Republic of the Philippines

WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Social Work and Community Development
Bulatok, Pagadian City

Buddhism

Group Members:

1. Jilvert S. Lualhati
2. Jay Ar Cabatit
3. Mea L. Sejuela
4. Mark Perolino
5. Renalyn Reigh R. Bartiana
6. Shanthy J. Zafra

OBJECTIVES

1. To define buddhism and how it was originated.

2. To define the beliefs, practices, and rituals of buddhism
3. To come up new knowledge and ideas about this religion.

Content:

BUDDHISM
- is one of the world's largest religions and originated 2,500 years ago in India. Buddhists believe that the
human lie is one of the suffering, and that meditation, spiritual and physical labor, and good behavior are
the ways to achieve enlightenment, or nirvana.

WHERE DID BUDDHISM ORIGINATE?

• Buddhism began in India over 2,500 years ago. It is not the fourth - largest religion in the world, with
approximately 500 million followers.
• 99% of Buddhists live in Asia, specifically 50 % live in China.

HOW DID BUDDHISM BEGIN?

• Buddhism was founded by a Prince called Siddhartha Gautama. From childhood, Siddhartha noticed the
suffering of other creatures. When he was 29 years old he saw four things that changed his view on life:
old age, sickness, death and a holy man. He gave up his luxury and set out to discover how to end
suffering by living an ascetic life. He settled in the Middle Way and this led to him reaching
enlightenment. His teachings were passed on to from Buddhism.

BELIEFS OF BUDDHISM

Buddhism is a diverse and complex religion with various beliefs and practices, but there are some
fundamental principles that are generally shared across different Buddhist traditions. Here are some key
beliefs of Buddhism:

1. The Four Noble Truths: Buddhism teaches that there is suffering (dukkha) in life, that
suffering arises from craving and attachment, that suffering can be overcome, and that there
is a path to liberation from suffering.

2. The Law of Dependent Origination: According to this belief, all phenomena arise in
dependence on causes and conditions. It explains how suffering arises due to the interplay of
various factors.

3. The Eightfold Path: This is considered the path to liberation from suffering. It consists
of right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort,
right mindfulness, and right concentration.

4. Karma: Buddhists believe in the law of karma, which states that our intentional actions
have consequences. Positive actions lead to positive outcomes, while negative actions lead to
negative outcomes.

5. Rebirth and Reincarnation: Buddhists believe in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
(samsara). They believe that individuals go through multiple lives until they attain liberation
(nirvana).

6. Nirvana: Nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhism. It is a state of liberation and freedom
from suffering. It is often described as the cessation of craving, ignorance, and attachment.

7. Impermanence: Buddhists believe that all conditioned phenomena are impermanent and
constantly changing. This belief encourages practitioners to cultivate non-attachment and
embrace the transient nature of existence.

It is important to note that these beliefs may be interpreted differently across Buddhist traditions
and individuals. Buddhism is a diverse religion, and beliefs may vary based on cultural, geographical, and
historical contexts.

RITUALS OF BUDDHISM

Buddhism, as a spiritual tradition, encompasses various rituals and practices that are observed by
its followers. Here are some key rituals in Buddhism:

1. Meditation: Meditation is a central practice in Buddhism, aimed at cultivating mindfulness,

concentration, and insight. It involves focusing one's attention and observing the mind and body,
leading to a state of calm and clarity.
 2. Chanting: Chanting is a common ritual in Buddhism, where practitioners recite sacred texts,
sutras, or mantras. It is believed to create a positive atmosphere, purify the mind, and generate
spiritual energy.
3. Prostrations: Prostrations are physical acts of reverence and humility. Buddhists bow down
and touch their forehead to the ground, symbolizing respect for the Buddha, Dharma (teachings),
and Sangha (community of practitioners).

4. Offerings: Buddhists make offerings of flowers, candles, incense, and food to express
gratitude, generosity, and devotion. These offerings symbolize the impermanence of material
possessions and the importance of letting go.

5. Taking Refuge: Taking refuge is a ritual where individuals formally declare their commitment
to the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha (the awakened one), the Dharma (the teachings),
and the Sangha (the community of practitioners). It signifies seeking guidance and protection on
the path to enlightenment.

6. Vesak: Vesak, also known as Buddha Purnima or Buddha Day, is a significant Buddhist
festival celebrated on the full moon day of May. It commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and
death (parinirvana) of Gautama Buddha. Devotees engage in meditation, chanting, and acts of
kindness and generosity.

7. Kathina Ceremony: The Kathina Ceremony is an annual event in Theravada Buddhism,

usually held after the end of the rainy season retreat (Vassa). It involves the offering of robes and
other requisites to the monastic community, supporting their material needs.

8. Funeral Rites: Buddhist funeral rites vary across different traditions and cultures. They often
include chanting, meditation, prayers, and rituals to honor the deceased, provide spiritual support,
and facilitate their transition to the next life.

It's important to note that while rituals hold significance in Buddhism, the essence of the teachings
lies in the cultivation of wisdom, compassion, and the realization of one's true nature. Rituals serve as
aids in this journey but are not considered the ultimate goal in themselves.

PRACTICES OF BUDDHISM

Buddhism encompasses a wide range of practices that vary across different traditions and
cultures. However, there are some common practices that are widely observed by Buddhists:

1. Meditation: Meditation is a central practice in Buddhism. It involves focusing the mind

and cultivating mindfulness, concentration, and insight. There are various types of meditation, such as
mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and insight meditation.

2. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present, aware, and non-
judgmental of one's thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It is often cultivated through meditation
practices but can also be applied to everyday activities.
3. Noble Eightfold Path: The Noble Eightfold Path is a set of ethical and spiritual guidelines
that form the core of Buddhist practice. It includes right understanding, right intention, right speech,
right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.
 4. Precepts: Precepts are ethical guidelines that Buddhists follow to live a virtuous and
compassionate life. The five precepts commonly observed by lay Buddhists are to refrain from
killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech, and intoxicants.

5. Offerings and Devotion: Buddhists often engage in offering ceremonies, such as making
offerings of food, flowers, and other symbolic items at temples or their home altars. Devotional
practices, such as chanting, bowing, and prostrations, are also common ways to express reverence and
cultivate faith.

6. Retreats: Retreats provide dedicated time and space for intensive practice. Buddhists may
join silent meditation retreats or engage in specific retreats focused on the study and contemplation of
Buddhist teachings.

7. Study and Dharma Talks: Buddhists place great importance on studying the teachings of
the Buddha and the commentaries by Buddhist scholars. They may attend Dharma talks, read
scriptures and texts, and engage in discussions with teachers and fellow practitioners.

It is important to note that these practices may vary across different Buddhist traditions and
individuals, and the emphasis on specific practices may differ. Buddhism encourages each person to
find a suitable practice that resonates with their needs and aspirations.

Key Concepts

Buddha(bud-a) The awakened of enlightened one

Dhammapada(darma—pada) A Buddhist scripture that contains the teachings and sayings of Buddha

Enlightenment- The state of being ‘awakened’ to the truth about life

Karma- The forces that influence people’s fortune and future rebirth

Meditation- The practice of focusing the mind

Nirvana- A state of complete bliss, entered into by souls that are not reborn - experience by those who
have reached enlightenment

Samsara- The continual process of life, death and rebirth

Bhikkhu (beh-cue) A Buddhist Monk or Nun

Laity (lay-etty) Buddhists who are not monks or nuns

Dukkha (do-ka) The suffering or dissatisfaction of all living things

Middle Way- A lifestyle between luxury and having nothing at all

Four Noble Truths- The basis of Buddha's teachings