(198) Basics of Buddhist Philosophy

Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy

In this initial lecture on Buddhist philosophy, Professor Brian Van Norden introduces foundational concepts and historical contexts of Buddhism. The session starts with a recitation of the Bodhi Karyavatara, a significant text in Indian Buddhist philosophy, and discussions around the historical figure Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha. Buddha means "enlightened one," and he is considered the founder of Buddhism, which began around the 6th century BCE.

The Spread of Buddhism

• Origins: Buddhism originated in South Asia with Siddhartha Gautama and then spread throughout Asia. Buddhism faced decline in India but was carried by missionaries to other regions.

• Two Main Branches: Buddhism evolved into two major forms: Mahayana and Theravada.

  • Mahayana Buddhism: Spread to eastern Asia, including Tibet, China, Japan, and Korea.

  • Theravada Buddhism: Spread to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

• Vajrayana Buddhism is sometimes considered a subset of Mahayana. The lecture primarily focuses on Theravada Buddhism.

Buddhism in China

• Buddhism reached China during the Han Dynasty (1st century CE), gaining traction during the Six Dynasties period.

• It eventually became one of the three converging teachings in traditional Chinese thought, alongside Confucianism and Taoism.

The Four Noble Truths

One of the core teachings of Buddhism is the Four Noble Truths, which can be understood intuitively and philosophically:

• First Noble Truth: Life is suffering. This is illustrated through the example of desire for possessions and how they inevitably lead to dissatisfaction.

• Second Noble Truth: The cause of suffering is desire. Craving what we do not have or ongoing dissatisfaction once we acquire it.

  • Desire isn’t inherently bad; rather, craving for permanence in an impermanent world causes suffering.

• Third Noble Truth: Suffering can be overcome by ceasing to desire. Reaching a state of bliss known as Nirvana, which is transcendent and beyond ordinary pleasure.

• Fourth Noble Truth: The Eightfold Path is the method to cease desiring.

Two Interpretations of the First Truth

1. Intuitive Understanding: Life is fundamentally suffering caused by unfulfilled desires.

2. Philosophical Nuance: Life is characterized by unsatisfactory impermanence (dukkha). Rather than total suffering, life contains transient pleasures but is marred by our inability to hold onto these moments due to our craving for permanence (tanha).

Letting Go of Cravings

Consequently, to achieve Nirvana, one must not solely cease all desires but specifically let go of the cravings for permanence. Doing this leads to an acceptance of life’s impermanent nature while still enjoying its transient pleasures.

The Eightfold Path

• The Eightfold Path is a systematic approach to ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom:

  1. Right Speech: Avoid lying, gossiping, and being rude.

  2. Right Action: Avoid harming others and stealing.

  3. Right Livelihood: Engage in occupations that do not harm others.

  4. Right Effort: Cultivating good mental states while discarding negative ones.

  5. Mindfulness: Being aware of thoughts and actions, and their implications.

  6. Right Concentration: Engaging in meditation practices to cultivate presence and awareness.

  7. Right Understanding: Grasping the core truths of Buddhism, especially the Four Noble Truths.

  8. Right Intention: Developing selfless and compassionate motives.

Concept of Anatman (No-Self)

An essential Buddhist doctrine is anatman, meaning "no self." This challenges the belief in a permanent self and underlines the illusion of seeking to possess or control the impermanent elements of life.

• The simile of the chariot illustrates this concept: a chariot cannot be reduced to its parts. Similarly, no individual exists apart from the relationships and aggregates of the physical and mental states.

Implications of Metaphysical Views

Philosophical discussions regarding the nature of existence lead to ethical considerations:

• If everything is interrelated, then competition, greed, and suffering caused by desires for possessions are mistaken views.

• In a monistic understanding, the notion of "self" blurs with understanding others—caring for others equates to caring for oneself.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The lecture concludes urging reflection on the nature of self and identity, introducing the idea that issues of identity, such as the soul, will be explored in future lectures. This sets a foundation for further discussions regarding the implications of Buddhist philosophy on ethics and self-understanding.