Buddhism
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Embarking on a scholarly study of Buddhism as a subject requires an open mind. Buddha himself had played a role as an exemplar, guide and teacher for those sentient beings who must tread the path themselves, attain spiritual Awakening, and see truth and reality as they are. Here, we focus on critical examination of the facts and myths, truths and legends, the implications and the philosophy resulting from the spread of Buddhism.
Ironically, the most important question in the study of Buddhism is whether it is accurate to think of Buddhism as a religion.
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[edit] Definition of Religion:
- A set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
- A specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
- The body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
- The life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
- The practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
- Something one believes in and follows devotedly: a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
- Religions, Archaic. Religious rites.
- Archaic. Strict faithfulness: devotion: a religion to one's vow.
[edit] Definition of Faith:
- Confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another's ability.
- Belief that is not based on proof: He had faith that the hypothesis would be substantiated by fact.
- Belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion: the firm faith of the Pilgrims.
- Belief in anything, as a code of ethics, standards of merit, etc.: to be of the same faith with someone concerning honesty.
- A system of religious belief: the Christian faith; the Jewish faith.
- The obligation of loyalty or fidelity to a person, promise, engagement, etc.: Failure to appear would be breaking faith.
- The observance of this obligation: fidelity to one's promise, oath, allegiance, etc.: He was the only one who proved his faith during our recent troubles.
- Christian Theology. The trust in God and in His promises as made through Christ and the Scriptures by which humans are justified or saved.
Buddhism is best approached as a systematic social education. As such, the study of Buddhism is very much about both methodology as well as understanding the historical as well as current context. The rich spiritual tradition cannot be ignored. The main themes of Buddhist thought in its many forms, are identified and discussed. The enormous diversity of the spiritual tradition including its classical eastern manifestations is emphasised. Of interest is the recent growth of Buddhism in the West, and how it responds to contemporary needs.
[edit] Definition of Spiritual
- Of, pertaining to, or consisting of spirit: incorporeal.
- Of or pertaining to the spirit or soul, as distinguished from the physical nature: a spiritual approach to life.
- Closely akin in interests, attitude, outlook, etc.: the professor's spiritual heir in linguistics.
- Of or pertaining to spirits or to spiritualists: supernatural or spiritualistic.
- Characterized by or suggesting predominance of the spirit; ethereal or delicately refined: She is more of a spiritual type than her rowdy brother.
- Of or pertaining to the spirit as the seat of the moral or religious nature.
- Of or pertaining to sacred things or matters; religious; devotional; sacred.
- Of or belonging to the church: ecclesiastical: lords spiritual and temporal.
- Of or relating to the mind or intellect.
