Buddhism 101

TL;DR: Buddhism, a religion followed by 535 million people worldwide, is filled with philosophical perspectives and rigor. While it is mostly practiced in Asia, traces of its truths can be found in many cultures. The four noble truths and the eightfold path help guide followers to live a life free from suffering, by achieving the ultimate goal of Nirvana. Many are familiar with the three universal truths: Nothing is lost in the universe, Everything is impermanent and changing and the Law of Cause and Effect. Ever heard of the Dalai Lama? Well, he’s the head monk of a branch of Buddhism called Tibetan Buddhism. (But we’ll get to him later.)

Beliefs

Many modern historians believe the Buddha was born in Lumbini Park, Nepal, around the sixth century. The Buddha’s birth name is Siddhartha Gautama and he was born a prince! Following the expectations, he married princess Yasodhara, and they had a son, Rahula. Despite his comfortable life, the Buddha was very curious about the nature of human suffering from birth, old age, sickness, and death. At one point, he left the palace in pursuit of the truth in enlightenment and spiritual liberation. 

The Buddha studied with many masters, went through ascetic practices, and finally reached enlightenment after 49 days of motionless meditation under a Bodhi tree. Thereafter he was referred to as Buddha, which symbolizes someone who has reached enlightenment. The Buddha lived the rest of his legacy teaching people Dharma (the path to enlightenment and liberation). He also created the Sanha, which is a community of monks and nuns. The Buddha passed away, or as Buddhism believes, entered nirvana, at the age of 80. 

There are two main branches of Buddhism: the Mahayana and the Theravada. Mahayana Buddhists (found in north and eastern India) believe there are other Buddhas that came before Siddhartha, and there are more Buddhas to come. Mahayana Buddhists also use the Tipitaka scriptures and other more recent writings. Followers of the  Mahayana tradition believe people can seek nirvana without abandoning their current lifestyle. Compassion is key here as many of this sect choose to become Bodhisattvas, or guides, to help others achieve Enlightenment before leaving the cycle into nirvana. It has distinctive branches because of the variety of cultures it has been practiced in. One example includes Tibetan Buddhism, of which the Dalai Lama is the head monk.

The Theravada are older than the Mahayana and tend to be precise in their religious practices. Here, Buddhists aim to achieve nirvana by following the Eightfold Path that eliminates negative earthly desires like hatred, ignorance, and greed. Once enlightened, you no longer exist in the cycle of rebirth and have thus escaped samsara. 

The good actions and practices covered in the Eightfold Path will lead to a better rebirth after death, while not following the Eightfold path will lead to a bad rebirth. This is the effect of Karma, according to Buddhism. Rebirth can happen in many forms—humans, animals, ghosts, or even gods. However, when you are reborn into a human, it is seen as an opportunity to work towards escaping your cycle of samsara ( the cycle of death) and achieve Nirvana or enlightenment. What you are born into depends on your actions in the current life. Once a person achieves Nirvana, the enlightened individual physically dies and they will never be reborn. 

Texts

There are two main schools of Buddhist thought. Theravada Buddhists (found mainly in southern and southeastern Asia) do not pray to the Buddha because they believe he can no longer help people alive. Instead, they teach followers to study texts written in the Tipitaka scriptures in order to enter into nirvana. There is more stress on the role of monks and nuns in Buddhism (north and eastern India). There are also texts called sutras and various canons like the Pali Canon which include teachings of Buddha and those who followed him.

Worship

Buddhism’s worship is their devotion to Buddha.  Worshippers don’t believe in Buddha as a god but worship him as a form of respect. 

Buddhist worship is called puja. It can take place at home or in a temple. Worship practices vary but some will listen to monks chanting from religious texts in their prayers, or sit barefoot facing an image of Buddha and chant. Buddhists often  use mala beads, prayer wheels, and flags in their worships 

An image of the Buddha used in worship is known and is destined as shrines. Many Buddhists have shrines at home for their worship. Bowls of water and other food offerings are placed before the Buddha on an altar. 

Before entering the shrine room, people take off their shoes as a sign of respect and also to keep the shrine room floor clean. Another feature of worship involves visiting stupas. Buddhists would recite a prayer, and concentrate on the importance of the Buddha. 

Temples are important for worship sites for the community. In temples, worship includes chanting the Three Refuges and the scriptures, giving offerings in front of an image of the Buddha, burning incense, lighting candles, meditating, and listening to sermons.

Holidays 

Vesak or Buddha Day is the celebration of Buddha’s birth. It emphasizes the enlightenment of Buddha and is the most important Buddhist festival. Bodhi Day is a full day for remembrance and meditation for Buddha. It marks the day Buddha reached enlightenment.

On Magha Puja Day, Buddhists mark the date when the four disciples traveled to join the Buddha. It commemorates the sermon that Buddha gave after reaching “enlightenment.” When it comes to the New Year, many Buddhists observe and celebrate the Chinese New Year. The  Mahayana Buddhists and Theravada Buddhists, celebrate the New Year on different days. This holiday varies by the worshipper’s ethnic background and the country.     

Symbols

Buddhism has many symbols that are important. One is the Dharma wheel which has eight spokes. These represent the Eightfold Path as well as Buddha himself. Another symbol is the Bodhi tree where Buddha became enlightened. It is a valuable sight and Buddhists can make pilgrimages there out of respect. 

The Lotus flower is another symbol that represents humanity’s perseverance and growth even in pain and suffering. Different colored lotus flowers also have different meanings. There is a kind of peace when one emerges from turmoil or muddy water which is what this flower means.