The Buddha

Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born around 563 BCE to the ruler of a small kingdom in the Nepalese foothills. Deeply touched by the sorrows of human life and perplexed by the meaning of birth and death, the future-Buddha fled his parents’ palace at age 29 to become a recluse, seeking to understand the truth, the meaning of life. He studied meditation with many teachers and, after six years of practice, he sat under the Bodhi tree and vowed not to rise until he was enlightened. He was determined to discover the source of pain and suffering in the world.

After sitting for 49 days, one morning he had a profound breakthrough. He was able to see things as they truly were. He found that the cause or source of our suffering is our grasping, clinging and aversion--and that healing and liberation are possible. He became filled with understanding and love. He saw that nothing can be by itself alone, that everything is connected or “inter-be” with everything else. All beings are endowed with the nature of awakening. He discovered that the Middle Way is The Way, neither indulgence nor austerity.

The Buddha then walked to Deer Park in Sarnath to begin teaching—which lasted for 45 years until his death at age 80.

For 400 years during and after the Buddha’s lifetime, his teachings were transmitted only orally. Some were misunderstood, distorted and conveyed incorrectly. That is why Thich Nhat Hanh states that we often need to study several discourses and compare them in order to understand the true teachings of the Buddha. He reminds us that Buddhist teachings are meant to awaken our true self, not to add to our storehouse of knowledge.

Paths That Buddhism Has Taken

The teachings of the Buddha spread throughout much of Asia by travelling monks, nuns and teachers. Wherever it received a receptive ear, it seemed to adapt to local conditions and customs. Today there are many variations of Buddhism although the two most significant traditions are Theravada and Mahayana. Historically, they have different origins and spread through the world in different ways.  Both traditions share the same core beliefs;  many of the teachings are the same. 

Theravada Buddhism focuses on become a fully enlightened being—to overcoming passions and ego and gaining liberation for oneself. This is done through the cultivation of the Noble Eightfold Path (please click here), insight and concentration.

Mahayana Buddhism focuses on compassion as the vehicle of awakening.  True liberation is achieved when all beings are liberated.  Emphasis is placed on the greater liberation rather than individual liberation.  The Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism is part of the Mahayana tradition.

For further elaboration, please refer to:  http://www.alanpeto.com/buddhism/understanding-mahayana-theravada/

Zen Buddhism

In the 6th century CE, Buddhism spread over Central Asian trade routes to China.  Gradually, Indian and Central Asian Buddhism began to be reshaped by its encounter with Chinese culture and particularly with Confucianism and Taoism.  Eventually, this led to the creation of Zen. Although many different Zen schools have emerged over the years, in general they are all based on personal experience grounded in a practice oriented (meditation) approach.

In China, the Northern School initiated the use of the koan (an anecdote without solutions used to encourage enlightenment).   Later as the Northern School declined, a Southern School evolved and experienced rapid expansion.  One line of this Southern School was later introduced into Vietnam.  It is through this lineage  that the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism emerged.

For additional information, please refer to:  https://www.lionsroar.com/what-is-zen-buddhism-and-how-do-you-practice-it/