Buddhism: The Religion Without a God

Buddhism is one of the world's largest religions, with over 500 million followers. Buddhism is non-theistic, meaning there is no belief in a god, and can be considered a philosophy as much as a religion. Starting in ancient India, it spread through much of Asia within a few hundred years. Buddhism has since split into several different schools of thought, but the core principles remain the same throughout all denominations. Overall Buddhism is a peaceful compassionate belief system that seeks to end the pain and suffering of life through learning to let go and find tranquility within.

History of Buddhism

Buddhism began around the 5th century BCE in India. Its founder was a prince or nobleman from near the India-Nepal border named Siddhartha Gautama. Growing up in a rich lifestyle, he was sheltered by his father because of a prophecy that stated if Gautama went into the outside world and witnessed four specific signs, he would not grow to be a King but a great religious leader. As a young man however, Gautama began having his carriage driver take him out into the world, where he started to see the prophesized signs.

The first three signs were a sick man, an aging man, and a dead man. Each time he witnessed one of the signs, Gautama turned to his driver and asked, "Will this also happen to me?" To which the driver replied, "Yes, it happens to every man." This began to trouble him, because everyone he loved and all of his fine possessions would one day be lost. Upon seeing the fourth sign, an ascetic (a devoutly religious man who practices extreme self-discipline), Gautama asked the man why he seemed different. The man answered that he was living a peaceful life of compassion, reflection, and non-attachment. This got him to thinking and re-examining his life.

After this encounter, Gautama left his home and swore off his old life, choosing to wander and follow the ascetic's example. He tried several different methods, and learned from a variety of teachers. During this time period, Hinduism was beginning to fail the people, so many new schools of religion and belief were emerging. One of the biggest at the time was Jainism, which Gautama tried, but it seemed too extreme for him. The last major method he attempted was fasting, in which he nearly starved to death. It was after this, legend states, that he went and sat under a bodhi tree, and swore that he would not move until he either learned the correct way, or died there. After forty days, Siddhartha Gautama received his enlightenment, and at that moment became The Buddha.

At first The Buddha did not want to teach others, but eventually decided that it was his duty, so he set out to spread his word. His first sermon was at Deer Park in Sarnath, where he first spoke about the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The Buddha continued teaching for another forty-five years and died at eighty years old, and although he did not wish to be venerated in any way, his followers placed his ashes at several sites of importance. Buddhism continued on in parts of India until around 260 BCE when Ashoka the Great conquered India and spread it throughout the nation, and eventually throughout Asia.

Teachings of Buddha

The teachings of The Buddha contain a few basic ideals. The most central of them would be The Four Noble Truths, which explains that life is always changing yet we crave and cling to impermanent things we can not keep, which causes us pain. This results in a never ending cycle of Samsara, the endless repetition of rebirth, suffering, and dying again to be reborn. But by following the other teachings of Buddhism, such as The Threefold Way, one can break the cycle and achieve nirvana, which is perfect peace and Enlightenment.

The Three Jewels

The Three Jewels, or Three Treasures, are the most basic ideals at the root of the belief system. For one to become a Buddhist, the Three Jewels must be embraced, as all further teachings and enlightenment stem from them.

The Buddha

The Buddha is the yellow jewel, and stands for not only The Buddha, but also the idea of Buddhahood, and one's personal path to enlightenment. The goal of Buddhism to end the cycle of Samsara and suffering through this enlightenment, by clearly seeing and accepting the impermanent nature of life and reality.

The Dharma

The Dharma, the blue jewel, refers to all the teachings of The Buddha, as well as all texts and teachings of all Buddhas. The total amount of canonical Buddhist text is over one hundred times larger than the Bible. The word 'dharma' has various meanings around the world, but in reference to Buddhism it stands for the Enlightened Truth.

The Sangha

The Sangha, the red jewel, stands for the spiritual community. This could be one's family, congregation, or it could mean all Buddhists in general. It refers to the people that one is surrounded with, learning from. The idea is that while the path to enlightenment is a personal journey, everyone needs someone to learn from.

The Threefold Way

The next most basic principle of Buddhism is understanding the Threefold Way. The Threefold Way is Ethics, Meditation, and Wisdom. These ideals are separate on their own progressive path, yet they are also expanded upon through the Noble Eightfold Path

Ethics

Buddhism understands that life can be difficult and full of obstacles, but teaches that one must always strive to do what is right and helpful, rather than harmful. One lives through their actions, and actions have consequences.

Part of understanding the Ethics aspect is acknowledging the Five Precepts. The Five Precepts are not commandments, such as in Judeo-Christian tradition, but rather guidelines to help navigate through life. The Five Precepts are:

1. Do not kill or cause harm to other beings
2. Do not take the not-given (stealing)
3. Do not engage in sexual misconduct
4. Do not lie or deceive
5. Do not cloud the mind with substance (alcohol and drugs)

Meditation

The second stage of the Threefold Way is mediation. The Buddha taught that the only real way to rid oneself of anxiety, hatred, confusion, and negativity is to transform the mind and take control of those things. This can be achieved by practicing ways to develop clarity and concentration by finding peace and tranquility within. There are many different forms of meditation that have been developed and practiced over the millennia, and one may find their own unique technique.

