What do Buddhists believe? | Values ​​and lifestyle of Buddha's followers

Who invented Buddhism?

Birth of Prince Siddhartha Gautama. Poster of master Maligavage Sarlis. Sri Lanka, mid-20th century Amazon.com, Inc.
Unlike the other two major world religions (Christianity and Islam), Buddhism is a non-theistic religion, that is, it denies the existence of a creator God and an eternal soul. Founder of Buddhism In Sanskrit, the word “buddha” means “awakened one.” Siddhartha Gautama from the Shakya clan, who belonged to the kshatriya varna, that is, to the warrior class, was born in northern India, presumably in the middle of the 6th century BC. e. His biography very early became overgrown with various legends, and the historical layer firmly merged with the mythological, starting with the circumstances of his birth, which were very unusual. The prince's future mother dreamed that a white elephant entered her body, and this was interpreted as a harbinger of the coming into the world of a great man, the future ruler of the Universe.

Siddhartha's childhood and youth were cloudless: he knew neither illness, nor grief, nor need. But one day, leaving the palace, he encountered a sick man, an old man and a funeral procession. This shocked him so much that he left home and became an ascetic.

At the age of 35, during long meditation, Siddhartha achieves enlightenment, that is, becomes a Buddha, and begins to preach his teaching - the dharma. The essence of this teaching was the four noble truths. Firstly, the world is imperfect and full of suffering. Secondly, the source of suffering is desires and the thirst for life, which make the wheel of samsara rotate - the cycle of life, death, new births. Thirdly, one can escape the cycle of samsara by achieving enlightenment (bodhi) and ultimately nirvana, that is, a state of blissful non-existence. Fourth, there is an eight-stage path to liberation that includes ethical practice, meditation, and saving wisdom. This path is called the eightfold and middle path because it is equidistant from both the path of strict asceticism and a life full of pleasures (which ultimately turn into suffering).

Theravada Buddhism in Moscow

Buddhists worship an ideal, not an idol.
Although it is common for Buddhists to have images of Buddha in their homes and pay respects to him, followers of this religion are not idolaters. By definition, idolatry is the making of statues or images of unknown gods and goddesses of all shapes and sizes, and then praying directly to them [the statues] as real gods. Prayers are requests to the gods for help and protection. People call upon gods and goddesses for health, wealth, prosperity, satisfaction of various needs and forgiveness of sins.

Veneration of the image of Buddha has a completely different content. Buddhists worship him as a sign of respect for the greatest, wisest, kindest, most merciful and holy man who ever lived in this world. It is a historical fact that this great spiritual master actually lived in this world and brought great benefit to humanity. In fact, worshiping Buddha means expressing respect, reverence and commitment to him and all that he represents, not to a stone or a metal statue.

An image is a visual medium that helps a person to resurrect the Buddha in his mind and remember his great qualities that have inspired people from generation to generation throughout the civilized world. Buddhists use the statue as a symbol and as an object of concentration to achieve peace of mind. When followers of the Buddha look at his image, they give up thoughts of competition and think only of peace, serenity, calmness and equanimity. The statue helps us to resurrect the image of this great man within ourselves and inspires us to follow his example and instructions. Sincere Buddhists feel the living presence of a mentor in their minds. This feeling makes the process of worship rich and important. The serenity emitted by the image of the Buddha has a beneficial effect on people and inspires them to behave and think correctly.

Wise Buddhists never ask the Buddha for worldly goods or forgiveness for bad deeds committed. They try to control their mind, follow its advice, free themselves from the suffering of this world and be saved. Those who criticize them for idolatry actually misunderstand what Buddhists do. If people can keep pictures of their parents and grandparents to remember them, if they can keep pictures of kings, queens, prime ministers, great heroes, philosophers and poets, then why can't Buddhists keep pictures of them dearly? beloved teacher, in order to remember and show respect for him?

