Enlightenment in Buddhism

There are many schools, sects and sub sects in Buddhism. As with Christianity, there is also no consensus regarding Buddhism and gay/lesbian relationships. Buddhism in general is most concerned with whether an action is helpful and based on good intentions. This differs from Christianity which often evaluates an action, based on whether it is positive or sinful. The Buddha himself did not leave any teachings on homosexual orientation or homosexual behavior. He strongly encouraged his followers…

Because Buddhism has evolved in recent years, it has attempted to preserve its traditions and practices while at the same time trying to adapt to the modern social and cultural changes, such as globalization, colonization, and technology. These changes have impacted the devotion, discipline, and tradition of ritual practices and traditions of the Buddhist religion. Buddhism has provided the world with an understanding and solution for human suffering, greed, hatred and endless rebirth. Buddhism…

Two and a half thousand years ago Siddhartha Gautama, who would become the Buddha, set out on a journey to find enlightenment. Siddhartha Gautama was born into a noble family and from an early age showed signs of being special. His father was told a prophecy that his son would either become a great ruler or a great philosopher or world changer. As a young boy Siddhartha saw a man plowing a field and saw what back breaking work the farmer did to sow seeds. This had a very profound effect on…

Where is the point of origin? Buddhism originated in Northern India, around the 5th century. Buddhism traces its origin to Siddhartha who is known as the Buddha meaning the Enlightened One. Siddhartha observed the suffering in the world and set out to find a solution. 2. How did the religion/philosophy spread? Buddhism was spread through Missionaries, the Indian emperor Asoka greatly strengthened Buddhism by his support and sent Buddhist missionaries to Syria. Buddhism was spread to…

Throughout this semester, the two main religions talked about in depth are Hinduism and Buddhism. Both of these religions are ancient and carry with them many valuable teachings. In this paper, things discussed will be: similarities and differences between the two religions, how one can choose the right path of action, and the concept of self. Starting off with Hinduism, the concept of self is tied to Atman. Atman means the inner soul or inner self. From class notes, we have learned that…

approach to Pure Land Buddhism was impacted by Honen, who introduced him to the practice of Pure Land nembutsu but was mainly composed with his beliefs, such that “within human existence there is an ideal realm of enlightenment” (Yoshirō, 99). Yoshirō describes Shinran’s notion of Pure Land teachings as being capable of “affirming empirical reality.” This is quite confusing when considering the meaning of the word “empirical” and the postmortem goals pursued by Pure Land Buddhism. Pure Land…

literary study will define the importance of spiritual enlightenment and the teacher/student relationship in the philosophy of Zhuangzi and the Buddhist spiritualism/evanescence of The Tale of the Genji by Murasaki Shikibu. In Zhuangzi’s Taoist philosophy, the meaning of existence was relative to the person perceiving the ever-changing point of view of the observer, as defined in the dialogue between Hui Tzu and Chuang Tzu. This form of enlightenment provided a way to understand the relativism…

Peace and serenity. Are the first things you think about when you hear “Buddhism”. Like many other religions Buddhism originated at a particular time and place where its up brings are in forms and ideas that were part of the environment in which it developed. Religion is a kindled device that allows one to wake itself from the truth. Buddhism has had an effect on history just like many other religion. Buddhism is a universal Asian religion or philosophy founded by Siddhartha Gautama, also…

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…

As I began my field research exploration of Buddhism, I knew that I had some preconceived notions and expectations because of my own experiences at Buddhist institutions. Through my personal meditations at the Land of the Medicine Buddha from 2014- present, I have begun to learn how to practice silencing my mind in order to be more present and mindful of my current state. I have begun to live more morally and compassionately through my own desire to live a well conducted and disciplined life.…