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3: Buddhist Philosophy

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    Buddhism is a religion and dharma that encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices largely based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. Buddhism originated in India sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, from where it spread through much of Asia, whereafter it declined in India during the middle ages. Two major extant branches of Buddhism are generally recognized by scholars: Theravada (Pali: "The School of the Elders") and Mahayana (Sanskrit: "The Great Vehicle"). Buddhism is the world's fourth-largest religion, with over 500 million followers or 7% of the global population, known as Buddhists.

    Buddhist schools vary on the exact nature of the path to liberation, the importance and canonicity of various teachings and scriptures, and especially their respective practices. Practices of Buddhism include taking refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha, study of scriptures, observance of moral precepts, renunciation of craving and attachment, the practice of meditation (including calm and insight), the cultivation of wisdom, loving-kindness and compassion, the Mahayana practice of bodhicitta and the Vajrayana practices of generation stage and completion stage.

    • 3.1: Buddhism Primer
      This page discusses Buddhism's origins, key practices, and fundamental principles. It highlights the religion's branches, particularly Theravada and Mahayana, with over 500 million followers. Central teachings involve the Noble Eightfold Path, karma, and concepts like dukkha and saṃsāra. It outlines the importance of moral precepts, the Three Jewels, and monastic rules (Vinaya). Meditation plays a crucial role, featuring various techniques aimed at liberation.
    • 3.2: Siddhartha (Part I)
      This page follows Siddhartha, a Brahman's son, as he seeks enlightenment amid discontent with traditional teachings and practices. After joining the ascetics, he experiences disillusionment and realizes that rigorous austerity does not lead to true fulfillment. He questions conventional wisdom and leaves the Samanas to seek the Buddha's teachings, ultimately deciding against following them, believing enlightenment cannot be taught.
    • 3.3: Siddhartha (Part II)
      This page chronicles Siddhartha's transformative journey from asceticism to materialism and back to spiritual awakening. After engaging with love and wealth, he finds himself lost in emptiness and disconnection despite his success. A moment of despair leads to a revelation as he remembers the deeper truths of life. Reuniting with his friend Govinda, Siddhartha embraces his past and recognizes that true wisdom comes from experience rather than teachings.
    • 3.4: Siddhartha (Part III)
      In this page, Siddhartha revisits the river and the ferryman, Vasudeva, reflecting on life's interconnectedness and the essence of existence. He faces grief from the loss of Kamala and his struggles with his son, leading to a journey of patience and acceptance. Through his bond with Vasudeva, Siddhartha learns to empathize with others and recognizes the cyclical nature of suffering and love.
    • 3.5: Origins, Theravada, and Mahayana
      This page explores Buddha's teachings on the Four Noble Truths, addressing the nature of suffering, its origins in craving, and the path to liberation. It highlights the Five Groups of Existence and the importance of recognizing impermanence and emptiness to avoid attachment. The concepts of Samsara and Nirvana are introduced, along with the Eightfold Path as a guide to achieve enlightenment.
    • 3.6: Ox-Herding, Sesshin and Nirvana
      This page explores the journey of Zen practice through Kaku-an's "Ten Oxherding Pictures," illustrating the progression from searching for the self to realizing oneness beyond duality. Unlike earlier versions, Kaku-an emphasizes the integration of the self rather than just seeking emptiness.
    • 3.7: Koans and Meditation
      This page presents Zen teachings emphasizing direct experience through koans like Joshu's "Mu" and the practice of sesshin, which involves focused meditation without distractions. It discusses the importance of establishing a dedicated meditation space (zazen) and emphasizes communal practice. The text also examines the Buddha's physical characteristics, detailing 80 minor traits that symbolize his majesty and are valued in Buddhist traditions.
    • 3.8: Zen
      This page discusses the teachings attributed to Mañgusrî from the Lotus Sutra on how Bodhisattvas Mahâsattvas should conduct themselves while teaching Dharma post-Tathāgata's extinction. Key qualities include patience, compassion, and humility, while maintaining purity and engaging with wisdom. The philosophical insights emphasize emptiness and the illusory nature of reality, challenging perceptions of existence and non-existence.

    This page titled 3: Buddhist Philosophy is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Noah Levin (NGE Far Press) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.