Transcript nibbana update nov 2011

The Goals
Nibbana
The Third Noble Truth
 What do you aspire to ?
1.
2.
Nibbana – K&U
 Nibbana (nirvana in sanskrit ) is the state realised
by the cessation of suffering . This is the major
goal of Buddhists and is considered to be the
state of enlightenment. For others enlightenment
is a state beyond this . ( You will learn more of this
later ).
 Buddha taught that the only way to get rid of
unsatisfactoriness is to get rid of craving.
 This is what causes us to think and act in a way
that accumulates negative karma .
 The only way to remove this is to achieve a state
of enlightenment.
Source
 “ When the great seer had comprehended that
where there was no ignorance whatever, there also
the karma – formations had stopped – then he had
achieved a correct knowledge of all there is to be
known , and he stood out in the world as a Buddha.
……From the summit of the world he looked
downwards he could detect no self anywhere. Like
the fire when its fuel is burnt up , he became
tranquil. He had reached perfection…”
Source : The Legend of the Buddha Shakyamuni ,
12.3 Buddhist Scriptures
To attain nibbana : K&U
 Truth of suffering must be accepted
 Then the Truth of the cessation of suffering
 Then the truth of the eight fold path as a means to
cease suffering
 One would then cultivate wisdom and compassion
which would lead to living a life in harmony with
others . All of this leads beings away from the self.
 The other alternative is self cherishing and
attachment
What is enlightenment ?
A Vajrayana View – stages to
enlightenment K&U
 Awake to the truth of suffering
 Awake to the truth that suffering is belief in a
self
 Awake to the truth there is a path( which
implies a cause of awakening ) to cessation
of suffering which leads to a noble mind and
pure heart
What is enlightenment ?
The stages
 Awake to the truth of the teacher as Buddha
Who can lead others to liberation
 Awake to the truth that a being can go and
practice these teachings which have been
thoroughly tested by others who have also
uprooted the causes of suffering and realised
enlightenment
 Great enlightenment- realising true nature and
taking the bodhisattva vow to remain to help
others –
 Turning the wheel for others
Nibbana– Info Gathering
 On your piece of paper write something on
from one of your columns and then pass it
back, forward or to the side . These papers
will be shuffled and then people at random
will be asked to read out the information on
the piece of paper.
The Buddha’s experience of nibbana
mentioned perfection .
What qualities might be associated with this ?
Discuss and write down
KU
Often when Buddhists talk about nibbana it is often said that
it is a state that is indescribable as it is a state of
transcendence beyond this reality
Nevertheless certain characteristics are associated with it.
The sanskrit word is Nirvana. This is made up of nir which
means out and va which means to blow . Whilst this
conveys the notion of the cessation of suffering , it possibly
leads people to think of a kind of nothingness.
This is not correct. Why not?
 Whilst some would say that Nibbana has
stages, nonetheless, most agree the final
stage and ultimate enlightenment is a
profound awakening into an awareness of
reality where all defiled mind states are
dissolved and the mind is luminous and
infinite. This is not a state of nothingness.
What do you think of this idea? Discuss
Nibbana– Info Gathering
 On your piece of paper write something on
from one of your columns and then pass it
back, forward or to the side . These papers
will be shuffled and then people at random
will be asked to read out the information on
the piece of paper.
AE
The nihlist view is that there is nothing
after death . When the body dies, awareness dies with it.
This is not what Buddhists believe generally.
In Therevadan Buddhism – emphasise the snuffing out of suffering
Mahayana- awareness and luminosity and emptiness
These Buddhists talk about luminous emptiness or empty awareness to
illustrate their ideas .Sometimes they use the image of the
sky to show this.
Why do you think this might be a good image? Discuss
and write down your ideas
 The state of Nibbana extinguishes the flames
of greed , hatred and ignorance – the three
poisons .It does not depend on anything and
therefore has no beginning or end . Some
Buddhists would describe this as the natural
condition that is intrinsic in all sentient beings .
It just needs to be uncovered after aeons of
obscuration. Sometimes this is called
emptiness – empty of a self
Discuss this idea of this being our natural state
natural state. Think too of the idea of the
beginningless beginning and discuss !
Using the textbook and support material , you
are going to find out more about how Nibbana
is viewed , especially by the two main schools
–Therevada
and Mahayana
What is the difference between nothingness and
emptiness?
