Buddhism

MORALS

Buddhist laity are urged to follow the Five Precepts, which prohibit killing (including animals), stealing, illicit sexual relations, wrong speech (including gossiping), and drugs or alcohol. In addition they are monasteries, contacting the public only to gain funds.

Monks and nuns follow a path of moderate asceticism, including strict celibacy and the repudiation of all personal property. Buddhist religious leaders of often are involved in education and charity and even take part in politics; other leaders separate themselves in their monasteries, contacting the public only to gain funds.

Original and Therevada teaching indicate that a Buddhist can for the most part help his fellow man only by showing him an example of dedication on meditation and self-denial. Mahayana teaching emphasizes “compassion,” which involves aiding people in all areas of their lives, even though such aid does not lead directly toward nirvana.

WORSHIP

In most cases what looks like worship before a statue or image is really a sort of paying respects. The Buddha is revered as an example of a saintly life and as the one who brought the teachings of Buddhism; Buddhists are taught that they must themselves overcome the obstacle of ignorance.

Meditation in Buddhism can focus on one’s breathing (important because it is halfway between voluntary and involuntary action), one’s own attitudes (as in Mindfulness meditation, in which one tries to be clear at all times as to one’s true motives for every action), a neutral object, or a bodhisattva. In each case the purpose is to divest oneself of craving and sense of self.

In some sects it is believed that a bodhisattva can transfer his merit to a supplicant and so aid him to nirvana. In those cases the Buddhist becomes very much like a worshiper petitioning God for grace and mercy.

By: Steven Cory (World Religions)