The compatible reading software is Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5.0 or higher Download Acrobat Reader. This new book entitled “Buddhism Course” is a carefully researched and updated version. It contains 17 chapters dealing with most of the relevant topics on Buddhism, such as: Life of the Buddha, Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Noble Path, Dependent Origin, Law of Kamma, Death and Rebirth, Five Destinations.

தமிழ் அரியவகை புத்தகங்கள் PDF வடிவில்தரவிறக்கம் செய்யThirukkural by Thiruvalluvar - with meanings திருக்குறள்Abirami Anthathi by Abirami Pattar அபிராமி அந்தாதிUlaga Neethi by Ulaga Nathar உலகநீதிAvvaiyar books ஒளவையார்Atthichudi ஆத்திசூடிKondrai Vendhan கொன்றை வேந்தன்Muthurai மூதுரைNalvazi நல்வழிBharathiar books சி. சுப்ரமணிய பாரதியார் பாடல்கள் No.Book TitleAuthorRead online / Download1Kannan Pattu கண்ணன் பாட்டுC. Subramanya Bharathiar2Kuyil Pattu குயில் பாட்டுC. Subramanya Bharathiar3Panchali Sapatham பாஞ்சாலி சபதம்C.

Subramanya Bharathiar4Bharathiar Songs பாரதியார் பாடல்கள் - 1C. Subramanya Bharathiar5Bharathiar Songs - 2 பாரதியார் பாடல்கள் - 12C. Subramanya Bharathiar6Bharathiar Songs - 3 பாரதியார் பாடல்கள் - 3C.

THE BASIC TEACHING OF BUDDHA Following the Buddha's FootstepsInstilling Goodness SchoolCity of Ten Thousand BuddhasTalmage, CA 95481INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISMAs a child, Siddhartha the Buddha, was troubled by some of the samethoughts that children today have. They wonder about birth and death. Theywonder why they get sick and why grandfather died.

They wonder why theirwishes do not come true. Children also wonder about happiness and the beautyin nature.Because the Buddha knew what was in the hearts of children and humankind, he taught everyone how to live a happy and peaceful life. Buddhismis not learning about strange beliefs from faraway lands. It is about lookingat and thinking about our own lives.

It shows us how to understand ourselvesand how to cope with our daily problems.UNIT 1THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHALife in the PalaceBuddhism is one of the major religions in the world. It began around2,500 years ago in India when Siddhartha Gautama discovered how to bringhappiness into the world. He was born around 566 BC, in the small kingdomof Kapilavastu. His father was King Suddhodana and his mother was QueenMaya.Soon after Prince Siddhartha was born, the wise men predicted that hewould become a Buddha. When the king heard this, he was deeply disturbed,for he wanted his son to become a mighty ruler.

He told Queen Maya, 'Iwill make life in the palace so pleasant that our son will never want toleave.' At the age of sixteen, Prince Siddhartha married a beautiful princess,Yasodhara. The king built them three palaces, one for each season, andlavished them with luxuries. They passed their days in enjoyment and neverthought about life outside the palace.The Four SightsSoon Siddhartha became disillusioned with the palace life and wantedto see the outside world. He made four trips outside the palace and sawfour things that changed his life.

On the first three trips, he saw sickness,old age and death. He asked himself, 'How can I enjoy a life of pleasurewhen there is so much suffering in the world?'

On his fourth trip, he saw a wandering monk who had given up everythinghe owned to seek an end to suffering. 'I shall be like him.' Siddharthathought.RenunciationLeaving his kingdom and loved ones behind, Siddhartha became a wanderingmonk. He cut off his hair to show that he had renounced the worldly lifestyleand called himself Gautama. He wore ragged robes and wandered from placeto place.

In his search for truth, he studied with the wisest teachersof his day. None of them knew how to end suffering, so he continued thesearch on his own.For six years he practiced severe asceticism thinking this would leadhim to enlightenment. He sat in meditation and ate only roots, leaves andfruit. At times he ate nothing. He could endure more hardships than anyoneelse, but this did not take him anywhere. He thought, 'Neither my lifeof luxury in the palace nor my life as an ascetic in the forest is theway to freedom. Overdoing things can not lead to happiness.

' He beganto eat nourishing food again and regained his strength.EnlightenmentOn a full-moon day in May, he sat under the Bodhi tree in deep meditationand said. 'I will not leave this spot until I find an end to suffering.' During the night, he was visited by Mara, the evil one, who tried to tempthim away from his virtuous path. First he sent his beautiful daughtersto lure Gautama into pleasure. Next he sent bolts of lightning, wind andheavy rain.

Last he sent his demonic armies with weapons and flaming rocks.One by one, Gautama met the armies and defeated them with his virtue.As the struggle ended, he realized the cause of suffering and how toremove it. He had gained the most supreme wisdom and understood thingsas they truly are. He became the Buddha,'The Awakened One'.

Fromthen on, he was called Shakyamuni Buddha.The Buddha TeachesAfter his enlightenment, he went to the Deer Park near the holy cityof Benares and shared his new understanding with five holy men. They understoodimmediately and became his disciples. This marked the beginning of theBuddhist community.For the next forty-five years, the Buddha and his disciples went fromplace to place in India spreading the Dharma, his teachings. Theircompassion knew no bounds, they helped everyone along the way, beggars,kings and slave girls.

