Buddhism

Question 1

Ashoka contribution quotes (4)

Answer 1

“Take refuge in the Buddha, Sangha, Dharma” (pali canon)

“profound sorrow and regret” (Ashoka’s 13th edict)

“After the 3rd Buddhist council, Buddhism was spread to many countries” (Edict 8)

“I wish that all sects may dwell in all places”

Question 2

Ashoka impact quotes (5)

Answer 2

“the glory of the Dharma will increase throughout the world”
(Edict 7)

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.“ Dalai Lama 2022

Question 3

Environmental ethics quotes (2)

Answer 3

“Ahimsa, is the central observance of the Buddhist tradition and belongs to the practices of Sila (ethics)”

“the individual must seek a lifestyle that is free from destructiveness.” (Thich Nhat Hanh)

Question 4

What are the contributions of Ashoka?

Answer 4

1. Establishment of Buddhist Infrastructure (e.g. stupas, vinharas, and temples)
2. Purification of the Sangha (e.g. the 3rd Buddhist council)
3. Furthering compassion as a Buddhist Ideal (e.g. Ashoka sponsored the 3rd Buddhist council with resources and supplied)

Question 5

What are Ashoka’s Impacts

Answer 5

1. Reforming the Dharma as a code of ethics –> strengthened the Sangha and created a universal understanding of the vinaya.
2. Popularisation through missionaries –> led to the 2 schools (mahayana in china and theravada in Sri Lanka)

Question 6

What are the Environmental ethics

Answer 6

1. Ahimsa - non violence
2. Asteya - harmony
3. 8 fold path - right action and livlihood

Question 7

What is ahimsa and provide an example of Buddhists applying it today

Answer 7

Ahimsa is the term for non violence.

Links to the 1st precept: abstain from harming any sentient being.

Links to karuna - the desire to see the end of suffering for others

links to right livelihood -living a nonviolent life (e.g. being vegetarian)

Animal experimentation and exploitation would be seen as violating this teaching

Example: Buddhist Monks in Thailand recycling plastic bottles to make robes (created over 800 robes) and have crushed 88,000 pounds of plastic aiming to clear the litter surrounding the Chao Phraya River.

Question 8

What is asteya and provide an example of Buddhists applying it today

Answer 8

Asteya is the idea of living in harmony. Asteya is the idea of consumerism and deforestation affecting the natural world and Buddhists are called to live a harmonious life with other beings and nature.

Links to the 2nd precept: Abstain from taking more than needed which also links to right action and livelihood.

Links to the Buddha as he emphasised living in harmony with nature and respecting all life forms.

Asteya is an environmental ethic that aims to combat deforestation, consumerism and loss of habitats for other life forms.

Example: Monastic community in Northeast India, initiated a tree planting campaign. The monks involved are actively promoting sustainable farming and have also set up waste management systems to reduce plastic usage

Question 9

what is the 8 fold path and provide an example of Buddhists applying it today

Answer 9

Environmental sila commonly refer to right action and right livelihood to ultimately escape samsara and reach nirvana.

Links to right action and livelihood as buddhists are refraining from unwholesome deeds and living a life which will not bring harm to others (1st precept)

Links to the Buddha as Buddhists must live a life like Buddha and follow the Dharma to reach enlightenment like he did.

Establishing model farms in the Buddhist circuit areas of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. These farms would be a place where they farm organic and sustainable produce through Buddhist principles.