Development of Confucianism II

The downfall of the Han Dynasty at the beginning of the third century AD was a great blow to Confucianism. During the following four centuries China was divided politically and the new religions of Buddhism and Taoism spread throughout China. Buddhism, in particular, became popular among all strata of society, right up to the imperial court. By the ninth century AD, it was regarded as a menace to Confucian supremacy and severe measures were taken to restrict the number of Buddhist monasteries and temples.

In the eleventh century, an intellact movement within Confucianism sought to counter both Buddhism and Taoism. The most influential figure in the movement was Zhu Xi (1130-1200), also known as Zhu Zi (Master Zhu), who wrote commentaries on the four Books of Confucianism: The Analects of Confucius, The Book of Mencius, The Doctrine of the Mean and the Great Learning. In 1313, the emperor ordered that these four books should be the main texts used in the state examinations and that their official interpretation should follow Zhu Xi's commentaries.

Zhu Xi developed a theory which is known as Li Xue (The Doctrine of Li). According to this theory, every object in the world, whether animate or inanimate, possesses an innate principle, or li, which distinguishes it from other things. Not only animate and inanimate objects had hteir li, but also government and social institutions. Although it was not intended by Zhu Xi, this was taken by some to mean that current institutions were immutable. Generally speaking, the imposition of Neo-confucian orthodoxy during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties had the effect of obstructing political and intellectual change from the fourteenth to the nineteeth centuries.

Because of its idealization of the past and espousal by those in society opposed to change. Confucianism lost its status as a state of orthodoxy early in the twentieth century, though it continues to exert an influence on the minds and social mores of the Chinese and other East Asian people. The concepts of loyalty and filial piety, which Confucians have promoted through the centuries, are still very much alive.

Development of Confucianism I

Following the death of Confucius, his disciples continued to expound his teaching, The followers of Confucius, notably Mencius and Xun Zi, expanded the scope of Confucius' teaching, touching on issues such as human nature, which were contentious in their day.

Mencius (fourth Century BC) considered that man was inherently good, and it behoved the ruler to liberate this goodness by setting a good example that the people would follow. Xun Zi (third century BC), on the other hand, believed that man naturally tended towards evil and that this tendency had to be curbed through education. In spite of these differences, both Mencius and Xun Zi believed that men had the potential to become sages.

Other schools of thought had emerged to challenge Confucianism, such as the Mohist school, which rejected its emphasis on a hierarchical society and advocated universal love, and later Taoism. China was unified under the First Emperor Qin Shi HuangDi in 221BC and another school, the Legalists, who believed that loyalty to the emperor and the state was the highest virtue, then became dominant during the Qin Dynasty. Many Confucians were put to death and their writings were banned. But the Qin was overthrown and the Legalists discredited. The Han Dynasty rulers, anxious to rebuild their bureaucracy on a firm ideological foundation, turned to Confucianism to provide it, and Confucianism became the orthodox school of thought supported by the majority of Chinese rulers for 2000years.

The philosopher and politican Dong Zhongshu provided the theoretical basis for the ascendancy of Confucianism when he recommended to Emperor Wudi in 136BC that Confucianism should be the means by which the rulers should effect general unification, and that 'All not within the field of the Six Classics should be cut short and not allowed to progress further'. The Six Classics were the ancient books which Confucius based his teaching. Dong Zhongshu's intention was to discourage all other schools and promote Confucianism as the ideological basis for the education of officials. At the same time, a cult of Confucius was encouraged. Confucian temples were erected in all towns and for a while Confucius was widely regarded as a god, but from the first century onwards this period of glorification declined.



Types of Confucianism: Neo-Confucianism emerged as an attempt to reestablish Confucianism in the Chinese society, in the wake of the popularity of Taoism and Buddhism. It differentiated itself from pure Confucianism in that it was more philosophical and more open to dealing with issues about human nature and its relationship with the universe. It aimed to develop Confucianism systematically into a more comprehensive school of thought. Neo-Confucianism was especially popular in Korea and Japan.

Taoism

"The Three Pure Ones" is the avatar of Taoism. The Three Pure Ones are the highest Deities in Taoism. “The Three Pure Ones” transcend the entire hierarchy of Taoist deities. In the middle is the ultimate highest deity of Taoism, the Primordial Heavenly Worthy. To your right is the Spiritual Treasure Heavenly Worthy, and to your left is the Supreme Way Heavenly Worthy.