At night, they would sleep where they were; whenhungry they would ask for a little food.Whenever the Buddha went, he won the hearts of the people because hedealt with their true feelings. He advised them not to accept his wordson blind faith, but to decide for themselves whether his teachings areright or wrong, then follow them. He encouraged everyone to have compassionfor each other and develop their own virtue, 'You should do your own work,for I can teach only the way.' He never became angry or impatient or spoke harshly to anyone, not evento those who opposed him. He always taught in such a way that everyonecould understand. Each person thought the Buddha was speaking especiallyfor him. The Buddha told his followers to help each other on the Way.

Followingis a story of the Buddha living as an example to his disciples.Once the Buddha and Ananda visited a monastery where a monk was sufferingfrom a contagious disease. The poor man lay in a mess with no one lookingafter him. The Buddha himself washed the sick monk and placed him on anew bed.

Afterwards, he admonished the other monks. 'Monks, you have neithermother nor father to look after you. If you do not look after each other,who will look after you?

Whoever serves the sick and suffering, servesme.' The Last YearsShakyamuni Buddha passed away around 486 BC at the age of eighty. Althoughhe has left the world, the spirit of his kindness and compassion remains.The Buddha realized that that he was not the first to become a Buddha.' There have been many Buddhas before me and will be many Buddhas in thefuture,' The Buddha recalled to his disciples.

'All living beings havethe Buddha nature and can become Buddhas.' For this reason, he taught theway to Buddhahood.The two main goals of Buddhism are getting to know ourselves and learningthe Buddha's teachings. To know who we are, we need to understand thatwe have two natures. One is called our ordinary nature, which ismade up of unpleasant feelings such as fear, anger, and jealousy.

The otheris our true nature,the part of us that is pure, wise, and perfect.In Buddhism, it is called the Buddha nature. The only differencebetween us and the Buddha is that we have not awakened to our true nature.Unit 2BASIC TEACHINGS OF THE BUDDHAChapter 1THE THREE UNIVERSAL TRUTHSOne day, the Buddha sat down in the shade of a tree and noticed howbeautiful the countryside was. Flowers were blooming and trees were puttingon bright new leaves, but among all this beauty, he saw much unhappiness.A farmer beat his ox in the field. A bird pecked at an earthworm, and thenan eagle swooped down on the bird. Deeply troubled, he asked, 'Why doesthe farmer beat his ox? Why must one creature eat another to live?' During his enlightenment, the Buddha found the answer to these questions.He discovered three great truths.

He explained these truths in a simpleway so that everyone could understand them.1. Nothing is lost in the universeThe first truth is that nothing is lost in the universe.

Matter turnsinto energy, energy turns into matter. A dead leaf turns into soil.

A seedsprouts and becomes a new plant. Old solar systems disintegrate and turninto cosmic rays. We are born of our parents, our children are born ofus.We are the same as plants, as trees, as other people, as the rain thatfalls. We consist of that which is around us, we are the same as everything.If we destroy something around us, we destroy ourselves. If we cheat another,we cheat ourselves.

Understanding this truth, the Buddha and his disciplesnever killed any animal.2. Everything ChangesThe second universal truth of the Buddha is that everything is continuouslychanging. Life is like a river flowing on and on, ever-changing. Sometimesit flows slowly and sometimes swiftly. It is smooth and gentle in someplaces, but later on snags and rocks crop up out of nowhere. As soon aswe think we are safe, something unexpected happens.Once dinosaurs, mammoths, and saber-toothed tigers roamed this earth.They all died out, yet this was not the end of life.

Other life forms likesmaller mammals appeared, and eventually humans, too. Now we can even seethe Earth from space and understand the changes that have taken place onthis planet. Our ideas about life also change. People once believed thatthe world was flat, but now we know that it is round.3. Law of Cause and EffectThe third universal truth explained by the Buddha is that there is continuouschanges due to the law of cause and effect. This is the same law of causeand effect found in every modern science textbook.

In this way, scienceand Buddhism are alike.The law of cause and effect is known as karma. Nothing ever happensto us unless we deserves it. We receive exactly what we earn, whether itis good or bad. We are the way we are now due to the things we have donein the past.

Our thoughts and actions determine the kind of life we canhave. If we do good things, in the future good things will happen to us.If we do bad things, in the future bad things will happen to us. Everymoment we create new karma by what we say, do, and think. If we understandthis, we do not need to fear karma.

It becomes our friend. It teaches usto create a bright future.The Buddha said,'The kind of seed sownwill produce that kind of fruit.Those who do good will reap good results.Those who do evil will reap evil results.If you carefully plant a good seed,You will joyfully gather good fruit.' Dhammapada -Chapter 2THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHSOnce there was a woman named Kisagotami, whose first-born son died.She was so stricken with grief that she roamed the streets carrying thedead body and asking for help to bring her son back to life.

A kind andwise man took her to the Buddha.The Buddha told her, 'Fetch me a handful of mustard seeds and I willbring your child back to life.' Joyfully Kisagotami started off to getthem. Then the Buddha added, 'But the seeds must come from a family thathas not known death.' Kisagotami went from door to door in the whole village asking for themustard seeds, but everyone said, 'Oh, there have been many deaths here','I lost my father', I lost my sister'.

She could not find a single householdthat had not been visited by death. Finally Kisagotami returned to theBuddha and said, 'There is death in every family. Everyone dies. Now Iunderstand your teaching.'

The Buddha said, 'No one can escape death and unhappiness. If peopleexpect only happiness in life, they will be disappointed.' Things are not always the way we want them to be, but we can learn tounderstand them. When we get sick, we go to a doctor and ask:.What's wrong with me?.Why am I sick?.What will cure me?.What do I have to do get well?The Buddha is like a good doctor. First a good doctor diagnoses the illness.Next he finds out what has caused it.

