Exploring Buddhism: Symbols, Siddhartha Gautama, Beliefs, and Practices

ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS:

Background Information:
When studying the different religions of the world we tend to focus on the distinctions between these religions and understanding what makes them unique, however, it is important to note that although these religions are distinct and unique in their way, some common themes and structures can be applied to them. Some of the common elements present in the different religions that we will be studying this semester are:
Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Writings

Divinely inspired writings that contain origins of the religion, essential beliefs, and major teachings. Some religions also revere writings of prominent figures throughout their history who have contributed to expounding the theology of the religion (ex: writings of the Christian saints)

Beliefs and Practices

Tenets of the religion that unify its community of believers on a variety of topics ranging from their relationship with the divine, soteriology, creation, eschatology, anthropology, etc.

Prayer and Worship

Liturgical practices that believers of the faith participate in throughout their daily lives. Some liturgical practices and rituals of prayer are performed in conjunction with the celebration of religious festivals at particular times of the week (ex: Sabbath) or times of the year (ex: Christmas)

Morality – Code of Ethics

Guiding principles that adherents of the faith abide by throughout their lives informed by the theology of the religion

History

Understanding how the religion was established and the advances of the religion throughout human history that shape the global image of the religion today while also recognizing changes in theology that have occurred throughout history due to major historical events

Instructions:
In your reading of Chapter 5 – Encouraging Buddhism: The Middle Path to Liberation you have gained a better understanding of what the religion of Buddhism is all about from the context of its history, beliefs, practices, code of ethics, etc. You will now use the information gleaned in the chapter to expand upon particular elements of Buddhism enumerated below:
Buddhist Symbols and Names (.5 pages)

Identify a common Buddhist symbol and explain its significance

Consider the following:

History/Origins of the Symbol
Important religious figure(s) associated with the symbol and their involvement with it
How is the symbol utilized by Buddhists today?

Is it used during prayer/worship?
Is it warm as an outward sign of faith?

Distinguish between the terms ‘Buddhism’ and ‘The Buddha’ as it relates to the religion itself.

Life of the Siddhartha Gautama (.5-1 page)

Discuss who Siddhartha Gautama was and the impact that he had on Buddhism.
Describe 3 key events from Siddhartha Gautama’s life.
Address how these events are commemorated by Buddhists today.

Beliefs and Practices (2 – 3 pages)
Throughout his life, Siddhartha Gautama did not record any of his teachings, but he is known for his influential sermons and the discussions that he had with his fellow monks. These sermons were transmitted orally for centuries before they were finally committed to writing by several different Buddhist groups. One of the most famous of The Buddha’s discourses is his first discourse titled Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma and in this discourse, he outlines two ideas that would become the foundation of all Buddhist thought: The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path.

Interpret the meaning of each of the Four Noble Truths (1-1.5 pages)

All life is suffering.
The Cause of Suffering is desire.
To end desire is to end suffering.
to end desire, one must follow the Noble Eightfold Path.

Articulate the significance of each of the aspects of The Noble Eightfold Path listed below and demonstrate how Buddhists believe that following these practical techniques will help them to achieve nirvana (1-1.5 pages)

Right Understanding
Right Thought (Intention)
Right Speech
Right Conduct
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration (Contemplation)

Submission Instructions:
When completing this written report, the following guidelines must be followed. Failure to do so will result in points being deducted from your grade.
This report must be typed in 12 pt. Times New Roman font & double-spaced.
Each section of the report must include a section title on a separate line (ex: Buddhists Symbols, Beliefs, and Practices, etc.)
Each section must incorporate at least 2 direct quotations from either the course text (World RELG4: Introduction to World Religions) or one of the databases/encyclopedias available through St. Thomas University Library with an appropriate citation.
The work should be formatted per the current CMOS and adhere to the page length requirements outlined above.
Your work will be assessed through Turnitin.

Read
Van Voorst, Robert E. World RELG4: Introduction to World Religions (4th ed.). Boston: Cengage MindTap, 2018.

