World Religions

Introduction to World Religions Study Guide 1. May all sentient beings have happiness and its causes 2. May all sentient beings be free of suffering and its causes 3. May all sentient beings never be separated from bliss without suffering 4. May all sentient beings be in self-control, free of bias, attachment and anger 4.5 The Middle Way One of the most important guiding principles of Buddhist practice is the Middle Way, which is the path Buddha discovered during his enlightenment. The Middle Way has many definitions, such as: 1. ©2017 Achieve Test Prep Page 33 of 96 A path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification 2. The middle ground is that betweenmetaphysical views, such as things either do or do not exist 3. Perfect enlightenment is nirvana, a state where it becomes clear to the person that all dualities that are apparent in the world are delusory 4. The Mahayana Branch notes another term for emptiness and the ultimate nature of all phenomena. This is a lack of inherent existence and avoids the extremes of permanence and nihilism (nothingness). 4.6 Nature of Existence There is a wealth of intellectual writings on Buddhism by Buddhist scholars. Some Buddhist schools discourage doctrine, while others feel it is essential. The goal of the Buddhist path is the concept of the liberation (nirvana), which is closely associated with overcoming ignorance (avidya). In awakening the inner self, one develops a dispassion for the objects of clinging and is liberated from suffering (dukkha and the cycle of rebirth samsara). Buddha recommended viewing things as being characterized by the three marks of existence. 4.7 The Three Marks of Existence The Three Marks of Existence are impermanence, suffering, and not-self. Impermanence is the view that all things and experiences are unpredictable, unsteady, and not permanent. Everything, even that which we use our five senses to detect, are in a state of flux, where all is ever-changing. Impermanence addresses the aging process, the cycle of rebirth, and any experience of loss. Attachment to things is futile and leads to suffering. Suffering is the most central concept to Buddhism. The term “suffering” also encompasses pain, sorrow, affliction, anxiety, dissatisfaction, discomfort, anguish, stress, misery, and frustration. Not-self, or Atman, is the third mark of existence. Buddha rejected the idea of self or “I”. He rejected the statements of “I have a self” and “I have no self.” When followers asked if the self was one with the body, he refused to answer. Dependent Arising The Twelve Nidanas describe a causal connection between the successive characteristics of cyclic existence. Each one of these gives rise to the next: