January 25, 2013
Learning Journal Questions Week 3
What were the key experiences in the life of the Buddha? Why were those Experiences important? Constant change (is life’s constant change, or impermanence), a lack of permanent identity abandon egotism and a fixation on material objects), and the existence of suffering (life, when lived conventionally, can never be fully satisfying because of its inescapable change) What are the Three Jewels of Buddhism? What are the Four Noble Truths? What are the steps of the Noble Eightfold Path? How do these teachings inform the practice of Buddhism?
Three Jewels - (Sanskrit: Triratna; Pali: Tiratana)—that is, the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha Four Noble Truths -(1) suffering exists; (2) it has a cause; (3) it has an and; and (4) there is a way to attain release from suffering
Noble Eightfold Path 1. Right understanding I recognize the impermanence of life, the mechanism of desire, and the cause of suffering. 2. Right intention My thoughts and motives are pure, not tainted by my emotions and selfish desires 3. Right speech I speak honestly and kindly, in positive ways, avoiding lies, exaggeration, harsh words 4. Right action My actions do not hurt any other being that can feel hurt, including animals; I avoid stealing and sexual conduct that would bring hurt. 5. Right work My job does no harm to myself or others. 6. Right effort With moderation, I consistently strive to improve. 7. Right meditation (right mindfulness) I use the disciplines of meditation (dhyana) and focused awareness to contemplate the nature of reality more deeply. 8. Right contemplation I cultivate states of blissful inner peace (samadhi). How do these teachings inform the practice of Buddhism? Ahimsa (do no harm) discourages causing not only physical pain but also psychological hurt or the exploitation of another Karma - It