Chapter 5: Encountering Buddhism  – link to the chapter can be found in the weekly module
Chapter 5 SlidesDownload Chapter 5 Slides

Watch
Cogito. “What Is Buddhism?” YouTube. May 4, 2021. https://youtu.be/lNdgT6VCuu0.
What Is Buddhism? (19:52)Links to an external site.
I Am Your Target Demographic. “What is Buddhism? What Do Buddhists Believe?” YouTube. July 9, 2019. https://youtu.be/IjtWtakwsjw.
What is Buddhism? What do Buddhists believe? (9:29)Links to an external site.
The School of Life. “EASTERN PHILOSOPHY – The Buddha.” YouTube. November 14, 2014. https://youtu.be/tilBs32zN7I.
EASTERN PHILOSOPHY – The Buddha (5:43)Links to an external site.
Philosophies for Life. “10 Life Lessons From Buddha (Buddhism).” YouTube. September 28, 2020. https://youtu.be/lnQuIGxteGI.
10 Life Lessons From Buddha (Buddhism) (22:24)Links to an external site.
Philosophies for Life. “Buddha – How To Deal With Changes In Life (Buddhism).” YouTube. October 14, 2021. https://youtu.be/Gzs6s_SGmng.
Buddha – How To Deal With Changes In Life (Buddhism) (17:53)Links to an external site
Philosophies for Life. “Buddha – How To Deal With Suffering In Life (Buddhism).” YouTube. February 14, 2022. https://youtu.be/I3R0O_majlQ.
Buddha – How To Deal With Suffering In Life (Buddhism) (18:38)Links to an external site.

HOW TO WORK ON THIS ASSIGNMENT (EXAMPLE ESSAY / DRAFT)

Introduction:

One of the largest faiths in the world, Buddhism has a long and illustrious history dating back more than 2,500 years. The Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, who lived in India around the fifth century BCE, served as the model for its teachings. This essay will examine various facets of Buddhism, including its names and symbols, Siddhartha Gautama’s biography, and its doctrines and rituals. The Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the two major concepts of Buddhism that form the basis of all Buddhist thought, will also be covered.

Buddhist names and symbols:

The lotus blossom, which has profound spiritual and cultural importance, is one popular Buddhist emblem. Since lotus flowers supposedly grew everywhere the Buddha walked, the lotus flower is frequently linked to the Buddha himself. The lotus flower represents spiritual awakening, enlightenment, and purity. It serves as a reminder that everyone can become enlightened and signifies the path from ignorance to enlightenment.

Buddhists use the lotus blossom in a variety of ways, including to adorn Buddha statues, altars, and temples. The blossom frequently appears in Buddhist artwork, writing, and poetry. Buddhists also use the lotus blossom as a meditation and prayer tool because of how beautiful and symbolic it is and how it helps to bring peace and tranquillity to the mind.

Separate the phrases “Buddhism” and “The Buddha” as they pertain to the religion.

The term “Buddhism” describes the religion, its principles, and its practices. It includes the values and ways of life of the many millions of individuals who adhere to the Buddha’s teachings worldwide. On the other hand, when someone refers to “The Buddha,” they are referring to Siddhartha Gautama, the historical individual who lived in ancient India and is credited with creating Buddhism. The Buddha is revered as a great spiritual figure and teacher, and the core of Buddhist thought is based on his teachings.

The Siddhartha Gautama’s Life:

In 563 BCE, Siddhartha Gautama was born into a privileged family in ancient India. He was protected from the harsh realities of the outside world and led a privileged life. However, he left his family and home at the age of 29 to pursue enlightenment. Six years of meditation and self-punishment later, he attained enlightenment beneath a Bodhi tree. He earned the moniker “the Buddha,” which is Sanskrit for “the enlightened one.”

Siddhartha Gautama’s abandonment of his opulent lifestyle, his enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree, and his first preaching at Deer Park in Sarnath are three significant moments in his life. Buddhists commemorate these occasions in a variety of ways, including by performing prayers, lighting candles or incense, and hosting religious celebrations.

Practices and Beliefs:

The Noble Truths of the Four:

The cornerstone of Buddhist thought is the Four Noble Truths, which are four fundamental truths. All life involves suffering, which is the first noble truth. The second great truth is that desire is what leads to pain. Ending desire also means ending suffering, which is the third noble truth. The Noble Eightfold Path must be followed to put a stop to desire, which is the fourth noble truth.

Give each of the Four Noble Truths its proper interpretation:

All life is suffering, according to the first noble truth, which implies that pain is a natural component of human existence. Pain, both physical and emotional, illness, aging, and death are all examples of suffering. This reality serves as a reminder to Buddhists that pain is a necessary component of existence and that accepting this fact is crucial.

The second noble truth, that desire is the root of suffering, states that human attachments and desires result in pain. This reality encourages Buddhists to refrain from being

ORDER A SIMILAR PAPER NOW