World' Wisdom -Buddhism

Main Ideas of Buddhism:

Anatta (pg 68)

First of all, Anatta is one of the Three Marks of Existence, meaning that there is no self or without a self. Self is combination of many physical and mental qualities but one quality alone doesn’t constitute me.

Right Mindfulness (Satupatthana Sutta) (pg. 71)

Right mindfulness is one of Buddhism’s most important teachings on the practice of meditation. It can hardly be learned in texts but consistent practices under a teacher.

The Four Foundations

It is the way to end the pain and to eventually lead to Nirvana.

Awareness of the Body

One retires to a solitary place, sits and watches his breathing mindfully. Additionally, he can walk, stand, sit or lie down while watching the breathing. Afterwards, he becomes mindful of any action and finally of the body. He also realizes the limitation of the physical body.

Awareness of Sensation

One can know or determine preference over a felt sensation.

Awareness of Mind

One can identify the state of his mind.

Awareness of Mind – Objects

Since one can identify the problem in the mind, he can overcome it.

Description of Nibbana / Nirvana (pg. 75)

End of Karma, Samsara and craving. End of greed, hate, delusion.

Description of Arahant / Arahat (76)

Noble person that has realized Nirvana.

Mahayana Buddhism:

Mahayana Buddhism - How is Mahayana broken down into 3 key innovations (describe each)

- Emptiness (pg 77 - 80)

it is an extension of dependent origination which states that every thing or event occurs, effected by combinations of other factors therefore no thing or event cannot bring itself into being a. k. a everything is empty of itself. Things are conditioned by various circumstances so nothing is absolute it goes back to Karma and impermanence. However emptiness is one that is the ultimate reality and pervades everything. Samsara and nirvana are relative realities. We live in the reality of emptiness at every moment. I don’t need a problem (suffering) or a solution (Nirvana). Just realize everything is empty.

Bodhisattva ideal (pg. 80 - 82)

Bodhisattva is a person who renounces his or her entry into Nirvana in order to help others achieve enlightenment. But he is also aware that there is no being (others) because everything is empty. Even with the knowledge of emptiness, they strive to liberate those confounded by illusion.

Devotional Buddhism (pg. 82 - 86)

Mahayana created devotional scriptures so that people of different abilities and background could understand emptiness. It is justified in the belief that Buddhism is not based on one historical person but the absolute reality. It is also based in the belief that everyone is equal in opportunities to attain enlightenment.