Theravada

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…

In Park’s essay “Zen and Zen Philosophy of Language: A Soteriological Approach,” Park offers an alternative understanding of the role of language in Zen philosophy by examining it not in regard to the state of enlightenment but rather in the process of reaching this state. With this perspective, he disputes the claim that a linguistic and non-linguistic approach to enlightenment must be mutually exclusive and instead posits that they can both be understood as complementary aspects of the path to…

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…

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…

Life is filled with ups and downs, positivity and negativity, joy and happiness. Life feels like a cycle of continuous jubilations followed by pains and sorrows. The Buddha however, found a way out of this seemingly endless trap, a way to cease Dukkah or suffering, known as the Middle Path. The Middle Path is generally referred to as the Noble Eightfold Path composed of eight virtuous characteristics/subdivisions. It’s a path leading to the realization of Ultimate Reality and perfection, in…

Katach (“form and design”) is the Japanese word that best translates the concept of “art”. A word which implies that “art is synonymous with living, functional purpose, and spiritual simplicity” (Walkup). Zen Art is by its nature spiritual as it was “done not by professional artists, but by Zen monks and nuns who spent extremely disciplined lives of meditation, in a search for enlightenment and awakening to the true nature of reality”(Sweet). The core foundation of the art-form is the belief…

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…