I felt that this chapter is a recap of the first four chapters of this course because it illustrates the earliest experiences of Buddhism in India. An example of this is the Gautama Buddha, whose teachings and life experiences helped many Indians to understand how the Buddha expects us to live. Its teachings are based on the two apparent expressions of Theravada and Mahayana. In summary, this chapter introduces us to the development of Indian Buddhist schools of thought and how these have contributed to the spread of Buddhism.
Examples of the excerpts that I found interesting in the chapter are that a single mental moment comprises arising, stasis, and passing away in the chapter, the ideological differences between the Abhidharma and Mahayana philosophers, who are the two fundamental groups of the religion in the country. Despite the differences, I found common ground in the reality that both intend to spread Buddhism and encourage people to live in the ways of the Buddha.
This material is essential since it illustrates the many facets of the foundation of consciousness that we have learned in this course (Mitchell, 2001). For instance, Mitchell observes that a person’s experiences of both oneself and the world around them arises dependently from one or more fundamental process of consciousness. The scholars of this discipline traditionally hold this view as they deem it a form of idealism.
I feel that this chapter was all more about elaborating on the different philosophical ideals of Buddhism and how they inform our thought processes. We should train our consciousness to focus on doing the right things at any given time. Following the ways of the Buddha is the most critical aspect that our lives should focus on. Understanding the history and the various schools of thought presented in this chapter will only make us better contributors to the development of Buddhism.
The lessons from this material are relevant to the video presentations by Satya Narayana Goenka, who was a teacher who specialized in Vipassana Meditation. He was born in Burma and later moved to India, where he started training masses on the power of meditation. He insisted that the Buddha’s only path to liberation is not-sectarian, scientific, and universal in his teachings. He was a teacher whose influence played an important role in establishing Vipassana medication centers whose operations were non-profit. His impressive and inspirational exploits saw him awarded the Padma Bhutan to recognize his excellence.
In the videos from Week 9, Goenka’s teachings illustrate the elements he deems key to the art of living. His presentations are fascinating, given his composed and calm teaching congregations. Among the many observations he makes about Vipassana meditation, I found his observation about being in control of one’s mind very inspirational. For instance, he notes that being in control of one’s thought processes is not sectarian and is not restricted to any form of religion. Thus if one chooses to indulge in misconduct, it is their choice. His observations are relevant to Mitchell’s teachings on how Buddhists are expected to conduct themselves.
Through the art of living, we are encouraged to always be in control of our thought processes. If we command our minds, we will live peacefully and in line with the teachings of the Buddha.
The art of living entails understanding and mastering how to live peacefully and harmoniously with nature. Above all restrictions facilitated by the provisions of religion or dogma, we need to be in control of our minds which is in tandem with the provisions of the Gautama Buddha. Goenka observes that we indulge in bad behaviors because we ignore the right things. He gives examples of avoiding telling lies, abstaining from evil bodily desires, and living a pure life free from intoxicants. These are basic interpretations of the Dharma that can greatly help us achieve piousness.
Goenka insists on the importance of being in control of one’s mind as a way of keeping off misconduct. This aspect forms the universality of good morals and behaviors. This menace majorly characterizes our lives, and it is a challenge for most of us to keep off it. He recommends that we apply meditation as a key to mastering and controlling the mind regardless of the religious orientations that characterize people from different parts of the world.
However, apart from mastering the mind, we should ensure that it is pure to ensure that it can never be misused.
These primary materials are very important as they team on the various aspects of our lives that can help us live good and pure lives. I now understand the importance of meditation. It is one of the most effective approaches that can help individuals avoid committing evils resulting from temptation from earthy things. Some of these talks in the form of interviews by Mr. Goenka were done decades ago but are still relevant to our lives today. We should strive to live by them at all times.
We can overcome our biggest challenges by mastering our minds. Being in charge means that we are the ones deciding on what to do and what not. These two sources complement each other in every way possible. They help us understand what we should do every time we find ourselves in tempting situations that may lead us to indulge in any form of misconduct. Meditations and observing the Dharma are our only refuge.
References
Introduction to Vipassana Meditation by Mr. S.N. Goenka
Mitchell, D. W. (2001). The way of Buddhism: Introducing the Buddhist experience (p. 368). Oxford University Press.
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