Siddhartha Gautama was an Indian prince in the fifth century B.C.E. who, upon seeing people poor and dying, realized that human life is suffering. He renounced his wealth and spent time as a poor beggar, meditating and travelling but ultimately, remaining unsatisfied, settling on something called “the Middle Way.”
This idea meant that neither extreme asceticism or extreme wealth were the path to enlightenment, but rather, a way of life between the two extremes. The first teachings of Buddha were delivered at a Deer Park in Sarnath. Origins can be traced to 563 B.C.E.
Buddhists believe that the human life is one of suffering, and that meditation, spiritual and physical labor, and good behavior are the ways to achieve enlightenment, or nirvana. Eventually, in a state of deep meditation, he achieved enlightenment, or nirvana underneath the Bodhi tree (the tree of awakening).
The Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya, Bihar, the site of his enlightenment is now a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. The Buddhist attitude to violence is generally interpreted as opposing all warfare, but some scholars have raised exceptions found in later texts. The precepts are commitments to abstain from killing living beings, stealing, misconduct, lying and intoxication.
Within the Buddhist doctrine, they are meant to develop mind and character to make progress on the path to enlightenment. The second precept prohibits theft and related activities such as fraud and forgery. The third precept refers to adultery in all its forms, and has been defined by modern teachers with terms such as sexual responsibility and long-term commitment. The fourth precept involves falsehood spoken or committed to by action, as well as malicious speech, harsh speech and gossip. The fifth precept prohibits intoxication through alcohol, drugs, or other means.
Buddhist ethics are neither arbitrary standards invented by man for his own utilitarian purpose nor are they arbitrarily imposed. Man-made laws and social customs do not form the basis of Buddhist ethics. Buddhist ethics finds its foundation not on the changing social customs but rather on the unchanging laws of nature.
Buddhist morality judges an as action good or bad basing on the intention or motivation from which it originates. Actions that have their roots in greed, hatred or selfishness are considered to be bad - called Akusala Kamma. Actions which are rooted in the virtues of generosity, love and wisdom are meritorious and good - called Kusala Kamma.
Three Essentials for Life; Buddhism considers - Wisdom (Prajna), Ethical conduct (Sila) and the Concentration (Samadi) as the three essentials for life. Wisdom comes from right view, it leads to the right intention. The right view and intentions are guides to ethical conduct - right speech, right action, right livelihood and right effort. Concentration - pointed focus is ‘self activity’ to have right mindfulness and right concentration. When wisdom, ethics and concentration become way of life; one gains enlightenment.
Pancasila (Five Refrains); Buddhism invites Buddhists to adopt five precepts voluntarily in order to live together in civilised communities with mutual trust and respect. Following these five precepts helps the Buddhist make a spiritual journey towards liberation. These are: no killing, no stealing, no lying, no misconduct, and no intoxicants.
Ten Demeritorious Deeds; People are advised to keep away from deeds rooted in greed, hatred, and delusion as they will bring suffering to others. These ten deeds are divided into three sets: Actions of the Body: Bodily actions such as killing of living beings, stealing, and unlawful sexual intercourse. Verbal Actions: lying, slander, harsh speech, and meaningless talk. And Actions of the Mind: Covetousness or being desirous, especially of things belonging to others, ill-will, wrong views.
The major Similarities between Buddhism and Hinduism are: There is idol worship in both Buddhism (Mahayana) and Hinduism. Both Buddhism and Hinduism give equal rights to men and women. There is no discrimination against women in either religion. Atheists can take part in religious activities, there will be no restrictions. Both the religions originated from Indian Subcontinent.
The 2 major branches of Buddhism are Hinayana (Theravada) and Mahayana. The primary language used by Theravada tradition was the Pali language. The primary language used by Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions is Sanskrit. Some of the most important scriptures are Tripitaka and Gandhara Texts. Tripitaka are composed of 3 sections: Commentaries, Discipline and Discourses.
Some of the most important symbols in Buddhism are Conch, Dharmachakra; it is a wheel of dharma, fish, lotus, vase, victory banner, parasol etc.
Some of the most important festivals of Buddhists are Vesak (Buddha’s birthday), Parinirvana Day (also known as Nirvana day), Buddha Purnima, Ullambana, Uposatha, Losar (celebrated by Tibetan Buddhists) etc.
Dalai Lama is the title given by Tibetan people to the supreme spiritual leader of Yellow Hat or Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. In Buddhism Male Monks are known as Bhikkhus and Female Monks are known as Bhikkhunis. The Monastic Communities in Buddhism are known as Sangha.
Followers of Buddhism can be found in many Asian countries like India, Nepal, Japan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Laos, Thailand, Bhutan etc.
Authored by Dr Anadi Sahoo