Emptiness or Empty awareness is awareness
emptied of all notions, concepts, fixations,
especially that of a self. It is luminous, vibrant,
infinite, clear, expansive perception not coloured in
any way as opposed to the narrow limited
perception of the self
Nothingness is lifeless , void of anything. (
Sometimes in Buddhism the term Void is used but
they mean Emptiness as above )
Evaluation of understanding
 I understand the difference between
nothingness and emptiness
Use the traffic lights
Explain it to your partner
Give yourself a grading 1-5 . 5 indicates a
good understanding
Therevada and Mahayana views on
Nibbana
 These two traditions have different views on
how to ‘attain’ nibbana and it is important
you are aware of these. They also have a
different focus regarding the goals of
kamma and nibbana
The Goals
 For Therevada Buddhists, their primary goal is to improve
their kamma. Ultimately they wish to attain Nibbana. They
think though that Nibbana is only reached after many
lifetimes of virtue and diligence in practicing the Dhamma.
They think the more realistic goal of a life is to attain a
better rebirth – perhaps to be born as a monk or nun. Then
they have a better chance of attaining nibbana.
 For Mahayana Buddhists, the primary goal is to attain
Nibbana. In order to do this they must improve their
kamma . They think though this is possible with great effort
in one lifetime.
The Therevadin View KU
 Therevadin Buddhists believe that nibbana is
complete liberation from dukkha and is attained
during life rather than on death. When one attains
Nibbana, kamma ceases therefore the cycle of
samsara ceases- there will no longer be rebirth.
 There are three main areas that can be worked on
to reach Nibbana:
1. Sila- morality
2. Samadhi- concentration
3.Panna- wisdom
KU
 They would also say that there are four stages that a being works
through to attain Nibbana, the final stage being the Arhat. Only Arhats
attain Nibbana in the Therevada tradition.
 The four stages are :
1. Sotapanna- stream enterer
2.Sakadagami- once returner
3.Anagami- eliminated all cravings
4. Arhat- destroyed all craving and poisons
This process happens over several lifetimes
With your neighbour, discuss each of the stages and what you think they
fully mean and make notes. Then turn to p.83 in Issues of Buddhism
or p.30 in your support material and complete your notes on each
stage.
Most lay people within the Therevada tradition would see this as a distant
goal. Their primary objective is to gain good kamma, a good rebirth
and then eventual enlightenment. Monks and nuns are far better
placed to attain Nibbana as their lifestyles make it easier for them to
lessen cravings etc. They are able to spend time in meditations and
study of the sutras and scriptures.
Evaluation of understanding
 I understand the difference between the
Therevada and Mahayana different focus on goals
 I understand the path of the Therevada Buddhist
on how to attain nibbana
Use the traffic lights
Explain it to your partner
Give yourself a grading 1-5 . 5 indicates a good
understanding
Criticisms of the Arhat AE
Some non Theravadin Buddhists think this is a
selfish thing to do . Can you think why?
How do you think a Theravadin Buddhist
would respond to this criticism?
AE
 Theravada Buddhists regard their doctrine
to be the original teachings of Buddha. Their
Arhat ideal states that disciples must isolate
themselves from the distractions of the
world and "...with prodigious concentration,
[proceed] unswervingly toward that goal" of
nirvana (Smith 124).

AE
 Some would say that Theravada Buddhism is
selfish because Arhats focus mainly on their own
salvation, and not on others'. An Arhat is literally
one who has conquered all "lust, hatred, and
delusion..." (Lester in Earhart 964) and has freed
himself from the cycle of desire, suffering, and
rebirth, patiently awaiting nirvana.
 However a Theravadin would respond by saying
that Arhats would then help other beings, once
enlightened
AE
 It can be said about Theravadin Buddhism
that seekers on the path to nibbana are on
their own. Theravada expert Ven. Dr. H.
Saddhatissa states that "...Buddhism does
not recognize a Creator God but rather
states that we are the architects of our own
destinies" (35). They are taught not to rely
on the grace of God/gods, but rather on the
solitary efforts they make toward nirvana.
Nibbana– Info Gathering
 On your piece of paper write something on
from one of your columns and then pass it
back, forward or to the side . These papers
will be shuffled and then people at random
will be asked to read out the information on
the piece of paper.
Criticisms of the arhat AE
 Critics (Mahayana Buddhists) would say think the arhat
route is too remote for most ordinary people. Why do you
think this is ?
 They would say that attaining Nibbana is open to all – not
just to a few. This is one of the reasons Mahayana
Buddhism is known as the greater vehicle.
 Mahayana Buddhists think too that with pure effort it is
possible that beings can attain enlightenment in one life.
( though difficult)
Evaluation of understanding
 I understand the criticisms of the arhat
Explain it to your partner
Give yourself a grading 1-5 . 5 indicates a
good understanding
Mahayana - KU
 Within this tradition is the
idea of the Bodhisattva –
one who wishes to attain
enlightenment for the
benefit of all beings.
Mahayana KU
 Another way of describing
it is as a Buddha- to-be .
The Jakata Tales are
stories of Siddharta’s
previous lives as a
bodhisattva before he
became a Buddha.