Then he decides what the cure is.Finally he prescribes the medicine or gives the treatment that will makethe patient well again.The Four Noble Truths1. There is Suffering Suffering is common to all.2. Cause of Suffering We are the cause of our suffering.3. End of Suffering Stop doing what causes suffering.4. Path to end Suffering Everyone can be enlightened.1. Suffering: Everyone suffers from these thingBirth- When we are born, we cry.Sickness- When we are sick, we are miserable.Old age- When old, we will have ache andpains and find it hard to get around.Death- None of us wants to die. We feel deepsorrow when someone dies.Other things we suffer from are:Being with those we dislike,Being apart from those we love,Not getting what we want,All kinds of problems and disappointments that are unavoidable.The Buddha did not deny that there is happiness in life, but he pointedout it does not last forever.

Eventually everyone meets with some kindof suffering. He said:'There is happiness in life,happiness in friendship,happiness of a family,happiness in a healthy body and mind.but when one loses them, there is suffering.' The cause of sufferingThe Buddha explained that people live in a sea of suffering becauseof ignorance and greed. They are ignorant of the law of karma and are greedyfor the wrong kind of pleasures. They do things that are harmful to theirbodies and peace of mind, so they can not be satisfied or enjoy life.For example, once children have had a taste of candy, they want more.When they can't have it, they get upset.

Even if children get all the candythey want, they soon get tired of it and want something else. Although,they get a stomach-ache from eating too much candy, they still want more.The things people want most cause them the most suffering. Of course, thereare basic things that all people should have, like adequate food, shelter,and clothing.

Everyone deserve a good home, loving parents, and good friends.They should enjoy life and cherish their possessions without becoming greedy.3. The end of sufferingTo end suffering, one must cut off greed and ignorance.

This meanschanging one's views and living in a more natural and peaceful way. Itis like blowing out a candle. The flame of suffering is put out for good.Buddhists call the state in which all suffering is ended Nirvana.Nirvana is an everlasting state of great joy and peace.

The Buddha said,'The extinction of desire is Nirvana.' This is the ultimate goal in Buddhism.Everyone can realize it with the help of the Buddha's teachings. It canbe experienced in this very life.4. The path to the end of suffering: The path to end sufferingis known as the Noble Eightfold Path. It is also known as the MiddleWay.Chapter 3THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATHWhen the Buddha gave his first sermon in the Deer Park, he began the' Turning of the Dharma Wheel'.

He chose the beautiful symbolof the wheel with its eight spokes to represent the Noble Eightfold Path.The Buddha's teaching goes round and round like a great wheel that neverstops, leading to the central point of the wheel, the only point whichis fixed, Nirvana. The eight spokes on the wheel represent the eight partsof the Noble Eightfold Path. Just as every spoke is needed for the wheelto keep turning, we need to follow each step of the path.1. The right way to think about life is tosee the world through the eyes of the Buddha-with wisdom and compassion.2. Right Thought. We are what we think. Clear and kind thoughtsbuild good, strong characters.3.

Right Speech. By speaking kind and helpful words, weare respected and trusted by everyone.4. Right Conduct.

No matter what we say, others know usfrom the way we behave. Before we criticize others, we should first seewhat we do ourselves.5. Right Livelihood.

This means choosing a job that doesnot hurt others. The Buddha said, 'Do not earn your living by harming others.Do not seek happiness by making others unhappy.' Right Effort. A worthwhile life means doing our bestat all times and having good will toward others. This also means not wastingeffort on things that harm ourselves and others.7. Right Mindfulness.

This means being aware of our thoughts,words, and deeds.8. Right Concentration. Focus on one thought or objectat a time. By doing this, we can be quiet and attain true peace of mind.Following the Noble Eightfold Path can be compared to cultivating agarden, but in Buddhism one cultivates one's wisdom. The mind is the groundand thoughts are seeds. Deeds are ways one cares for the garden. Our faultsare weeds.

Pulling them out is like weeding a garden. The harvest is realand lasting happiness.UNIT 3FOLLOWING THE BUDDHA'S TEACHINGSThe Buddha spoke the Four Noble Truths and many other teachings, butat the heart they all stress the same thing.

An ancient story explainsthis well.Once a very old king went to see an old hermit who lived in a bird'snest in the top of a tree, 'What is the most important Buddhist teaching?' The hermit answered, 'Do no evil, do only good. Purify your heart.' Theking had expected to hear a very long explanation. He protested,'But even a five-year old child can understand that!'

'Yes,' replied thewise sage, 'but even an 80-year-old man cannot do it.' Chapter 1THE TRIPLE JEWELThe Buddha knew it would be difficult for people to follow his teachingson their own, so he established the Three Refuges for them to relyon. If a person wants to become Buddhists take refuge in and rely on theBuddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. These are known as theTripleJewel. The Sangha are the monks and nuns. They live in monasteriesand carry on the Buddha's teaching.

The word Sangha means 'harmonious community'.The Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha together possess qualities thatare precious like jewels and can lead one to enlightenment.A refuge is a place to go for safety and protection, like a shelterin a storm. Taking refuge does not mean running away from life. It meansliving life in a fuller, truer way.Taking refuge is also like a man traveling for the first time to a distantcity. He will need a guide to show him which path to follow and some travelingcompanions to help him along the way. The Buddha is the guide.

The Dharma is the path. The Sangha are the teachers or companions along the way.There is a special ceremony for taking refuge with the Triple Jewel. Witha sincere mind, one recites the following verse in front of an ordainedmonk or nun.I go to the Buddha for refuge.I go to the Dharma for refuge.I go to the Sangha for refuge.For a Buddhist, taking refuge is the first step on the path to enlightenment.Even if enlightenment is not achieved in this life, one has a better chanceto become enlightened in a future life. One who take the precepts is calleda lay person. Chapter 2THE FIVE PRECEPTSAll religions have some basic rules that define what is good conductand what kind of conduct should be avoided. In Buddhism, the most importantrules are the Five Precepts. These have been passed down from theBuddha himself.1.

