Buddhism Concepts

1)

4 Noble Truths:

- All existence is unsatisfactory and filled with suffering (dukkha)

- Dukkha is derived from attachments to the world, searching for something permanent and stable in a transient world.

-If Dukkha ceases totally, one is in nirvana, which can be achieved only by one's own effort

-This can be achieved through the eightfold path

Samma(eightfold path):

- Right understanding

- Right thought

- Right speech

- Right action

- Right livelihood

- Right effort

- Right mindfulness

- Right Concentration

Conditioned Arising:

- A 12 link chain explaining how everything is connected and how attachment to error arises. Unravelling this chain reveals nirvana. According to this belief, everything in the world is interdependent nirvana is the only independent thing.

2)

Life of Buddha:

- Childhood: Born wealthy and protected from suffering.

- Great Renunciation: Life as a homeless and ascetic man.

-Enlightenment: Under the Bodhi tree, he attains enlightenment where Brahma tells him to share his teachings with the world.

The Image:

-8-spoke wheel symbolizes Buddha's teachings of the 8-fold path

-Treasury of Desire: Symbolizes all desires which must be lost to gain enlightenment

- Superman: The wisdom bump symbolizes one of Buddha's elevated qualities

3)

Buddha Image:

Standing Buddha - Signs of wealth (large earlobes, long robes, jewelry). His bodily positions still portray images of kindness and compassion.

Buddha is portrayed in several ways, usually depicting certain stages of his journey to enlightenment.

5 Symbols:

Superman:

-Certain marks denote the elevated qualities of Buddha, such as the dot on the forehead.

Meditation Throne:

-Persisting presence of Buddha. Its a common aspect of art and portrays a devotion to the way of Buddha.

Buddha Halo:

-Holiness of Buddha. A tribute to Buddha's pureness and success in enlightenment, not a devine symbol.

Hair:

-Ascetic life. This represents Buddha's early journeys on the path to enlightenment.

Posture:

-Represents different practices or rituals such as meditation.