Transcript life and teachings of buddha

The Human Condition
What is the human condition ?
Buddhism’s answer :
Unenlightened human beings
are caught in a cycle of
Suffering but there is a way out.
Homework
• What do we mean by the human condition
? 5KU
• How do Buddhists see the human
condition 10 KU
Introduction to Buddhism
What do you know
about Buddhism ?
With your partner /
group , make a list of
Buddhist beliefs / facts
about Buddhism
Buddhism - Key Beliefs
The Human Condition
• Started by Siddhartha Guatama who was a Hindu who
lived more than 2,500 years ago ( thus Buddhism
influenced by Hindu philosophy – karma ,Brahman,
trimurti -Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva - caste system etc)
• Buddha- means enlightened one i.e. Siddhartha but
also refers to Buddha nature in all beings . Self is a
temporary arising and the belief that it is a permanent
entity is the cause of all suffering. Enlightenment is the
realisation that the self is merely a collection of
aggregates ( senses, memory, perception, form,
consciousness ) and not true nature which is all
potentiality .The Buddha talked of emptiness as true
reality – not as a negative void but as a luminous
awareness brimming with all potentiality
Buddhism
• Key Beliefs :
all beings are on wheel of life – samsara due to
their kamma – all are reborn into one of six
realms . All beings in these realms are propelled
by the three poisons – desire, ignorance , hatred
kamma – law of action - interdependent
origination- everything depends upon everything
else - no need for creator God
Buddhism : Key Beliefs
Three marks of existence- annica- impermanence,
annata- no self , dukkha - suffering
Four noble truths – all life is suffering , the cause
of suffering is desire, ignorance, hatred but
there can be an end to it – following the eight
fold path
Buddhism
Faith is not as prominent in the Buddhist tradition
as in some others ( although it is a necessary
thing ) The Buddha taught that experience and
critical enquiry were crucial in the enlightenment
process . He said – don’t believe what I say –
experience it for yourself
Enlightenment can be for oneself or
for the benefit of all beings – the
Bodhisattva ideal found in the
Mahayana tradition
The Life of the Buddha
Learning Intentions
Have an understanding of the life of the Buddha
especially how the main aspects of his life affected his
teachings :
Birth and life in the palace
Four signs( sights) and renunciation
Wandering and searching
Enlightenment and teaching
Death and paranirvana
The Life of the Buddha
Siddhartha Gautama was the
person who started Buddhism
and is known by Buddhists as the
Buddha . This can refer to this
individual and also to the
potential of enlightenment mind
in all beings.
You are going to view a video on
his life and take notes . You
should start by writing down the
two meanings of Buddha .
Life of the Buddha
You should ensure you are clear about the
stages of his life :
Birth and life in the palace
Four signs and renunciation
Wandering and searching
Enlightenment and teaching
Death and paranirvana
Buddhism
There are three ( some would
say two ) branches of
Buddhism – Therevada
(sometimes known as
Hinayana)- foundation /
smaller / lesser vehicle
Mahayana -greater vehicle
Vajrayana -diamond vehicle(
part of Mahayana tradition)
Life of the Buddha
Exam Question
1. Explain how the Four Sights
led the Buddha to ‘cut down
the forest of desires’
in his own
Life.
5 KU
Life of the Buddha
Exam Question
2. Describe how desire and
temptation played a
part in the Buddha’s life
as he progressed
towards enlightenment 5 KU
The Teachings of the Buddha
Targets
Have an understanding of the life of the
Buddha and how he came to an
understanding of his Teachings
Outline the Three Universal Truths/ Three
Conditioned Marks of Existence
Consider whether you think they are true or
not
Outline the Four Noble Truths
Consider whether you think they are true or
not
Outline and discuss the Eight fold path
The Teachings of the Buddha
• Using the textbook, support
material and internet, with your
group you are going to find out
information about the
teachings of the Buddha. Each
group will focus on one area
You are going to report back to
the class so you should
consider how you are going to
present your findings ( a
powerpoint, poster,
presentation of a paper, talk
etc ):This will be done for Wed
9th of Sept
Three Conditioned Marks of
Existence The Three Universal
Truths
Copy out the Three Universal Truths
1. Anicca – everything changes
2. Anatta –no permanent self
3. Dukkha – unsatisfactory nature of life as suffering
is at the base .