What is wrong with people reading aloud passages that extol the great qualities of their mentor? If wreaths are laid on the graves of loved ones as a sign of gratitude, then what is wrong if Buddhists offer flowers, candles, incense and the like as a sign of respect to their dear teacher who dedicated his life to saving suffering humanity? Sometimes people erect statues of conquering heroes who are actually murderers responsible for the deaths of millions of innocent people. Desiring power, these conquerors committed murders driven by hatred, cruelty and greed. They conquered poor countries and caused great suffering, taking away other people's lands and property, leaving great destruction. Among these conquerors, many are considered national heroes, in whose honor memorial ceremonies are held with flowers laid on their graves and headstones. What is wrong with Buddhists expressing respect to their Teacher, who renounced worldly pleasures for the sake of Enlightenment, showing the path to Liberation, revered throughout the world?

Images are the language of the subconscious. Therefore, the image of the Enlightened One appears in the human mind as the embodiment of perfection. The image can penetrate deeply into the subconscious and, if strong enough, can become an automatic check against malicious impulses. Remembering the Buddha generates joy, stimulates the mind and lifts one out of worry, worry, tension and frustration. Thus, worshiping the Buddha is not prayer in the ordinary sense, but meditation. Therefore, this is not worship of an idol, but of an ideal. This is how Buddhists find an additional source of power with which they can create a temple within themselves. They purify their heart until they feel worthy to bring the Buddha image to this temple. Buddhists pay respect to the great man personified by the image. They try to be inspired by his noble personality and strive to be like the Buddha. Followers do not consider the Buddha image to be an inanimate idol made of wood, metal or clay. The image is full of life for those people who are capable of understanding and are pure in thoughts, words and deeds.

Images of Buddha are nothing more than a symbolic representation of his great qualities. It is not unusual for deep respect for the Buddha to be expressed in the most sublime and beautiful examples of art and sculpture known to the world. It is difficult to understand why some people look down on those who offer respect to images of holy spiritual masters.

The calm and peaceful image of Buddha is an ideal of beauty generally accepted throughout the world. The image of Buddha is the most valuable and widespread attribute of Asian cultures. Where else, if not in the form of Buddha, can we find such a serene, radiant and free personality?

The image of Buddha is highly valued not only by Asians and not only by Buddhists. Anatole France writes in his autobiography: “On May 1, 1890, I happened to be in the Paris Museum. In the silence and simplicity of the Asian gods, my gaze fell on the statue of Buddha, calling on suffering humanity to develop wisdom and compassion. If a god ever walked the earth, I thought it was him. I felt like I wanted to fall on my knees and pray to him like a god.”

One day during World War II, a general sent an image of Buddha to Winston Churchill. The general said: “If anxiety or confusion appears in your mind, look at him and you will feel better.” What makes the teachings of the Buddha so attractive to people who have developed their intellect? Perhaps the answer lies in the serenity of the Buddha image.

Followers expressed their faith in the Buddha and the compassion of his teachings in more than just colors and lines. People with their own hands embodied the image of Buddha in metal and stone, and these creations became one of the greatest fruits of human genius. Look at the famous Buddha statues at Abhayagiri Vihara in Sri Lanka, at Sarnath or the revered statues at Borobudur[1]. The Buddha's eyes are full of compassion, and his hands express fearlessness or goodwill and blessing. Also, his hands sometimes unravel tangles of thoughts or call upon the earth to witness his great search for Truth. Wherever the Dhamma went, the image of the great teacher went along with it, not only as an object of worship, but also as an object of meditation and veneration. Hermann Keyserling writes: “I know of nothing in this world that is more magnificent than a statue of Buddha. It is the absolutely perfect embodiment of spirituality among all that can be seen with the eyes.”

A wonderful life, a pure and kind heart, a deep and enlightened mind, such an inspiring and selfless personality, such a beautiful life, such a compassionate heart, a calm mind, and such serenity are truly worthy of respect, glory and offerings. Buddha embodies the highest perfection of man.

The image of Buddha does not symbolize a person, but a state that all people can achieve, but only a few achieve. Buddhahood does not belong to one person, it is for many: “Buddhas of the past, Buddhas of the future, Buddha of the present: every day I humbly bow to you.”

