Questions on Buddhism - answered by a Buddhist!

OK, since everybody else non-muslim seems to have had a go perhaps it's time I did. Especially after seeing the Harun Yahya movie on Buddhism.

I'll kick off with the very basics, then throw it open to anything. The only thing I would say is Buddhism can be found in many varieties and in many cultural settings, and I know very little about many of them. If somebody asked, for example, why a certain ritual is performed at a certain monastery somewhere in Tibet the answer is likely to be "I haven't got a clue"!

The Basics (with a little commentary)

The Buddha taught that there are four fundamental truths, which came to be known as the 'Four Noble Truths'.

They are;

Life means suffering

'Suffering', the usual translation, is a little strong but in this context the only real alternative, 'dissatisfaction' (which I actually prefer) is maybe a little weak. The actual word in Pali is dukkha which is increasingly used directly. What is meant is not 'suffering' in the sense of permanent pain and misery (although in many cases that can be the result) but a sense of dissatifaction about things not being the way you want them to be. If you think about it, they very rarely are, the vast majority of people have constant useless thoughts about wanting that car, not this one, their house not my house, his bank balance not mine, and so on.


The cause of suffering is attachment

Following on from above the cause of that suffering is desirous attachment. All of it comes from wanting things we don't have, and from being mentally attached to the idea of having those things. Right through life we are unceasingly dragged around by such attachments from one unsatisfactory state of life to the next.

Again, a little example. Imagine (which shouldn't stretch many of you too far!) that you hate your job. You want another, different, job, you really want it. But no matter how hard you try to improve your skills, improve your qualifications, or just fail to get lucky, that job eludes you. Wouldn't you be happier if you didn't want it? I'll point out here that, contrary to the Harun Yahya interpretation. that doesn't mean you have to throw away any chance of getting that new job, or just sit back in apathy instead of improving the quality of life of yourself and your family. The important thing is not to do nothing, but simply not to get hung up on it if things don't go the way you want, and accept both that things are the way they are and that they are continuously changing whether you like it or not.


The cessation of suffering is attainable

Simply that this suffering can be ended, and the cycle broken.


and, the path to the cessation of suffering known as;

the Eightfold Path

The way to do it.


Right view

Essentially understanding the Four Noble Truths and cultivating the insightful wisdom that allows you to do so.


Right intention

Giving up selfish attitudes that lead to desire and replacing them with their opposites, such as cultivating the intention to bring happiness to all.


Right speech

Simply speaking words that are purposeful, beneficial to others and, of course, truthful.


Right action

Avoiding causing harm to others. This covers a wide range of 'don'ts' including killing, theft, improper sexual conduct and so-forth while also including the 'do's' such as helping and protecting those who need it.


Right livelihood

Earning a living in a way which does not contradict any of the above. Avoid occupations which involve physical violence, harm and deception, keeping business dealings honest and where possible of service to others.

Another quick point on the Harun Yahya interpretation, this step on the Path clearly shows that it is not necessary to be a monk to practice Buddhism! As with all other religions with a monastic tradition the vast majority of Buddhists are not, and that was true even in the Buddha's time.


Right effort

Effort in spiritual practice, don't be lazy.


Right mindfulness

Paying close attention to what is happening right now, not clinging to the past or fantasizing about the future. Right now is all that there is.


Right concentration

Practice of meditation in order to develop deep insight into the nature of reality, and the method needed to stop suffering.


One more thing for now, the different types of Buddhism. There ARE different types because Buddhism is not based on any divine revelation, it is the teaching of men. Although the Buddha was the first and by far the most important teacher, there have been others who have added to and interpreted the original teachings in the light of their own insights. No sort of Buddhism is any more 'pure' than any other, although some may be closer to the 'original' teaching. Like everything in Buddhism there is no dictate, its just a case of 'suck it and see' and many Western Buddhists chose the path that makes the most sense to them.

Theravada Buddhism

The nearest, probably, to what the Buddha originally taught, based on what is known as the Pali Canon or Tipitaka. This is a large collection of literature containing the sutras or discourses attributed the Buddha, the rules of conduct for the Buddhist monastic community, and assorted commentary on the sutras. This is the type of Buddhism predominant in Thailand, Burma and Sri Lanka.

Mahayana Buddhism

Effectively, everything but the above (with one exception, I'll come to later). Various teachings that evolved sometime after the Pali Canon was set down on paper that include everything from 'Pure Land' Buddhism to Zen. There are some important core Mahayana beliefs, such as the idea of the Bodhisattva (an enlightened being who vows to delay their own final entry to Nirvana in order to help all sentient beings) are known to all Buddhists, as are the most significant Mahayana sutras. Various forms of the Mahayana are practiced in China, Vietnam, Korea and Japan.

Vajrayāna Buddhism

Essentially (but a little simplistically) Buddhism influenced by the Indian Tantric traditions. Found mainly in Tibet and Nepal, although it is perhaps also the most popular type in the West these days.

OK, any questions on that lot or anything else?



Oh, one final thing. My own, personal (and constantly evolving), belief network incorporates both a significant Daoist element and even a few things best described as 'New Age'. I'll do my utmost to keep those out of any discussions to avoid total confusion, but if anyone should pick me up doing otherwise please feel free to give me a virtual slap on the wrist.