Taoism offers many rituals, charms, prayers and prescriptions for dealing with physical ailments and psychological troubles. Joss paper is burnt during special occasions and worship in Taoist temples. They are special offerings for the spiritual realm. To the divine, it is an act of sincerity. To the ancestors, it is a form of filial piety and to the spirits, it is to show compassion to them.

Taoists celebrate a large number of festivals. Some festivals are commonly known as the Spring Festival and Dragon Boat Festival, which are actually Traditional Chinese Festivals. During Taoist festivals and also on the first and fifteen of every lunar month, Taoists may choose to consume a vegetarian diet.

Common Taoist practice includes installing a 'tian gong' urn outside the house to worship the heaven and the divine. Sometimes, an Earth deity shrine may be set up to accord respect to the Earth deity. It is a way of putting the Taoist precept -- respecting of Heaven and Earth -- into practice.

There are two types of prayers: ritual prayers and the common prayers. Ritual prayers are conducted during special occasions and festivals. Only a Taoist priest can perform such prayers. Morning and evening rites are practices that not only seek blessings but are a form of cultivation. Lay Taoists offer incense and respect to the Divine every morning and evening; this is known as 'common prayers'.

Household deities and ancestors are worshipped to thank them for their blessings. During auspicious events like birth and marriages, traditional Chinese rites are carried out. The colour red is widely used.

Death is regarded as the beginning of the spiritual stage of life. Taoists undertake Chao Yu, a ritual that facilitates the deceased's spirit's journey from the realm of Jiu You to the Eastern Land of Eternal Bliss realm, the eternity of the other world. They offer a ritual every seven days until the 49th day so that the deceased can be fully at rest and have the ability to bless living descendants from that other realm. The Taoist mercy deity, Lord Tai Yi of Salvation, is in charge of the deliverance of all spirits to the Eastern Land of Eternal Bliss and salvation to Mankind.

The Way

Taoists have dedicated Lao Zi's birthday, 15th day of the second lunar month, as a day to offer homage. All Taoist temples conduct prayers to mark respect to him and confer this day as the Taoist Day.

Loyalty and filial piety are important Taoist attributes. Devotees are told to 'respect heaven, honour ancestors, and be compassionate to Man and all things under heaven'. It adheres to the principles of liberty, equality and peace. Personal cultivation in Taoism has two aspects to it: Inner and Outer. The inner stresses a state of truth to and authenticity within one's self. The Outer requires one to be loyal, filial, benevolent and thrifty, all with the purpose of improving oneself and helping others.

Taoism teaches that the world, indeed the entire cosmos is finely tuned and balanced, and that the role of humanity is to maintain this balance. The Tao is the primal source of all unity and existence -- The One. From this one come the twin forces of yin and yang, polar opposties that are locked in a struggle for supremacy, which can never be achieved because they each contain the seed of the other within them.

In Taoism, the Tao (the way) moves from being a descriptive term for the relentless cycle of the natural world to being the ultimate 'divine' force. The Tao is classically represented in Taoist temples by three statues. These statues of male figures represent the Tao as the Origin, the Tao as manifest in the human form of the sage Lao Zi and the Tao as Word , as found in the Tao Te Ching.

The two forces of yin and yang dominate all existence and from their dynamic, eternal struggle they produce the trinity of Heaven, Earth and Humanity. Heaven is yang while earth is yin and their interaction gives rise to the forces that animate all life. Humanity is the pivot upon which this all hinges.

Another important area of Taoist teaching is the possibility of achieving longevity and even immortality. Taoism teaches that immortality is about ensuring the physical body is transformed into an eternal body through rituals and even diet. The quest for immortality and the supernatural powers that this involves, has been a major facet of the mythology of China and manifests itself today in serious practitioners on sacred mountains and in the extravagant antics, such as flight, of certain figures in popular Chinese movies and stories. The quest for immortality takes many forms. For some it is the literal quest for certain food and substances which if eaten will transform the body. For others, it is daily meditational practices that encourage the growth of a spiritual body. For yet others it is a life of abstinence and devotion, undertaken as a hermit in the wild, by which the body becomes simply a part of the cosmic Tao and thus can never die.