However, all followers are not required to have an image of Buddha to practice Buddhism. Those who can discipline the mind and senses are able to practice without using an image as an object. If Buddhists truly want to see the Buddha in the stunning splendor and beauty of his ideal image, they must put his teachings into practice in their daily lives. It is through the practical application of his teachings that they can become closer to the Buddha and feel the beautiful radiance of his immortal wisdom and compassion. Merely worshiping the image of Buddha without following his sublime teachings does not lead to salvation.

“He who sees the Dhamma sees me” (Vakkali Sutta, SN 21.87)

We should also strive to understand the spirit of the Buddha. His teaching is the only way to save our troubled world. Despite enormous advances in science and technology, modern people are filled with fear, anxiety and despair. The cure for our troubled world lies in the teachings of the Buddha.

Editor's note

1. Abhayagiri Vihara is a monastic complex in Anuradhapura, the ancient capital of Ceylon. According to legend, it was built on the very spot where the footprint of Buddha was imprinted. Abhayagiri is the second largest Buddhist stupa in the world (122 m). Sarnath, a city in northern India where Buddha gave his first sermon, is the second most important Buddhist shrine. The main attraction is the 35-meter Dhamekha Stupa. Borobudur (the name means: many Buddhas) is the world's largest monument of Buddhist architecture, built around the 8th - 9th centuries on the island. Java (Indonesia). There are 500 Buddha figures in the temple.

Translation edition from 07/01/2015 20:05

How is Buddhism different from Hinduism?

Buddha (center) as an avatar of Vishnu. Bas-relief of the Chennakesava temple. Somanatapura, India, mid-13th century © Jean-Pierre Dalbéra / CC BY 2.0
Buddhism is a world religion; therefore, representatives of any nationality can become Buddhists. This is one of the radical differences between Buddhism and Hinduism. Hinduism is the religion of India, which is professed by more than 80% of the country's population. Unlike Buddhism, Hinduism is a national religion, membership of which is determined by birth. Hinduism is a collection of different traditions, which are generally believed to be united by the recognition of the authority of the Vedas - the main sacred text of Hinduism. - a national and absolutely closed religion to penetration from outside. The social structure of Indian society was formed by four classes, varnas - Brahmans (priests and scientists), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (farmers and traders) and Shudras (artisans and hired workers). Belonging to the varnas was determined solely by birth - just like belonging to Hinduism in general.

Buddhism, which was at first one of the many movements in opposition to Hinduism, became a radical reformist teaching both intellectually, spiritually, and socially. Buddhists placed a person's ethical merit above birth, rejecting the varna system and the authority of the brahmanas. Over time, this small movement developed its own social structure, corpus of sacred texts and cult practices. Having become a world religion, it spread far beyond the borders of the Hindustan Peninsula.

However, in India, Buddhism gradually declined. Today, less than 1% of Indians consider themselves Buddhists. In terms of numbers, Buddhism ranks only fifth among the religions widespread in India, significantly inferior to Hinduism, Islam, Christianity and Sikhism. Sikhism is one of the national religions of India, founded in the 16th century in Punjab. At the same time, the founder of Buddhism, Buddha Shakyamuni, is revered in Hinduism as one from the incarnations (one of the avatars) of the god Vishnu. But in the world ranking of religions, Buddhism is in fourth place: it is professed by 7% of the world's population.

What does it mean to be a Buddhist?

Buddha surrounded by followers. Painting in a Buddhist temple in Thailand Wikimedia Commons
For several centuries, the teachings of the Buddha were transmitted orally, and in the 1st century BC. e. was written on palm leaves, which were kept in three baskets. Hence the name of the Buddhist canon - Tripitaka (“Three Baskets”). There are several directions and many schools in Buddhism, but all Buddhists are united by the belief in the “three jewels” - the Buddha, the dharma (the teachings of the Buddha) and the sangha (monastic community). The rite of entry into the Buddhist community involves pronouncing a short ritual formula mentioning the “three jewels”: “I go under the protection of the Buddha, I go under the protection of the dharma, I go under the protection of the sangha.”

In addition, all Buddhists must follow the five rules set by the Buddha: do not harm living beings, do not steal, do not commit adultery, do not lie, and do not use alcohol or drugs.

What is Buddhism and what do Buddhists believe?

Answer

Buddhism is one of the world's leading religions in terms of number of adherents, geographical distribution and socio-cultural influence. Perceived primarily as an "Eastern" religion, it is becoming increasingly popular and influential in the Western world. It is a unique world religion, although it has much in common with Hinduism, as both teach about karma (cause and effect ethics), Maya (the illusory nature of the world) and Samsara (the cycle of reincarnation). Buddhists believe that the ultimate goal of life is to achieve "enlightenment" as they understand it.

The founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, was born in the royal domain of India around 600 BC. As the legend goes, he lived in luxury, under little influence from the outside world. His parents wanted to free him from the influence of religion and protect him from pain and suffering. However, the harmony in his refuge was soon disrupted - he had visions of an old man, a sick man and a corpse. His fourth vision was of a peaceful ascetic monk (one who denies luxury and comfort). Seeing the monk's calmness, he himself decided to become an ascetic. He renounced his life of wealth and affluence, seeking enlightenment through asceticism. He achieved success in this kind of taming of the flesh and intense meditation, becoming a leader among his peers. Ultimately, his efforts culminated in the final act. He "indulged" himself with a bowl of rice and sat under a fig tree (also called the Bodhi tree) to meditate until he achieved "enlightenment" or died. Despite his torments and temptations, he achieved enlightenment the next morning. Thus he became known as the "enlightened one" or "Buddha". He took his new understanding and began teaching it to his fellow monks, over whom he had already acquired considerable influence. Five comrades became his first followers.

So what did Gautama discover? Enlightenment lies “in the middle,” and not in luxurious bliss or self-abasement. He also discovered what later became known as the “Four Noble Truths”: 1) to live is to suffer (Dukkha); 2) suffering is caused by desire (Tanha or “attachment”); 3) suffering can be eliminated by getting rid of all attachments; 4) This is achieved by following the noble eight-stage path. The “Eight Step Path” is about having the right 1) point of view; 2) intentions; 3) speech; 4) actions; 5) way of life (monasticism); 6) effort (direct energy properly); 7) consciousness (meditation); concentration. The Buddha's teachings were collected in the Tripitaka or "Three Baskets".

Embedded within these distinctive doctrines are teachings common to Hinduism, namely reincarnation, karma, maya, and the tendency to perceive reality as pantheistic in orientation. Buddhism also offers an intricate theology of deities and exalted beings. However, like Hinduism, Buddhism's views on God are difficult to pinpoint. Some sects of Buddhism can rightfully be called atheistic, while others can be called pantheistic, and still others, such as Pure Land Buddhism, theistic. Classical Buddhism, however, makes no mention of the reality of a supreme Being and is therefore considered atheistic.

Buddhism is quite diverse. It can be broadly divided into two broad categories: Theravada (Teaching of the Elders) and Mahayana (Great Vehicle). Theravada is a monastic movement that emphasizes enlightenment and nirvana for monks, while Mahayana Buddhism extends this goal of enlightenment to lay non-monks. Within these categories numerous branches can be found, including Tendai, Vajrayana, Nichirenism, Shingon, Pure Land, Zen, and Reba, among others. It is important for outsiders seeking to understand Buddhism not to pretend to know all the details of a particular school of Buddhism if they have only studied classical, historical Buddhism.

Buddha never considered himself a god or a divine being. On the contrary, he considered himself a “guide” for others. It was only after his death that some of his followers accorded him divine status, although not all of his disciples agreed with this. However, the Bible is very clear that Jesus was the Son of God (Matthew 3:17: “And a voice from heaven said, This is my beloved Son, in him is my delight”) and that He and God are one (John 10:30 ). No one can call himself a Christian without professing faith in Jesus as God.

