The Goals Nibbana The Third Noble Truth

What do you aspire to ? 1. 2.

Nibbana – K&U Nibbana (nirvana in sanskrit ) is the state realised by the cessation of suffering . This is the major goal of Buddhists and is considered to be the state of enlightenment. For others enlightenment is a state beyond this . ( You will learn more of this later ). Buddha taught that the only way to get rid of unsatisfactoriness is to get rid of craving. This is what causes us to think and act in a way that accumulates negative karma . The only way to remove this is to achieve a state of enlightenment.

Source “ When the great seer had comprehended that where there was no ignorance whatever, there also the karma – formations had stopped – then he had achieved a correct knowledge of all there is to be known , and he stood out in the world as a Buddha. ……From the summit of the world he looked downwards he could detect no self anywhere. Like the fire when its fuel is burnt up , he became tranquil. He had reached perfection…” Source : The Legend of the Buddha Shakyamuni , 12.3 Buddhist Scriptures

To attain nibbana : K&U Truth of suffering must be accepted Then the Truth of the cessation of suffering Then the truth of the eight fold path as a means to cease suffering One would then cultivate wisdom and compassion which would lead to living a life in harmony with others . All of this leads beings away from the self. The other alternative is self cherishing and attachment

What is enlightenment ? A Vajrayana View – stages to enlightenment K&U Awake to the truth of suffering Awake to the truth that suffering is belief in a self Awake to the truth there is a path( which implies a cause of awakening ) to cessation of suffering which leads to a noble mind and pure heart

What is enlightenment ? The stages Awake to the truth of the teacher as Buddha Who can lead others to liberation Awake to the truth that a being can go and practice these teachings which have been thoroughly tested by others who have also uprooted the causes of suffering and realised enlightenment Great enlightenment- realising true nature and taking the bodhisattva vow to remain to help others – Turning the wheel for others

Nibbana– Info Gathering On your piece of paper write something on from one of your columns and then pass it back, forward or to the side . These papers will be shuffled and then people at random will be asked to read out the information on the piece of paper.

The Buddha’s experience of nibbana mentioned perfection . What qualities might be associated with this ? Discuss and write down

KU Often when Buddhists talk about nibbana it is often said that it is a state that is indescribable as it is a state of transcendence beyond this reality Nevertheless certain characteristics are associated with it. The sanskrit word is Nirvana. This is made up of nir which means out and va which means to blow . Whilst this conveys the notion of the cessation of suffering , it possibly leads people to think of a kind of nothingness. This is not correct. Why not?

Whilst some would say that Nibbana has stages, nonetheless, most agree the final stage and ultimate enlightenment is a profound awakening into an awareness of reality where all defiled mind states are dissolved and the mind is luminous and infinite. This is not a state of nothingness. What do you think of this idea? Discuss

Nibbana– Info Gathering On your piece of paper write something on from one of your columns and then pass it back, forward or to the side . These papers will be shuffled and then people at random will be asked to read out the information on the piece of paper.

AE The nihlist view is that there is nothing after death . When the body dies, awareness dies with it. This is not what Buddhists believe generally. In Therevadan Buddhism – emphasise the snuffing out of suffering Mahayana- awareness and luminosity and emptiness These Buddhists talk about luminous emptiness or empty awareness to illustrate their ideas .Sometimes they use the image of the sky to show this. Why do you think this might be a good image? Discuss and write down your ideas

The state of Nibbana extinguishes the flames of greed , hatred and ignorance – the three poisons .It does not depend on anything and therefore has no beginning or end . Some Buddhists would describe this as the natural condition that is intrinsic in all sentient beings . It just needs to be uncovered after aeons of obscuration. Sometimes this is called emptiness – empty of a self

Discuss this idea of this being our natural state natural state Discuss this idea of this being our natural state natural state. Think too of the idea of the beginningless beginning and discuss ! Using the textbook and support material , you are going to find out more about how Nibbana is viewed , especially by the two main schools –Therevada and Mahayana

What is the difference between nothingness and emptiness? Emptiness or Empty awareness is awareness emptied of all notions, concepts, fixations, especially that of a self. It is luminous, vibrant, infinite, clear, expansive perception not coloured in any way as opposed to the narrow limited perception of the self Nothingness is lifeless , void of anything. ( Sometimes in Buddhism the term Void is used but they mean Emptiness as above )