The symbol of Taoism is called taiji, meaning the 'Great Ultimate'. It represents the forces of yin(negative) and yang(positive), which embody the Tao. The dark portion represents the forces of yin, like earth, night, darkness, coldness, inwardness and femininity. The light portion represents the forces of yang, like heaven, day, brightness, heat, outwardness and masculinity.

The forces function in the form of the five basic elements: water, fire, wood, metal and earth. The movement and transformation of yin and yang are constant and spontaneous, producing cycles of changes. The merger of yin and yang into the Taiji is the perfect stage of Tao.

The Tao

Taoism honours Lao Zi as the Venerable Lord (Tai Shang Lao Jun), Supreme Patriarch of Taoism, Celestial Lord of Virtue, one of the Three Pure Ones. The Tao as expounded by Lao Zi is the most fundamental concept.

Taoism is the main surviving religion native to China. Its roots lie far back in Chinese shamanism and philosophy, and its name comes from the Chinese word for the way, meaning 'the Way, the very essence, of nature'. It developed into a full-blown religion from the second century AD. Taoists aim to develop virtues, and to live in harmony with others as well as with Tao. Tao is believed by Taoists to be the primary force of all life.

Taoism in Southeast Asia is generally known as "Folk Taoism". Others name it 'popular religion/folk religion/Chinese religion'. Taoist rites and custom are practised and passed down; however, the real meaning behind them is often not sufficiently emphasised. In addition, devotees tend to practise a mixture of Buddhist, Taoist and even Confucian rites and traditions in their daily lives.

As an indigenous religion in China, Taoism embodies elements of Chinese Traditions and beliefs from the early days of Chinese civilisation. As Chinese writer Lu Xun put it, "The root of the Chinese people is Taoism." Most people feel that one has to understand Taoism before one can understand Chinese culture.


Taoism is about learning, cultivation and practice, that is, learning about the ways of Tao, self-cultivation to achieve Tao and practising the teachings of Taoism. It draws its philosophy from Lao Zi's Tao Te Ching. Taoism emphasises the paramount importance of understanding the natural order of things, because only by knowing the principles of Tao, can people then live in harmony.

Taoist View on Life and Death: Man, like all living things, belongs to the world of nature and has a limited life cycle. Hence, Man should learn to love his body and develop both its physical and spiritual potential. Human desires should be kept in moderation. Man should perform charitable acts, be modest and thrifty, and love his fellow human beings in order to achieve an inner peace. Taoism believes that Man embodies the yin and yang.

The essence of Taoism is maintaining the balance of nature of the Tao, through controlling and influencing the forces of yin and yang, exorcizing evil spirits and seeking immortality.

Types of Buddhism: Zen

Zen is the Japanese form of the Chinese Chan, which is the phonetic pronunciation of the Sanskrit dhyana or meditation. The practice of meditation -- sitting or moving -- is the basis for Zen activity of all kinds, whether in the temple, tea-room, the home or the martial-arts practice hall.

Zen Buddhism originated from China as Ch'an Buddhism (from a Sanskrit word meaning 'sitting'/meditation). Followers are taught that everyone has the inherent potential to reach Enlightenment; it is simply a matter of engaging one's potential within. They believe that it is important to move beyond words so as to know the meaning of life. Zen Buddhism emphasizes meditation and has given rise to several different named sects.

It is said that Zen started one day when the Buddha silently twirled a flower instead of speaking. None of his disciples understood, except Mahakasyapa, who smiled. The Buddha then explained that the essential truth of his teaching was beyond words, and that he had given it to Mahakasyapa.

The tradition passed down through a number of indian patriarchs to Bodhidharma, who brought it to China in the early sixth century AD. Zen extended throughout China and spread to Japan, Korea and Vietnam. When Zen reached Japan, it became at the same time more organized and more iconoclastic. Three major streams emerged, as well as many charismatic figures.

1. Soto Zen was founded by Dogen (1200-53). It emphasized zazen or sitting meditation, through which the sitter's Buddha Nature is revealed.

2. Rinzai Zen was founded by Eisai (1141 - 1215). It emphasized meditation on koans, riddles that have no logical answer. This creates a 'great ball of doubt', the shattering of which brings about sudden satori or enlightenment.