Jesus taught that He is the way, not just one who showed it, as John 14:6 confirms: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Only through Me can one come to the Father.” Before Gautama's death, Buddhism had gained significant influence in India, and three hundred years later it had spread to large parts of Asia. The scriptures and sayings attributed to the Buddha were written about four hundred years after his death.

In Buddhism, ignorance is generally considered a sin. And although sin is perceived as a “moral error,” the context in which “evil” and “good” are distinguished is immoral. Karma is considered to be the balance of nature, which cannot be influenced personally. Nature has no morals, so karma is not a moral code, and sin, after all, is not immoral. Thus, it can be said that, according to Buddhist teaching, our mistake is not a moral problem, since it is an impersonal mistake and not an interpersonal violation. The consequences of this understanding are devastating. For Buddhists, sin is more like a misdemeanor than a crime against the nature of a holy God. This understanding of sin is inconsistent with the innate moral awareness that people are in the position of being condemned for their sins before a holy God (Romans 1–2).

Followers of Buddhism believe that sin is an impersonal and correctable error, but this contradicts the doctrine of depravity - the main doctrine of Christianity. The Bible tells us that man's sin is an eternal problem and has endless consequences. In Buddhism there is no need for a Savior to deliver people from their disastrous sins. For the Christian, Jesus is the only means of salvation from eternal damnation. Buddhists are based only on the ethics of life and meditative appeal to sublime beings, in the hope of the possible achievement of enlightenment and final nirvana. More than likely, they will have to go through a series of reincarnations to pay off the huge accumulation of karmic debts. For true followers of Buddhism, religion is a philosophy of morals and ethics, embodied in life in abstinence from one's own self. In Buddhism, reality is impersonal and relative, so it is not important. Besides treating God as an illusory concept, dissolving sins into non-moral errors and rejecting all material realities as maya (“illusion”), even we ourselves lose “ourselves”. Personality becomes an illusion.

Regarding questions about the creation of the world and the universe, as well as about their creator, the teachings of the Buddha are silent, because in Buddhism there is neither beginning nor end. Instead, there is an endless cycle of birth and death. One might ask what kind of Being created us to live, endure such pain and suffering, and then die again and again? This may make you think - what is the point, why? Christians know that God sent His Son to die for us, once, so that we would not have to suffer for all eternity. He sent His Son to give us the knowledge that we are not alone and that we are loved. Christians know that there is more to life than suffering and death: “…has now been made visible by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and made life and immortality known to the world with the Good News” (2 Timothy 1:10).

Buddhism teaches that nirvana is the highest state of being, a state of pure being, which is achieved through the merits of each individual. Nirvana defies rational explanation and logical order, and therefore cannot be taught, but only realized. Jesus' heavenly teaching, on the other hand, is very specific. He taught us that our physical bodies die, but our souls ascend to be with Him in heaven (Mark 12:25). The Buddha taught that human beings do not have individual souls, that individuality or "ego" is an illusion. Buddhists do not have a merciful Heavenly Father who sent His Son to die for us, for our salvation, to provide a way for us to achieve His glory and greatness. Ultimately, this is why Buddhism must be rejected.

Does Buddhism have branches (like Christianity)?

Mandala Vasudhara. Nepal, 1777 The Metropolitan Museum of Art
There are three schools of Buddhism: Theravada - “the teaching of the elders”, Mahayana - the “great vehicle.” The word “vehicle” implies that the teaching is a kind of vehicle that takes people to enlightenment. and Vajrayana - “diamond chariot”. Theravada, widespread mainly in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, is considered the most ancient movement, dating directly back to Buddha Shakyamuni and his circle of disciples.

