Dhamma, Dependent Arising, Enlightenment, Ascetic Life

Buddha and Dhamma

• Buddha thought his teachings should be practiced but not worshipped

• Buddhists should not become so attached that they cannot leave it behind

• Describes his insights as the truth, but encourages his followers to test and question his teachings

Dhamma Meanings

• truth about the nature of existence

• path of training recommended by Buddha for enlightenment

• universal law that governs how reality works

Importance of the Dhamma

• one of the three refuges/jewels (central values)

• Buddhists goes for refuge to the 3 jewels - they trust them as the sources of relief from suffering

• gives meaning to life

• creates satisfaction and happiness

• leads to becoming more aware, wise and compassionate

• improves relationships with others and the world

Dependent Arising

• everything depends on supporting conditions

• everything is constantly changing

Tibetan Wheel of Life

• illustrates dependent arising as applied to the cycle of samsara

• humans are subject to birth, death, rebirth

• cycle continues until the cycle is broken by following the Buddhist path

• when the cycle is broken, nibbana/nirvana becomes a possibility

Ascetic Life

• simple and strict lifestyle

• few pleasures/possessions

• extreme self discipline and self denial leads to spiritual wisdom

• Siddhartha was impressed with the sense of peace from the holy man, inspired him to follow ascetic practices for 6 years

Ascetic Practises

• living in dangerous forests

• living in extreme heat and extreme cold

• sleeping on a bed of thorns

• eating too little

• learnt meditation - practice of calming and focusing the mind, reflecting deeply on teachings

Turning Away from Asceticism

• became thin and weak

• could not meditate effectively

• learnt discipline and willpower

• did not find the answer to suffering

• decided to reject asceticism

• accepted rice and milk from a cowgirl

• restored his health and strength

• returned to the life of collecting alms from villagers

• began to think in the terms of the middle way

Enlightenment

• determined to meditate until he found enlightenment (meditated under a peepul tree)

• enlightenment = understanding the true nature of reality

• took place during the 3 parts/watches (refers to the 3 realisations Buddha had)

• became known as the Buddha

• taught spiritual wisdom to the five ascetics

• asked his followers to choose a middle way between luxury and asceticism

Maras Distractions

• beautiful daughters to seduce (not swayed by their charm)

• armies to throw arrows and weapons (turned to lotus flowers)

• offering control of his kingdom

• questioning Siddharthas right to sit at the seat of enlightenment (touched/called earth to witness)

3 Parts/Watches

• gained knowledge of all his previous lives

• understood the cycle of samsara, understood how beings are reborn according to karma, understood nothing has an unchanging essence

• understood that beings suffer because of desire and attachment, understood suffering can be overcome through path to enlightenment