3. Obaku Xen, the smallest of the schools, was founded in China, and maintained Chinese traditions in its chanting, ceremonies and other practices, retaining aspects uch as the Pure Land teaching (focused on Amitabha Buddha).

Zen had an impact on all aspects of Japanese life. Millions of people who never practised religious Zen were influenced by it through arts such as calligraphy, painting, tea ceremony, flower arranging and music. In all the arts, the Zen way of teaching includes mindfulness, which is a form of meditation. The potter pauses before putting the clay on the wheel, the musician practises 'Blowing Zen' as he plays his bamboo flute. The Zen influence on the tea ceremony emphasizes being in the moment and caring for the guests. It has evolved it into a religious ritual, a moving meditation of hospitality. And, above all, the Zen ideal of the natural garden inspires visitors the world over with its peace and tranquility.

Types of Buddhism: Vajrayana

Amitabha, Buddha of Infinite Light

Buddhism in Tibet has developed its own form of Tantric belief and practice, known as Vajrayana or Tantryana. Its purpose is to give immediate access to the enlightened mind. The enlightened mind lies like a vajra, or 'diamond', hidden in the clutter of human delusion: it is there simply waiting to be found.

Vajrayana Buddhism is characterised by scriptures, teachings, and highly-developed rituals and ceremonies. One of its main forms is Tibetan Buddhism, where followers live by the teachings represented by the head Lama of different schools.

Tibetan Buddhism, with its mysterious practices and colourful art, is becoming better known in the West, partly due to the influence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan tradition is subdivided into a number of different schools that contain the whole range of Buddhist practices. The principal teaching is the Lam Rim or graduated path, the first part of which consists of taking refuge in the Triple Jewel (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha), the practice of ethical behaviour and basic meditation. The second stage involves meditations that help to overcome the limitations of greed, anger and ignorance, and an understanding of the interdependence of all existing things. The final stage is the Bodhisattva Path, in which the practitioner seeks full enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, through the development of Great Compassion and Perfect Wisdom. The Vajrayana, or Diamond Way, is the highest practice, which aims at achieving Buddhahood in this lifetime.



The Tibetan tradition encourages the use of grand ceremonies, music, dancing, chanting, and colourful paintings of various deities, the production of which is itself a spiritual practice. Many of its foremost lamas or teachers are rimpoches, or rebirths of famous lamas of the past, the discovery of whom is rigorously tested. Tibetan Buddhism also has a tradition of silent meditation without symbols called Dzogchen, which is in many ways close to Japanese Zen.

Types of Buddhism: Mahayana

A famous Bodhisattva is Guan Yin, the Goddess of Compassion

Mahayana is the form of Buddhism found in Tibet, China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Korea and Japan. It recognizes the Theravadin scriptures and adds many more, some composed after Buddha's lifetime. Some were based on remembered teaching, some are mythological, others are said to have been recorded and hidden until the time came to reveal them.

In Mahayana Buddhism, Buddha is not limited to the historical Gautama. Other Buddhas are recognized who are not historical figures, but who represent different aspects of his enlightenment. Two of the principal ones are Amitabha(the Buddha of Infinite Light) and Bhaisajya(The Medicine Buddha), but there are many more. Their lives and teachings were revealed by Shakyamuni Buddha, and are recorded in the Mahayana scriptures to help disciples understand various practices.

There are also bodhisattvas such as the Chinese Guan Yin or the Tibetan Tara, who represent the personification of active compassion, and Manjusri, the manifestation of wisdom. Bodhisattvas are often spiritualized beings who were disciples of the historical Buddha, but who delayed their own enlightenment, choosing to remain on earth until all beings are freed from suffering. Their power can help practitioners who know the correct way of invoking it.

Mahayana practices include all the forms of meditation, as well as the practice of morality. However, it also includes a number of other practices not found in the Theravada. One of these is the Bodhisattva Vow, through which practitioners dedicate their practice to the release of all beings from suffering, and vow to master all the teachings and practices of the Buddha Way. Further, they vow not to attain their own enlightenment until all beings are freed from suffering. For Mahayana practitioners, it is the removal of suffering from the world that is more important than personal release. In general Mahayana Buddhism is more ritualistic, although the ritual is seen as being a form of conscious yoga in which there is visualization of spiritual beings and an acceptance of the power of their help.

