EL29 Mindfulness Meditation. Consciousness States: Medical

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Griselda Peters
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1 EL29 Mindfulness Meditation Lecture 2.1: The historical Buddha and his teachings Consciousness States: Medical Awareness allows us to receive and process information communicated by the five senses and thereby relate to ourselves and the rest of the world. Awareness has psychological and physiological components Right now. Meditative Sate? NWC How many medical states of consciousness can you recall? Arousal is regulated solely by physiological functioning. Its primitive responsiveness to the world is demonstrated by predictable reflex to involuntary response to stimuli 1

2 ! Topics: Lecture Overview Buddhism as a way of life Buddhism as an experiential meditative-based religion The spread of Buddhism Key Learnings:! Key Learning #1: Buddhism is non-theistic way of life as opposed to a religion Buddha was not a god. His message was primarily about overcoming suffering.! Key Learning #2: Buddhism is a pragmatic approach that hinges on meditation, morality and wisdom to achieve its goal of nirvana (extinction of suffering and happiness)! Key Learning #3: Buddhism originated in India and gradually spread through S.E. Asia (and more recently Europe and N. America) and as moved into different countries it developed a number of different traditions and schools. 2

3 Key Learnings:! Key Learning #1: Buddhism is non-theistic way of life as opposed to a religion Buddha was not a god. His message was primarily about overcoming suffering.! Key Learning #2: Buddhism is a pragmatic approach that hinges on meditation, morality and wisdom to achieve its goal of nirvana (extinction of suffering and happiness)! Key Learning #3: Buddhism originated in India and gradually spread through S.E. Asia (and more recently Europe and N. America) and as moved into different countries it developed a number of different traditions and schools. Buddhism The middle way of wisdom and compassion! A 2500 year old tradition that began in India and spread and diversified throughout the Far East! A philosophy, religion, and spiritual practice followed by more than 300 million people! Based on the teachings of the Buddha! Buddhism is non-theistic: Buddha is not the Buddhist God he is just a revered teacher 3

Who was the Buddha?! Born Siddhartha Gautama of noble caste in India, 563 B.C.E.! Raised in great luxury to be a king!

Followed a strict ascetic lifestyle for six years!

4 Who was the Buddha?! Born Siddhartha Gautama of noble caste in India, 563 B.C.E.! Raised in great luxury to be a king! Empathy for the suffering of others; at age 29 rejected the life of luxury to seek enlightenment and the solution to suffering! Followed a strict ascetic lifestyle for six years! Rejected this extreme, sat in meditation, achieved Nirvana an awakening to the truth about life, becoming a Buddha, the Awakened One at the age of 35! Spent the remaining 45 years of his life teaching others how to achieve the peace of mind he had achieved Zeitgeist of the time in India 6 th B.C.E Political: kingdoms at constant War with each other Spiritual: wandering mendicant Seeking the truth Spiritual: Vedic Brahmanism - suffering an overcoming endless rounds of rebirth striving to overcome suffering. 4

5 IS BUDDHISM A RELIGION?! Buddhism is more of a way of life! Ethical! Psychological! Philosophy of BECOMING/ AWAKENING! NO GOD-NOTION! NO CREATOR! NO ULTIMATE REALITY TO WORSHIP 9 BUDDHA AND THE ULTIMATE QUESTIONS - Nature of the soul? - Life after death? - Origin of the universe? - Where did we come from? - What is our purpose? - Parable of the man shot with an arrow. Buddha s response: Life is short focus on what matters - overcoming suffering. 10 5

6 Quick check: How much can you recall so far? Which of the following describes Buddhism? a) A polytheistic religion b) More of a lifestyle about relieving suffering c) Buddha was an ancient god d) A sect of Hinduism! What do Buddhist believe about life after death? a) You will go to hell if bad b) Heavenly realms await you if you are good. c) No comment not relevant to suffering d) Your soul will go to God Key Learnings:! Key Learning #1: Buddhism is non-theistic way of life as opposed to a religion Buddha was not a god. His message was primarily about overcoming suffering.! Key Learning #2: Buddhism is a pragmatic approach that hinges on meditation, morality and wisdom to achieve its goal of nirvana (extinction of suffering and happiness)! Key Learning #3: Buddhism originated in India and gradually spread through S.E. Asia (and more recently Europe and N. America) and as moved into different countries it developed a number of different traditions and schools. 6

