buddhist beliefs teachings and attitudes towards the value of life Flashcards
what christian beliefs do Buddhists disagree with?[4]
- God is the creator
- human life was created by God
- human life is a gift
- humans have a soul
what do buddhists believe instead of humans having a soul?
no fixed unchanging essence which is you(anatta) and that nothing is permanent(anicca) and are dependent on other things(pratityasamutpada)
why is human life valuable to buddhists?[3]
human life is precious(but not sacred) because only humans
1. can reveal buddha nature or attain arhathood
2. can experience the bliss of nirvana
3. are able to develop features such as wisdom and mindfulness needed for fruitful action which is needed for fruitful karma-humans can bring about positive consequences and escape the cycle samasara
do buddhists share the christian beliefs of human superiority?
believe all forms of life can experience suffering and should be treated with compassion(karuna) and loving kindness(metta).the Principle of Ahimsa and the five precepts apply to all sentient creatures.The Dhamnapada states ‘all fear death’ and ‘putting oneself in another’s place,one should not beat pr kill others’