Types of Buddhism: Theravada

Theravada -- the Way of the Elders -- is the oldest form of Buddhism, being largely unchanged from the third century BC. The word 'theravada' means 'teachings of the elders'. It is found throughout Southeast Asia. In Theravada Buddhism, the liberation of the individual, spiritual philosophy and a system of ethics are emphasised. Its teachings come from the Pali Scriptures, interpreted in a conservative manner that gives prime importance to the Sangha of ordained monks and the liberation of the individual. It is prevalent in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. The monkhood is an institution and most men live as monks at some point of their lives.

The essence of the Theravadin way is based on the monastic life. This is the way to attain Nirvana, and for most lay people, the goal is to be reborn in a life where they can become a monk or nun. Many laymen become monks for a few months, either in their teens or after their families have been cared for. Boys, when turn 11, stay in a monastery for a few months as novice monks. Women are unable to enter the monastic order. The lineage of nuns was discontinued in the early days.

Monks are not allowed to work or handle money. Their main activities are meditation, study and teaching the Dharma. Their only possessions are their robes, and a few articles for daily use. The Theravadin Sangha claims unbroken succession from Buddha, as each ordination has to be conducted by a number of fully ordained monks.

The teachings of the Theravada are the basic tenets of Buddhism. They are the Signs of being (dukkha, that life is essentially unsatisfactory, annica, that all things are impermanent or constantly changing; and annatta, that we do not have a permanent unchanging self.); the four noble truths and the noble eightfold path. Most Theravadan Buddhists aspire to have a better rebirth instead, and so perform good deeds to bring about this outcome. The practise of morality is very important, based on the Precepts or rule of life. The five basic precepts are:

• not to kill or harm living beings
• not to take what is not freely given
• not to indulge in sexual impropriety
• not to use slanderous or lying speech
• not to become intoxicated by using substances that cloud the mind

People become Buddhists by annocuncing usually before a monk, that they, "Take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha", and by agreeing to follow these five precepts.
An important practice is meditation, the means by which the Buddha achieved his goal of enlightenment. There are many kinds of meditation, and the basic forms practised in Theravada Buddhism are also found in other traditions.

People gain merit by following the Six Perfections: morality, generosity, patience, energy, concentration and wisdom. Although followers can become enlightened through their own efforts, they cannot do so in isolation. Rather, it comes from the collaborative efforts of the followers and the monks, in that it is the followers' good deeds towards the monks that allow them to gain merit.

Sangha (Community)

Sangha (Pali: saṅgha; Sanskrit: संघ saṃgha) is a word in Pali or Sanskrit that can be translated roughly as "association" or "assembly" "company" or "community" with common goal, vision or purpose. It is commonly used in several senses to refer to Buddhist or Jain groups. Traditionally, in Buddhism sangha almost always has one of two meanings: most commonly, sangha means the monastic sangha of ordained Buddhist monks or nuns. In a stricter sense, sangha can mean the assembly of all beings possessing some high degree of realization, referred to as the arya-sangha or noble sangha or assembly of seekers seeking what is real and true, as in "Satsang".



Qualities of the Sangha(awakened beings who provide guidance and support)
The Sangha of the Blessed One's disciples (Savakas) is:

1. practicing the good way
2. practicing the upright way
3. practicing the knowledgeable or logical way
4. practicing the proper way;

that is, the four pairs of persons, the eight types of individuals - This Sangha of the Blessed One's disciples is :

1. worthy of gifts
2. worthy of hospitality
3. worthy of offerings,
4. worthy of reverential salutation
5. the unsurpassed field of merit for the world."

Following the death of Buddha in 483 BC, the concept of the Sangha, or community of monks, grew ever more important. The Buddha had ordained monks in his lifetime, calling them to follow the homeless life and practise the Dharma, and their number continued to grow after his passing.

The first monks were considered to be arahats, beings enlightened by the Buddha's teaching. They in turn ordained others. The Buddha had charged his followers to 'travel for the welfare and happiness of people, and out of compassion for the world', and this they did. Some 200 years after the Buddha's death the movement had spread throughout india. They depended on lay people for food and other necessities, and the relationship grew whereby the monks were fed in return for teaching. The Buddha's teaching embraced all classes, as he rejected the caste system and taught that all could attain enlightenment.