Evaluation of understanding I understand the difference between nothingness and emptiness Use the traffic lights Explain it to your partner Give yourself a grading 1-5 . 5 indicates a good understanding

Therevada and Mahayana views on Nibbana These two traditions have different views on how to ‘attain’ nibbana and it is important you are aware of these. They also have a different focus regarding the goals of kamma and nibbana

The Goals For Therevada Buddhists, their primary goal is to improve their kamma. Ultimately they wish to attain Nibbana. They think though that Nibbana is only reached after many lifetimes of virtue and diligence in practicing the Dhamma. They think the more realistic goal of a life is to attain a better rebirth – perhaps to be born as a monk or nun. Then they have a better chance of attaining nibbana. For Mahayana Buddhists, the primary goal is to attain Nibbana. In order to do this they must improve their kamma . They think though this is possible with great effort in one lifetime.

The Therevadin View KU Therevadin Buddhists believe that nibbana is complete liberation from dukkha and is attained during life rather than on death. When one attains Nibbana, kamma ceases therefore the cycle of samsara ceases- there will no longer be rebirth. There are three main areas that can be worked on to reach Nibbana: 1. Sila- morality 2. Samadhi- concentration 3.Panna- wisdom

KU They would also say that there are four stages that a being works through to attain Nibbana, the final stage being the Arhat. Only Arhats attain Nibbana in the Therevada tradition. The four stages are : 1. Sotapanna- stream enterer 2.Sakadagami- once returner 3.Anagami- eliminated all cravings 4. Arhat- destroyed all craving and poisons This process happens over several lifetimes With your neighbour, discuss each of the stages and what you think they fully mean and make notes. Then turn to p.83 in Issues of Buddhism or p.30 in your support material and complete your notes on each stage. Most lay people within the Therevada tradition would see this as a distant goal. Their primary objective is to gain good kamma, a good rebirth and then eventual enlightenment. Monks and nuns are far better placed to attain Nibbana as their lifestyles make it easier for them to lessen cravings etc. They are able to spend time in meditations and study of the sutras and scriptures.

Evaluation of understanding I understand the difference between the Therevada and Mahayana different focus on goals I understand the path of the Therevada Buddhist on how to attain nibbana Use the traffic lights Explain it to your partner Give yourself a grading 1-5 . 5 indicates a good understanding

Criticisms of the Arhat AE Some non Theravadin Buddhists think this is a selfish thing to do . Can you think why? How do you think a Theravadin Buddhist would respond to this criticism?

AE Theravada Buddhists regard their doctrine to be the original teachings of Buddha. Their Arhat ideal states that disciples must isolate themselves from the distractions of the world and "...with prodigious concentration, [proceed] unswervingly toward that goal" of nirvana (Smith 124).

AE Some would say that Theravada Buddhism is selfish because Arhats focus mainly on their own salvation, and not on others'. An Arhat is literally one who has conquered all "lust, hatred, and delusion..." (Lester in Earhart 964) and has freed himself from the cycle of desire, suffering, and rebirth, patiently awaiting nirvana. However a Theravadin would respond by saying that Arhats would then help other beings, once enlightened

AE It can be said about Theravadin Buddhism that seekers on the path to nibbana are on their own. Theravada expert Ven. Dr. H. Saddhatissa states that "...Buddhism does not recognize a Creator God but rather states that we are the architects of our own destinies" (35). They are taught not to rely on the grace of God/gods, but rather on the solitary efforts they make toward nirvana.

Nibbana– Info Gathering On your piece of paper write something on from one of your columns and then pass it back, forward or to the side . These papers will be shuffled and then people at random will be asked to read out the information on the piece of paper.

Criticisms of the arhat AE Critics (Mahayana Buddhists) would say think the arhat route is too remote for most ordinary people. Why do you think this is ? They would say that attaining Nibbana is open to all – not just to a few. This is one of the reasons Mahayana Buddhism is known as the greater vehicle. Mahayana Buddhists think too that with pure effort it is possible that beings can attain enlightenment in one life. ( though difficult)

Evaluation of understanding I understand the criticisms of the arhat Explain it to your partner Give yourself a grading 1-5 . 5 indicates a good understanding

Mahayana - KU Within this tradition is the idea of the Bodhisattva – one who wishes to attain enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.

