Basic Doctrines of Buddhism
The basic doctrines of Buddhism can be demonstrated in the following concepts:
The Four Noble Truths
Realization of the Four Noble Truths is the first step on the path to cessation of dukkha.
The First Noble Truth is the realization that all worldly phenomena are dukkha, unsatisfactory. Every aspect of existence is ultimately fleeting and unfulfilling, subject to birth, decay, disease, and death.
The Second Noble Truth is the cause of dukkha: craving for the pleasure of the senses, which can never be fully satisfied, and aversion from pain.
The Third Noble Truth is the ending of dukkha. To be free of dukkha one must extinguish this very craving so that no passion and desire remain.
The Fourth Noble Truth leads to the end of dukkha by way of the Eightfold Path.
The Eightfold Path
The Eightfold Path is cyclic, forming a Wheel of Dhamma.
Each step on the path propels the seeker to the next step and perfection of each quality reinforces the others.
Perfect Understanding (Sammā Ditthi) Also translated as Perfect Perception or Perfect View. To develop an understanding of the nature of the world through the Four Noble Truths.
Perfect Thought (Sammā Sankappa) Avoiding cultivation of jealous or angry thoughts. Cultivating thoughts of goodwill and renunciation.
Perfect Speech (Sammā Vācā) Avoiding false speech, harsh words, and mindless chatter.
Perfect Action (Sammā Kammanta) Conduct that is peaceful, honest, and pure; includes observance of the Five Precepts.
Perfect Livelihood (Sammā Ājiva) Avoiding any livelihood that harms other beings or involves intoxicants, such as a slaughterhouse or a bar.
Perfect Effort (Sammā Vāyāma) Determined discipline and cultivation of the mind.
Perfect Mindfulness (Sammā Sati) Awareness of one's own actions, words, and thoughts and the true nature of reality.
Perfect Concentration (Sammā Samādhi) To develop the ability to become absorbed in one point or object, leading to higher states of consciousness. Purification and concentration of the mind that lead to establishment in higher states of consciousness.
Buddhist Precepts
There are five precepts commonly observed by Buddhists:
- To avoid killing or harming any living being.
- To avoid taking that which has not been given.
- To avoid committing sexual misconduct.
- To avoid using false words.
- To avoid taking alcohol and other intoxicants.
Additional precepts apply to monks and nuns and may be taken by laypeople on special occasions:
- To eat moderately and only at the appropriate time.
- To avoid dancing, singing, music, and bodily adornments.
- To abstain from sleeping in luxurious beds.
Scriptures
In Theravada Buddhism, there are three groups of writings containing the Buddha's teachings, known as the "Three Baskets" (Tipitaka). The Vinaya Pitaka (discipline basket) contains precepts for monks and nuns; the Sutta Pitaka (teaching basket) contains the discourses of Buddha; and the Abidhamma Pitaka (metaphysical basket) contains Buddhist theology.
Mahayana and Vajrayana sects of Buddhism recognize hundreds of additional sutras recorded by masters after the time of the Buddha. Some of the most well-known are the Heart Sutra, the Diamond Sutra, and the Lotus Sutra. The oldest scriptures are in Sanskrit, while others have been written in Tibetan and Chinese.
References
Buddha Dharma Education Association, Inc.
2007 Buddhist Studies. Electronic Document, http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/index.htm,
accessed December 20, 2007.
Rahula, Walpola
1974 What the Buddha Taught. The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan.
Ven. Sathindriya Peradeniye (Bhante Sathi). Interview December 8, 2007.
