Buddha
From NonSpiritual
| |
| Real Name | Siddhārtha Gautama |
| Alternative Names | Shakyamuni, Buddha, Gotama the Buddha, Gautama the Buddha |
| Date of Birth | 273–232 BCE |
| Date of Death | 80 years after birth |
| Spiritual Tradition | Buddhism |
| Methods | Meditation, Asceticism, Morality |
| Headquarters | None |
| Website | http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ |
| Teacher | None |
| Region | India |
| Language | Mâgadhî Prakrit |
Contents |
Introduction
Buddha was a highly influencing spiritual teacher of the early tradition. Perhaps the most important spiritual teacher in the East, he was called the "Light of Asia" by Sir Edwin Arnold (who, it might be added, called Jesus the "Light of the World"). He is the founder of Buddhism, which later branched out into the various Buddhist sects and traditions.
Teachings
Buddha's teaching is based on his Four Noble Truths which posit that life on Earth is fundamentally suffering and freedom from it is attainable in what is called Parinirvana, a sphere that is anywhere but this physical Universe[1]. His practice is called the Noble Eightfold Path which is to 1) hold right view (of the four noble truths) and right intent (to do good, and refrain from the bad) 2) live a moral life and 3) exert oneself in meditation to practice detachment (from the worldly desires) in order to reach Nirvana in this life time soon to be attaining Parinirvana after which one will not be born again thus putting an end to the cycle of rebirth.
Influence and Followers
Famous Followers
Controversies and Criticism
- Buddha believed in rebirth which is nonsensical in current scientific understanding.
- He left his family suddenly one night to pursue his search for "truth".
- None of his teachings are considered originally written by him. All of them are thought to be transcribed by his followers, and hence, most of them are highly stylized and repetitive. It is doubtful that a man could give a discourse in the form of, e.g., the Mahasatipatthana Sutta.
Organizations and Websites
- www.accesstoinsight.org - Comprehensive source of Pali Canon, the earliest record of the Buddha's teachings.
- http://www.buddhanet.net
Works
Buddha's teachings are contained in various forms, and collectively known as the Tipitaka, or the three baskets. Some of his most important works include:
- The Dhammapada[1]
- The Mahayana Sutras. A Sutra is generally a a work containing couplets, aphorisms or passages tied together by a theme.[2] Some important sutras are:
Further Reading and Links
Articles
Notes
- ↑ ‘There is that sphere where there is neither earth, nor water, nor fire, nor wind; neither the sphere of the infinitude of space ... neither this world, nor the next world, nor sun, nor moon. And there, I say, there is neither coming, nor going, nor stasis; neither passing away nor arising: without stance, without foundation, without support. This, just this, is the end of dukkha’ Richard’s Selected Correspondence On Buddhism
- ↑ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutra
