Sources and Evolution Flashcards
What is the Abhidhamma?
The masterwork of the early Theravada tradition and ultimate compendium of Buddhist psychology. Also (JK) “one of the most impenetrable books ever written”.
Buddhism in a sentence?
A living psychology, one of the oldest and most well developed systems of healing and understanding on earth, it makes no distinction between worldly and spiritual problems.
Is Buddhism a religion?
Dalai Lama: “Buddhist teachings are not a religion, they are a science of the mind.”
For many around the world, Buddhism has come to function as a religion, with devotional practices, communal rituals and sacred stories.
But the Buddha was a human being, not a god. He offered his followers experimental teachings and practices to understand and release suffering.
Indeed, on the question of whether or not god existed, the Buddha remained silent. His teaching were concerned with finding nirvana and the freedom of enlightenment, the end of all suffering and delusion. He left theology to the Brahmin and Hindu philosophers of his time.
The first principle of Buddhist psychology?
See the inner nobility and beauty of all human beings
The second principle of Buddhist psychology?
Compassion is our deepest nature. It arises from our interconnection with all things.
The third principle of Buddhist psychology?
When we shift attention from experience to the spacious consciousness that knows, wisdom arises. The power of mindfulness underlies all of Buddhist psychology: “With the mind, to observe the mind”.
What are the two forms of consciousness and what is the most important lesson in meditation?
Sky-like, wave-like, open, transparent and timeless. Unborn and undying.
Particle-like, momentary, impersonal, registering a sense experience and flavoured by mental states.
The most important lesson in meditation is to rest in consciousness itself. Ajahn Mun: “when changing conditions such as happiness and unhappiness are seen for what they are, we find the way to peace. If you can rest in the knowing, the pure consciousness, there’s not much more to do.”
In Tibetan Buddhism = Rigpa
What is the Buddhist approach to happiness?
States of consciousness are far more crucial than outer circumstances. Shift from unhealthy mental states to healthy ones.
The three roots of unhealthy states?
Grasping, aversion and delusion.
The three roots of healthy states?
Wisdom, love and generosity.
What were the Buddha’s last words?
Make of yourself a light
Suzuki Roshi’s summary in three words of Buddhist teachings?
“Not always so”
