Buddhism

Buddhism originated in Asia and has spread worldwide. Its origins are traced back to Siddhartha Gautama, also known as Shakyamuni, more popularly known as the Buddha. The word Buddha means 'the enlightened one'.

Buddhism is a way of life and philosophy based on the experiences of Prince Siddhartha Gautama who was challenged by the existence of suffering. His search resulted in his enlightenment. His conclusion was that suffering was caused by ignorance, hatred and greed and could be reduced if these were addressed. His guidance demonstrated that the 'Noble Eightfold Path' is the way to do this.

 Lay Buddhists seek to live by five precepts:

To refrain from

  • harming any living thing
  • taking what is not given
  • sexual misconduct
  • unkind and untruthful speech
  • alcohol and other intoxicants which cloud the mind

Those who take monastic vows follow another five precepts:

To refrain from

  • eating other than at prescribed times,
  • dancing, singing, music making and unseemly public displays
  • using anything that will beautify personal appearance
  • sleeping in a high or large bed
  • accepting gold or silver (including money)

Life is a process of birth, ageing, illness and death in which people achieve enlightenment by understanding and overcoming the suffering. The life led has a direct bearing on a person's re-birth and the next life. The ultimate goal is to be released from the cycle of re-birth and the achievement of Nirvana (Nibbana).

Over the centuries many schools or sects of Buddhism have developed. One of the divisions is between two major traditions - Hinayana (lesser vehicle) and Mahayana (greater vehicle). Hinayana includes Theravada Buddhism which is practised in south Asia, including Sri Lanka and Thailand. Mahayana Buddhism is strongest in northern Asia, including Japan, Vietnam and Korea. In this form of Buddhism, the ideal person is the Bodhisatva who achieves enlightenment and postpones entering Nirvana to help ease the suffering of others. One of the Bodhisatvas is Avalokiteswara (Compassion) who is reincarnated in the Dalai Lama of Tibet.

In Devon there is a small monastery at Upottery, near Honiton and a lay community at Sharpham,Ashprington. There are many other individuals andgroups across the county who practise Buddhism.

  • Private family devotions and meditation may be undertaken daily at a personal shrine.
  • Some Buddhists are vegetarians. Buddhism emphasises the avoidance of intentional killing.
  • The word Buddha is not a proper name; it describes a state of life. It is important to recognise that the Buddha is not divine. Buddhism is a religion without a God.

Followers: Buddhists

Holy Book: The Pali Scripture and a huge body of Mahayana literature (sutras)

Main Religious Festivals: Various depending on the tradition followed. Wesak

Holy Day: Full and half-moon observance days. No one specific day of the week

Language: Of the country of origin

Community Contacts:

Sharpham College of Buddhist Studiesand Contemporary Enquiry
Sharpham House
Ashprington
Totnes
TQ9 7UT
Tel: 01803 732521

Hartridge Buddhist Monastery (The Devon Vihara)
Upottery
Honiton
EX14 9QE
Tel: 01404 891251

buddhist contacts;