Everything is impermanent .Nothing is lasting.
How far do you agree / disagree that this is how life is ?
Anicca
Everything is
impermanent , everything is
subject to change
Can you think of anything
which is not ?
The lack of understanding
of impermanence which leads
us to suffer is also
an aspect of anicca
You will examine
A number of texts
which illustrate
Anicca
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvgZkm1xWPE
Anicca
Often change is a positive thing . If things remain the
same they can become stagnant.
Can you think of any
positive examples of change ?
How well do you understand anicca.? Scale
of 1-5. Now explain it your neighbour who
will mark you on a scale of 1-5.
Dukkha
•
Life is unsatisfactory due to
impermanence
• Suffering is at the heart of life –
whether it is profound or
mundane
• Dukkha can be seen to be the
unsatisfactoriness of life
caused by suffering.
• Even happiness is
impermanent. Often within
happiness lie the seeds of
unhappiness. Can you think of
examples where this is true ?
Dukkha
The Buddha described three kinds of
suffering.
1. All pervasive suffering which
suggests that life in general is less
than satisfactory- it is frustrating and
imperfect at times
2. The suffering of change – happy
circumstances cannot
last as everything is impermanent.
Things that we are attached to get
broken and lost
3. The suffering of suffering when we
experience actual pain and suffer
experiences that we would rather not .
Can you give examples of each kind of
suffering ?
•
How well do you
understand dukkha .?
Scale of 1-5.
Now explain it your
neighbour who
will mark you on a scale
of 1-5.
Anatta
• There is no such thing as a permanent self
.
• Look at a person : they start life as a baby
become a child, teenager then become an
adult then enter into old age. Where is the
permanent self ?
The Five Skandhas K&U
• Body
• Feelings and Sensations
• Perceptions
• Mental Formations
• Consciousness
This is considered by
Buddhists to be what
The ‘self’ is made up of –
It is a collection of parts
as opposed to an
independent entity
Discuss with your group
and write down your thoughts
about this .
The Five Skandhas K&U
There is no such
thing as an
independent
entity – everything is
dependent upon
everything else
give an example
and explain
e.g. what is a piece
of paper dependent
on?
No permanent self
Look below at what is considered to be a way ,
via analysis of establishing that there is no
such thing as a self existing thing. It was
taught by Gautama that the self is
something imputed upon as opposed to
something inherent
There is no phenomenon which is the same as
its parts
There is no phenomenon which is different from
its parts
There is no phenomenon which is inherently
dependant upon its parts
There is no phenomenon where its parts are
dependant on it - interdependency
There is no phenomenon which is merely the
collection of its parts
There is no phenomenon which possesses its
parts
There is no phenomenon which is merely the
physical form
Guatama used the metaphor of a chariot to
discuss the idea of anatta .The chariot was a
metaphor for the soul or atman in Hinduism.
In your groups , try to work through each of
these analyses to see if you can understand
what he meant by taking a chariot as the
example .If you have understood this
example , try it with any object you can think
Relative and Ultimate Truth
What is the difference between ultimate truth and relative truth ? Discuss
Relative – not complete
how we see it
as we know it
dependant upon conditions
perception
Subjective-own perception
Objective- collective truth
Ultimate – indisputable
final
not dependant upon conditions
The Buddha taught that there was no such thing as a self . Neither was there no self .
The self was inherently empty of existence . It was relatively true but not ultimately
true. Ultimately we have Buddha nature – the self arises from this but is unaware of
its true nature because it is caught in delusion.
Postscript by Seamus Heaney
http://www.rte.ie/archives/20
13/0830/471296-seamusheaney-postscript/
Two methods of attainment
in Buddhism
• Logical and analytical
E.g. 7 fold analysis
Experiential
E.g. Six
elements
meditation
How well do you understand anatta.?
