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…
As British historian H.G. Wells has written, "Amidst the tens of thousands of names of monarchs that crowd the columns of history...[the] name of Asoka shines, and shines almost alone, a star." Unlike other rulers, Asoka adopted the principles of Buddhism to run the Mauryan Empire. This led to one of the few ancient empires that cared for all of its citizens. With his ruling style, most historians consider Asoka to be the ruler that brought the Mauyran Empire to its greatest heights, and quite…
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…
Every person is interested in knowing some famous figures around the world . Dalia lama, who won the Nobel peace award, is one of the most famous figures who got both good and bad reputation . Dalia lama is a Tibetan Buddhist monk who likes this title to describe himself . Dalia lama is a politician guide of the Tibetan people .In the west Dalia lama was gifted in a big positive term. he was presented as a wise man of peaceful resistance . On the other hand , people` s republic in china…
Explain the major differences between Hinduism and Buddhism. Hinduism and Buddhism are different in many ways. First, you will read about Hinduism. There was no founder of Hinduism. The Hindus believe that there should be castes, a social class, so that they can separate the groups from each other. The castes were not allowed to associate with one another. The different castes in order from most important to least important are Brahmin (priest), Kshatriyas (rulers and warriors), Vaishyas…
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…
Dagchen Sonam Rinchen, the Sakya Head, was then a boy of only 16 years old. Well, Who would have thought in his or her wildest dream that, some 300 hundred years later, a local spirit of Dol region would one day occupy the highest and undisputed Dharma protector throne of Gelukpa School? Shugden followers assert that he is a Dharma protector who appeared for the sole purpose of protecting Gelug doctrine. He has the blessing and the recommendation of Tsongkapa. If that is true, why was he not…
Compared to Pure Land Buddhism and Zen Buddhism, Nichiren Buddhism focuses solely on the teachings and doctrines of the Lotus Sutra. Nichiren, the founder of Nichiren Buddhism, believed that the Lotus Sutra is the only true and direct teaching of the Buddha (Earhart 138). Nichiren also criticized other forms of Buddhism while promoting his own. Nichiren believed that “Nenbutsu leads to…Hell, Zen is a devil, Shingon will destroy the nation, and Ritsu is a traitor” (Earhart 138). Nichiren…
"In Tibet we think of the mind and the body as the content and the container." He holds up a cup of tea, then shatters it, "The cup is no longer the cup, but what is the tea?" He pauses, "Like the mind after death, the tea moves from one container to the next, but it is still tea." Lama Norbu wipes up the liquid from the floor and squeezes it out. "Still tea," he chuckles. (Little Buddha) Lama Norbu comes to Seattle in pursuit of finding the reincarnation of his dead teacher, Lama Dorje. His…