Wisdom

Wisdom is the final phase of the Threefold Path, and is one of the ultimate goals of all Buddhist practices. Wisdom is the understanding that one is ignorant of the true reality of life, and can be achieved by first hearing the teachings of Buddha, and then meditating on them, thus completing the progression of the Threefold Way.

The Noble Eightfold Path

One of the most commonly known Buddhist teachings is the Noble Eightfold Path. The Eightfold Path is an expansion of The Threefold Way, to help give better understanding of it. The first two are part of Wisdom, the next three fall under Ethics, and the last three are Meditation. The eight points of the path were given by The Buddha during his first sermon, and are as follows (although do not need to happen in any particular order):

Right view

The Right View is the belief in karma and rebirth, as well as The Four Noble Truths. This includes the belief in an afterlife and that following the teachings of Buddha can lead to nirvana.

Right intention

The Right Intention is described as giving up one's former life or self to pursue the path to Enlightenment, to turn from cruelty and negativity to compassion and good-will.

Right speech

Right speech is fairly straightforward: do not lie or speak ill of someone, do not gossip, and always spread the teachings of Buddha.

Right action

Right Action is again self-explanatory: do not kill or hurt others, do not steal, and do not engage in sexual misconduct, including adultery.

Right livelihood

Right Livelihood is abstaining from the the wrong livelihood, that is harming or cheating others or acting in a way against the Threefold Way. It is also a call to be humble, to not possess more than one needs, and to always strive to help others.

Right effort

The last three are in regards to meditation. Right Effort means not allowing outside thoughts in that can cloud or disrupt the process.

Right mindfulness

Right mindfulness is a reminder to stay conscious and alert while meditating, to not be absent minded.

Right concentration

Right concentration is simply correct mediation, as explained through the four jhanas:

• Detachment from the external world and a consciousness of joy and ease
• Concentration, with suppression of reasoning and investigation
• The passing away of joy, with the sense of ease remaining
• The passing away of ease also, bringing about a state of pure self-possession and equanimity.

The Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths are the last main central teaching of Buddhism. Acceptance of the Four Noble Truths is essential to achieve enlightenment.

Existence is suffering.

Suffering can also be translated to mean pain or anguish. This is the most basic Truth, and it acknowledges that life is a struggle and always changing, and no matter what one does they will never achieve true happiness or satisfaction.

The cause of suffering is craving.

Life is always changing, and trying to cling to what is not permanent will cause suffering. Craving to cling to, or push away, produces karma which keeps one in the cycle of Samsara.

The end of suffering comes with the end of craving.

Once the craving can be extinguished, then the suffering will cease. This is part of the ultimate goal of Enlightenment, and the end of suffering will also mean no karma is being created.

There is a path that can lead one away from craving and suffering.

The "path" is the Path to Enlightenment. This could mean the Noble Eightfold Path, or one's personal path. Whichever path leads toward Buddhahood and away from the craving to cling to the impermanent.

Practices and Observances

The main practices of Buddhism are meditation, reflection, and devotion. Meditation is used to find peace and clarity, and to transform one's mind to take control of one's own suffering. Reflection is important, because in order to practice Buddhism one must understand the path. Simply understanding the path is not enough, however, Buddhism is a path of transformation, it is not always easy, so it takes devotion, as well as emotion and imagination.

Buddhist rituals generally contain three main parts: reciting from texts or The Buddha's teachings, chanting, usually of mantras, and offerings. These offering are often flowers, candles, and incense. They all represent beauty, light, and freshness, but also death and ending as each one has a finite expiration.

The other main practices of Buddhism are upholding the Four Noble Truths and Threefold Way. Besides leading an ethical and honest life, keeping one's mind and body in touch are also important, as they help lead to clarity and Enlightenment. Yoga is one of the most popular ways of doing this, not only does it serve as a form of meditation but it also helps with physical health.

Buddhists observe four specific days throughout the year, one for each of the Three Jewels, and the last to honor The Buddha's death. The first, and most important, is Buddha Day, celebrated on the first full moon of May (or June). This day celebrates when The Buddha received his Enlightenment, and is observed by remembering and reading from the texts of past Buddhas. On the full moon of July, Buddhists celebrate Dharma Day, which honors The Buddha's teachings. It marks the event of The Buddha's first sermon in Deer Park. On this day, Buddhists feel thankful and grateful that Buddhas of the past shared this enlightenment with them. On Sangha Day, the full moon of November, Buddhists celebrate their spiritual community. The other day that is honored is Parinirvana Day, February 15th, the death of The Buddha. It is a day of quiet reflection and meditation on the deceased and one's own eventual death.

As the fourth largest religion in the world, Buddhism has rooted itself into human society, influencing nations and societies for centuries, as well as inspiring artwork and the growth of culture. Having existed for over 2,500 years, it is one of the most studied and transcribed religions, spanning tens of thousands of pages. The Buddhist way is one of clarity, compassion, and letting go. Seeking to end the painful cycle of rebirth, suffering, and death, Buddhists use meditation to keep themselves on the Eightfold Path and honor the Four Noble Truths, in hopes that they will one day reach Enlightenment. And while Buddhism does not subscribe to the idea of a god who created everything, there is no specific rule saying that one can not believe - so long as it does not cloud their mind or distract them from their Path.