No killingRespect for life2. No stealingRespect for others' property3. No sexual misconductRespect for our pure nature4. No lyingRespect for honesty5. No intoxicantsRespect for a clear mindNo killingThe Buddha said, 'Life is dear to all beings. They have the right tolive the same as we do.' We should respect all life and not kill anything.Killing ants and mosquitoes is also breaking this precept.

We should havean attitude of loving-kindness towards all beings, wishing them to be happyand free from harm. Taking care of the earth, its rivers and air is included.One way that many Buddhists follow this precept is by being vegetarian.No stealingIf we steal from another, we steal from ourselves. Instead, we shouldlearn to give and take care of things that belong to our family, to theschool, or to the public.No sexual misconductProper conduct shows respect for oneself and others. Our bodies aregifts from our parents, so we should protect them from harm. Young peopleshould especially keep their natures pure and develop their virtue. Itis up to them to make the world a better place to live. In happy families,the husband and wife both respect each other.No lyingBeing honest brings peace into the world.

When there is a misunderstanding,the best thing is to talk it over. This precept includes no gossip, noback-biting, no harsh words and no idle speech.No intoxicantsThe fifth precept is based on keeping a clear mind and a healthy body.One day, when the Buddha was speaking the Dharma for the assembly, a youngdrunkard staggered into the room. He tripped over some monks who were sittingon the floor and started cursing loudly. His breath reeked of alcohol andfilled the air with a sickening stench.

Mumbling to himself, he reeledout the door.Everyone was astonished at his rude behavior, but the Buddha remainedcalm. 'Great assembly!' He spoke, 'Take a look at this man! He will certainlylose his wealth and good name. His body will grow weak and sickly. Dayand night, he will quarrel with his family and friends until they abandonhim.

The worst thing is that he will lose his wisdom and become stupid.' Little by little, one can learn to follow these precepts. If one sometimesforgets them, one can start all over again. Following the precepts is alifetime job. If one kills or hurts someone's feelings by mistake, thatis breaking the precepts, but it was not done on purpose.Chapter 3THE WHEEL OF LIFEBuddhists do not believe that death is the end of life. When one dies,one's consciousness leaves and enters one of the six paths of rebirth. Heavenly Beings.

Humans. Asuras are beings who have many good things in life, but still liketo fight. They appear in the heavens or on earth as people or animals.

Hungry ghosts are beings who suffer from constant hunger. Hell-beingsThese are the six states on the wheel of life. At the top are the heavens,where everyone is happy.

Below are the hells where the suffering is unbearable.Beings can rise or fall from one path to another. If one does good deeds,one will be born into the paths of gods, humans, or asuras. If onedoes evil deeds, one will be born into the paths of animals, hungryghosts, or hell-beings.

From one life to the next one can suddenlychange from an human to an animal or from a ghost to a hell-being, accordingto the things one has done.How to Escape the Turning WheelThe wheel of life and death is kept turning by the three poisons ofgreed,hatred,and stupidity. By cutting off the three poisons, we can escape thewheel and become enlightened. There are four stages of enlightenment. Buddhas- perfect in enlightenment. Spotify unblocked. Bodhisattvas- enlighten themselves as well as others.

Pratyekabuddhas- hermits who retreat from the world to enlightenthemselves. Arhats- enlighten themselves.Unit 4THE BUDDHIST COMMUNITYIn Asia, it is considered the highest honor if a member of one's familyleaves the home life. Westerners, however, may be shocked at the idea ofanyone leaving their family to become a monk or nun. They may think thisis selfish and turning one's back on the world. In fact, monks and nunsare not selfish at all. They dedicate themselves to helping others. Theydon't wish to own a lot of things, or to have money or power.

They givethese things up to gain something far more valuable-spiritual freedom.By living a pure simple life with others on the same path, they are ableto lessen their greed, hatred, and ignorance.Although monks and nuns live in a monastery, they do not entirely giveup their families. They are allowed to visit and take care of them whenthey are ill.Chapter 1LIFE IN A MONASTERYA day in a temple begins early for monks and nuns. Long before daybreak,they attend morning ceremony and chant praises to the Buddha.

The ceremonieslift one's spirit and bring about harmony. Although the Sangha lead simplelives, they have many responsibilities to fulfill. Everyone works diligentlyand is content with his or her duties.During the day, some monks and nuns go about teaching in schools orspeaking the Buddha's teachings. Others may revise and translate BuddhistSutras and books, make Buddha images, take care of the temple and gardens,prepare for ceremonies, give advice to laypeople, and care for the eldersand those who are sick. The day ends with a final evening ceremony.In the daily life of work and religious practice, the monks and nunsconduct them-selves properly and are highly respected. By leading a pure,simple life, they gain extraorinary insight into the nature of things.Although their life is hard and rigorous, the results are worth it. Italso keeps them healthy and energetic.

The laity, who live in the templeor visits, follows the same schedule as the Sangha and works along withthem.Chapter 2THE SHAVEN HEAD, ROBE, AND OFFERING BOWLIdeally, monks and nuns own only a few things, such as robes and anoffering bowl. While most people spend lots of time and money on theirhair, Buddhist monks and nuns shave their heads. They are no longer concernedwith outward beauty, but with developing their spiritual lives. The shavenhead is a reminder that the monks and nuns have renounced the home lifeand are a part of the Sangha.Offering food to monks and nuns is a part of Buddhism. In Asia, it isnot unusual to see monks walking towards the villages early in the morningcarrying their offering bowls. They do not beg for food, but accept whateveris offered. This practice not only helps the monks and nuns to be humble,but gives laypeople an opportunity to give.