 It can also be described as
‘enlightened essence’
KU
KU
 Whilst the Arhat can be seen as a noble thing, the
bodhisattva ideal is seen as a nobler aspiration.
The bodhisattva vows to remain in Samsara until all suffering
ceases for everyone and he does everything he or she can
to help them . This is noble as they deliberately stay amidst
suffering, even if they have reached the stage of leaving it
behind . They will not abandon the suffering . Its like
someone who is wealthy living amidst the slums of India.
Even although they have a plane ticket to leave, they
choose to stay and help.
KU
 Mahayana means literally "big raft“ because
it considers itself to be able to carry all
beings over the ocean of samsara to the
shore of liberation. Mahayana Buddhism
has ritual, prayer, and acknowledgment of
deities at the heart of it, unlike Therevada
Buddhism (Smith 126).
KU
 In the Mahayana the bodhisattva, is the
"being striving for enlightenment." (Lester in
Earhart 879)
 The bodhisattva can be characterized as
one who denies self-interest (879) and
refuses nibbana for the sake of helping
others achieve it.
KU
 The selfless bodhisattva aims to
accumulate merit for others’ benefit.
Bodhisattvas can be called upon in prayer
by lay Buddhists — a ritual dimension not
unlike the Christian concept of sainthood.(
Lester) Very different from the Therevada
Buddhist
Evaluation of understanding
 I understand the Mahayana path to
enlightenment/ nibbana
 I understand the concept of a bodhisattva
Use the traffic lights
Give yourself a grading 1-5 . 5 indicates a
good understanding
Criticisms of the Bodhisattva AE
 As already mentioned, Therevada
Buddhists believe that their form of
Buddhism is much closer to the
original teachings of the Buddha. The
idea of the bodhisattva was not taught
by the Buddha.
Criticisms of the Bodhisattva AE
 Also as it has developed, bodhisattvas
themselves have become objects of
devotion, rather like gods. This is not
what the Buddha taught. Idea of being
helped to nibbana is not part of
Therevada tradition – only you can
liberate yourself
Evaluation of understanding
 I understand the criticisms of the
bodhisattva
 I agree/ disagree
Use the traffic lights
Write down your reason for the second part.
You will be asked to share it with your class
Responses - AE
 The Mahayana Buddhist would argue
that these bodhisattvas are not
worshipped like
gods but that they are meditated on to
develop the qualities of the bodhisattva
in the person.e.g.
Avalokiteshvara embodies enlightened
compassion
( pictured here)
Mahayana would also say that an
individual can only liberate
themselves but that they can be
helped with auspicious conditions.
E.g its like the difference between
going up a mountain without a
map, compass and guide and
going up a mountain with all of
that. Only the individual can walk
up the mountain but they are
assisted with all of these
conditions.
.
They also say that the Buddha
taught beings according to their
abilities and this is the original
teachings of the Buddha. He also
left some things for beings to
uncover when they were ready to .
As others have become enlightened,
they have left a wealth of wisdom
to help others to become
enlightened too. This is just as
important as the Buddha’s
teachings as they too are coming
from enlightenment mind.
Becoming a Bodhisattva
Develop bodhichitta- mind of enlightenment
Where the aspiration to help all beings naturally arises
Develop the six perfections :
1.generosity- dana
2.morality-sila
3.patience-ksanti
4.virya- effort
5.dhyana-concentration
6.prajna- wisdom
Course the ten stages (bhumis)
The bodhisattva is the perfect combination of wisdom (prajna)
and compassion (karuna)
Find out what the following terms meanSravaka,
Pratyekabuddha ( use p.87 of Issues of Buddhism)
Evaluation of understanding
 I understand the difference between the
arhat and the bodhisattva
Use the traffic lights
Explain it to your partner
Which would you aim to attain if you were a
Buddhist – being a bodhisattva or an arhat?
Go to the appropriate area of the room
Now review your notes
 What are you still unsure of?
 What do you really understand?
 Which parts of this will you need to go over
again to ensure you understand all of it?
Exam Questions
Unit Assessment
Int 1
What is Nibbana ?(2)
Int 2 “If you have not attained nibbana you remain in
ignorance .” What would a Buddhist mean by this
statement ? (6)
Higher ‘ Nibbana means awakening to the true nature of
reality’ Explain this Buddhist teaching (8)
Sample Exam Question
Int 2 According to Mahayana Buddhists,what is a
Bodhisattva? (4 k&u)
Higher What criticisms of the idea of the Bodhisattva might
a Therevada Buddhist have ? (4k&u)
ARE YOU A BODHISATTVA
OR AN ARHAT ?
ONE SIDE
WHICH
.
THE OTHER
WHY
Now go and find the other and
discuss the for and against of each
position
Decide between you which is the
better position and say why
.