From the point of view of Mahayana followers, Theravada is an overly elitist teaching, which they contemptuously call Hinayana, that is, the “lesser vehicle,” because it assumes that one can achieve nirvana only by taking the path of monasticism. Mahayanists argue that lay people can also achieve enlightenment. A special role for them is played by the teaching about bodhisattvas - enlightened people who voluntarily remained in samsara in order to help other people get out of the cycle of birth and death. Thus, in the Tibetan tradition, the spiritual leader of the Tibetans, the Dalai Lama XIV, is considered the embodiment of the Bodhisattva of Mercy Avalokiteshvara. Mahayana is widespread in China, Tibet, Nepal, Japan, Korea, Mongolia and Southern Siberia.

Finally, Vajrayana arose within Mahayana at the end of the 1st millennium AD. e., reaching its highest peak in Tibet. Followers of this movement argued that it was possible to achieve enlightenment within one life if one adhered to Buddhist virtues and resorted to special meditative practices. Currently distributed mainly in Mongolia, Tibet, Buryatia, Tyva and Kalmykia.

Foundations of Faith

The concept of “Buddhism” appeared only two centuries ago thanks to immigrants from Europe. The adherents themselves call it “Dharma” - the teaching or “Buddhadharma” - the teaching of the Buddha. This name will be more accurate, because Buddhism is more of a philosophy, a cultural tradition, a worldview with its own rules of ethics and morality, rather than a religion.

Buddhists believe in the words of their Teacher Buddha Shakyamuni that all life is suffering, and the main goal of life is to get rid of it.

We come into this world, grow up, become attached to people, things, achieve material heights, get sick, die and suffer all this time. The main cause of suffering lies in ourselves, in habits, wrong values, illusions.

You can free yourself by getting rid of them. To do this, you need to follow certain rules, meditate, contemplate the inner spirit, and limit yourself from sensual pleasures. Any dogmas can be understood only by passing them through the prism of oneself, one’s own experience - then it is possible to achieve nirvana.

A person lives in an illusory world, does not notice the delusions surrounding him, receives the consequences of actions in the past, dies, and after death is reborn, suffering again until he achieves Enlightenment. This vision of life is closely related to certain concepts:

• Karma is the cause-and-effect relationship of any event, good or bad. Everything that happens to us now is a consequence of the actions of the past, and every action, word or even thought in the present will become the cause of future events. Karma can work beyond this life and extend to subsequent rebirths.
• Maya is a reflection of the illusory nature of life, the changeability of the world, and the continuous chain of suffering. A good metaphor for the Maya would be the idea of ​​clouds that gradually change their shape, a mosaic of bubbles on water that changes shape.
• Samsara is a series of reincarnations that haunts all people. Buddhists believe in reincarnation - a cycle of rebirth. Being born in new images, a person never ceases to suffer, feels the karmic consequences of past lives, lives in a changing world with passing things, and so on in a circle. To break the wheel of samsara means to achieve nirvana.

Is there one Buddha or are there many?

Future Buddha Maitreya. An image of a thangka (drawing on fabric) commissioned by the 8th Dalai Lama in memory of his deceased mentor. Tibet, 1793-1794 Norton Simon Art Foundation
Buddhism postulates the existence of countless "awakened" Buddhas, of which Shakyamuni is the most famous. However, in Buddhist texts you can find the names of his predecessors - from 7 to 28. In addition, in the future, the coming of another Buddha is expected - Maitreya. Translated from Sanskrit - “loving, merciful.” Now, as Buddhists believe, the bodhisattva Maitreya resides on heaven Tushita (that is, in the “Garden of Joy”), and will subsequently appear on earth, achieve enlightenment, becoming a Buddha, and begin to preach “pure dharma.”

Is Buddha a god or not?

Hanabusa Itcho. Death of Buddha. 1713 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
As mentioned above, Buddhism is a non-theistic religion. However, in Buddhist mythology, the “human” aspects of the life of Buddha Shakyamuni are adjacent to descriptions of his supernatural abilities, as well as phenomena of a cosmic scale that accompanied different stages of his life path. He is spoken of as a pre-existing being capable of creating special worlds - “Buddha fields”.

