Buddhism Has Its Roots In The Brahman Hindu Tradition

BUDDHISM

History/Overview

Buddhism has its roots in the Brahman Hindu tradition, but it turned away from Hindu beliefs, the priesthood, the Vedic scriptures, and the attendant cult of sacrifice (Gold, 2010). In contrast to the strict caste system implicit in Hinduism, Buddha opened the tenets of his practice and faith to all persons regardless of birth (Gold, 2010). His idea was that there was always a chance for human awakening. That’s what Buddha means, in essence: someone or even something that awakens, and awakens us (Gach, 2009). This was his title the awakened one or the awakener. The story of the Buddha tells of a prince raised in luxury who discovers the emptiness of his life, uncovers the reality of death and suffering, and sets off

The Four Noble Truths are the following: 1. There is suffering. 2. Suffering is caused by desire, attachment, and craving. 3. Suffering can be overcome by ceasing to desire. 4. The way to end desire is to follow the Eightfold Path (Gold, 2010). First, needless suffering is called dukkha, after the Sanskrit for an axle that does not quite fit the hub of a wheel (Gach, 2009). This means that life is inevitably a bumpy road or that we all experience suffering in some shape or form. Second, the cause of suffering is grasping and the Sanskrit here is trishna, which is the root of the word thirst (Gach, 2009). Thirst in the sense of craving or longing meaning having that feeling of desiring something. It can seem unquenchable at times and sometimes it is hard to let it go. Third, is noticing the needlessness of human suffering. Again, this is the idea of pain being inevitable and suffering being an option. Being able to let go of this is called Nirvana (Gach, 2009). The Sanskrit word means blown-outness, meaning stopping. For example, when we are not using fuel for a fire we can extinguish it or any problem within our own lives. Last, the Sanskrit word maggha or margha means road and/or path. So, following the path is how you end desire. Following the rules or guidelines that we will describe next is how we can ultimately end

Again, in Buddhist thought, karma speaks to one’s actions and ethical outcomes (Gold, 2010). To simplify this concept good deeds are rewarded and bad deeds are punished. Rather than viewing karma as divine judgment, Buddhists view karma as universal or natural moral law (Gold, 2010). Karma determines one’s rebirth and the state in which one is reborn—as a human, insect, devil, or god (Gold, 2010). Buddhism tends to overlook the presence or importance of god(s), either as creators of the universe or arbiters of the human condition, in favor of the psychological and ethical aspects of life (Gold,