Buddhist Rituals & Beliefs
Exploring the Buddhist religion, you will find numerous terms that deal with the main beliefs and rituals that followers hold high within their culture. In this article, we will take a look at the infamous reference to karma, which is recognized throughout many different societies.
chado: In Zen Buddhism, there is an important tea ceremony that is meant for the overcoming of the consciousness associated with the ordinary. This is the term given to refer to this ritual.
Denne: This is a ritual within Zen Buddhism that deals with the transferring of a robe. The robe symbolizes the line of patriarchs that have come before the successor of the robe.
Five aggregates: Originating from the Sanskrit and Pali language, this term is known to refer to a group. There are five aspects associated with Buddhist beliefs that deal with the appearance of humans. These factors are constantly changing and do not in any way involve a sense of permanence. The five aspects are: consciousness; mental formations; perceptions; material composition; and sensations. For more information on the five aggregates, you may further study the Buddhist Doctrine of Human Nature.
khanda: This is another reference to the five aggregates. It refers to the five components that the Buddha believes is associated with the human.
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.
Five deadly sins: While the United States has glorified the seven deadly sins into something quite mythical in books, television and film, there are five deadly sins associated in the Buddhist culture, which are also referred to as the “five offences.” These are the type of acts that will lead to a rebirth in hell. They include
patricide, matricide, injuring a Buddha, creating chaos, as well as killing an arhat.
Five Precepts (sila): These are the responsibilities that both monks and lay people adhere to. This requires the avoidance of a variety of factors and temptations. The first deals with the forbidden act of harming any other living thing. Taking anything when it is not given to them is forbidden. Any sexually deviant act is forbidden. False speech, including gossiping and spreading lies is not allowed. Monks and laypeople should also stay away from any type of drug, which includes alcohol, which could cause any amount of loss in body control.
Five Periods and Eight Schools: After the death of the Buddha, this is the classification that was given to the various teachings of the Buddha.
karma: In Sanskrit, this term translates to mean “action.” It refers to the moral law that deals with the causes and effects throughout life. If you lead a life filled with good and positive actions, then you will benefit from good effects in the future. Any good deed can contribute to your karma, such as running errands for a neighbor. Bad actions will also have the same effect. This includes even telling white lies or spreading gossip. This concept actually originates from a Hindu concept.