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Buddhism Buddhist Buddhic Contemplation
Glossary Terminology
Path
The upward growth spiral
of Wisdom (right views and right intention) to Morality (right speech, right
action, and right livelihood) to Concentration (right effort, right mindfulness,
and right concentration) synergize together to form "The Noble Eightfold Path"
which will eventually lead you to "enlightenment" and "nirvana" and the eventual
cessation of all pain and all suffering.
Schools of Buddhism (Mahayana
and Theravada)
There are two major
schools of Buddhism, Mahayana and Theravada. The Great vehicle or Mahayana
Buddhism is divided into many schools which for the most part agree with the
doctrines of Theravada Buddhism with the exception that they identify a
transcendent, eternal reality or Suchness, Truth, or Law that permeates and
regulates the universe and coexists with the everchanging cycles of human
existence.
When you reach nirvana,
your Buddha nature resonates with this Ultimate Reality and with enlightened
grace and the ideal of the compassionate Bodhisattva. The Theravada Buddhists,
however, believe that everything is fleeting and nothing is transcendent. Buddha
was an enlightened being but not unique since anyone who follows the Four Noble
Truths and the Eightfold Path can also attain nirvana and freedom from suffering
and the cycles of rebirth.
Suffering
Birth, illness, death,
sadness, depression, despair, grief, unfulfilled desires, yearnings, cravings,
and contact with unpleasant things are all painful experiences which bring about
suffering in our lives.
Three Characteristics of Being
"All constituents of Being
are transitory". Impermanence and change are constant. Creation and this
universe is ever evolving. Everything goes through transitions, cyclic growth,
and seasons of life. People and physical objects come and go when you are
enmeshed in samsara, the constant recycling of life energy due to residual
karma.
"All constituents of Being
are Lacking in Ego". One must detach, let go of fleeting pleasures, personal
property, emotional attachments and cords and chords that generate memories of
intense emotions.
"All constituents of Being
are painful until Nirvana". This continual cycle of cravings, yearnings, and
desires can never bring happiness or peace. Until we raise our consciousness to
a higher, more peaceful state of Being which has been called by many
"Enlightenment", we will continue to experience pain and suffering... Go back
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Right Speech Yields Peaceful Harmony,
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 Buddhism Buddhist Buddhic Contemplation Copyright © 2002-2008 Maureen Grace Burns, Blessings Cornucopia. All Rights Reserved.
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