Four Noble Truths

The discipline of Yoga provides the fabric of life in which disciples secede from the material world in the direction of ‘the great disembodied thought’ and spiritual freedom. An idea that people are not bound to what appears to be the only real existence. A way of freeing the mind and true identity from obstruction and society. (pg. 29) The basis for Yoga is control of the body and working towards separation from the physical self and material world. The goal is to become an observer in which…

Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images. Thou shalt not take the Lord’s name in vain. Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it holy. Honor thy mother and thy father. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, wife or possession. Scum! Do you enjoy wrecking people’s lives? Parasite! What do you get out of this? Get a life! Stay out of my…

The Term Mahayana refers to great vehicle. Mahayana was developed by the Mahayanists in order to compare their principles with those of other Buddhist sects, particularly the Theravada. Mahayana the “great vehicle” was used to fake Theravadins by naming their principles ‘Hinayana’ or ‘small vehicle’. Mahayana Buddhism focuses on the doctrine of the Bodhisattva. The term Bodhisattva can also be named as Buddhahood, which means desire for complete enlightenment, has been aroused. Mahayana Buddhism…

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…

Between the subject and truth lies the medium of language, which Park describes within a postmodern context as merely representational (Park 211). Because of this factor, words can only grasp at truth but ultimately hinder one’s ability to fully understand it. By its very nature, language perpetuates a dualistic view of reality. Therefore, this non-linguistic approach…

society a quest for great technology. The quest is to seek the knowledge or the item. The quest the Buddha goes on is an action to release one’s self from the desire to want. Detaching oneself from desire is key. “By desire they did not mean those noble yearnings that inspired human beings to such inspiring and elevating pursuits as the holy life, but the type of craving that makes us say “I want” (Armstrong39). This quest can be healthy and fruitful/ The quest for new technology may not be…

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…

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…