Soon after Buddha's death, the First Great Council of 500 senior monks was held. These monks were all arahats who had known Buddha. They met to recite the teaching as they remembered it and agree a definitive version.

The teaching was preserved in oral tradition, and it was not until many years later that it was written down. It was grouped into three pitakas or baskets. Vinaya consisted of the rules for monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis). These not only provide guidelines for the monastic life, but also allow for the setting of disputes and imposing discipline. Sutta is the collection of the Buddha's sermons, while abhidamma(higher Dharma) consists largely of philosophical analysis of the Buddha's teachings. It was the differing interpretations in this latter section which caused most of the disputes between the various emerging schools.

A second Great Council took place around 383 BC. By this time, several schools of thought had evolved. Part of the controversy was over whether Buddhists should only try to gain their own enlightenment(arahats) or whether they should seek the freedom from suffering of all beings(bodhisattvas). In fact, as compassion is an essential aspect of Buddhist practice, this is largely a question of semantics. Today, there are two main traditions, the Theravada or Teaching of the Elders and the Mahayana or Greater Vehicle, which contains a number of different traditions such as Zen, Vijrayana and Pure Land.

The Dharma

Dharmacakra, wheel of life: The rim of the hub is divided into two sides. One side is the White Path or Path of Bliss, and represents how souls may move upward to the World of Gods. The other side is the Dark Path, which represents how souls may move downward to the World of Hell. In the hub, the center of the wheel, a pig, snake, and rooster turn in a circle, each biting the tail of the next animal. The pig represents greed, desire, or attachment; The snake represents hatred and envy; The rooster represents ignorance or delusion; These are the evils which are responsible for the trapping of souls within the Six Realms.

We live each day of our life in pursuit of things that we believe bring us happiness, a condition though arguable by definition, is generally agreed to be one that gives us a sense of well-being and fulfilment. And depending on different circumstances, our pursuit could express itself as a need for things physical such as for food, finance and comfort; or social need for companionship, for entertainment; or emotional and spiritual need such as for understanding and recognition, for challenge, for self-esteem and the like.

Desires Give Rise To Sufferings. This is a truth about the human condition that holds so true today. During his lifetime, Buddha taught all who wanted to listen, men and women, rich and poor. His message was always the same: "Suffering, the causes of suffering and the way out of suffering". He did not talk about God or the soul, or encourage speculation in matters that could not be proved. Rather, he specifically told people to believe and practise only those things that were helpful and led to freedom and peace of mind. It was a combination of profound wisdom and deep compassion and a practical way that could be followed by those who wished. This teaching he called the Dharma. Many of his disciples chose to follow the Buddha into the homeless life, and thus was born the Sangha, or community.

The Four Noble Truths are:

• Life is suffering.
• Suffering is caused by craving for things that are impermanent by their very nature.
  
• There is a way out of suffering: Craving Can cease.
  
• The way itself: The Noble Eightfold Path Leads the way to the end of suffering.

The Noble Eightfold Path is also called the "Middle Way", which involves living in moderation -- avoiding strict austerities or extreme indulgence. It comprises eight 'paths' that guide a person through the purification of thought, speech and action.

The final Truth, The Noble Eightfold Path of the way out of suffering:

Cease to do evil; learn to do good, and purify your heart.

• Right view (understanding, attitude)
• Right aim (intention, resolve, motive or thought)
• Right speech (not lying, slandering or gossiping)
• Right action (or conduct)
• Right livelihood (means of living)
• Right effort
• Right mindfulness (awareness of things as they are)
• Right concentration (contemplation, meditation)

Buddha observed that all beings suffered. The cause of this suffering is selfish desire, and a misunderstanding of the nature of 'self', which is not the fixed, separate and enduring entity that it appears to be. What we call 'self' is actually a collection of skandhas (heaps or particles) that are constantly changing. These are form, feelings, perception, mind-contents and consciousness. The relationship of these skandhas constitutes our 'self' at any moment, and creates karma, which influences our birth, life and rebirth. One of the skandhas is form, so rebirth is always in some form, which need not be human.

