Introduction to Buddhism (pt.1)

This is a new and first blog series for Ching Kwok Buddhist Temple in Toronto, Mui Kwok Buddhist Temple in Edmonton, Yuen Kwok Buddhist Temple in Montreal and the Bodhicitta Association of Canada in Regina. The Buddhist temples in our organization have over 40 years of history in Canada and we are excited to finally build our presence online in hopes that it can help us propagate Buddhism in Canada and abroad.This series of blog posts will be a revision of the English Introduction to Buddhism Course that was offered at Mui Kwok Buddhist Temple in 2022 and again online in 2024. The purpose for rewriting the course in a blog format is to allow further reach to all those interested and develop a baseline where all future material can reference, similar to setting a foundation for a building.

To start, there are a few questions we should all ask ourselves:

1. What is Buddhism?

2. Why is it important?

3. How can I benefit from learning Buddhism?

What is Buddhism?

As described by Britannica, Buddhism is a “religion and philosophy that developed from the teachings of the Buddha (Sanskrit: “Awakened One”), a teacher who lived in northern India between the mid-6th and mid-4th centuries BCE (before the Common Era). Spreading from India to Central and Southeast Asia, China, Korea, and Japan, Buddhism has played a central role in the spiritual, cultural, and social life of Asia, and, beginning in the 20th century, it spread to the West.” 

Even though this definition gives a general historical and geographical overview of Buddhism it lacks the essences and many descriptions we can attribute to Buddhism. This is not by design as an encyclopedia entry will never be able to fully describe Buddhism, as Buddhism is often described as profound and extensive.  Thus this series will only scratch the surface of Buddhism.

Here are some notable characteristics we can use to describe Buddhism.

Atheistic

The main difference between Buddhism and other world religions is Buddhism is atheistic in that it believes that there is no creation or almighty God(s). This does not mean Buddhists don’t believe there are deities or heavenly beings..  This ultimately gives each being “free-will” for their actions and a sense of responsibility for its consequences.

Polytheistic

As described above there is a belief in no creator God(s) or controlling God(s), but why is Buddhism then polytheistic? Buddhism is polytheistic not because it believes in worshipping or praying to many gods and deities for specific outcomes or protection but the acceptance that there are other beings in heavenly realms.  As Buddhism spread across central and east Asia; it adopted the local pantheon of gods without discrimination.  This respect and acceptance allow Buddhism incorporated into local culture while not disregarding existing customs and traditions. 

Pacifist (Compassion)

Pacifism is often used to describe Buddhist traditions.  This comes with some negative connotation in modern society.  Buddha’s teaching emphasises compassion through the precept of no killing.  No killing does not only apply to humans but to all sentient beings, even a bug or a fly shouldn’t be harmed.  This profound compassion and non-violence to all is often viewed as pacifism where some feel it is fine to bully or take advantage of.  Non-violence should not be confused for inaction, it is an intentional decision to not harm anyone.  This is most evident through the scriptures and historical events that war or violence were never started in the name of Buddhism as this is strictly wrong and unwholesome in Buddhist traditions.

Philosophy

Sometimes Buddhism is described as Buddhist Philosophy in the West.  Academics who study Buddhism often view it as a philosophy and not a religion. Buddhism definitely has strong philosophical topics and many grand master’s commentary have discussed this philosophy in great detail, however Buddhism is not just a topic to be discussed and pondered, it still requires actual day-to-day practice, contemplation and a belief in its teachings.

Dogmatic

Right view in Buddhism is very similar to the conventional definition of dogma. This view in Buddhism is not inherent but slowly cultivated, transformed and reaches a state that is constant for all.  It holds the foundation in how we interact with the true laws of nature and reality.

Psychology

Another characteristic of Buddhism is how it analyzes the mind.  Psychology today has many parallels to Buddhism and even borrow techniques from Buddhism for therapy.  Because Buddhism is inherently a practice where we look within ourselves, the study of our mind and consciousness cannot be neglected. However, using Buddhism as a psychological self help technique will also miss the main purpose of Buddhism, which is to liberate us from Dukkha (suffering).

Meditation

The main technique used in psychology that is borrowed from Buddhism is meditation.  Meditation is not inherently a Buddhist technique but it is usually linked to Buddhism.  Depictions of the Buddha are commonly in a meditative form.  The Buddha obtained enlightenment by meditating under the Bodhi tree and preached meditation as the main form of practice, therefore meditation will always be associated with Buddhism.

Scientific (rational, empirical and practical)

Buddhist text and practice is very scientific.  It is achieved through very specific steps and observations. The Buddha describes each of these practices in great detail so that it can be replicated with known results. Learning concepts, practical action followed by observable results is the best way to experience Buddhism.  As scientific research advances, descriptions in ancient Buddhist text parallel these findings, so much that Einstein once said "If there is any religion that could correspond to the needs of modern science, it would be Buddhism."   It is important to consider that any religion that can stand with science after millennia should warrant our attention. 

Faith (Religion, Superstition)

Buddhism is a religion, that is a fact. All religion is associated with faith and belief, but will sometimes be mistaken for superstition.  All religions rituals and ceremonies are not superstition but a tradition that is passed down through generations.  Each motion represents a profound idea to strengthen the belief of practitioners and provide energy and conviction to continue. Superstition only arises when one does not understand the concepts and blindly believe that a certain motion, ritual or deity can provide liberation, this view is considered unwholesome and incorrect in Buddhism.

Hopefully the multifaceted characteristics of Buddhism can ignite a spark in you to learn and study this profound religion.  In the western world the driving ideals are materialism, competing values and individualism. It is thus important for us to have a community to help us look within, find our inner peace and decide how we want our life to unfold.  Once you understand the rules and laws of nature, then the power to shape your life is in your hands!

Whether or not you are a Buddhist, it is our hope that through this series, everyone can benefit from Buddha’s teaching and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.