Buddhism Unveiled: Beliefs, Practices, and Symbols

Buddhism is a religion that originated in ancient India and has since spread throughout Asia, impacting millions of people. In Chapter 5 – Encouraging Buddhism: The Middle Path to Liberation, we gain a deeper understanding of the history, beliefs, and practices of Buddhism. This essay will focus on key elements such as Buddhist symbols and names, the life of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path.

Buddhist Symbols and Names

One of the most common symbols related to Buddhism is the lotus flower. It is very meaningful in the sense that it signifies purity amidst the struggle[1]. It grew from dirty waters but bloomed above water and had no stains from its surroundings. This symbolizes the Buddhist concept of rising above the suffering of existence to enlightenment.

The lotus symbol dates back to the history/origins of ancient Indian art, in which this was used in many religious contexts. Notable religious persons connected with this symbol include Siddhartha Gautama, often represented as sitting on a lotus flower while in meditation. The Lotus Sutra is a highly important scripture within the Buddhist faith, and it describes the lotus as an effective metaphor for spiritual development[2]. Today, Buddhists use the lotus flower as an object of meditation during prayer and worship. It represents purity of mind and spirit and a sense of detachment from the world’s lusts. The outward manifestation of faith in Buddhism Men and women may wear images or jewelry with the lotus as an outward sign of their faith in Buddhism.

The terms ‘Buddhism’ and ‘The Buddha’ need to be clarified. Buddhism represents the whole religion, including teaching, belief, and practice. It is a way to enlightenment and free from the cycle of suffering. On the other hand, The Buddha refers to Sidhartha Gautama, a founder of Buddhism called “the awakened one.” He achieved enlightenment under a Bodhi tree and spent his life teaching others about the path to liberation.

Life of Siddhartha Gautama

Siddhartha Gautama was born to a royal family in ancient India around 563 BCE. Though he had everything one might reasonably require in life, given his station and all his possible comforts, the depiction of suffering took away his peace of mind. This made him forsake his luxurious life and become a traveler in search of spiritual truth. Three key events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama include:

• The Great Renunciation: Leaving his family, wealth, and comforts at the age of 29 years, Siddhartha Gautama was to spend the rest of his life trying to attain enlightenment[3]. Wandering for a period of six years as an ascetic who sought contemplation through the extreme practicing of personal discipline and meditation.
• Enlightenment: After a very serious penance and after years of self-introspection, Siddhartha ultimately attained enlightenment at the age of 35. Through meditation under the Bodhi tree, he came to know about the Four Noble Truths, which were to be the centerpiece of the teachings of Buddhism. He became “The Buddha” or the Awakened One.
• First Sermon: After attainment, Siddhartha Gautama delivers the first sermon captioned “Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma.[4]” He laid down in this discourse the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path for gaining freedom from sorrow.

Today, the Buddhists observe these celebrations in a sequence of rituals and mindful practices. The Great Renunciation is observed through acts of renunciation and self-discipline. Wesak or Buddha Purnima is a day that the Buddhists mark every year, gathering to honor Siddhartha Gautama’s birth, enlightenment, and death. A foundation teaching in Buddhism is his first sermon – followed and respected widely to date.

Beliefs and Practices

Buddhist beliefs and practices are deeply rooted in the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as The Buddha. Though he wrote down none of his discourses, these insightful sermons were orally transmitted from one generation to another through his disciples for centuries before they were finally put into written form by some Buddhist groups.

Buddhism’s basic philosophical concepts, as spelled out by The Buddha in his speech ‘Setting In Motion the Wheel Of Dhamma,’ involve two key ideas. These are The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path, which are thus two fundamental Buddhist principles[5]. ‘The Four Noble Truths’ contain Buddhism’s specific perception concerning existence. This concept explains that life is characterized by suffering, the source of which is either desire or attachment to such desires, and that then leads to freedom from this suffering. Thus, this theory gives explanations for Buddhism’s view on human existence and provides a way of relieving inherent discontent in life.

Apart from the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path is of importance. It carries you to Nirvana or enlightenment. Each and every facet of this eightfold code of conduct fosters the right knowledge, right thinking, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration in the pursuit of purity of morality, wisdom, and disciplinary thought. Self-awareness and meditation instigate morality and growth in intellectual pursuits.

Buddhism lies in a middle way between sensuous pleasure and stark austerity. Instead, it propagates moderation in all walks of life and evokes compassion for all living beings, irrespective of their species[6]. Another big Buddhist concept, Karma, imparts the strong pillar of its practices. Buddhists stress morality because its activities affect not only its present but also future lives.

