma

   • Early buddhist writing suggests that not all that we experience is the result of past actions, it may be due to natural events of one sort or another. Where-as Tibetan teachings suggests that all the good and bag things that happen to us are the results of past actions.
   • For Buddhists, karma has implication even beyond this life. Bad deeds done in this life can result in negative effects in the next life. Even those whom have been enlightened are not exempt from karma.
     • Buddha's cousin tried to kill him by dropping a boulder on him. Although the attempt failed, the Buddha's foot was injured.Buddha explained that this was karmic retribution for trying to kill his stepbrother in a previous life.
     • On a larger scale, Buddhists believe that karma determines where a person will be reborn and the status in their next life. Good karma can result in being born in one of the heavenly realm. Bad karma would lead to rebirth as an animal, or torment in hell.
       • Buddhists try to cultivate goo karma and avoid bad. However the aim for a Buddhist is to escape the cyle of rebirth.
   • The word karma means 'action', action is a crucial word when talking about karma. Our karma is determined by our own actions, in particular by the motives behind intentional actions
     • The karma we receive is based upon motives of generosity, compassion, kindness and sympathy, and clear mindfulness or wisdom. The opposite motives of greed, aversion and delusion, which all result in bad karma.
       • Karma is not an external force, not a system of punishment or reward dealt by a God. The concept is more accurately understood as a natural law similar to gravity.
   • Buddhists believe that we are in control of our own fate, however they believe that one of the biggest problems is that we are ignorant of this and that this leads to suffering. The purpose of Buddhism is to take conscious control of our behaviour.

3. Quotes

   • "The evils of the body are, murder, theft, and adultery; of the tongue, lying, slander, abuse and idle talk; of the mind, covetousness, hatred and erro" "
   • "Because the cause was there the consequences followed; becuase the cause is there the effects will follow"

4. Eightfold path

   • Right view
     • To see all things rightly, based on the Buddha's wisdom. Which discerns and understands the principle of the reality of existence.
   • Right speech
     • To speak using the right works - avoiding the four evils of the tongue.
   • Right resolve
     • To think righteously, avoiding the three evils of the mind.
   • Right action
     • To act righteously and avoid the three evils of the body.
   • Right meditation
     • To strive constantly for the true law and to be fixed and settled in it.
   • Right mindfulness
     • To have a continuous right mind towards both oneself and others.
   • Right effort
     • Always do good and never evil.
   • Right livelihood
     • To gain food, clothing, shelter and other daily necessities in a morally right way.

5. ·

   • Spinning prayer wheels

6. The four noble truths

   • The first noble truth is called Dukkha - translated to suffering - all life is suffering - we suffer in birth, life and death. It is an irrefutable fact and is realistic rather than pessimistic - Through life we suffer with loneliness, anger, sadness and disappointment.
   • The second noble truth is called sampudaya - suffering is caused by craving, greed and jealousy, known as the three fires. wanting deprives us of contempt - craving leads us to physical suffering as it caused us to be reborn.
   • The third noble truth is called nirvana - suffering can be overcome - it is attainable in this life - when enlightened you are referred to as Buddha. Nirvana is the state of no suffering.
   • The fourth and final noble truth is called Magga - the noble of the eight fold path - If you follow this you will be walking the path to enlightenment. It is developing the mind and compassion. These rules underpin every moment of a Buddhist life.

7. The five precepts

   • Buddha taught five precepts for everyday life
     • Do not harm any living creature
     • Do not steal, and be generous in giving
     • Do not take more than you need
     • Do not lie
     • Do not act thoughtlessly

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