Saisuta, P. N. (2012). The Buddhist core values and perspectives for protection challenges: faith and protection. High Commissioner’s Dialogue Distr: General on Protection Challenges Theme: Faith and Protection.
Title: The Buddhist Core Values And Perspectives For Protection Challenges: Faith And Protection
The article “The Buddhist Core Values and Perspectives for Protection Challenges: Faith and Protection” was the High Commissioner’s Dialogue on Protection Challenges Theme: Faith and Protection on 12-13 December 2012. Throughout my reading of this article, it became clear that it focuses on the overall aspects of Buddhist philosophy. The author begins the piece with a background where the foundation of religion is mentioned. Then the article flows with the fundamental belief of Buddhism in rebirth and reincarnation, meaning Buddha (“Buddha” means “enlightened one”). Even though the birth and death of Buddha are not stated, the time and place of his teaching are well described. The author then states that the Buddha was not a god, and the philosophy of Buddhism does not entail any theistic world view.
In this article, the author highlights the basic teachings of Buddha, which are core to Buddhism. It is said that the basic teachings are ‘the three universal truths, the four noble truths, and the noble eightfold path.’ The author then stresses the description of each of these basic teachings separately. The author also talks about the stories of the Buddha and his disciples in the discussion of the three universal truths as nothing is lost in the universe, everything changes, and the Law of Cause. The three trainings or practices (i.e., Sila, Samadhi, and Prajna) are also described shortly. The three basic teachings are described as relating to each other. All the paths of this basic teaching are described well concerning the physical and mental condition of human beings.
Another basic teaching is the four noble truths (i.e., Dukha, Samudaya, Nirodha, and Magga), which are well described by the author simplistically. For example,
- Dukkha: Suffering exists: Suffering has many causes: loss, sickness, pain, failure, and the impermanence of pleasure.
- Samudaya: There is a cause of suffering. It can take many forms: craving sensual pleasures; the desire for fame; and the desire to avoid unpleasant sensations, like fear, anger, or jealousy.
- Nirodha: There is an end to suffering. Suffering ceases with the final liberation of Nirvana (Nibbana). It lets go of any desire or craving.
- Magga: To end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path. There is a path to accomplishing this.
The author has also discussed the five precepts given by Buddha which are the rules to live by. These guidelines are compared with the Ten Commandments in Judaism and Christianity as well. With the rules given by Buddha five more activities are also mentioned to avoid –
“…6. Taking untimely meals.
7. Dancing, singing, music, watching grotesque mime.
8. Use of garlands, perfumes, and personal adornment.
9. Use of high seats.
10. Accepting gold or silver…”
The author also states that a series of eight precepts and a ninth combined as one. “Ordained Theravada monks promise to follow 227 precepts!” But the statement does not elaborate too clearly about this.
Buddha’s eightfold path is mentioned very shortly with categorization into three groups (Panna, Sila, and Samadhi). The author has given a very short description of these things. The categorization is as follows – Panna: Discernment, wisdom (1. Samma ditthi, 2. Samma sankappa) Sila: Virtue, morality (3. Samma vaca, 4. Samma kammanta, 5. Samma ajiva) Samadhi: Concentration, meditation (6. Samma vayama, 7. Samma sati, 8. Samma samadhi)
According to this article, there are different sects of Buddhism and many Buddhists with different cultures and scriptures. The author also mentions some countries with large Buddhist populations.
In the end, the author wrapped up the article with the five principles reaffirmed by Devotees of Buddhism which is called Panchsheel.
Conclusion:
The author of this article has summarized Buddhism briefly. Therefore, many of the aspects of Buddhism are excluded. The birth story of Buddha is not summarized. The holy book of Buddhism is not mentioned anywhere. Some points need to be elaborated more to clear. But the article is good for those who want to know about Buddhism.
Green Leaf 