Buddhism: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a way of life based on the profound and wholesome teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha. The Buddha's teaching, called the Dharma, reveals the nature of life and the universe. "Life" refers to us and "the universe" refers to our living environment. Buddhism is a religion of wisdom where examining one's own mind is the principal practice.
Source: www.vanibps.org
It is the Teaching of the Buddha who was born as Prince Siddhattha about 2600 years ago in India.
Source: web.ukonline.co.uk
Buddhism is a tradition based on the teachings of Buddha Shakyamuni, who lived in the 5th century B.C.E. in Northern India and taught the way to release from suffering.
Source: www.pbdc.net
Buddhism in general emphasizes the way we relate to life, and the mental and emotional barriers we place in the way of our lived experience that obscure our basic radiant nature. It includes a set of methods for becoming a clear, harmonious, and beneficial presence in the world. Buddhism elaborates on the human design as it relates to the domain of experience. It is a science and philosophy of experience uncovering the potential that we all have to experience happiness, growth and freedom. ...
Source: www.dli.org
Is Buddhism a Religion?
To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as: to lead a moral life, to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and to develop wisdom and understanding.
Source: www.upaya.org
Buddhism is neither a religion nor not a religion.
Source: www.jenchen.org.sg
Is Buddhism Scientific?
Science is knowledge which can be made into a system, which depends upon seeing and testing facts and stating general natural laws. The core of Buddhism fit into this definition, because the Four Noble truths (see below) can be tested and proven by anyone in fact the Buddha himself asked his followers to test the teaching rather than accept his word as true. Buddhism depends more on understanding than faith. As well, the practices of Buddhist mental training are being scientifically validated.
Source: www.upaya.org
Buddhism dispenses with the concept of a supreme being, as does science, and explains the truths of the universe in terms of natural laws. All these exhibit a scientific spirit. Buddha advised us that we should not blindly believe but rather question, examine and rely on our own experience. Albert Einstein, the greatest scientist of the 20th century said, “The religion of the future will be a cosmic religion. It should transcend a personal god and avoid dogmas and theology……. ...
Source: www.blianc.org
Unlike many religious doctrines, the Buddha’s teachings have survived even our modern scientific age! In fact, modern scientific discoveries have often confirmed many of the Buddha’s insights, particularly his understanding of the nature of existence and the universe. Scientific knowledge and technological development help us to understand more about the universe, often making it easier to explain the Buddha’s ideas today. ...
Source: www.vanibps.org
Is Won-Buddhism Buddhism?
Yes, however Won Buddhism has its own founder who is known by his dharma title Sot'aesan (1891–1943). Won Buddhism is a modernized form of Korean Buddhism based on Sot'aesan’s experience of enlightenment and his vision.
Source: www.wonbuddhismofboston.org
Is Buddhism a philosophy?
No. The Buddha explicitly discouraged his followers from indulging in philosophical speculation. He explained that weaving theories around common human perception and experience is very harmful. Better to examine one’s experiences directly, without the interference of philosophical theories. Question: I’m so confused:-( Answer: Confusion is a good thing in the world of Buddhist practice. The only way to experience enlightenment is to be deeply immersed in confusion and doubt. ...
Source: jooto.com
Is Zen a type of Buddhism?
The many schools of Buddhism reflect the cultural differences prevailing in the many different societies where the teachings of the Buddha have taken root. The Buddha's teachings are compassionate rather than dogmatic. Throughout his life he tried to show people a way beyond the suffering that all sentient beings endure; this way is the practice of meditation. This compassionate outlook is central to the Zen tradition, of which we are a part.
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What is Zen Buddhism?
Put simply, Zen is unique method of body-mind training that, if practiced with sincerity and devotion, leads to self-realization, or Awakening. The heart of Zen Buddhism is zazen (sitting meditation), the most direct way to see into the mind. Zen does not rely on a particular Sutra or doctrine, but rather places emphasis on experiencing for oneself the source of the Buddha’s teachings – Awakening. ...
Source: www.aucklandzen.org.nz
What is Humanistic Buddhism?
Humanistic Buddhism is a basic philosophy of life that encourages us to integrate the Buddha's teachings of kindness, compassion, joyfulness, and equanimity into our daily lives for the benefit of ourselves as well as others. In addition, it teaches us the ways to cultivate the wisdom that clearly understands the true nature of all things.
Source: www.ibps.org
Humanistic Buddhism encourages us to integrate Buddha’s teachings into our daily lives, for the benefits of all sentient beings, through kindness, compassion, joyfulness and equanimity. We need to take an active role and join others in the improvement of our present world via education, participation in charitable events and though cultivating (Buddhist practices in our daily lives) ourselves. Humanistic Buddhism has six fundamental characteristics. ...
Source: www.orlandobuddhism.org
Why learn Buddhism?
