Buddhist Symbols
Buddhism is one of the world’s dominant religions, with its number of followers growing as its religious practices and retreats become more popular. However, this religion has a long history and a system of symbols that demonstrate its sacred ideas and ethical principles. One of the common ancient symbols of Buddhism is the Wheel of Teaching, also known as the Dharmachakra. It looks like a steering wheel of a ship and represents the Buddha’s turning of “the wheel of the teaching to get his movement going.”
On a deeper level, the eight radial lines coming from the center of the wheel represent the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism. At the same time, the central circle embodies “the endless cycle of rebirth, escaped only by following Buddhist teachings to enlightenment.” Today, it is used in Buddhist culture in statues, where it is depicted as a wheel held in the Buddha’s hands. One should note the distinction between the terms “Buddhism” and “the Buddha,” where the former refers to the religion of enlightenment, and the latter refers to the historical figure who is the founder of this religion. In contrast, the latter refers to Siddhartha Gautama, the Enlightened One.
Life of Siddhartha Gautama
Siddhartha Gautama is a sacred figure in Buddhism due to his portrayal in the scripture as the Enlightened One. Thus, after his enlightenment, he is commonly referred to as the Buddha, whose life and teachings are followed by Buddhists. Gautama is perceived as a model Buddha, while his teachings imply that “anyone can become enlightened, and even become a Buddha” upon achieving so-called enlightenment. One of the main events in Gautama’s life that remains relevant to the Buddhist religion is his birth, which is regarded as his final reincarnation or rebirth, marking the end of his suffering. This event changed the lives of the people since Gautama was born to bring light to the world.
Another significant event in Gautama’s life was his attainment of enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, where he sat in extended meditation, during which he realized the meaning of his present and past lives and decided to teach others. This event is commemorated by the treatment of the Bodhi Tree as a sacred place in Buddhism.
Finally, the third most crucial event in Gautama’s life was his attainment of Parinirvana before his death, during which he underwent several meditation trances and ultimately passed away. This event is commemorated by Buddhists as a manifestation of the ultimate understanding of one’s life and achieving salvation through diligence and perseverance. Thus, the life events of this sacred figure have a decisive guiding impact on the Buddhist religious tradition.
Beliefs and Practices
Four Noble Truths
Buddhism’s core beliefs and practices are grounded in the Four Noble Truths, which are a concise reiteration of the basic principles of Buddhism as taught by the Buddha in his first sermons. In brief, these four truths “diagnose the human problem, describe its cause, propose a cure, and prescribe a treatment.”
The first Noble Truth holds that all life is suffering, meaning that since all living creatures are born, live, become ill, and eventually die, they endure continuous suffering, whether physical or mental. Emotional unhappiness causes suffering because short experiences of happiness pass, leaving people unhappy.
The second Noble Truth indicates that “the cause of suffering is desire.” The problem is suffering, and its cause is desire, meaning that people feel unhappy or ill due to the continuous pursuit of wealth, happiness, property, reputation, and other things that people want and live for. The third Noble Truth provides Buddhists with a solution, which is embodied in the end of the desire to end the suffering that causes it. In this manner, when one ceases the craving, they can stop the suffering and prevent reincarnation.
Finally, the fourth Noble Truth of Buddhism provides followers with a tool to stop their desire and prevent suffering. This truth holds that to overcome desire, one should follow the Noble Eightfold Path, which leads to nirvana. In this regard, reaching the state of nirvana allows for freeing oneself from suffering “because in it one is free from delusions and cravings about the nature of the self and reality.” Thus, following the Eightfold Path is a means of treating suffering, which is why it holds a sacred meaning for the Buddhist religion.
The Noble Eightfold Path
As the title implies, this ethical teaching encompasses eight aspects that characterize the thinking patterns and behaviors necessary for attaining the state of enlightenment, also known as nirvana. Firstly, it is a proper understanding of reality, free from delusions, which allows for an objective view of one’s existence. The followers of Buddhism believe that by following this aspect of the Noble Eightfold Path, they can liberate themselves from obsessive desires and delusions, which can free their minds to enable them to reach nirvana.
Secondly, proper thought or intention is the teaching that guides the believers to be sincerely committed “to embark upon the path to liberation with determination and diligence.” The development of commitment to the spiritual journey is essential, as the desire to change is fundamental to the success of the entire process of attaining enlightenment, also known as nirvana.
Thirdly, right speech is the third aspect of the Noble Eightfold Path, emphasizing the importance of speaking the truth at all times. According to Buddhism, lying is a manifestation of suffering, which is why ending suffering requires one to refrain from making deceptive statements. The fewer people who lie, the less suffering there will be in the world in general.
Fourthly, proper conduct embodies the principle that guides human life and interaction with others, limiting opportunities for causing harm to the world and to others by preserving good karma. Indeed, the principle of proper conduct is based on “the Five Precepts of not killing, stealing, lying, drinking intoxicants, and being sexually immoral.” In addition, Buddhists believe that being selfish is another thing to be avoided on the path toward liberation and nirvana.
Fifthly, the right livelihood is another core principle among the constituents of the Eightfold Path. This teaching holds that a person should lead a decent life by committing to work and refraining from harming others. In this manner, they will be able to achieve liberation or enlightenment by reducing the cause of suffering.
Sixthly, the right effort implies the importance of consciousness, making oneself refrain from cravings and develop wholesome consciousness. Seventhly, right mindfulness is achieved through meditation, during which one is capable of freeing oneself from egotistic thoughts and desires. Finally, right contemplation is the state of deep mindfulness when one’s concentration is at its peak and stillness and calmness are achieved in its wholeness. Therefore, the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path serve as a guide for Buddhists on how to live their lives with purpose and understanding of their ultimate worth.
Bibliography
Van Voorst, Robert E. World RELG4: Introduction to World Religions. Boston: Cengage, 2020.