Bodhi

According to the Jstor article, “From Bodhisattva to Buddha: The Beginning of Iconic Representation in Buddhist Art” by Ju-Hyung Rhi, he states in his article that the term Bodhisattva and Buddha have a different implication in the early Buddhism. He said that the term Bodhisattva a is name that used to call Siddhartha Gautama before he reaches enlightenment. He found many inscriptions and images that support this understanding that Bodhisattva is the Buddha before he reaches enlightenment. The…

Buddhism can be broken down into main schools all have their own teachings and purposes. The school are Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, Vajrayana Buddhism and Zen Buddhism I will discuss the similarities and differences. Theravada Buddhism,it is considered the most conservative branch of Buddhism. It is known to be a monastic branch and is very strict, Thereavada is known for sticking to the original teachings of Buddha. According to Theravada Buddhism, one must live ethically, meditate,…

I entered upon the chapter of Buddhism with the foundation that Buddhism derived its beliefs and practices from the Hindu religion. Nevertheless, I am continually fascinated by the two religions’ strikingly identical but contrasting qualities observable throughout The World’s Wisdom text. Section 12 especially delineates many of the similarities Hinduism and Buddhism share. Reaching Nirvana and therefore attaining freedom at last from the cycle of rebirth seems to be an utmost objective for…

When moving further into an analysis of how Siddhartha mirrors the teachings of Buddha in his own life, it is important to note the ways that he does follow the rules of Buddhism as well as goes against them. In addition to the idea of following his own path, Siddhartha also follows these teachings in the fact that he does not mean to cause pain to anyone and only wanted to live his life in a way that would please him. At first, he does this by living in a kind of gluttony. He does not want for…

Final Research Paper: Buddhist Iconography Throughout the years Buddhist iconography has been apparent in many cultures and societies. Over time it has changed and morphed in each location to conform their certain ideology. Each culture looks toward different bodhisattva and have various elements in their iconography that they believe, represent the Buddha his teachings. This essay will explore the beginning of Buddhist iconography, Buddhist symbols and their meanings, how the different…

Detachment in society today is a result of technology; while it used to be a choice in seeking liberation. In Karen Armstrong’s Buddha, Gotama’s process of detachment is illustrated throughout, in addition to detachment being a personal choice it is also emphasized in his teaching. Detachment is sought in an attempt to achieve Nirvana. In today’s society, however the practice of detachment is due to technology. As a result of detachment in our society, there is a loss of communication and…

The meaning of Vipassana: Vipassna is a Pali word which means seeing clearly, seeing specially or seeing through (Vi: clearly, specially, into, through + passana : seeing). Vipassana means introspection, intuitive wisdom, intuitive knowledge..Vipassana is often translated as Insight. It is the method of practice discovered by the Lord Buddha, which led to his enlightenment over 2,500 years ago. (Perhaps explain the Pali language) Vipassan means seeing through the true nature of reality or…

There is a fundamental concept in Mahayana Buddhism, known as upaya or “skillful means”, which is exemplified in “The Parable of the Burning House”. Skillful means could be considered as the methods or strategies the Buddha uses to lead others to enlightenment. This concept can be considered unconventional because it doesn’t necessarily have to agree to Buddhist doctrines, however the purpose behind using skillful means must be derived from wisdom and compassion because it originates from…

In Herman Hesse’s 1951 novel Siddhartha, the main character, Siddhartha, goes on a journey to discover and achieve the ultimate goal of the Hindu religion, enlightenment. He departs from his luscious life as a Brahmin, the highest stage in Hinduism, and goes off into the world to achieve this desired spiritual state. Along his way he apprehends that he needs to leave his past behind in order to achieve who he wants to be in the future, he stumbles upon the acknowledgment that one does not need…

Meditation is a state of mind with telltale signs; one specifically is the absence of intruding thoughts and a focus on the now. It is a process in which the journey is more important than the destination. The practice of repeatedly practicing the skill and growing will power to focus is essential. This concept emphasizes that everything will pass, so it is imperative to posses the ability to let go of clinging. It teaches that being okay and enjoying what is now is essential. Meditation…