There are two aspects in looking at this subject. First, by his display of charisma, wisdom and compassion in delivering the word, the Buddha was an exemplary role model. He had attained the supreme enlightenment and revealed the universal truth for emancipating life's suffering. As human beings, we have the potential to accomplish the same achievement due to the inherent Buddha nature within us. ...
Source: www.ibps.org
Is there a special flag for Buddhism?
Yes. On Hanamatsuri, many of you may have seen the flag displayed in front of the temple. The flag is made up of six colors, which the sutras say emanated from the head of Sakyamuni Buddha soon after his Awakening, and again on this deathbed. It consists of vertical stripes of blue, yellow, red, white and ochre and a sixth stripe incorporating the five other colors in horizontal bars to make up a strip of "non-color". ...
Source: www.ekoji.org
Why is Buddhism Becoming Popular?
Buddhism is becoming popular in western countries for a number of reasons, The first good reason is Buddhism has answers to many of the problems in modern materialistic societies. It also includes (for those who are interested) a deep understanding of the human mind which prominent psychologists around the world are now discovering to be both very advanced and effective.
Source: www.upaya.org
Are There Different Types of Buddhism?
There are many different types of Buddhism, because the emphasis changes from country to country due to customs and culture. What does not vary is the essence of the teaching — the Dhamma or truth.
Source: www.upaya.org
What Is “Theravada Buddhism”?
Theravada is a word in the Pali language meaning Doctrine (or Way) of the Elders. Theravada Buddhism draws its scriptural inspiration from the Pali Canon, the oldest record of the Buddha’s teachings. Theravada Buddhism is the form of Buddhism most commonly practiced in Burma (Myanmar), Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Source: showmedharma.org
Theravada Buddhism is the only Savakayana school of Buddhism that still flourishes. Savakayana means the Vehicle of the Hearers and originates from the way Buddhism was spread in its first 300 years, by oral transmission. It was introduced into Sri Lanka at the time of King Ashoka (approximately 250 BC) and later spread from there throughout South-East Asia. ...
Source: sukhavatiaz.tripod.com
What is "Hinayana Buddhism"?
Hina means small and yana means boat. This is in reference to a method, sometimes called a vehicle used used for attaining enlightenment. A hinayana practioner is primarily concerned with his own enlightenment.
Source: sukhavatiaz.tripod.com
What is "Mahayana Buddhism"?
Mahayana means "great vehicle" and is one of the schools of Buddhism which is prevalent in China, Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Tibet and other places in the Far East. It is also called Northern Buddhism and Zen Buddhism is one of its schools which has become popular in the West. In India, Mahayana succumbed to the spread of Hinduism after the 9th century AD. Mahayana is described as seeking Buddhahood and transforming beings, thus self-benefiting, for the benefit of the others. ...
Source: sukhavatiaz.tripod.com
What is "Savakayana Buddhism"?
Savakayana means the Vehicle of the Hearers and originates from the way Buddhism was spread in its first 300 years, by oral transmission. It was introduced into Sri Lanka at the time of King Ashoka (approximately 250 BC) and later spread from there throughout South-East Asia.
Source: sukhavatiaz.tripod.com
Is Buddhism just a philosophy?
Buddhist teachings are profound and have given us much insight into various aspects of life and the universe. Buddhism also differs from other religions in that it encourages people to question the teachings. In this respect, Buddhism is very much like a philosophy. Although like much philosophy Buddhism is very logical, it does not stop with theoretical pursuits alone. The content of Buddhist education is more like a university of theory and practice, with philosophy as one of the courses offered. ...
Source: www.vanibps.org
How is Buddhism taught in the school?
Children receive regular meditation practice to develop a reflective understanding of themselves, their life and the world around them. We discuss key Buddhist teachings to help children understand cause and effect, cooperation and change, in Buddhism known as karma, interdependence and impermanence. The five Buddhist precepts form a code of conduct enabling children to see how right action leads to wholesome lives. ...
Source: www.dharmaschool.co.uk
What are the facts about Buddhism?
Buddhism is the world's third oldest and fourth largest religion--a 2500-year-old tradition of teachings and practices. Many Westerners first hear about Buddhism from another religion's partial idea of it, often out of context. It is not a cult. At least a billion human beings are presently following the Buddhist path, keeping compassion and wisdom as their motivating force.
Source: www.meditationinflorida.org
Does Buddhism teach reincarnation?
Reincarnation is not a teaching of the Buddha. In Buddhism the teaching is of rebirth, not of reincarnation.
Source: www.purifymind.com
Is there a God in Buddhism as in Christianity?
It is very difficult to compare Buddhism with Christianity. One would have to say, however, there is no God in Buddhism in the way that God in Christianity is commonly understood.
Source: www.purifymind.com