Mahayana KU Another way of describing it is as a Buddha- to-be . The Jakata Tales are stories of Siddharta’s previous lives as a bodhisattva before he became a Buddha. It can also be described as ‘enlightened essence’

KU KU Whilst the Arhat can be seen as a noble thing, the bodhisattva ideal is seen as a nobler aspiration. The bodhisattva vows to remain in Samsara until all suffering ceases for everyone and he does everything he or she can to help them . This is noble as they deliberately stay amidst suffering, even if they have reached the stage of leaving it behind . They will not abandon the suffering . Its like someone who is wealthy living amidst the slums of India. Even although they have a plane ticket to leave, they choose to stay and help.

KU Mahayana means literally "big raft“ because it considers itself to be able to carry all beings over the ocean of samsara to the shore of liberation. Mahayana Buddhism has ritual, prayer, and acknowledgment of deities at the heart of it, unlike Therevada Buddhism (Smith 126).

KU In the Mahayana the bodhisattva, is the "being striving for enlightenment." (Lester in Earhart 879) The bodhisattva can be characterized as one who denies self-interest (879) and refuses nibbana for the sake of helping others achieve it.

KU The selfless bodhisattva aims to accumulate merit for others’ benefit. Bodhisattvas can be called upon in prayer by lay Buddhists — a ritual dimension not unlike the Christian concept of sainthood.( Lester) Very different from the Therevada Buddhist

Evaluation of understanding I understand the Mahayana path to enlightenment/ nibbana I understand the concept of a bodhisattva Use the traffic lights Give yourself a grading 1-5 . 5 indicates a good understanding

Criticisms of the Bodhisattva AE As already mentioned, Therevada Buddhists believe that their form of Buddhism is much closer to the original teachings of the Buddha. The idea of the bodhisattva was not taught by the Buddha.

Criticisms of the Bodhisattva AE Also as it has developed, bodhisattvas themselves have become objects of devotion, rather like gods. This is not what the Buddha taught. Idea of being helped to nibbana is not part of Therevada tradition – only you can liberate yourself

Evaluation of understanding I understand the criticisms of the bodhisattva I agree/ disagree Use the traffic lights Write down your reason for the second part. You will be asked to share it with your class

Avalokiteshvara embodies enlightened compassion ( pictured here) Responses - AE The Mahayana Buddhist would argue that these bodhisattvas are not worshipped like gods but that they are meditated on to develop the qualities of the bodhisattva in the person.e.g. Avalokiteshvara embodies enlightened compassion ( pictured here)

Mahayana would also say that an individual can only liberate themselves but that they can be helped with auspicious conditions. E.g its like the difference between going up a mountain without a map, compass and guide and going up a mountain with all of that. Only the individual can walk up the mountain but they are assisted with all of these conditions. .

They also say that the Buddha taught beings according to their abilities and this is the original teachings of the Buddha. He also left some things for beings to uncover when they were ready to .

As others have become enlightened, they have left a wealth of wisdom to help others to become enlightened too. This is just as important as the Buddha’s teachings as they too are coming from enlightenment mind.

Becoming a Bodhisattva Develop bodhichitta- mind of enlightenment Where the aspiration to help all beings naturally arises Develop the six perfections : 1.generosity- dana 2.morality-sila 3.patience-ksanti 4.virya- effort 5.dhyana-concentration 6.prajna- wisdom Course the ten stages (bhumis) The bodhisattva is the perfect combination of wisdom (prajna) and compassion (karuna) Find out what the following terms mean- Sravaka, Pratyekabuddha ( use p.87 of Issues of Buddhism)

Evaluation of understanding I understand the difference between the arhat and the bodhisattva Use the traffic lights Explain it to your partner Which would you aim to attain if you were a Buddhist – being a bodhisattva or an arhat? Go to the appropriate area of the room

Now review your notes What are you still unsure of? What do you really understand? Which parts of this will you need to go over again to ensure you understand all of it?

Exam Questions Unit Assessment Sample Exam Question Int 1 What is Nibbana ?(2) Int 2 “If you have not attained nibbana you remain in ignorance .” What would a Buddhist mean by this statement ? (6) Higher ‘ Nibbana means awakening to the true nature of reality’ Explain this Buddhist teaching (8) Sample Exam Question Int 2 According to Mahayana Buddhists,what is a Bodhisattva? (4 k&u) Higher What criticisms of the idea of the Bodhisattva might a Therevada Buddhist have ? (4k&u)

ARE YOU A BODHISATTVA OR AN ARHAT ? ONE SIDE THE OTHER WHICH WHY .

Now go and find the other and discuss the for and against of each position Decide between you which is the better position and say why .