In some countries laypeoplego to the monastery to make offerings.The robes of monks and nuns are simple and made from cotton or linen.Their color varies according to different countries. For instance, yellowrobes are mostly worn in Thailand, while black robes are worn in Japan.In China and Korea, gray and brown robes are worn for work, while moreelaborate robes are used for ceremonies.

Dark red robes are worn in Tibet.Robes and offering bowls are very important to monks and nuns. The Buddhasaid, 'Just as a bird takes its wings with it wherever it flies, so themonk takes his robes and bowl with him wherever he goes.' Chapter 3THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LAITY IN BUDDHISMThe laity are very important in Buddhism, for they are the supportingmembers of the Buddhist community.

They build the temples and monasteriesand give offerings of food, robes, bedding, and medicine to the monks andnuns. This enables the Sangha to carry on the Buddha's work. In this waythe Sangha and laity benefit each other and together keep the Dharma alive.In Buddhism, it is also important to support the poor and needy.

Givingto support religious people, however, is considered a very meritoriousdeed. The Buddha not only encouraged giving to Buddhists, but to any spiritualperson who is sincere.The Buddha taught his disciples to be tolerant of other religions. Forexample, when one lights a candle from the flame of another candle, theflame of the first candle does not lose its light. Instead, the two lightsglow more brightly together. It is the same with the great religions ofthe world.Whether one is a member of the Sangha or a lay person, the ideal isto practice Buddhism for the sake of all.UNIT 5DIFFERENT KINDS OF BUDDHISMChapter 1TWO SCHOOLS OF BUDDHISMIn the centuries following the Buddha's lifetime, his followers faithfullypreserved his teachings and spread them to many countries in Asia.

Today,there are two main schools of Buddhism: Theravada and Mahayana.Theravada means 'the teaching of the Elders'. Theravada monks follow thepractices that have been passed down by the senior monks from the Buddha'stime, such as living in the forests and meditating. The goal in TheravadaBuddhism is to become an Arhat, a person who is free of suffering.Theravada is practiced mainly in southern Asian countries such as Sri Lanka,Thailand and Myanmar (Burma).Mahayana stresses following the Buddha's example of going out into theworld and doing good. Mahayana means ' Great Vehicle'. The goal inMahayana Buddhism is to follow the Bodhisattva Path. A Bodhisattvais one who enlightens oneself as well as others. In Mahayana Buddhism,there are many Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

It mainly spread to northern Asiancountries like China, Tibet, Korea, Vietnam and Japan. Recently, both Theravadaand Mahayana Buddhism have been introduced into the West.Chapter 2VISITING BUDDHIST TEMPLESIn this unit, we will pretend to visit different Buddhist temples. Whenvisiting a temple, we should dress modestly and follow the rules and customsof the temple. Buddhists pay their respects to the Triple Jewel by facingthe altar and bowing when entering the temple. Visitors may join in theworship rituals or just watch quietly.In Buddhism, the monks and nuns are treated with great respect. Theysit or stand in front of everyone else and take their food first. Whenwe talk to them, we should put our palms together and speak politely.Theravada BuddhismOur first visit is to a Theravada Buddhist monastery in the forest inThailand where only the monks live.

We sit in the quietness of a smallbamboo temple built on stilts, surrounded by the sounds of chirping birdsand rustling trees. A young monk who is our guide explains to us. 'Themonks live alone in huts called'kutis'. They are built on stiltsto keep the animals and insects out. There they practice sitting and walkingmeditation, which is very important for their spiritual life. In frontof each hut is a path for walking meditation. The monks sweep them cleanto keep from stepping on insects and killing them.'

The guide continues, 'Early in the morning and in the evening, the monksmeet together for meditation and recitation. After the ceremonies calledpujas,theystudy the Dharma.

Before entering the temple they wash their feet withwater carried up to the monastery from a stream below. It is traditionalfor the monks and nuns to live in the forest as part of their early training.The older ones, however, are not required to do so. Some monks and nunsmay live all their lives in the forest, while others live in the templesin towns and cities.Someone asks, 'Living in the jungle, aren't you afraid of tigers?' The monk answers, 'Sometimes, when the monks are walking in the jungle,they sense tigers following them.

But since they hold the precept of nokilling, they're not afraid and the tigers know they will not be harmed.' Tibetan BuddhismNext we will visit a Tibetan temple. A young Tibetan boy named Lobsangis our guide. He smiles as he talks, 'Our temple is very colorful. It isdecorated with many kinds of Buddha images and wall hangings called thankas.Onthe altars are beautiful lamps and incense holders.

Big prayer wheels areset into the walls of the temple. Mantras, written on strips ofrice paper, are placed inside the wheels. They are symbolic phrases withdeep spiritual meanings. We recite them over and over as we turn the prayerwheels. There are also hand-held prayer wheels that people whirl as theywalk about.' To us Tibetans, Buddhism is a happy religion.

My favorite days arethe festivals. People in masks and costumes act out dramas about the lifeof the Buddha. Bright, new prayer flags are hung on these days. They blowin the wind along the hillsides and remind us to live in harmony with nature.Now that your visit is over, may you go with the spirit of the Buddha.'

