The Buddhist Society receives numerous inquiries about Buddhism, and materials on Buddhism from students, teachers and librarians in schools and colleges. this section aims to respond to these inquiries. It attempts to deal with some of the points which arise in the study of the content of Buddhism in the religious education syllabuses in schools, coursework done by students, GCSE, A level, professional, vocational, college and university syllabuses on Buddhism. It also takes into account some of the specific questions asked by inquirers. If you have any queries or comments on this section please write to 'The Council, The Buddhist Society, 58 Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PH, enclosing a s.a.e. envelope. If a student, please indicate your age and level of study.

* Underlined words are linked to the website glossary. Click on the link to open the Glossary and find out the meaning.

It is divided into four parts:

1. The Buddhist Society
2. Outline of Buddhism
3. Resources
4. Selected additional publications

1. Buddhist Society website

This website material provides an authoritative and comprehensive account of Buddhism. It is, necessarily, general and brief. If you need more detail please refer to the list of suggested books and selected additional publications.

2. Outline of Buddhism

Introduction

Buddhism, the Buddha Dhamma/Dharma, a Buddha's teaching, is a religion not simply philosophy - the teaching is not an intellectual analysis of mind and matter, but also involves practice. Buddhism falls within the definitions of religion in the Oxford English Dictionary. The courts of Law have held Buddhism to be a religion, and suitable Buddhist organisations can be registered under the law as charities under the heading Advancement of Religion. Legislation relating to eductaion, and connected regulations, consider Buddhism as a religion for the purposes of teaching religious educations in schools and with regard to the membership of Standing Advisory Committees on Religious Education within education autorities.

Origin

Buddhism is not a revealed religion. It knows of no God or Creator. The Dhamma is the law of Nature. A Buddha, ( Samma Sambuddha ), on Enlightenment, perceives Absolute Reality / Truth / the Dhamma, and teaches this and establishes a Buddhist community. After some time the teaching is forgotten. Then another Buddha is Enlightened and teaches the same Dhamma. There are Buddhas of the past and there will be Buddhas of the future. The current teaching is that of Gotama/Sakyamuni Buddha. Therefore it is incorrect to say that Gotama Buddha is the 'Founder' of Buddhism.

Buddha

One who has realized Enlightenment, Nibbana / Nirvana, and fully Awakened Awareness, and perceived the Dhamma, and Absolute Reality. Cf. Arahat Buddhas, Pacceka Buddhas and Samma Sambuddhas.

Buddhist

Someone who (1) takes the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha ( The Triple Gem ) as guides and (2) has an intention and makes an on going effort, to live according to the teachings.

Schools of Buddhism

• Mahayana

Far Eastern ( China, Japan, Korea )

• Theravada

South Asian ( Burma, Sri Lanka, Thailand ).

• Tibetan

( Tibet, Mongolia, Nepal )

Within the schools there may be different traditions. The central teaching is common, the teaching of Gotama Buddha. All the schools are represented in the United Kingdom.

Life of Gotama Buddha

Follow this link referring to website resources

Holy / Sacred Texts

Follow this link referring to website resources

Core Elements

Four Noble Truths, Enlightenment, Nibbana / Nirvana, Impermanence, Dukkha, No-I theory, Three Fires - attachment, anger, ignorance, Kamma / Karma, Rebirth, Dependant Origination (complex element), Paramis / Paramitas, Bodhisattva Path, Compassion, Wisdom, Meditation and Mindfulness.

Practice

Noble Eightfold Path, Paramis, Bodhisattas, Compassion, Bodhisattva Path, Paramitas. Buddhism does not rely on beliefs or fictions, all aspects of the teaching can be tested and realized by Buddhist practice

Major Festivals

Follow this link referring to website resources

Explain the Five Precepts.

Monastic Life

Follow this link referring to website resources

Initiation Rites

Generally no. A child of Buddhist parents lives as a Buddhist. In some traditions there is a formal taking of the Three Refuges and Five Precepts. In some countries eg. Burma and Thailand, young people take novice ordination and spend time, weeks/months in a temple.

Worship, Meditation, Mindfulness

Meditation on Loving kindness, Tranquility ( Samatha ) meditation and Insight ( Vipassana ) meditation. Formal meditation / informal meditation, mindfulness. Buddhist worship is a meditation on the Triple Gem - the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. Follow this link to read more

Offerings for worship

Flowers, Lights ( lamps ), Incense, Food.

Symbols, Artifacts

Varies depending on tradition. Alms bowl. Bowls, cups and dishes for offerings. Candle, incense holders. Images of Gotama ( Sakyamuni Buddha ), other Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Japanese gongs with strikers, Singing bowls with strikers, Strings of beads, Tibetan bells, flags, prayer wheels and thankas, Votive holders. Wheel with eight spokes ( noble eightfold path ).

NB: All these topics are not suitable for study at all levels. Please choose the topics suitable for your level.

3. Resources

In the process of being completed.

4. Selected additional publications

In the process of being completed.