Buddhism is not a religion that emphasizes the following of deities or Gods, as observed in many other religions. On the other hand, Buddhism promotes spirituality and awareness. According to Buddhism, meditation is of significance since it enhances self-awareness, which in this case is fundamental in enlightening its followers[7]. Buddhists get to understand themselves and stay present, whether in group modes in the temples and monasteries, alone or in the routine activities of walking and eating as they meditate.

With these faith-based traditions come other ceremonies to honor The Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death, such as Vesak and Asalha Puja Day. These ceremonies honor Buddha’s life and teachings, uniting the community. Buddhists also practice Karma-yoga or altruistic service. The Noble Truths teach that helping others reduces our own suffering.

Interpretation of the Four Noble Truths

There are the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism – basic teachings describing the meaning and essence of life of a human being. Siddhartha Gautama presented these primary principles after his enlightenment.

• All life is suffering (Dukkha): This reality does not render particular life circumstances to make people miserable all the time; rather, it signifies a profound philosophical realization that being, at its most fundamental level in this world – birth, aging, illness, and death – automatically includes some unsatisfactoriness or dissatisfaction[8]. Dukkha may manifest in many ways, from simple annoyances to great sorrows experienced through financial loss and painful, tragic life events.
• The cause of suffering is desire (Tanha): Desire, also termed thirst in this case, includes psychological craving for things such as money, power, fame, recognition, and longevity, among others. It also refers to desires of sensual pleasure and attachments that we form in life that will drag us away from reality into illusions. The Buddha understood desire to be the chief cause of all suffering, in that through desiring, persons remain captured within continuing cyclic webs of craving and dissatisfaction.
• To end desire is to end suffering: This third truth seeks to give hope by asserting that one may be liberated from this endless cycle of desire-driven suffering if an individual learns how to quell these cravings. Ending desire does not mean total store and suppressing denial, nor does it mean the store or complete detachment to pursue goals; rather, it suggests that one understands that all things are temporary – realizing nothing lasts forever and learns to let go gracefully when the time comes.
• To end desire, follow the Noble Eightfold Path: This final truth provides a practical guide towards freedom from suffering. It shows a way out by postulating the Noble Eightfold Path, which acts as a roadmap toward living an enlightened and liberated life[9]. This way consists of ethical principles (Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood), mental discipline (Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration), and wisdom components (Right Understanding/Viewpoint and right Thoughts). By following these steps in unison, one can achieve nirvana, the ultimate cessation of suffering, no matter in what form it may be.

Significance of Each Aspect of The Noble Eightfold Path

The Noble Eightfold Path comprises eight factors correlatively dependent on each other:

• Right Understanding (Samma ditthi): The right understanding of the Four Noble Truths and seeing things as they truly are. It is realizing that all phenomena rise, take effect, and pass away and that nothing exists independently.
• Right Thought (Samma sankappa): This limb of the eightfold path is about developing wholesome thoughts and intentions properly. It involves shelving harmful or unskillful thoughts like greed, hatred, and delusion in favor of compassion, kindness, and wisdom[10].
• Right Speech (Samma vaca): It includes speaking the truth-speaking by gentle and pleasant words towards other people and having friendly speech[11]. Buddhists are advised to avoid lying, abstain from harsh words or bad language, as well as abstain from useless gossiping or breaking up the good relations of other people with unkind words.
• Right Conduct (Samma kammanta): Also referred to as right action, this consists of acts that are ethical and do not harm anybody. It means the act of abstaining from acts of killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct, among other harmful actions.
• Right Livelihood (Samma ajiva): Another foundation of this aspect is the one formed in accordance with action concerning earning a life. Here, the teaching encourages Buddhists to involve themselves all the way around in occupations that will not inflict harm or tragedy on nearby people and things.
• Right Effort (Samma vayama): This involves the right effort to encourage the development of mindfulness, concentration, loving-kindness, and compassion and the struggle to abandon unwholesome thoughts, words, and deeds.
• Right Mindfulness (Samma sati): Mindfulness means full awareness with non-judgmental attention to anything while it takes place in the present. It includes the mindfulness of body, feelings, mind, and mental phenomena.
• Right Concentration (Samma samadhi): This aspect focuses on the development of deep concentration in the way of meditation practices. The tenth step consists of a single-pointed concentration of mind either in a single object or just inner calm and stillness.

It is believed among the Buddhists that by following these practical techniques of The Noble Eightfold Path, they will be enabled to develop moral conduct, wisdom, cleansing of the mind, and finally, liberate them from suffering – nirvana. This way, following the people in their lives will make them get enlightenment and be free from suffering, which will result in real peace.

