BUDDHIST BELIEFS

Sacred Writings  Tripitaka (Three Baskets)  Almost 10,000 pages long and principal source for the life and teachings of Buddha  Considered to be the most accurate of Buddha’s teachings which consist of… Vinaya-Pitaka: Basket of Discipline  Rules for monks and sangha (teachers) Sutta-Pitaka: Basket of Discourse  Discourses between Buddha and his disciples = main body of Buddhist belief Abidhamma-Pitiaka: Basket of Further Teachings  Views on the nature of the universe

Buddhist Dharma The main Buddhist beliefs about how a person should live are reflected in the dharma These teachings are arranged into numbered sets: The Three Universal Truths The Five Precepts The Four Noble Truths The Noble Eightfold Path The Three Refuges The Six Perfections

The Three Universal Truths  AKA The Three Marks of Existence  Buddha’s view of the material world 1. Anicca (Impermanence) Buddhists believe nothing is permanent Clinging to the notion of permanency adds to our dissatisfaction and suffering 2. Dukkha (Dissatisfaction) All life involves suffering People may be happy for most of their lives, but in the end they must face physical decay and death 3. Anatta (No-Self) There is no permanent identity or existence All parts are impermanent and ultimately an illusion No single part is the person; only when put together is it a person Wise or enlightened Buddhists are detached from material goods and images of themselves

The Five Precepts Ethical guidelines that Buddhists follow: 1. Abstain from harming or destroying living creatures (ahimsa) 2. Abstain from stealing 3. Abstain from sexual misconduct 4. Abstain from incorrect speech (lying, gossiping, causing conflict) 5. Abstain from intoxicating drinks and drugs

The Four Noble Truths Buddha’s explanation for the cause and treatment of unhappiness 1. The Noble Truth of Suffering  People suffer (dukkha) – all our lives, we hurt physically and emotionally 2. The Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering  This suffering is caused by negative desire, greed, ignorance, and attachment – we can adapt to physical pain, but unfulfilled longings and cravings make our suffering deep 3. The Noble Truth of the Extinction of Suffering  To remove suffering, we must remove desire, greed, ignorance, and attachment – if we stop the things that cause us to desire, then suffering will stop – taming our desires requires great discipline 4. The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Extinction of Suffering  To end suffering and achieve enlightenment, unending peace, and freedom from all desire, people should follow the Noble Eightfold Path

The Noble Eightfold Path The Wheel of Dharma From Buddha’s first sermon at Deer Park “Set in motion the wheel of the Dharma” Symbol of 8-spoke wheel represents the eight steps of the path Centre = nirvana (the only fixed point) Steps are to be used together as a way of life to lead to real happiness, peace, nirvana

The Noble Eightfold Path 1. Right View Know doctrine of the Four Noble Truths 2. Right Thought We are what we think, so nurture good thoughts to produce good character 3. Right Speech Use kind speech to be respected and trusted 4. Right Conduct Observe Five Precepts 5. Right Livelihood Occupations that do not cause harm to living things 6. Right Effort Conquer evil thoughts and have goodwill toward others 7. Right Mindfulness Think proper thoughts (Five Precepts) 8. Right Concentration Focus mind on one thought or object at a time to lead to true peace of mind and tranquility

The three Refuges (The Triple Jewel) To make it easier to follow Buddha’s teachings and take refuge from a difficult existence Purpose: guide followers The Buddha the guide The dharma the path The sangha teachers and companions

The Six perfections  Bodhisattva: person who has attained nirvana but chooses to be reborn within samsara in order to help others on path of enlightenment  Practices the Six Perfections 1. Giving 2. Morality 3. Patience 4. Vigour 5. Meditation 6. Wisdom