Author: Muhajer Azizi
The History and Beliefs of Buddhism (part 3)
Conceptualization (Continued)
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Buddhism: The term “Buddhism” is derived from the word “bodhi,” meaning “enlightenment.” In terminology, Buddhism (the religion of Buddha) is a human-made philosophy that has taken on a religious form and structure. This school emerged in India in the 5th century BCE, after Brahmanism and Hinduism. In its early stage, it stood in opposition to Hinduism and focused primarily on human beings. It also calls for asceticism, simple living, avoidance of luxury, compassion, tolerance, and the performance of good deeds.
However, after the death of its founder, this school developed into a system containing false beliefs and elements of idolatry. Its followers exaggerated the status of its founder to the extent that they elevated him to the level of divinity. In general, Buddhism is an ethical system and an intellectual school based on philosophical theories, and its teachings are not based on divine revelation; rather, they are a collection of ideas and beliefs presented in a religious framework. Ancient (early) Buddhism differs from modern Buddhism: early Buddhism was more ethical in nature, whereas modern Buddhism has mixed the teachings of Buddha with philosophical theories and rational analyses about the world and life. [1]
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Buddha: The term “Buddha” means “the awakened one,” “the enlightened one,” or one who has attained ultimate truth. [2] This title is used for Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, when he attains enlightenment and true insight.
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Karma (Kamma): Karma is one of the four fundamental principles accepted by all Indian religions, including Buddhism. It refers to the idea that whatever a person does in this world—whether through actions, speech, or thoughts will have corresponding results and consequences. In other words, every action in this world is followed by an appropriate reaction, and this reaction affects both a person’s present life and future life through rebirth (samsara/transmigration).
Thus, a person’s current life corresponds to the karma of his previous life, and every hardship and suffering is the result of past actions. The effect of karma is such that it can even influence a person’s social class (caste) in the next life, raising or lowering it. [3]
In a general sense, karma means that whatever we do, think, or say returns to us. In this sense, karma includes both the action itself and its outcome.
Muhammad Jawad Shams, a scholar of the history of religions, explains karma as follows: “Karma is one of the religious beliefs of Buddhism, which was first elaborated in detail in the Upanishadic texts. Karma means action, and in terminology, it refers to the result of human actions—if good, it leads to happiness; if bad, it leads to suffering.” [4]
Professor Atria states: “Desire is the most powerful force in our lives; however, our wishes and inclinations also affect others. Therefore, in actions driven by desire, we sometimes do good to others and sometimes cause harm. Consequently, the law of recompense inevitably applies to us—a law that governs the lives of all free beings in the universe. This law of recompense is called ‘karma’ in Sanskrit, and no one can escape it. In the book ‘Yoga Vasistha,’ it is stated that in the entire universe there is no place—neither mountains, nor skies, nor seas, nor even heavens—where a person can take refuge and escape the consequences of his actions, whether good or bad.” [5]
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Dharma: Dharma refers to the collection of Buddha’s teachings and the universal law that governs the world and guides the right way of life. In general, in Buddhist texts, dharma carries meanings such as the essential nature of a thing, rule, law, religion, teaching, justice, righteousness, and quality. Therefore, dharma functions similarly to “Shariah,” but without a divine or revelatory origin.
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Nirvana: Nirvana literally means extinction or cessation, and in terminology, it refers to the extinguishing of the three fires: desire (raga), hatred (dosa), and delusion (moha). The result is liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth (samsara) and attaining absolute peace. Therefore, nirvana means reaching ultimate tranquility or extinguishing all cravings. The path to attaining nirvana is by fully following the Noble Eightfold Path. [6]
Continues…
Previous Part
References:
[1] Encyclopedia of Religions and Sects, vol. 12, p. 112.
[2] Religions and Schools of Thought, p. 331; Encyclopedia of Islamic Sects, vol. 8, p. 45.
[3] Fayyaz Qarapi, Religions of India, p. 47.
[4] Muhammad Jawad Shams, Religions of India, p. 28.
[5] Ahmad Shalabi, Major Religions of India, p. 59.
[6] Fayyaz Qarapi, Religions of India, p. 320.
