Jonathan Geen
REL 2281F
Nov. 25, 2009
Teachings of The Buddha
Buddhism is an Eastern religion practiced in many different countries across the globe. The religion was founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the "Buddha") in the late sixth century B.C.E. Even though Buddhism is practiced in many ways, a commonality among the different sects is a drawing from the life experiences of the Buddha and his teachings. The essence of his teachings, also referred to as dharma, serve as models for a Buddhist's religious life. Some of the teachings of enlightenment that have been an influence of the disciples of Buddha are in regard to having an understanding of suffering and finding the end to all suffering, and on having mutual respect by having right mindfulness and right meditation and the principle of anataman. The beliefs and practice of both Karma and Dharma allow an individual to avoid ignorance and allow for mutual respect, which in return grants the individual peace and happiness. Buddha set the stage for future Buddhists with his teachings on The Noble Eightfold Path and The Principles of Mutual Respect, which many in the world can relate to and use today.
What is known about the Noble Eightfold Path? What is Mutual Respect? How can Buddhism be used and understood today? The many teachings of the Buddha were not formanlly acknowledged until the 1st or 2nd century C.E. when the writings of Buaciha Charija (life of the Buddha) by Ashvaghosa gave an account of Buddha's life. The Buddha who was born in 563 B.C.E. in Lumbini, a place in North India near the Himalayan foothills, began his teachings around Benares (at Sarnath).
"His era in general was one of spiritual, intellectual, and social ferment. This was the age when the Hindu ideal of renunciation of family and...