Buddhism

Buddhism is included in detail in the face-to-face and elearning training programmes for which this resource is a supplement. For ease of reference some basic information is repeated here. Please refer to the section on Buddhism in the training 'Working with Religious Diversity' for more detail.

Origins

Buddhism is a philosophical system (or a religion, for many) originating in India and arriving in China during the Han Dynasty – around 200 BCE to 220 CE. By the 2nd century CE it had found its roots in Chinese culture and begun to merge with Taoism, mainly due to its simplicity and to the similarities between the two systems. The confluence of Buddhism with Taoism in China is referred to as Ch'an or Zen Buddhism. Yin-Yang theory and the balance of opposites were also incorporated into Zen Buddhism. Buddhism provides ethical and practical guidelines for right relationship and for achieving enlightenment and release from suffering.

Core Concepts and beliefs

Karma

Buddhists believe in the law of karma/kamma (deeds), which asserts that all actions have consequences and that these determine the quality of the present and future lives.

Reincarnation

Inherent in most sects of Buddhism is the concept of reincarnation, which involves an infinite cycle of re-birth and death until the individual achieves liberation from the cycle through enlightenment. Buddhism teaches how to attain this liberation through understanding the causes of suffering, and by implementing certain practices.

Enlightenment

The core belief of Buddhism is that enlightenment/liberation can end the cycle of death and rebirth. A commitment to the practices of meditation, mindful awareness, and living according to specific guidelines, offers a path to this end. Many believe that this takes countless reincarnations; others believe that with dedicated practice this can be achieved in a lifetime. Therefore for some Buddhists, the way they live and practice is extremely important.

In addition to meditation practice, followers are guided by the central teachings of Buddhism. These are the Four Noble Truths, the Five Precepts, and the Eightfold Path. Different sects and schools within Buddhism place different emphasis on aspects of the Eightfold Path, so followers will have varying concerns about service, devotion and meditation in their daily living. However, the development of mental and moral control is universal for Buddhists.

The Four Noble Truths

• Suffering (Dukkha): Life involves pain and suffering.
• Cause of Suffering: Pain and suffering is caused by attachment to, and desire for things that change.
• Cessation of Suffering: We can end suffering by relinquishing attachment and desire.
• Following The Eightfold Path is the means to end attachment and the cycle of suffering.

The Eightfold Path

This path enjoins followers to observe right action, right intention, right speech, right livelihood, right effort, right understanding, right mindfulness and right concentration.

The Five Precepts

Buddhists follow the Five Precepts as part of The Path. These involve refraining from killing, stealing, bad speech (including lying), sexual misconduct, and indulging in intoxicants. Different sects and communities interpret these slightly differently with some taking them literally and others applying them within contemporary lifestyle.