Scale of 1-5.
Now go into groups of three
Each of you should take 1 of the marks
The others will mark you on a scale of 1-5.
Anatta
Exam Question
Give a full description of what Buddhists
understand by anatta 4 KU
Teachings of the Buddha
• I have shown the path
toward liberation;
whether you take it or
not is entirely up to
you – the Buddha
Life of the Buddha
Exam Question
3. Discuss the effects of desire
on humans
according to the teachings
of the Buddha
3 AE
Life of the Buddha
Exam Question
6. Describe the role of the
Buddha in revealing
the dhamma
4 KU
Anicca
Exam Question
“ Dried empty gourds thrown away ”
a. This is an example of anicca one of the three
Marks of Existence. Give a full description of
what Buddhists understand by anicca 4 KU
b. Explain the consequences for Buddhists of not
accepting anicca 4 AE
c. Give a full description of what Buddhists
understand by anatta 4 KU
The Three Conditioned Marks of
existence
Exam Questions
1.Briefly describe the other two marks of
existence 4 KU
2. Explain the relationship between anatta and
samsara 5 AE
3. Discuss what Buddhists understand by dukkha
5 AE
The Three Conditioned Marks of
existence
Exam Question
4. “ It is a Buddhist’s aim to cultivate peace,
bliss and well being in him/herself.”
Discuss the extent to which belief in anatta
helps a Buddhist to achieve this aim.
15 6 KU
9 AE
The Three Conditioned Marks of
existence
Exam Question
Intro – ref to question
Dev – anatta- explain – 5 skandhas etc. Mention other marks
Buddhist’s aim – explain nibbana ( 6 marks )
How does anatta help this ?- acceptance of truth of anatta leads to peace. Non
acceptance unenlightened leads to suffering- attachment, craving etc.
Mention not only about achieving peace for oneself – not possible if other
living creatures are immersed in suffering etc. Remember to add in a source
and discuss it. e.g.
Even well-decked royal chariots wear away;
And the body too falls into decay
Dhammaphada 151
Crucial for enlightenment that this concept is understood ( 9 marks)
Conclusion - a brief summing up of points. This question not really asking you
for your opinion – rather to show your understanding between concepts – in
this case- anatta and nibbana
Life of the Buddha
Exam Question
4. ‘ The Great of the past only
show the way ’
Discuss the role of the Buddha
which is suggested by this
statement 7AE
Life of the Buddha
Exam Question
5. “ The three jewels of
Buddhism are
necessary to
overcome selfish cravings “
Outline the
three jewels of Buddhism
6KU
Dependent Origination : cause and
effect
Buddha taught that everything
that exists is due to something
that went before. Karma ie the
law of cause and effect
determines what happens on
the wheel of life Clearly
things have an existence but
not a permanent one as they
come into being and then
cease. Thus things can be said
to exist relatively but not
ultimately
• Give examples of where you
can see this is true
• Is this is true of all things ?
The Wheel of Life, Death, Rebirth
The Wheel of Life, death, rebirth
The Buddha
taught all sentient
are caught on the
wheel of existencesamsara or mara’s
wheel which is
divided into six
realms. Examine
the diagram of the
wheel
of life and discuss with
your group what
you think it suggests about
existence
Six Classes of Sentient Beings
• Can you think how each of these states
could be considered to be states of mind ?
Samsara
• CYCLICAL EXISTENCE
• BEGINNINGLESS BEGINNING
• IMPERMANENT
• REBIRTH IS DEPENDENT ON YOUR
ACTIONS, CAUSES AND CONDITIONS
(KAMMA)
The six realms
• For the realm you are in – ask yourself two
questions :
• How did you get here?
• How will you get to leave ?
• Gods (pride )
Animals ( ignorance)
• Asuras (jealousy) Hungry ghosts ( desire)
• Humans (desire) Hell beings ( hatred)
The Three Poisons
• Greed / Desire/ Craving –rooster
–
• Hatred - snake
• Ignorance/ Delusion – pig
Each of these are depicted in a
circle biting the tail of the one in
front. Why do you think they do
this ?
