Sources of Wisdom And Authority Flashcards
1
Q
Give the nature/authority of the Tipitaka
A
- rejects the idea of the ‘ revealed scripture’
- each tradition has its own canon ; Pali, Chinese , Tibetan , Sanskrit
- Buddha ‘ revealed the truths of the nature of reality that we were unaware of due to our ignorance’
- there is no single authority to interpret texts
2
Q
Problems of the Tipitaka
A
- the way we interpret the tipitaka has to be through the lens of recognising it only has instrumental value. It is simply a guide to enlightenment, not a means to enlightenment
-there is a danger buddhists begin to view the buddha as a deity as he was crucial for revealing the dhamma to the unenlightened - as only a few monks have access - could be impacted by personal values and ideas. ( no way of validating their claims)
- misinterpretations/inconsistencies- due to oral nature in beginning, translations, not directly from buddha) - may lead
to disagreements
-relying on a human to relay truths about the ultimate reality- does human language
accommodate this?
3
Q
Positive implications of the Tipitaka
A
- removes an absolutist view ( as more relative to an individual allowing for a personal , more compassionate journey.
- not a revealed scripture so more accessible to humans
- no unfathomable mysteries, as it is based on human life: if one applies correct study, reflection and meditation on the text, it is possible to realise all the truths to the same extent as buddha.
4
Q
Outline the collection and formation of the Pali Canon
A
- it was transmitted orally for generations by communal chanting
- divided into three baskets as the early scriptures were written on leaves and placed in baskets
- respected and revered greatly
5
Q
How should the Pali Canon be used in practice?
A
- Buddhist teachings must be tested first, against one’s experience , against logical reasoning and against meditation experience.
- it will not be accepted as true, it is contracted by experience / logic
- it is said to contain the original words of the Buddha as Theravadins believe he spoke Pali and so it is greatly revered and respected.
6
Q
Summarise the views on Mahayana Scripture
A
- modern scholars believe they were composed between 1st century BCE and 5th century CE in India
- some claim that they emerged many centuries after the Buddha. As there is no evidence of their existence beforehand ( held by most Theravadins)
- Some claim that there was another Buddhist Council , held in parallel to the First at which the Buddha’s teachings were recited. - Lack of evidence of this claim is argued by Mahayana’s due to the secrecy of which Mahayana scripted were guarded as it was considered an advanced teaching.
7
Q
Outline the differences between the Pali Canon and Mahayana scriptures
A
- no Mahayana Vinaya ;monks and nuns follow one or other vinaya codes of discipline belonging to Nikaya traditions.
- most are Sutras : some present words of disciple of Buddha but Theravadas do not consider the Sutras to be authoritative as they are not the Buddha’s direct teachings.
- Mahayana originally written in Sanskrit not Pali.
- some contain Abhidhamma analysis (e.g. explaining psychological process of meditation) BUT believed to be inspired by buddha maitreya - next buddha
8
Q
Outline and Explain the important Sutras in Mahayana Buddhism
A
- Prajnaparamita Sutras- understanding of shunyata - ‘emptiness’
- Lankavatara Sutra- tathagatagarbha
- Lotus Sutra- most important, skilful means (bodhisattva ideals), expression of buddhas definite teaching. Emphasise the idea that Mahayana is superior to Nikaya Buddhism.
9
Q
Name the three baskets of the Tipitaka
A
1) Vinaya Pitaka
2) Sutta Pitaka
3) Abhidhamma Pitaka
10
Q
Describe the Vinaya Pitaka
A
- purpose : to maintain harmony and produce a cohesive community by uniting monks and nuns under common laws and practices
- is a code of discipline for monks and nuns acting as an aid to discipline oneself and keep a mindful lifestyle
- contains 227 rules for monks and 311 for bhikkunis.
- occasions where some would display unskilful acts - Buddha would
would lay down a rule, establishing a suitable punishment. - criticism: according to the west, it is less relevant to modern Buddhism as no relevance to the Lay Buddhists.
11
Q
Describe the Sutta Pitaka
A
- purpose : help Buddhists to reach Enlightenment due to central key teachings within.
- talks and teachings of the Buddha
- contains all of the central teachings of Buddhism
• make up the 5 nikayas (collections of the Pali Canon)
12
Q
Briefly outline the five Nikayas in the Sutta Pitaka
A
- Digha Nikaya
- includes everyday religious practices
- doctrine of paticca-samupadda
- describes teachings and death of the Buddha in his last year - Anguttara Nikaya
- numerical arrangement
- eg. 3 praiseworthy acts, 4 places of pilgrimage, 5 obstacles - Majjhima Nikaya
• texts dealing with monastic life, meditation, basic doctrinal and ethical teachings and many legends and
stories
- guidelines towards enlightenment - Samuyatta Nikaya
- quite brief, individual suttas contains the Buddha’s first sermon - Khuddaka Nikaya
- Wide range of fifteen books containing small pieces of the Dhamma teachings such as the Dhammapada - which is a much beloved, well known collection summarising the Buddha’s teaching.
- includes Annica teachings - Nagasena and the Chariot
13
Q
Describe the Abhidhamma Pitaka
A
- purpose : help us to interpret the Buddhists’ teachings.
- gives a clear exposition of the ultimate nature of man and brings the analysis of human condition further than any study known to man as it is relayed by only an enlightened being.
CA: Some Theravada Buddhists believe that it was added in later and the classifications nah have been brought about by later disciples and scholars and so they have little authority over other sources . - The Buddha himself clearly took the stand of using the knowledge of the AP to clarify many existing psychological, metaphysical and philosophical problems.
14
Q
How important is the Tipitaka as a source of wisdom. Argue For. Include scholars.
A
-includes core, foundational principles- Bhikku Bodhi
-less likely to be subject to translation issues - as written in Pali . Peter Harvey - minor modifications to the scriptures but generally kept to what the buddha said.
- sutta pitaka helps lead to enlightenment provide you with a direct of wisdom from the buddha “he who sees the dhamma, sees me”
- Vinaya Pitaka maintains cohesive comunity in monastic Sangha - morality leads to wisdom = d’Hanna spreading.
- Bhikku Brahmali : increased likelihood that the Scripture are from the Buddha due to the political geography at the time (quote on WIKI)
- It was not a revealed scripture so more relatable
15
Q
How important is the Tipitaka as a source of wisdom. Argue Against. Include scholars.
A
- not an absolute religion - relative approach as there is no single path to enlightenment - Buddha said test his teachings in three ways.
- L : “ examine my teachings” , “ do this not merely out reverence for me”
- developed after the Buddhist death - hard to validate claims.
- no single path to enlightenment as acts as guidance not governance path
- “Examine my teachings and accept them.” “ Do this not merely out of reverence out of me”
- Mahayana buddhist completely dismiss this as a scripture
- Abhidhamma/tipitaka reveals key teaching
