Buddhism has been largely embraced as a religion although there is a growing perception that it is also a philosophy that comprises myriad of practices, beliefs and traditions. These aspects of Buddhism are closely attached to Siddhartha Gautama teachings. He was perceived as a lama, a spiritual leader among the Buddhists. Most of the religious and philosophical practices of Buddhism were mainly practiced in Indian subcontinent towards the eastern region (Hinduwebsite par. 2). Gautama was considered to be a teacher who acted as an awakening vessel to the sentient beings.
To begin with, Karma in Buddhism refers to the invisible and intrinsic power that controls the entire life cycle from rebirth to suffering of every existing being (Harvey 40). This cycle is also referred to as saṃsāra. The doctrines of suffering and rebirth are contained in dharma which is also the teachings of Buddhism. In order to reinforce these teachings, there is a set of rules or law known as dhamma that have been put in place. In one of the teachings, Buddhists are taught that dukka or sufferings in life is indeed inevitable at one time or another (Buddha Dharma Education Association par.3). In addition, Buddhists are also supposed to exercise generosity through the practice of dana. The term Bodhisattva is used to denote an individual who has been enlightened and all Buddhists are expected to be enlightened when they join the path to Buddhahood.
In addition, there are various set of unique rules for different groups in Buddhism. These rules are called Tipitaka. For instance, Pāli Tipitaka constitutes of the Abhidhamma Pitaka, the Sutta Pitaka the Vinaya Pitaka. They are all referred to as the three baskets. These rules are meant to make individuals move towards perfection also known as paramis. On the other hand, those who embrace Buddhism in totality attain nirvana which means being liberated from delusion hate and craving. The Bodhi tree provides a sacred place for meditation so that one is freed from any form of suffering (Rhys 18).
There are aspects of truth that are considered to be noble in Buddhism namely attachment is the origin of suffering, it is possible to attain cessation of suffering, there is a well defined path towards cessation of suffering and suffering is part of life. In addition, the code of ethics in Buddhism is contained in the five percepts (Buddha Dharma Education Association par. 4). Moreover, Buddhists have to undergo Zen Buddhism or meditation throughout their life. As part of their religious traditions, Buddhists also celebrate the day of the Hungry Ghosts which is known as Ullambana. This is done alongside mantra or songs (Harvey 164).
It is evident that the four basic truths have been emphasized in this sermon as quite important in Buddhism. While we may attempt to separate the four noble truths into unique entities, it is by no doubt that they all lead to one major tenet namely suffering. As a matter of fact, those who believe in the teachings of Buddhism should acknowledge that suffering is life altogether.
The day when enlightenment dawned on Buddha is usually celebrated in Bodhi Day. A special procession is usually held in Sri lanka every August to commemorate the Festival of the Tooth, the tooth which is believed to be that of the Buddha and cannot be seen since it has been kept under several caskets. This is one of the sacred places apart from the Bodhi tree. On the other hand, Vesak is the birthday celebration for Buddha and held in June every year in a leap year but on the first day when there is full moon in May in an ordinary year. It also coincides with the celeberation of his enlightenment as well as death (Rhys 58).
Magha Puja Day is sometimes referred to as “Sangha Day”. It is celebrated to remember a historical and important event that took place in the life of Budha. It is usually commemorated in the month of March during full moon. Addition, the first ever teaching of the Buddha is marked and commemorated on Dhamma day (Harvey 128). Although the assigned video attempts to vividly describe the intrinsic beliefs and practices of Buddhism, it is vital to note that the five code of ethics as well as the noble truths still stand out as important values in Buddhism. Nonetheless, they may have not been brought out clearly.
Works Cited
Buddha Dharma Education Association. Buddhist Ceremonies: Festivals and Special Days. 2012. Web.
Harvey, Peter Brian. An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History, and Practices. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 1990. Print.
Hinduwebsite. The First Sermon of the Buddha. 2010. Web.
Rhys, Davids. Buddhism: Its History and Literature. New York, NY: Cosimo, Inc. 2005. Print.