BUDDHI SM

Origin
Buddhism traces its origins in northern India around the sixth century B.C.E. as
another interpretation of the Hindu belief. This religion is closely linked to its founder
Siddhartha Gautama who is also referred to as the Buddha or the “Enlightened One.”
A son of a Kshatriya chief, the once affluent Siddhartha abandoned the comfort of his
palace and family as he set to discover the remedy to universal suffering he observed
in this world. After long periods of abstinence and meditation, he finally reached
enlightenment (nirvana) and became known as the “Buddha” or the “enlightened one.
 Comparative Analysis of Theravada and Mahayana
Buddhism
The word dharma comes from the ancient religions of India and is found in
Hindu and Jain teachings, as well as Buddhist. Its original meaning is something like
"natural law." Its root word, dham, means "to uphold" or "to support." In this broad
sense, common to many religious traditions, dharma is that which upholds the natural
order of the universe. This meaning is also part of the Buddhist understanding.
 Dhamma in Theravada Buddhism
Dhamma is the nature of what-is; the truth of what the Buddha taught. In
Theravada Buddhism, as in the quote above, it is sometimes used to indicate all
the factors of existence. Thanissaro Bhikkhu wrote that "Dhamma, on the
external level, refers to thepath of practice the Buddha taught to his followers"
This Dhamma has three levels ofmeaning: the words of the Buddha, the practice of
his teaching, and the attainment ofenlightenment. So, Dhamma is not just
doctrines--it is teaching plus practice plus enlightenment.
 Dharma in Mahayana Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism generally uses the word dharma to refer to both the
teachings of the Buddha and the realization of enlightenment. More often than not, use of
the word incorporates both meanings at once. Mahayana texts sometimes use the word
dharma to mean something like "manifestation of reality.” To speak of someone's
understanding of dharma is not to comment on how well that person can recite Buddhist
doctrines but on his state of realization. In the Zen tradition, for example, to present or
expound upon the dharma usually refers to presenting some aspect of the true nature of
reality.
 The Dharma Body
Both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists speak of the "dharma body"
(dhammakaya or dharmakaya). This is also called the "truth body."
Very simply, in Theravada Buddhism, a Buddha (an enlightened being) is
understood to be the living embodiment of dharma. This does not mean that a
Buddha's physical body (rupa-kaya) is the same thing as dharma, however. It's a bit
closer to it to say that the dharma becomes visible or tangible in a Buddha
In Mahayana Buddhism, the dharmakaya is one of the three bodies (tri-kaya)
of a Buddha. The dharmakaya is the unity of all things and beings, unmanifested,
beyond existence and non-existence.
Purpose
In Buddhism, the principal purpose of one’s life is to terminate all forms of
suffering caused by attachment to impermanent entities, such as material things,
friends, and health. All these do not offer enduring happiness but sorrow. When one
recognizes the impermanence of all these things, an individual begins to free one’s
self from attachment thereby reducing suffering and ending the cycle of rebirth.
Buddha’s teachings on the “Four Noble Truths” and the “Noble Eightfold Path” form
the basic tenets of all Buddhist sects.
In Theravada Buddhism, the monastic way of life ensures the path toward
enlightenment. For the Buddhist laity, they must first be reborn as monks for them to
be eligible for enlightenment. As members of the laity perform good deeds, positive
karma may bring forth a pleasant condition in the next life.
In contrast, Mahayana Buddhism offers enlightenment to anyone, not only for
the members of the monastic order, but also for those with families and secular
careers. Moreover, the Mahayana branch of Buddhism attracts followers because it
offers a faster route to enlightenment than the Theravada sect
 Until one has achieved enlightenment, one’s
deed in the present lifetime will affect the
Morality course of future rebirths. Buddhist moral
thoughts and actions are principally guided
by the “Four Noble Truths” formulated by the
While Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, along with the basic guide called
embraced the general the “Eightfold Paths” that are divided into
framework of Indian ideas, three categories, namely, right view, right
he radically altered many of conduct, and right practice. Unhappiness of
them. Similarly, the cycle of life (dukkha) is principally caused by
people’s unending desires. People are
rebirth persists in Buddhism
advised to scrutinize their motivations and
and succeeding lives may be ponder upon the outcome of their actions
affected by the moral laws of keeping in mind Buddha’s teachings.
cause and effect or karma. Anything harmful to others, in deed and in
thought, must always be avoided. The two
major schools of Buddhism, the Theravada
and Mahayana sects, follow the “Four
Noble Truths” and the “Noble Eightfold Path
DESTINY
In contrast to Hinduism and other religions, the Buddhist goal is neither
absorption into Brahman nor union with God. Instead, Buddhists aspire to reach
nirvana or the extinguishing of fires of longing and suffering (Bowker 1997). When one
has achieved nirvana, one has attained the state of perfect peace wherein attachment,
aversion, and ignorance have ceased once and for all.
 VIEWS ON WOMEN
Women have enjoyed considerable freedom in their religious life in Buddhism
as compared to Hinduism. The Buddha himself allowed the full participation of women
in all major Buddhist rites and practices. For so long, a time when women’s duties
were confined to household and kitchen duties, Buddha radically changed this when
he allowed women to join the monastic order and attain enlightenment in equal footing
with men. In the past, learned women members of sangha include Dhammadinna,
Khema, and Uppalavanna. Fully-ordained Buddhist female monastic members are
bhikkunis.
For the Buddha, men are not always wise and women can also be wise. In
Buddhism, women should not be treated as inferior to men because both are equally
valuable in society. Women as wives and mothers have roles to fulfill in the family and
society. Husbands and wives must equally share responsibilities in the family with the
same zeal. Wives must also familiarize themselves in trade and business dealings so
that they can also handle these affairs. Men and women have equal status in Buddhist
societies