In conclusion, therefore, Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama or the Buddha. It involves a myriad of symbols and names, such as the lotus flower, whose value among Buddhists is indefinable. Siddhartha Gautama’s life experiences and teachings form some of the instructions that have influenced the practices of general Buddhists because the key events and experiences he underwent based on his life are important aspects practiced by current Buddhists. The Four Noble Truths describe the nature of suffering and its cessation, while the Noble Eightfold Path gives practical techniques to actualize liberation from suffering through active ethical behavior, development of mental qualities, and exercise in the practice of mindfulness. Understanding these elements of Buddhism makes one appreciate the philosophy and practices of this ancient religion more.

Bibliography

Aich, Tapas Kumar. “Buddha Philosophy and Western Psychology.” Indian Journal of Psychiatry 55, no. 6 (2018): 165. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.105517.

BBC. “BBC – Religions – Buddhism: The Four Noble Truths.” Bbc.co.uk, November 17, 2019. https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/beliefs/fournobletruths_1.shtml.

History Editors. “Buddhism.” History. A&E Television Networks, July 22, 2020. https://www.history.com/topics/religion/buddhism.

Phillipae. “The Key Events of the Life of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Timeline.” Timetoast timelines, 2023. https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/the-key-events-of-the-life-of-siddhartha-gautama-buddha.

Rahula, Walpola Sri. “The Noble Eightfold Path: Meaning and Practice.” Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. Tricycle, 2018. https://tricycle.org/magazine/noble-eightfold-path/.

Robinson, Katie. “The Secret Meaning of the Lotus Flower.” Town & Country. Town & Country, April 28, 2018. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a9550430/lotus-flower-meaning/.

SantMat. “The Great Realization of Siddhartha — from the Buddhism Chapter, by Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj.” Sant Mat Meditation and Spirituality, January 23, 2019. https://medium.com/sant-mat-meditation-and-spirituality/the-great-realization-of-siddhartha-from-the-buddhism-chapter-by-swami-sant-sevi-ji-maharaj-fde34d563cfc.

Scherer, Bee. “Translating the Lotus Sūtra into Social Action: Hermeneutics and Public Dharmology.” Buddhist-Christian Studies 39 (2019): 147–68. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48618607.

Suhara, Eiji. “What Is the Buddhist Idea of the ‘Middle Way’?” A Philosopher’s Stone, December 13, 2020. https://medium.com/the-philosophers-stone/what-is-the-buddhist-idea-of-the-middle-way-3ce95c477ba8.

Xiao, Qianguo, Caizhen Yue, Weijie He, and Jia-yuan Yu. “The Mindful Self: A Mindfulness-Enlightened Self-View.” Frontiers in Psychology 8, no. 1752 (October 13, 2018). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01752.

[1] Katie Robinson, “The Secret Meaning of the Lotus Flower,” Town & Country (Town & Country, April 28, 2018).

[2] Bee Scherer, “Translating the Lotus Sūtra into Social Action: Hermeneutics and Public Dharmology,” Buddhist-Christian Studies 39 (2019): 147–68.

[3] Phillipae, “The Key Events of the Life of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) Timeline.,” Timetoast timelines, 2023.

[4] SantMat, “The Great Realization of Siddhartha — from the Buddhism Chapter, by Swami Sant Sevi Ji Maharaj,” Sant Mat Meditation and Spirituality, January 23, 2019.

[5] History Editors, “Buddhism,” History (A&E Television Networks, July 22, 2020).

[6] Eiji Suhara, “What Is the Buddhist Idea of the ‘Middle Way’?” A Philosopher’s Stone, December 13, 2020.

[7] Qianguo Xiao et al., “The Mindful Self: A Mindfulness-Enlightened Self-View,” Frontiers in Psychology 8, no. 1752 (October 13, 2018).

[8] BBC, “BBC – Religions – Buddhism: The Four Noble Truths,” Bbc.co.uk, November 17, 2019.

[9] Tapas Kumar Aich, “Buddha Philosophy and Western Psychology,” Indian Journal of Psychiatry 55, no. 6 (2018): 165.

[10] Walpola Sri Rahula, “The Noble Eightfold Path: Meaning and Practice,” Tricycle: The Buddhist Review (Tricycle, 2018).

[11] Walpola Sri Rahula, “The Noble Eightfold Path: Meaning and Practice,” Tricycle: The Buddhist Review (Tricycle, 2018).