The ashes of Buddha are perceived as evidence of his mystical presence in our world and are surrounded by special reverence. According to legend, it was divided into eight parts and kept in the first Buddhist religious buildings - stupas (from Sanskrit this is translated as “top of the head” or “earthen hill”). In addition, the Mahayana doctrine appeared about the eternal “dharmic body” of the Buddha, which he possessed along with the ordinary, physical body. This body is identified both with dharma and with the universe as a whole. It is obvious that the Buddha is revered not only as a "great man" but also as a deity, especially in the Mahayana and Vajrayana.

In addition, Hindu deities were not expelled from the Buddhist pantheon at all - they were simply relegated to the background by the figure of Buddha. According to Buddhist teachings, gods, just like all other living beings, are subject to the cycle of samsara and, in order to escape from it, they need to be reborn in the human world - after all, only in it are Buddhas born. By the way, before being born for the last time, Buddha Shakyamuni, according to legends, was reborn more than five hundred times and was a king, a frog, a saint, and a monkey.

Do Buddhists celebrate New Year?

Toyohara Chikanobu. A mother and daughter walk to a Buddhist temple with other pilgrims to celebrate the New Year. No later than 1912 Claremont Colleges Digital Library
There are many holidays in folk Buddhism - very popular, although very distantly related to religion. One of them is the New Year, which is celebrated differently in different regions. In general, the Buddhist holiday cycle is based on the lunar calendar (everywhere except Japan). One of the main Buddhist holidays itself can be called Vesak, with which in different countries they associate from one to three key events in the life of Buddha Shakyamuni (birth, enlightenment, nirvana). Other holidays are Sangha Day, which commemorates the Buddha's meeting with his disciples, and Dharma Day, which commemorates the Buddha's first sermon. In addition, in Buddhist countries they celebrate the Day of All Dead: the pre-Buddhist cult of ancestors is very stable and plays a huge role.

Attitude to God

Every religion presupposes belief in God: Islam - in Allah, Christianity - in the Holy Trinity, Hinduism - in Brahma, Shiva, Vishnu and other gods. And Buddhism is like Buddha, you say? The fact is that this is not entirely true.

Buddha is not a god, he is an ordinary person who was born in India and bore the name of Siddhartha Gautama. He, like all of us, lived his own life: he was born into the family of a king, got married, gave birth to a son, then saw the pain and suffering of the world, went into the forests in search of truth, achieved Enlightenment, helped people follow a similar path, preaching the doctrine, until he reached parinirvana.

Thus, Buddha is not the Supreme, but a great Teacher.

According to Buddhist philosophy, the world appeared on its own, without the participation of higher powers, divine principles. A person will be saved not by God, but by himself, following the prescribed rules, calming the mind, meditating and improving.

Does this mean that there is no God in Buddhism? Yes, that means. True, there is one caveat to this statement.

In some currents of philosophical thought, especially in the Vajrayana, Buddha Shakyamuni began to be deified, made offerings, and prayed. Along with this, a whole pantheon of deities, spirits, buddhas, boddhisattvas appeared, who began to be worshiped in pursuit of speedy Enlightenment.

The reason for this is the remnants of shamanism, which left traces in the Buddhist teachings that absorbed it.

Buddhist sects are quite different from each other. Some include many rituals, and from the outside it seems like worship of a deity, others are laconic and do not recognize any saints or authorities other than their own heart. General Buddhist scriptures do not say anything on the topic of God.

Do Buddhists have temples?

Ernst Hein. Buddhist temple in Kyoto. Second half of the 19th century Pixels
The most famous Buddhist religious building is the stupa. Initially, stupas were built as reliquaries in which the remains of Buddha Shakyamuni were kept and venerated, and later - in memory of important events. There are several varieties of stupas, and their architectural appearance largely depends on regional traditions: they can be hemispherical, square stepped or pagoda-shaped. To earn good karma, Buddhists practice ritual circumambulation of the stupa.

There are also temples that are even more architecturally diverse. It is believed that the three treasures of Buddhism are concentrated in them - the Buddha (his statues and other images), the dharma embodied in the texts of the Buddhist canon, and the sangha, represented by the monks living at the temple or monastery.