Buddhist Fundamentals and Scripture

The Three Refuges (or Jewels) The Buddha: The model for all those that follow him. The Sangha (Monastery life): Preserving authentic teachings of Buddha The Dharma: Guidelines for the alleviation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana

Three Characteristics of Existence The Buddha believed that all things (outside of nirvana) had three characteristics: Anicca Dukkha Anatta

Anicca Impermanence: Nothing remains the same for long. Everything breaks down and changes.

Dukkha Dissatisfaction: All beings experience suffering. Because of Anicca, even happiness is fleeting, and therefore leads to suffering.

Anatta No-self: There is no permanent independent self. No single part of the body (finger, eye, etc) can be considered the person. We only consider the sum total of the parts to be a person. When the person dies, so goes the person. Thus, the individual idea of a “person” is arbitrary and impermanent.

The Five Precepts Rules for lay people (think commandments): Abstain from killing or harming living beings (Ahimsa) Abstain from stealing Abstain from improper sexual conduct Abstain from false speech Abstain from taking alcohol and harmful drugs

Additional Precepts Monks and nuns take on extra precepts. Some sanghas (or monasteries) may have as many as 200. These are the big 5. Abstain from eating after noon. Abstain from looking at dancing, singing, or drama Abstain from the use of perfumes and things that tend to beautify and adorn a person Abstain from using comfortable beds Abstain from accepting gold or silver

Life of a monk Monks are expected to live an austere life (but not ascetic). They shave their heads, in order to give up vanity Traditionally, they give up all possessions, except those considered necessary, including: Robe Alms bowl Belt Razor Filter for water Staff Toothpick

The Tripitaka or The 3 Baskets Originally referred to three receptacles containing the scrolls on which the Buddhist scriptures were originally preserved. The Tripiṭaka traditionally contains three "baskets" of teachings: Sūtra Piṭaka Vinaya Piṭaka Abhidharma Piṭaka

Sūtra Piṭaka Teachings and sermons of Buddha originally transcribed in Sanskrit or Pali. Contain descriptions of Buddha and parables May help guide the way to enlightenment of the reader.

Jatakas Part of the Sutra Pitaka Stories of the Buddha’s past lives Illustrate morality

Vinaya Piṭaka Rules for monks and nuns Code of conduct Interview about monk life (15 minutes)

Abhidharma Piṭaka Explains the Sutra Pitaka more fully Explains the nature of consciousness

Mahayana Buddhist Scriptures Mahayana Buddhists have added many more sacred writings For example the Karma Sutra (how to live well)