Term Buddha means = One who has awakened
Religion/philosophy based upon teachings of the buddha; Siddhartha Gautama
Divided into 2 main religions:
Theravada
Mahayana
Followers of Theravada buddhism take scriptures known as “Pali Suttas, Vinaya and Abhidhamma”
The Tripitaka Scriptures (three baskets)
- First Category: vinaya pitaka – code of ethics
- Second Category: sutra pitaka – accounts of the buddhas life and teachings, this has numerous sub-divisions with over 10,000 sutras
- Third Category: abhidhamma pitaka – Collection of texts in which the underlying documents of the sutra pitaka are reinstated and explained in a more systematic framework
This often contains treaties that are referred to as shastras (a word used to denote education/knowledge in the general sense)
Followers of Mahayana buddhism base themselves chiefly on the Mahayana sutras, which is generally a scripture where the buddha himself gives instructions, as well as various versions of the vinaya
Difference between Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana buddism are:
Theravada buddhism adheres solely to the palli suttas (rope/thread)
Mahayana buddhism accepts both threads as being valid and authentic teachings of the buddha, which is aimed at all different types of people and spiritual penetration
Theravadians believe that the teachings of the mahayana are “deviant works of poetic fiction” which has not issued from the Buddha himself
While Mahayanists believe that the Pali suttas have foundational teachings, the mahayana sutras are believed to articulate buddhas higher, advanced and deeper teachings/doctrines which are reserved for the aspiring bodhisattva (being who is dedicated to assisting all sentient beings to reach buddhahood/attaining a degree of enlightenment)
Bodhisattva literally translates to: wise being (bodhi = wisdom; sattva = being)
The Mahayana or “The Greater Vehicle” has more room for both the general masses of sentient beings and the higher developed.
Aims of Buddhism
The aim is to end the cycle of rebirth (samsara), by awakening the practitioner to the realisation of true reality, the achievement of liberation (nirvana)
To achieve this goal, one must train the mind and abide by the laws of karma, of cause and effect
However, if you study the Mahayana buddhism, it is believed that the realm of karma must be transcended completely in the attainment of a completely liberated state of nirvana and awakening
Buddhist morality is based upon principles of harmlessness and moderation
Mental training relies upon 3 categories:
Sila – Moral Discipline
Samadhi – Meditative Concentration
Prajna – Wisdom
Principles of Buddhism
All phenomena (dharma) are marked by three characteristics, occasionally referred to as the Dharma seals
3 characteristics are: Anicca (impermanence), Dukkha (suffering), Anatta (no self)
Anicca
All compounded phenomena (things and experiences) are inconstant, unsteady and impermanent. Everything is made up of parts, and therefore is dependent upon the right conditions for its existence.
Important note in regards to dharma is that it arises and creases according to complex conditions and are not in harmony with our whim and fancies.