The Three Jewels of Buddhism
Definition: The Three Jewels, also known as the Three Treasures, Three Refuges, or the Triple Gem (Sanskrit: Triratna; Pali: Triratna; Chinese: 三宝), are foundational concepts in Buddhism wherein practitioners take refuge for guidance.
Context Note: In early Chinese translations, the term Dao (the Way) was often translated as Dharma.
The Three Jewels Explained
The Buddha (Chinese: 佛 or 佛陀)
The historical figure Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, meaning “The Awakened One.”
The Dharma (法)
The teachings of the Buddha, encompassing a wide range of doctrines, philosophies, and practices aimed at leading to spiritual awakening.
The Sangha (僧)
The monastic community of monks (bhikshus) and nuns (bhikkhunis), as well as the wider community of practitioners.
Taking Refuge
Pledge: "I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the Dharma. I take refuge in the Sangha."
This statement signifies commitment to the path of Buddhism and the community that supports it.
Buddhist Texts: The Tripitaka (Three Baskets)
Overview: The Tripitaka, or Tipitaka, is the authoritative scripture of Theravada Buddhism, divided into three main sections:
Vinaya Pitaka (“Basket of Discipline”)
Contains rules for monastic life and ethics, primarily for monks and nuns.
Sutta Pitaka (Sutra)
Comprises discourses and teachings attributed to the Buddha, outlining moral and philosophical precepts.
Abhidharma Pitaka (Abhidhamma)
Consists of detailed philosophical and psychological analysis of Buddhist doctrine.
Establishment of the Buddhist Sangha
Key Event: The First Sermon and the Turning of the Wheel of Dharma
The foundational teachings that outline the Four Noble Truths.
The Four Noble Truths
Definition: Fundamental teachings encapsulated during the Buddha's first sermon:
The truth of suffering (Dukkha): Every existence is marked by suffering; all things are impermanent.
The truth of the origin of suffering: The cause of suffering is clinging, craving, and attachment.
The truth of cessation of suffering: It is possible to end suffering.
The truth of the path leading to cessation of suffering: The path is marked by the Noble Eightfold Path, also known as the Middle Way.
The Sangha: Monastic Community
Introduction: The Sangha refers to the community that follows the Buddha’s teachings, consisting of:
Monks (bhikkhus)
Nuns (bhikkhunis)
Chief Disciples of the Buddha
Śāriputra: One of the foremost disciples, known for his wisdom.
Mahā-Maudgalyāyana (Moggallāna): Recognized as the foremost in supernatural powers.
Notable for his ability to perform miraculous feats.
Ananda: The personal attendant and cousin of Shakyamuni Buddha, known for his exceptional memory and role in preserving the Buddha's teachings.
Mahākāśyapa: Presided over the First Buddhist Council; noted for his ascetic practices and lineage concerning Chan/Zen transmission.
Nanda: Siddhartha's half-brother, recognized for his self-control.
Upali: An “untouchable” (from the lowest caste), regarded as foremost in keeping the precepts.
Devadatta: A contentious figure among the disciples, whose rivalry with the Buddha led to significant schisms in the community.
Notable Events and Controversies
Devadatta’s Demands: Proposed overly stringent rules for the monks:
Live all life in the forest.
Accept no invitations to meals, relying solely on alms.
Wear only rags.
Dwell under trees without shelter.
Abstain from fish and flesh.
The Buddha permitted adherence to these rules voluntarily but refused to make them obligatory.
Angulimāla's Conversion: A significant event reflecting the transformative potential of the Buddha's teachings.
The Order of Nuns
Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī: Siddhartha's aunt and step-mother, instrumental in founding the order of nuns in Buddhism.
The Ten Precepts
Application: Guidelines for novice monks (śrāmaṇeras) and novice nuns (śrāmaṇerīs); they include:
Refrain from killing living creatures.
Refrain from stealing.
Refrain from sexual misconduct.
Refrain from false speech.
Refrain from taking intoxicants.
Refrain from eating at inappropriate times.
Refrain from entertainment and ornamental distractions.
Refrain from luxury and comfort in sleep.
Refrain from monetary transactions.
The Fourfold Sangha
Composition: The complete community includes:
Ordained monks (bhikkhus)
Ordained nuns (bhikkhunis)
Laymen (upasakas)
Laywomen (upasikas)
Novice Status
Training: Novice monks and nuns undergo specific training and adhere to their respective sets of precepts.
For women, there may be a probationary period (śikṣamāṇā) before higher ordination.
Rahula: The Buddha’s Son
Significance: Rahula, which means “fetter,” is the first Buddhist novice monk, highlighting the Buddha's teachings on ethical conduct and mindfulness.
Five Precepts of Rahula: Core guidelines taught by the Buddha focusing on abstaining from harmful behaviors like killing, stealing, and lying.
The Five Precepts Defined
Abstain from killing: Pāṇātipātā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
Abstain from taking what is not given: Adinnādānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
Avoid sexual misconduct: Kāmesumicchācāra veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
Abstain from false speech: Musāvādā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
Abstain from intoxicants: Surāmerayamajjapamādaṭṭhānā veramaṇī sikkhāpadaṃ samādiyāmi.
The Ten Precepts Expanded
Guidelines for novice monks and nuns, extending beyond the Five Precepts to include specific restrictions.
They incorporate rules around conduct with food, entertainment, luxury, and monetary transactions.
Food and Diet in Buddhism
Vegetarianism: Views on vegetarianism vary among different schools of Buddhism:
Theravada: Permits certain meats under specific conditions (the “triply clean meat” rule).
Mahayana: Generally advocates for vegetarianism; more strict adherence among some monks.
Vajrayana: Allows certain meat consumption.
Emphasis on compassion towards all sentient beings.
Establishing the Order of the Nuns
Key Figure: Mahāprajāpatī Gautamī, recognized as the first nun and supporter of women's participation in the monastic community.
The Great Buddhist Councils
First Council (c. 483 BCE)
Location: Rajagriha
Led by Mahākāśyapa, purpose was preserving the Buddha's teachings and monastic discipline.
Second Council (c. 383 BCE)
Location: Vaishali, addressing monastic disputes.
Third Council (c. 250 BCE)
Held at Pataliputra, focusing on doctrinal codification.
Fourth Council (c. 72 CE)
Held in Kashmir, further shaping Buddhist doctrines.
Major Buddhist Schools
Early Schools: Division primarily based on doctrinal differences and interpretations of the Vinaya rules.
Early divisions led to the formation of two main groups: Sthavira and Mahāsāṃghika.
Theravāda Buddhism
Overview: The Theravāda tradition is known as the “Sect of Elders,” and remains prominent in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Key Characteristics: Closely follows the original teachings attributed to the Buddha.
The Bodhisattva Path
Definition: A bodhisattva is defined as a being on the path to Buddhahood, actively striving for enlightenment.
Bodhisattva Vow: The commitment to achieve enlightenment for the sake of all sentient beings.
Ten Pāramīs: Traits developed along the path which include generosity, moral discipline, patience, and wisdom.
Emptiness (śūnyatā)
Concept: Recognizes that phenomena lack inherent existence, emphasizing interdependence.
Not nihilism, but a key understanding necessary for liberation from suffering.
The Doctrine of Buddha Nature
Tathāgatagarbha: Indicates the potential for enlightenment inherent in all beings.
Kleshas: Refer to mental afflictions; understanding and overcoming them is crucial for spiritual progress.
Future Directions for Buddhist Community
Discuss ongoing challenges and discussions surrounding ordination, adherence to precepts, and the evolution of teachings across different cultures and regions in Buddhism.