Buddhism Introduction Study Guide

The reading summary I have selected from one of our class assigned readings is titled “Buddhism: An Introduction” I have selected this particular article because although I am a devoted Christian I find Buddhism to be very interesting. I don’t know much about the Buddhist religion except what I have learned in this class, but I believe writing about it will help me have a better understanding. As the title states this is only an introduction to Buddhism, the intent of the reading is to help readers like myself gain some insight and knowledge on the Buddhist history and fundamental tenets.

According to the article, historians believe that the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama lived from 566 to 480 B.C. This is only an approximation based

More simply put, suffering exists; it has a cause; it has an end; and it has a cause to bring about its end.” (pbs.org) The idea is of suffering is not planned to carry a negative view of the world, instead it is intended to show a realistic view of the world as it is and attempt to provide a remedy. Buddhism do not deny the concept of pleasure, it is acknowledged that it is short-lived and the pursuit of pleasure will only develop an unquenchable thirst that will never be satisfied. When explaining the four noble truths the article reveals that they are a course of action for dealing with the many sufferings that humanity faces. The first truth recognizes the presence of suffering, while the second truth searches to determine the cause. Suffering may be of a physical or mental nature, never the less, according to Buddhism, desire and ignorance lie at the root of suffering. Desire is explained as the craving of material goods and immortality which will lead to never-ending satisfaction which bring suffering. Ignorance is referred to not seeing the world as it is. If one lacks the capacity for mental concentration and insight, the mind will become undeveloped and unable to hold the true nature of things,

Contrary to contemporary society, Buddhist understanding of Karma does not refer to predetermined fate. Instead Buddhist view Karma as good or bad actions a person takes during their lifetime. Good actions are identified as the lack of taking part in bad actions or positive acts such as generosity, righteousness, and meditation to bring happiness in the long run. Bad actions are those activities such as lying, stealing or killing which will bring unhappiness in the long run. The article also points out how the weight of actions is determined. “The weight that actions carry is determined by five conditions: frequent, repetitive action; determined, intentional action; action performed without regret; action against extraordinary persons; and action toward those who have helped one in the past.” (pbs.org) Finally, the article discusses Buddhism cycle of rebirth, and explains how there are six different planes into which any living being can be reborn. Three of them are favorable, and those individuals with positive Karma are reborn into one of these three. The other three unfortunate realms are for those with negative Karma, these realms are of animals, ghosts and