Nibbana

Descriptions of Nibbana Activity There was plenty of notes yesterday on Nibbana, but for the purpose of the exam it is important that you know the results of reaching Nibbana is and also how it can be described. In your jotters your are going to create two mind maps that should help you gain full marks when it comes to Nibbana questions in the exam. Descriptions of Nibbana What is Nibbana

Results of reaching Nibbana End of Samsara Results of reaching Nibbana Blowing out of three root poisons (fires) Turtle/Fish Descriptions of Nibbana State of mind

What we already know Nibbana is: The cessation of suffering. Enlightenment, which means the answers to life’s questions. Impossible to describe without experiencing it. A state of mind you experience while you are still alive. Ends the cycle of Samsara and future rebirth.

Two Types of Nibbana asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfasdfff Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism have different views on the best way to attain Nibbana. We will look at each of these in turn asdfasdfasdfasdfasdfas

Theravada There are 3 areas of personal development you have to work on to reach Nibbana. These are: Sila (Morality) Samadhi (Concentration) Panna (Wisdom). Morality in Buddhhism follows certain rules – 5 precepts, 8fold path which we we will come onto in the final section. Morality – Dont harm any living being (most veggies) Concentration – Meditation Wisdom – Remembering Buddhist teachings (non-ignorance) Map of Theravada areas

4 Stages to Nibbana Theravada Buddhists also believe that you must become an Arhat (just another word for someone who has attained Nibbana) to attain Nibbana. They believe there are 4 stages in total that you must pass through. Little bit above what you need to know for higher – but A candidates may be expected to .

Theravada 1st Stage to Nibbana Sotapanna – This is the first stage, known as ‘stream entrant’ (like entering a stream that flows to Nibbana Achievement: rid of… self illusion, doubts.

Theravada 2nd Stage to Nibbana Sakadagami – These will have started to achieve some levels of Non- attachment Whats the contradiction here!?!? Don’t believe it is you that passes on but it is your karmic energy. Roots of the religion are from Hinduism so are some links, but yes a slight contradiction. Achievement: Weakened hold of Tanha and ill-will towards others.

Theravada 3rd Stage to Nibbana Anagami – this person has managed to completely eliminate sensual craving and ill will. Achievement: has removed all Tanha and ill-will towards others.

Theravada 4th Stage to Nibbana Arhat – This is attaining Nibbana. Achievment: Destroyed the five remaining feters of pride, restlessness, ignorance, craving for existence in world of form, and craving for existence in the non-material world.

Theravada Buddhists believe that to become an arhat you must stick closely to the eightfold path and this is easier for Monks and Nuns. Lay buddhists will find it more difficult. Lay Buddhists are people who follow the teachings of the Buddha but have not dedicated their lives to it (you would be a lay Buddhist if your decided to do it tomorrow. Theravada Buddhists are traditional Buddhists – stick to what the Buddha taught and havent really deviated from it – so near impossible for a lay Buddhust who hasn’t dedicated their whole lives to the middle way as the Monks have to achieve elightenment. Arhat’s are not ‘Buddha’s’, as being a Buddha means attaining Nibbana on your own, without anyone else’s teachings to guide you.

Questions 1. In your own words explain why a Theravada Buddhist may believe you would have to be a Monk to reach enlightenment? Describe at least 3 ways it might be easier for them than Lay Buddhists 2. Describe 3 reasons why it might be more challenging for a Lay Buddhist to remove all Thana all ill-will towards others. 3. Why would a Theravada Monk never be described as a Buddha – even if they reach enlightenment/Nibbana? 4. Why do you think some people might describe Theravada as selfish?

Mahayana They believe that everyone should be able to reach Nibbana, not just Monks and Nuns. Map of Mahayana areas Not so conservative – the out-there Buddhists. Mayahana – The Great Vehicle. So many forms. More accessible. Tibetan Buddhists Mahayana. Central to this is the Bodhisattva, which means ‘Becoming Buddha’. This is someone who is very close to achieving Nibbana but chooses to stay on the wheel of samsara.

Mahayana Bodhisattvas They choose not to devote their life to attaining Nibbana, but to helping others to get closer to it. Mahayana’s believe that the Buddha wanted everyone to achieve Nibbana and so it is more in line with his teachings to help others than to just help yourself. Take a vow to help all other sentient beings achieve elightment. Give up lives to help others – incredibly compassionate.

Dalai Lama “high teacher” Tibetan Monks Mahayana Buddhists Teacher of Compassion… Pretty Funny Guy….

Mahayana Bodhisattvas Instructions to become a Bodhisattvas. Develop Bodhicitta Develop Generosity Develop Morality Develop Patience Develop Effort Develop Concentration Develop Wisdom Bo-da-chi-ta …desire to become a Bodisatva, this is when they take the vow to help other beings. Arhats when life ends – everything goes. Bodas – when life ends – good karma stays on to help others. Prince Siddhartha Gautama as a bodhisattva, before becoming a Buddha. He is characteristically depicted as a nobleman, posing with left hand on the hip, Gandhara, 2nd-3rd century.

Bodhisatva Arhat In your jotter create a table showing the main differences between Theravada & Mahayana Buddhists. You should include…. Who can achieve Nibbana What happens when Nibbana is achieved? Which is more traditional/liberal? Differences in the methods to achieve Nibbana Why is one called “The Great Vehicle”? Etc…..

Questions Describe the human condition in Buddhist teaching. 6 KU Describe Buddhist beliefs about nibbana. 4KU How does Kamma work? 4KU How is Kamma connected to Nibbana? 4AE