Teachings of Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama

• Refers to the birth name of the Buddha, indicating his pre-enlightenment identity.
• He was predicted to achieve greatness.

Noble Caste

• Denotes the social class to which Siddhartha Gautama belonged at the time of his birth.

4 Passing Sights

• These are the pivotal observations that prompted Siddhartha's spiritual journey, encompassing an old man, a sick man, a dead man, and a holy man.

3 Marks of Reality

• Highlights three fundamental characteristics of existence: Change (Anichcha), No permanent identity (Anatta), and Suffering (Dukkha).

4 Noble Truths

• Core doctrines in Buddhism that explain the nature of suffering, its origins, its cessation, and the path leading to its cessation.

8-Fold Path

• A set of principles in Buddhism that guide ethical and mental development.

Right Understanding

• Involves grasping the true nature of reality and the causes of suffering.

Right Thought

• Encourages cultivating thoughts rooted in love and detachment.

Right Speech

• Emphasizes speaking truthfully and kindly, avoiding gossip.

Right Action

• Focuses on behaving ethically and refraining from causing harm to others.

Right Livelihood

• Involves choosing an occupation that does not cause harm.

Right Effort

• Diligently fostering positive states of mind.

Right Mindfulness

• Centers on maintaining awareness of the body, feelings, and thoughts.

Right Concentration

• Developing deep states of meditative absorption.

The 3 Jewels

• Represent the core of Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma (teachings), and Sangha (community of monks).

5 Precepts

• Basic ethical guidelines for Buddhists to adhere to.

King Ashoka

• An Indian ruler who played a significant role in spreading Buddhism throughout Asia.

Theravada Buddhism

• Known as the oldest and most conservative school of Buddhism.

Pali Canon

• The collection of scriptures in Theravada Buddhism.

Sutta Pitaka

• Also known as the Basket of Discourses, which contains the Buddha's sermons and teachings.

Vinaya Pitaka

• The Basket of Discipline, which outlines the monastic rules for Buddhist monks and nuns.

Abidhamma Pitaka

• This summarizes and clarifies the philosophical and doctrinal teachings of Buddhism.

Mahayana Buddhism

• A form of Buddhism that places significant emphasis on cosmic principles and the role of Bodhisattvas in helping others achieve enlightenment.

Bodhisattvas

• Beings who postpone their own enlightenment to assist others in achieving it.

Trikaya Doctrine

• Describes the three bodies of the Buddha: Dharmakaya, Sambhogakaya, and Nirmanakaya.

Vajrayana Buddhism

• A branch of Buddhism practiced in Tibet that incorporates Tantric practices into its teachings.

Tantric Buddhism

• Focuses on using bodily energies and practices to attain enlightenment.

Dalai Lama

• The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, believed to be the reincarnation of Avalokiteśvara.

Gelug-pa

• A sect of Tibetan Buddhism that was founded by Tsong Khapa.

Kanjur and Tenjur

• Tibetan texts that include Buddhist scriptures and commentaries.

Hinduism

• An ancient religion that originated in India, characterized by its diverse traditions and absence of a single founder.

Indus River Valley

• The geographical area in modern-day Pakistan where Hinduism originated.

Brahman

• The concept of ultimate reality and the divine essence that underlies all things in the universe.

Atman

• Represents the individual soul, which is believed to be connected to Brahman.

Maya

• The illusion or delusion that characterizes the everyday material world.

Karma

• The law of cause and effect, which influences rebirth and future lives.

Samsara

• The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, from which individuals seek to escape.

Moksha

• Liberation from the cycle of rebirth, representing spiritual enlightenment and freedom.

Ahimsa

• The principle of non-violence, advocating for the avoidance of harm to all living beings.

Sanyasa

• The philosophy of renunciation and detachment from worldly desires and possessions.

Trimurti

• The triad of principal deities in Hinduism, consisting of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Brahmin

• The highest caste in the Hindu caste system, traditionally associated with priests and scholars.

Kshatriya

• The warrior and noble caste in Hindu society, responsible for protecting the community.

Vaishya

• The middle class caste in Hindu society, typically comprising merchants and landowners.

Shudra

• The lowest caste in the traditional Hindu caste system, consisting of servants and laborers.

Dalit

• Individuals who are considered outcastes or untouchables, historically marginalized in society.

Vedas

• Ancient scriptures that form the foundational texts of Hinduism.

Rig-Veda

• The oldest of the Vedas, containing 1,028 hymns and prayers.

Yajur-Veda

• A handbook for priests that provides instructions for performing sacrifices.

Sama-Veda

• Consists of chants and tunes used in sacrificial ceremonies.

Atharva-Veda

• Contains spells, charms, and magical formulas.

Upanishads

• Philosophical texts that explore spiritual concepts and the nature of reality.

Bhagavad Gita

• A dialogue between Arjuna and Krishna that explores themes of duty, devotion, and liberation.

Yoga

• Practices aimed at achieving spiritual union with the divine.

Jnana Yoga

• The path of knowledge, which involves studying scriptures and gaining wisdom.

Diwali

• A festival of lights celebrated in Hinduism, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Gandhi

• A leader who played a pivotal role in India's independence movement, advocating for non-violent resistance.

Aryan Invasion Theory

• A hypothesis suggesting that Aryans invaded and influenced India.

Aryan Migration Theory

• A contrasting theory suggesting that Aryans migrated peacefully to India.

Hindu Goddesses

• Female deities who represent various forms of power, knowledge, and other qualities.

Explore the core teachings of Buddhism, including Siddhartha Gautama's life, the Four Passing Sights, Three Marks of Reality, Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold Path. Understand the principles of Right Understanding and Right Thought that guide ethical and mental development in the Buddhist tradition.