Buddhist Rituals & Beliefs 2

When studying Buddhism, you will find that there are different schools associated with the religion, which interpret the teachings of the Buddha in different ways. In this article, you will learn about one of these schools: Mahayana, which places an emphasis on the path that one takes in order to achieve enlightenment.

 

nembutsu: Standing for the “mindfulness of the Buddha,” this term is associated with the Japanese and Chinese belief systems of Buddhism. This is considered the central practice attached to the beliefs of Pure Land Buddhists. It is thought that this practice of chanting will grant you entrance into the Pure Land once one has passed away.

 

Mahayana: In Sanskrit, this term means “greater vehicle.” This is the name given to a particular School of Buddhism, which places emphasis on the path towards enlightenment, which is open to all who embrace the teachings. An ideal within the belief system deals with bodhisattvas who assist others from the goodness of their heart.

 

Mahayana Buddhism differs from Theravada Buddhism, which focuses on the arhat instead. Associated with the Mahayana school, you will find an assortment of traditions, rituals, as well as other lifestyles. This also includes the devotional Pure Land Buddhism, as well as Zen Buddhism, which place mediation as one of its main aspects.

 

magga: This is the fourth installment of the important Buddhist belief of the Four Noble Truths. Magga refers to the Noble Eightfold Path, which is thought of as the way to end all suffering.

 

nirodha: This refers to the ending of suffering within life, which is accomplished through acquiring a state of nirvana. Nirodha is the third of the Four Noble Truths.

 

nirvana:  In Sanskrit, this word means “to snuff out.” It is the belief that one will be freed for their state of suffering when achieving this level of happiness. It represents the end of all suffering.

pansil: This is another way to make reference to the Five Precepts of the Buddhist religion.

 

skandha: The word ”˜group’ is represented through this term, which comes from Sanskrit and Pali. It is another way to refer to the five aggregates.

 

sila: In Sanskrit and Pali, this term is used to refer to “precepts.” It is the foundation of responsibilities that Buddhists are expected to follow. There are ten that are set aside for monks and nuns to follow. Laypersons are only responsible for five. The five precepts associated with only monks and nuns include abstaining the consumption of solid food after noon; no perfume or jewelry; beds must be raised; no contact with money shall be allowed; and no partaking in wasteful forms of entertainment.

 

tea ceremony: This is a Zen ritual that is used to overcome the barriers associated with a consciousness that is regarded ”˜ordinary.’

 

Theravada: This is another way of referring to the “tradition of the elders.” This is where most of the traditional views of Buddha are followed. It may also be referred to as the Southern or Lesser Vehicle Buddhism.

 

roshi: In Japanese, this term refers to a spiritual teacher within Zen Buddhism.

 

samadhi: This is a Sanskrit term referring to a deep state of meditation.

 

samudaya: This is the term used to refer to the second of the Four Noble Truths. It deals with the suffering that is caused by our desires.