- Encouraging Buddhism: The Middle Path to Liberation you have gained a better understanding of what the religion of Buddhism is all about from the context of its history, beliefs and practices, code of ethics, etc. You will now use the information gleaned in the chapter to expand upon particular elements of Buddhism enumerated below:
Buddhist Symbols and Names (.5 pages)
Identify a common Buddhist symbol and explain its significance
Consider the following:
History/Origins of the symbol
Important religious figure(s) associated with the symbol and their involvement with it
How is the symbol utilized by Buddhists today?
Is it used during prayer/worship?
Is it worm as an outward sign of faith?
Distinguish between the terms 'Buddhism' and 'The Buddha' as it relates to the religion itself. Accurately define each.
Life of the Siddhartha Gautama (.5-1 pages)
Discuss who Siddhartha Gautama was and the impact that he had on Buddhism.
Describe 3 key events from Siddhartha Gautama's life.
Address how these events are commemorated by Buddhists today.
Do not presume that Siddartha Gautama was always a morally perfect person. For example, take into account his abandonment of his own newborn son and his wife in chapter 21 of the Illustrated Biography of the Buddha.
Beliefs and Practices (2 – 3 page
Full Answer Section
- subsequently, the world. Other important figures, such as Emperor Ashoka of the Mauryan Empire (3rd century BCE), also played a significant role in popularizing this symbol. Ashoka, after converting to Buddhism, became a fervent patron and propagated the Dharma across his vast empire, often erecting pillars topped with the Dharma Wheel, signifying the spread of righteousness and peace through the Buddha's teachings. The "Ashoka Chakra" (a 24-spoke wheel representing the 24 hours of the day, signifying progress) is even present on the national flag of India, demonstrating the enduring cultural impact of this Buddhist symbol.
- How the Symbol is Utilized by Buddhists Today: The Dharma Wheel remains a ubiquitous and vital symbol for Buddhists worldwide.
- During Prayer/Worship: It is frequently found in temples, monasteries, and meditation centers, often adorning altars or murals. Monks and lay practitioners may meditate upon its symbolism, reflecting on the Eightfold Path and the cyclical nature of existence (samsara), which the wheel can also represent when viewed in terms of continuous rebirth. While not directly "used" in the same way as a prayer bead, its presence in sacred spaces reinforces the core teachings during practice and devotion.
- Outward Sign of Faith: Many Buddhists wear the Dharma Wheel as jewelry, often as pendants or rings, as an outward expression of their faith and commitment to the Buddha's teachings. It serves as a personal reminder of the path to enlightenment and the principles of Dharma. It is also commonly seen on flags, banners, and other decorative items in Buddhist communities, signifying adherence to the Middle Path.
Distinguishing 'Buddhism' and 'The Buddha'
It is crucial to distinguish between 'Buddhism' and 'The Buddha' as they relate to the religion itself.
- The Buddha: This term refers specifically to Siddhartha Gautama, the historical founder of Buddhism, who lived in ancient India around the 6th-5th century BCE. He is the enlightened one, the one who woke up to the true nature of reality. While "Buddha" can also refer to any awakened being, in the context of the religion's origin, it primarily denotes Siddhartha Gautama. He is revered as the teacher and guide who discovered and articulated the path to liberation, but he is not worshipped as a god.
- Buddhism: This term refers to the religion, philosophy, and spiritual tradition that originated with the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. It encompasses the vast body of scriptures (sutras), ethical codes, meditative practices, rituals, monastic traditions, and philosophical schools that have developed over millennia. Buddhism is a path to understanding suffering, achieving inner peace, and ultimately attaining nirvana (liberation from the cycle of rebirth), based on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path taught by the Buddha. It is a system of beliefs and practices centered on the principles discovered by Siddhartha Gautama.
Life of Siddhartha Gautama
Siddhartha Gautama, born into a royal family in Lumbini, Nepal, around 563 BCE, was the pivotal figure whose spiritual quest and ultimate enlightenment laid the foundation for Buddhism. His profound impact on the religion is immeasurable; he is not just its founder but the embodiment of the enlightened state that all Buddhists aspire to achieve.
His life story serves as a narrative blueprint for the spiritual journey, demonstrating that liberation from suffering is attainable through human effort and wisdom.
Impact on Buddhism: Siddhartha Gautama's greatest impact was his radical departure from the prevailing religious and philosophical norms of his time. He challenged the rigid caste system, the reliance on ritualistic sacrifices, and the notion that spiritual truth was exclusive to certain classes or attained solely through ascetic self-mortification. Instead, he proposed a
Middle Path—a practical, experiential, and ethical way of life based on personal realization rather than dogmatic adherence.
His teachings, encapsulated in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, provided a logical framework for understanding and ending suffering. He taught the principle of impermanence (anicca), suffering (dukkha), and non-self (anatta), fundamentally altering how individuals could perceive reality and their place within it. His emphasis on compassion (karuna), loving-kindness (metta), and wisdom (prajna) became the ethical bedrock of the Buddhist tradition.