Why do you think they are called the
three poisons ?
Give examples of how each of
these can lead to harmful
consequences .
The Three Poisons
• Tanha – 3 root poisons are all
tanha. Tanha is desire or craving
that is valued too highly or is
directed wrongly. Some desires
are positive e.g. wanting the best
for someone else or the desire for
enlightenment. This kind of desire
is described as Chanda to
distinguish it from harmful
desires.( second of noble truths )
• Avijja – ignorance of the reality of
how things truly are. This
ignorance leads to desire –
suffering – samsara
• Although these two are 2 of the 3
poisons, they underpin all the
three poisons.
• Next to the central circle is a
concentric band divided along
two halves. One is colored
softly and radiantly, while the
other is black. The darker
portion shows individuals who
have chosen the path of
darkness and thus descend
into gloomy depths. The
glowing path, however, is the
one taken by those following
the righteous way, attaining
spiritual ascension. Hence it
shows mortals rising towards
greater spiritual heights.
The twelve links or nidanas
• Look at each of
these in your
workbook and
discuss with your
group how these
contribute to the
process of
dependent arising .
• Read through
• Discuss how they each
affect the other
• Explain to each other
and the class
• Write notes
The twelve links or nidanas
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Ignorance -blind man
Kammic formations- potter at a
wheel
Consciousness-monkey up a
tree
Name and form- 2 travellers in a
boat
Sensations – an empty house
Contact –woman and man
embracing
Feeling- man with an arrow in
his eye
Craving – person drinking
alcohol
Attachment – monkey grasping
fruit
Being (becoming) - pregnant
woman
Birth-a woman giving birth
Ageing and dying- man carrying
a corpse
The twelve links or nidanas
• Everything
depends upon
everything else
• - the links are all
inter related,
interdependent
In a circle going
round and round
endlessly
The Wheel of Life
Check out the following website for an
excellent article on the wheel of life
• http://www.exoticindiaart.com/article/wheel
oflife/
Teachings of the
Buddha
The Four Noble Truths
All life is suffering DUKKHA -leading to samsara( HUMAN CONDITION),
The cause of suffering is our own minds which chase after experiences
which are not permanent and cling to them- craving/ TANHA
(CAUSE OF HUMAN CONDITION)
There can be cessation of suffering NIBBANA( GOAL)
Follow the noble eight fold path – (MEANS)
Four Noble Truths
1.All Life is suffering Dukkha
The Four Noble Truths
2. The basis of all suffering is
our deluded mind which
craves and desires –
tanha- the result of
ignorance of the
impermanence of things/
failure to live in
accordance with how
things are. Suffering
caused by desire samudaya
•
Discuss with your group or
neighbour what you think the
reasons for suffering are . Can you
think of examples where it is true
that our minds create suffering ?
Four Noble Truths
3. If one truly realises the truth of how
things actually are, there can be
cessation of suffering – nibbana. By
stopping desire, suffering stops –
nirodha which leads to nibbana.
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•
•
Do you think this is an accurate
statement of the nature of suffering ?
Discuss if you think it is possible for
suffering to cease if people can bring
their own minds under control . Write
down your thoughts.
Spend a few moments simply observing
what is going on in your own mind at this
moment. Try and do this exercise over
the coming week at various times e.g. in
class , at home etc. Simply watch what
your own mind is doing.
Four Noble Truths
4. Follow the noble
eight fold path magga
The Teachings of the Buddha
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Imagine you are working for a
Buddhist organisation You are now
going to create a leaflet which outlines
the main teachings of the Buddha
You must include :
•
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Information on Siddhartha Guatama
The Three Universal Truths
The Four Noble Truths
The Eight fold path
Some pictures if possible
•
You should use the appropriate
textbooks , the workbook and the
internet if it is available Your teacher
will show you some examples to give
you an idea of how to set it out . You
should make notes in your jotter then
set it out on A4 paper ..You will do this
in class and at home . You may do
this on computer or write it by hand.
•