Basic Doctrines of Buddhism
The basic doctrines of Buddhism can be
demonstrated in the following concepts:
The Four Noble Truths
Realization of the Four Noble Truths is
the first step on the path to cessation of dukkha.
The First Noble Truthis the realization
that all worldly phenomena are
dukkha, unsatisfactory. Every aspect of existence is ultimately fleeting and
unfulfilling, subject to birth, decay, disease, and death.
The Second Noble Truth is the cause of
dukkha: craving for the pleasure of the senses, which can never be
fully satisfied, and aversion from pain.
The Third Noble Truth is the ending of
dukkha. To be free of dukkha one must extinguish this very
craving so that no passion and desire remain.
The Fourth Noble Truth leads to the end of
dukkha by way of the Eightfold Path.
The Eightfold Path
The
Eightfold Path is cyclic, forming a Wheel of Dhamma.
Each step on the path propels the seeker to the next step
and perfection of each quality reinforces the others.
Perfect Understanding (Sammā Ditthi) Also translated as Perfect Perception or Perfect View. To
develop an understanding of the nature of the world through the Four
Noble Truths.
Perfect Thought (Sammā
Sankappa) Avoiding cultivation of jealous or angry thoughts. Cultivating thoughts
of goodwill and renunciation.
Perfect Speech (Sammā
Vācā)Avoiding false speech, harsh words, and mindless
chatter.
Perfect Action (Sammā
Kammanta) Conduct that is peaceful, honest, and pure; includes observance of the
Five Precepts.
Perfect Livelihood (Sammā Ājiva) Avoiding any livelihood that harms other beings or involves
intoxicants, such as a slaughterhouse or a bar.
Perfect Effort (Sammā
Vāyāma) Determined discipline and cultivation of the
mind.
Perfect Mindfulness (Sammā Sati) Awareness
of one's own actions, words, and thoughts and the true nature of reality.
Perfect Concentration (Sammā Samādhi) To develop the ability to become absorbed in one point or object, leading to higher states of
consciousness. Purification and
concentration of the mind that lead to establishment in higher states of
consciousness.
Buddhist Precepts
There are five precepts commonly
observed by Buddhists:
- To avoid killing or harming any living being.
- To avoid taking that which has not been given.
- To avoid committing sexual misconduct.
- To avoid using false words.
- To avoid taking alcohol and other intoxicants.
Additional precepts apply to monks and
nuns and may be taken by laypeople on special occasions:
- To eat moderately and only at the appropriate time.
- To avoid dancing, singing, music, and bodily
adornments.
- To abstain from sleeping in luxurious beds.
Scriptures
In Theravada Buddhism, there are
three groups of writings containing the Buddha's teachings, known as the "Three
Baskets" (Tipitaka). The Vinaya Pitaka (discipline basket)
contains precepts for monks and nuns; the Sutta Pitaka (teaching
basket) contains the discourses of Buddha; and the Abidhamma Pitaka
(metaphysical basket) contains Buddhist theology.
Mahayana and Vajrayana sects of Buddhism
recognize hundreds of additional sutras recorded by masters after the
time of the Buddha. Some of the most well-known are the Heart Sutra, the
Diamond Sutra, and the Lotus Sutra. The oldest scriptures are in
Sanskrit, while others have been written in Tibetan and Chinese.
Though this page has been
carefully researched, the author does not claim expertise on Buddhism.
Please send questions,
comments, and corrections to emuseum@mnsu.edu and include the URL of this page.
References
Buddha Dharma Education
Association, Inc.
2007
Buddhist Studies. Electronic Document, http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/index.htm,
accessed December 20, 2007.
Rahula, Walpola
1974 What the Buddha
Taught. The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei,
Taiwan.
Ven. Sathindriya Peradeniye (Bhante Sathi). Interview December 8, 2007.
Images
Wheel of Dhamma. Courtesy of the
Minnesota Buddhist Vihara, http://www.minnesotabuddhistvihara.org/.
The Buddhist flag was designed by
J.R. de Silva and Colonel Henry S. Olcott in 1880. It was adopted as the
International Buddhist Flag by the 1952 World Buddhist Congress.
Written by Melissa Lorentz, 2007
Page design
by Pardhasaradhi Thokala
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