Japanese BuddhismAt a Japanese temple, we are met by Taro. She will tell us about herSunday School: 'We chant 'Namo Amida Butsu' to show our gratitude to AmidaBuddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light. We believe that by reciting his namewe will have a good life and be reborn in his Western Pure Land.

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You cansee a statue of Amida in the front of the hall. On the altar you can seeother beautiful things, but the most important is the offering of ricecakes.'

I will tell you why. Rice is very important to Asian people. If youwere to ask a young Japanese boy or girl, 'What did you eat today?'

Heor she would probably say, 'Rice' When we see rice offered, it remindsus to offer our best to the Buddha. In Sunday school, we sit in meditationon cushions calledzafus.

Japanese meditation is called zen.Chinese BuddhismToday we are visiting a Chinese-American monastery in California. Itis called the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas. There are over ten thousandsmall Buddha statues inside the main worship hall. Our guide is a youngnovice named Gwo Cheng from mainland China. She came to the United Stateswhen she was 10 years old and became a novice at age 11.Gwo Cheng: 'The City of Ten Thousand Buddhas is a Buddhist communitywhere people from all over the world come to study Buddhism. The City hasits own schools, but you do not have to be a Buddhist to attend our schoolsor to live here.' A day at the temple begins at 4:00 a.m.

With the morning ceremony.After that we bow, sit in meditation, and recite Sutras. These ceremonieslift everyone's spirits and help us live together in harmony. We do ourceremonies in both English and Chinese. There are many ceremonies throughoutthe day. We finish off the day with an evening ceremony and a Dharma talk.' Everyone goes to work or school at 8:00 in the morning. In our school,we learn the way of truth and goodness We also learn both Chinese and English.We young novices attend school and are in training to become nuns.

We canbecome fully ordained nuns when we are twenty-one, so we have time to makeup our minds. We are not expected to do everything the nuns do, but wedo our best. At first it was difficult to get up so early and to sit inmeditation, but now we are used to it. It's a healthy life!' After school, we help with the temple duties and do other chores. Ireally like gardening and planting. Many people ask me if the novices everhave any fun.

We are very good friends and enjoy studying together.We go on walks and picnics and sing Buddhist songs. The nuns are alwaysthinking of fun things for us to do.

We also like to see our families wholive here and visit with us.' UNIT 6BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES, SYMBOLS, AND FESTIVALSChapter 1BUDDHIST SCRIPTURESThe Dharma reveals the Buddha's understanding of life. The Buddha instructedcountless people, but he, himself, wrote nothing down, just as Jesus wrotenothing down. They both lived a complete life.

His disciples rememberedhis talks and recited them regularly. These talks were collected into bookscalled Sutras. There are many Sutras, so Buddhism does not havejust a single holy book, like the Christian Bible or the Koran of Islam.The first Sutras were written on palm leaves in Pali and Sanskrit,ancient Indian languages. They have been gathered together in a collectioncalled the Tripitaka, which means 'three baskets'.

It is dividedinto three parts.Sutra PitakaSutras and their explanations.Vinaya PitakaRules for monks and nuns.Abhidharma PitakaThe psychology and philosophy of the Buddha's teachingsBuddhists treat Sutras with great respect and place them on the highestshelves in the most respected areas.Chapter 2BUDDHIST SYMBOLSBuddhist symbols have special meanings that remind us of the Buddha'steachings. The main room or building is called a shrine or a Buddha Hall.In the front of this room, there is an altar. There are many beautifulthings on the altar. Here are some of them.

Images of the Buddha. Traditional offerings.

Dharma instrumentsBuddha ImagesSome people believe that Buddhists worship idols, but this is not true.Buddhists bow or make offerings of flowers and incense in reverence tothe Buddha, not to the image. When they do so they reflect on the virtuesof the Buddha and are inspired to become like him. Buddha images are notnecessary, but they are helpful. The most important thing is to followthe Buddha's teachings.There are many different kinds of Buddha and Bodhisattva images thatshow different qualities. For example, a statue of the Buddha with hishand resting gently in his lap reminds us to develop peace within ourselves.A statue with the Buddha's right hand touching the ground shows determination.Traditional OfferingsTraditional offerings are to show respect to the Buddha. Flowers- are offered as reminders of how quickly things change.

Light from lamps or candles- symbolizes wisdom. Incense- reminds one to be peaceful. Water- represents purity. Food- reminds us to give our best to the Buddhas.Dharma InstrumentsThe instruments used in ceremonies and meditation are called Dharmainstruments. Each instrument has a specific use. For instance, thewooden fish is hit to keep rhythm.

Bells- gives signals in ceremonies and meditation. Drums-announces ceremonies and keeps rhythm. Gongs- announces ceremonies and activities. Wooden fish-keeps rhythm while chantingLotus FlowerThe lotus flower represents enlightenment described in the poem.The lotus has its roots in the mud,Grows up through the deep water,And rises to the surface.It blooms into perfect beauty and purity in the sunlight.It is like the mind unfolding to perfect joy and wisdom.The Bodhi TreeThe Bodhi Tree is a pipal tree, a kind of fig tree foundin India. After the Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree, it becameknown as the Bodhi Tree, the Tree of E nlightenment. It islocated in Bodhgaya, where people visit to pay their respects tothe Buddha.

Although the parent tree is no longer alive, its grandchildrenare still there.The Buddhist FlagAs the Buddha sat beneath the Bodhi Tree after his enlightenment, sixrays of light came out from his body and spread for miles around. The colorswere yellow, blue, white, red, orange and a mixture of all the colors.The Buddhist flag was designed after these colors.Stupas and PagodasS tupas and pagodas are monuments where the relics of theBuddha and high monks and nuns are kept so that people can show their respects.These relics are jewels that remain after cremation.Chapter 3BUDDHIST FESTIVALSBuddhists have many festivals throughout the year. These festivals celebrateevents in the lives of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and famous teachers. Duringthese occasions people can also take refuge and precepts, or leave thehome life to become monks and nuns.Buddha DayFor the Buddhist community, the most important event of the year isthe celebration of the Birth of the Buddha, his Enlightenment and Nirvana.It falls on the full-moon day in May.