Buddhahood is defined as the highest state of life condition characterised by wisdom, hope, courage, confidence, compassion, vitality and endurance. These are traits forming a spiritual strength that enables people to live truly as human beings regardless of changes and challenges of the times and of society.

Being born as a human being offers the most ideal opportunity for one to attain Enlightenment. The form in which one is reborn depends on one's karma, and this is dependent on the good or bad intentions that gave rise to one's past actions. The outcome is the cessation of craving and the attainment of the Ultimate Wisdom.

Guided fundamentally by wisdom, one will be able to enhance his concept of the value of good as against evil, and will thus actively direct his or her life on the path of good. Tapping into these inner resources in the course of our daily life is equivalent to walking the way of a true human being, and is also the way of the Buddha. Living one's life according to the Noble Eightfold Path requires discipline and compassion in thought and action, and detachment from the sense of self. Only under these circumstances can one be freed from cyclical reincarnation and achieve nirvana, a state of absolute bliss.

Buddha's Enlightenment

The Lotus : Nelumbo nucifera; Sacred Lotus, Sacred Water Lily


Buddhism is a word derived from the title "Buddha", which means 'Enlightened One'. It is a religion which puts emphasis on the individual for his own salvation rather than relying on a Creator or God.

Buddhism is founded by Siddhartha Gautama, a 5th century prince from what is now southern Nepal. This non-theistic religion is considered a major world religion today. It is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, born in the year 566 BC, the king of the Sakya people in present-day Nepal, , founded the faith. At his birth, it was prophesied that he would either become a world ruler or a great sage. His father wanted the former, so he arranged for his son to be brought up without seeing the troubles of the world.

Life of Buddha
Gautama grew up to be a handsome youth, who excelled in all kinds of activities. He lived a happy and contented life within the walls of the palace, and married a princess, Yasodhara, who bore him a son, Rahula. One day, Gautama persuaded his groom to take him outside the city walls. There he encountered four things that changed his life. First he saw an old man, then a sick man, and a corpse. Gautama was shocked, and asked for an explanation. The groom told him that these conditions were normal, and happened to everyone. Gautama then met a wandering holy man, who had given up everything to practise the religious life and seek the answer to suffering. He radiated a sense of serenity that Gautama knew he had to find.

Soon afterwards, Gautama shaved his head, and slipped out of the palace. He wandered far and wide, begging for his food, and subjecting himself to all kinds of austerities. Eventually, almost dying with hunger, he decided such practices would not achieve his goal. He resolved to practise a middle way between austerity and luxury. He took a little food, and sat beneath a tree at a place called Bodh Gaya in present-day Bihar, vowing not to move until he had achieved his goal.

At the age of 35, on the night of the full moon in May, he realized Nirvana (awakening, enlightenment) entering into deep meditation and becoming the Buddha, the Enlightened One. The Buddha would never explain Nirvana, saying that it is essentially beyond words and thoughts, and so Buddhists also refrain from speculating about it.

Buddha travelled the plains of northern India, teaching people the causes of suffering and guiding them towards Enlightenment. After 45years of preaching, he passed away. After his Nirvana, 500 monks compiled his teachings. It was at the second meeting that Buddhism was split into different sects and schools. In the third century, the spread of Buddhism was boosted through the support of Mauryan Emperor Asoka. Buddhism had its heyday in India during his reign.


The Buddha was born, lived and died a human being. He is not a god. The special thing about him was that he realized the state of sublime wisdom and compassion called Nirvana. He discovered the causes of all suffering, and the way by which all beings could reach the same state.

Buddha's oral teachings were faithfully preserved and written down by his followers. The different types of Buddhism embrace the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path that are taught by Buddha.

Buddha's Teachings
Buddha Quotes I
Buddha Quotes II

During the Han Dynasty, Buddhism spread to China from Central Asia and India. The religion absorbed Chinese traits and developed into a unique religion. From China, Buddhism spread to Korea in the fourth century and then, from Korea to Japan in the year 522.

In the 12th century, the religion experienced a drastic decline due to the revitalisation of Hinduism which, being the more inclusive, reabsorbed Buddhism. By that time, Buddhism(in several different varieties) had already spread to other parts of Asia, where it still survives. Today, the people in countries beyond Asia have also embraced Buddhism.