On this day, Buddhists take partin the ceremonial bathing of the Buddha. They pour ladles of water scentedwith flowers over a statue of the baby Siddhartha. This symbolizes purifyingone's thoughts and actions.The temples are elaborately decorated with flowers and banners; thealtars are laden with offerings; vegetarian meals are provided for all;and captive animals, such as birds and turtles are set free. This is avery joyous day for everyone.Dharma DayAsalha Puja, known as 'Dharma Day', is celebrated during full-moon inJuly. This holiday commemorates the first sermon of the Buddha to the fivemonks in the Deer Park at Benares.Sangha DaySangha Day or Kathina Day is usually held in October. In the Theravadatradition, monks and nuns go on a three-month retreat during the rainyseason. After the retreat, the laity offers robes and other necessitiesto them.

This day symbolizes the close relationship between the Sanghaand laity.UllambanaThe observance of Ullambana is based on the story of Maudgalyayana,a disciple of the Buddha. When Maudgalyayana's mother died, he wanted toknow where she was reborn. Using his spiritual powers, he traveled intothe hells and found her suffering miserably from hunger. He brought hera bowl of food, but when she tried to swallow it, the food turned intohot coals.The distressed Maudgalyayana asked the Buddha, 'Why is my mother sufferingin the hells?' The Buddha replied, 'In her life as a human, she was stingy and greedy.This is her retribution.'

He advised, 'Make offerings to the Sangha. Themerit and virtue from this act will release your mother and others fromthe hells.' As a result of Maudgalyana's offering, his mother and thousandsof others were released from their unhappy state. After this, making offeringsto release departed relatives and others from the hells became popularin Mahayana countries.

Usually, it takes place in September.UNIT 7HISTORY OF BUDDHISMChapter 1BUDDHISM IN THE EASTBuddhism was first introduced into Sri Lanka from India in the 3rd centuryBC by Mahinda, the son of King Asoka. There it achieved great popularityand is still flourishing today.In the early centuries AD, Buddhism was introduced taken to SoutheastAsia by merchants and missionaries. The great monuments like Borobudurin Indonesia and Angkor Thom in Cambodia are evidence of the splendor ofBuddhism in these regions.In the 1st century AD, Buddhism reached China where many Sutras weretranslated into classical Chinese.In the 4th century AD, Buddhism found its way to Korea and on into Japan.Chapter 2BUDDHISM IN THE WESTEven before the 17th century, people in the West heard of the Buddhaand his teachings from early travelers such as Marco Polo and Christianmissionaries.By the early 20th century, many Europeans had traveled to the East tostudy Buddhism. Some of them became monks and inspired Buddhism in theWest.

In the 19th century, Chinese and Japanese immigrants brought manydifferent traditions of Buddhism to America. Today, there are numerousBuddhist centers spread across Europe and North and South America.UNIT 8JATAKA TALES AND OTHER BUDDHIST STORIESThe Buddha was a great storyteller and often told stories to get hismessage across.

Stories were also told about the Buddha by his followersboth to explain and understand the Dharma. These stories have been passeddown to the present day and the most popular ones are the Jataka tales,a collection of hundreds of tales about the Buddha's past lives. They showthe kind of life one should lead to become a Buddha one day.

In many ofthese stories, the Buddha appears as an animal to teach the value of qualitiessuch as kindness, compassion, and giving.The Monkey King and the MangoesOnce upon a time, the Buddha came into the world as a Monkey King andruled over 80,000 monkeys. He was very tall and strong and had wisdom likethe sun. In his kingdom on the banks of the Ganges River, there was a mangotree as big as the moon.

The 80,000 monkeys jumped from branch to branchchattering and eating the lovely fruit that was big and sweet and delicious.Sometimes a ripe mango fell into the river.One day, the Monkey King strolled downstream and came upon a river palacewhere a human king lived. 'Soon danger will come if the mangoes float downstream,'he told the monkeys. 'Pick all the mangoes and flowers on the trees andtake them deep into the forest.' But one mango, hidden by a bird's nest, was left unseen by the 80,000monkeys.

When it was large and ripe, it fell into the river and floateddownstream where the human king was bathing.The human king, who was very curious, tasted the beautiful mango. 'Thisis delicious!' He exclaimed. 'I must have more. Servants, find all themangoes and bring them to me at once!' Deep in the forest, the servants found hundreds of mango trees.

In thetrees were the 80,000 monkeys. When the human king heard about the monkeys,he was very angry, 'The monkeys are eating my mangoes. Kill them all!' He ordered his archers.'

Very well,' said the archers and chased the monkeys to the edge ofthe forest where they came to a deep cliff. There was no way for the monkeysto escape. Shivering with fright, they ran to the Monkey King asked, 'Whatshall we do?' 'Don't be afraid. I will save you,' said their king. Quickly, he stretchedhis huge body as far as possible and made a bridge over the cliff to abamboo grove on the other side.'

Come monkeys, run across my back to the bamboo grove,' he called. Andso the 80,000 monkeys escaped.The human king watched all that happened. He was amazed, 'This MonkeyKing has risked his life to save his whole troop! And all I'm doing isbeing selfish. I have learned a great lesson.' Then he called to his archers,'Put down your bows.

It isn't right to kill this King of Monkeys.' Forgetting about the mangoes, the human king went back to his palaceby the river and ruled kindly and wisely for the rest of his life.The Deer KingLong ago in a forgotten forest, lived a deer named Banyan. He was goldenlike the sun and his horns glistened like silver. His body was as largeas a colt and his eyes sparkled like jewels-alight with wisdom. He wasa King of Deer and watched over a herd of 500 deer.Not far away, another herd of deer was watched over by another goldendeer named Branch.

In the tall grass and shadows of the deep forest, thetwo herds lived in peace.One day, the King of Benares was out on a hunt and spied the beautifulgreen forest where the deer lived. 'What a perfect hunting ground!' Hedeclared and into the forests he dashed with his thousands of hunters andcame upon the two herds of deer. Without a moment's hesitation, he notchedan arrow in his bow. Suddenly he spotted the two golden deer. Never hadhe seen such beautiful creatures!

'From this day on,' he commanded, 'Noone is to harm or kill these golden deer.' Thereafter, he came to the forest everyday and killed more deer thanwas needed for his dinner table. As the weeks went by, many deer were woundedand died in great pain.Finally Banyan Deer called the two herds together, 'Friends, we knowthere is no escape from death, but this needless killing can be prevented.Let the deer take turns going to the chopping block, one day from my herdand the next day from Branch's herd.' All the deer agreed. Each day the deer whose turn it was went to thechopping block on the edge of the forest and laid its head upon the block.One day, the turn fell to a pregnant doe from Branch's herd.

She wentto Branch Deer and begged, 'Grant that I be passed over until after myfawn is born. Then I will gladly take my turn.' Branch Deer replied, 'It is your turn.

You must go.' In despair, the poor doe went to Banyan Deer and explained her plight.He gently said, 'Go rest in peace. I will put your turn upon another.' The deer king went and laid his golden head upon the chopping block. Adeep silence fell in the forest.When the king of Benares came and saw the golden deer ready for sacrifice,his heart skipped a beat, 'You are the leader of the herd,' he exclaimed,'You should be the last to die!' Banyan Deer explained how he had cometo save the life of the doe.A tear rolled down the cheek of the king.

'Golden Deer King,' he exclaimed.' Among men and beasts, I have not seen one with such compassion. Arise!I spare both your life and hers.'

So we will be safe. But what shall the rest of the deer do?' 'Theirlives I shall also spare.' 'So the deer will be safe, but what will theother four-footed animals do?' 'From now on they too will be safe.' 'Andwhat of the birds?'

'I will spare their lives.' 'And the fish in the water'The fish shall be spared- all creatures of the land, sea, and sky willbe free.'

Having saved the lives of all creatures, the golden deer raised hishead from the chopping block and returned to the forest.The Wounded SwanOne day when Prince Siddhartha and his cousin Devadatta were walkingin the woods, they saw a swan. Quickly, Devadatta drew his bow and shotthe swan down.

Siddhartha rushed to the wounded swan and pulled out thearrow. He held the bird in his arms and caressed it.Devadatta angrily shouted at Prince Siddhartha, 'Give me the swan. It belongs to me!'

'I shall never give it to you, You will only kill it!' Said the princefirmly. 'Let's ask the ministers of the court and let them decide.' The ministers all had different views. Some said, 'The swan should begiven to Devadatta.'

Others said, 'It should go to Prince Siddhartha.' One wise minister stood up and said, 'A life belongs to one who saves it,not to one who will destroy it.

The swan goes to the prince.' Prince Siddhartha took care of the swan until it could fly again. Thenhe turned it loose so it could live freely with its own kind.Aniruddha and the Golden RabbitOnce there was a poor farmer who offered his only bowl of rice to aholy man who was even poorer than he. This meant he would have nothingto eat that day.

He went back to his work and forgot all about having givenhis rice away. Suddenly a rabbit hopped alongside the farmer and jumpedon his back. The surprised farmer tried to brush it off. He tried to shakeit off, he tried to knock it off, but the rabbit would not bulge.He ran home to his wife, crying, 'Get this rabbit off my back!' By thistime the rabbit had turned into solid gold! The wife flipped the rabbitinto the air.

It hit the floor with a 'Crackkk!' One of its golden legsbroke off and another one magically grew in its place.From that day on, whenever the farmer and his wife needed money, theywould break off a piece of the golden rabbit. And from that life onward,Aniruddha was never poor. This was his reward for giving.A LESSON IN MEDITATIONConcentration on the BreathA very simple way of meditating is concentrating on your breath.

Thebreath is like a bridge between your body and mind. When you concentrateon your breath for a while, your body becomes relaxed and your mind becomespeaceful.Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight.Place your hands in your lap with the left hand on the bottom.Keep your eyes half-closed or closed.Concentrate on the tip of your nose. Notice your breath going in and out.Lotus postureFull lotus is the best sitting posture. Begin by sitting in half-lotus,then work your way up to full lotus.Full-lotus- Sit on the edge of a cushion. Place your left ankle on yourright thigh.

Then lift your right ankle onto your left thigh.Half-lotus- Lift your left ankle onto your right thigh.Note: It is best to sit at the same time and place everyday. Increaseyour sitting time littleby little. You may sit in a chair or stand if necessary.GLOSSARY asuras: Beings who like to fight.Bodhi tree: A pipal tree that is known as the 'tree of enlightenment'.The tree under which Gautama achieved enlightenment and became a Buddha.Bodhisattva: A compassionate being who enlightens himself andhelps others to be enlightened.Buddha: The Enlightened or Awakened One.