7 What did the Buddha teach? The Four Noble Truths:! To live is to suffer! The cause of suffering is self-centered desire, craving & attachments! The solution is to eliminate desire and attachment, thus becoming awake or Nirvana ( extinction )! The way to Nirvana is through the Eight-Fold Path What exactly is Nirvana?! The ultimate goal in Buddhism literally, to extinguish, quenching or blowing-out.! Blow out what? 3 fires of: passion/greed, haltered & ignorance/ delusion When this happens, liberation from suffering and endless rounds of re-births! Not a place, but a state of existence.! Understand the true nature of reality, ultimate happiness, freed from misconceptions. 7

Alerted States of Consciousness Nirvana Altered State of Consciousness: a state of consciousness in which there is

! Examples of ASC are: Daydreaming Sleep Dreaming Hypnosis Meditation Drug induced states of mind http://journal.

He really did discover an advanced state of consciousness most of us will never know, or His efforts led to a

8 Alerted States of Consciousness Nirvana Altered State of Consciousness: a state of consciousness in which there is a redirection of attention, a different type of mental state.! Examples of ASC are: Daydreaming Sleep Dreaming Hypnosis Meditation Drug induced states of mind Is Nirvana the penultimate ASC? He really did discover an advanced state of consciousness most of us will never know, or His efforts led to a psychosis delusional state of consciousness?, or Budai, not The Buddha. The future Buddha in Chinese beliefs Perhaps scholars and well-meaning Buddhist philosophers over time embellished the experience 8

9 The Three Jewels of Buddhism Buddha the teacher Dharma the teachings Sangha the community Focal Elements of Buddhism! The Three Refuges: Buddha! Acknowledge the authority of the Buddha Sangha! Acknowledge the authority of the monastic community of monks and nuns Dharma! Acknowledge the authority of the teachings of Buddha on living a moral life but more importantly, the actual experienced dharma 9

Three Marks of Existence! Anicca: All existent things are constantly changing, there is an ongoing flow or of processes! Anatta: There is no permanent self.

10 Three Marks of Existence! Anicca: All existent things are constantly changing, there is an ongoing flow or of processes! Anatta: There is no permanent self. There is no unchanging essence to anything, we are constantly changing! Dukkha: Suffering or things off kilter is part of the human condition, a natural result of anatta and anicca.! Nirvana: Suffering is a state of mind achieve an awakening to reality as it really is and suffering can be extinguished Three Marks of Existence Scientific Update Most scientists would agree the new field of complex systems studies how subsystems in the universe interact Modern neuroscience would agree the self arises when the conditions for consciousness arise. The self evaporates when consciousness fades. Psychologists might agree in part but humans are much more complex and have the capacity for a widerange of conditions.! Anicca: All existent things are constantly changing, there is an ongoing flow or of processes! Anatta: There is no permanent self. There is no unchanging essence to anything, we are constantly changing! Dukkha: Suffering or things off kilter is part of the human condition, a natural result of anatta and anicca. 10

11 What is the Eight-Fold Path? Wisdom: Right understanding Right motivation Moral discipline: Right speech Right action Right livelihood Mental discipline: Right effort Right mindfulness Right meditation 10 PRECEPTS:" (1-5 for laypeople, 1-10 for monks) 1) Refrain from taking life (ahimsa) 2) Do not take what is not given 3) Chastity 4) Do not lie or deceive 5) Do not take intoxicants, drugs, etc. 6) Consume food in moderation; never after noon 7) Do not partake in public spectacles (dancing, singing) 8) Do not ornament your body 9) Do not recline on wide or high beds 10) Do not accept gold or silver 11

12 Buddhism! Meditation: a variety of Vipassana techniques all having the goal of bringing the consciousness of the practitioner to a state in which they can experience insight to enlightenment, liberation, ultimate reality or awakening! Concentration: a companion and perquisite to meditation. Concentration and meditation are two key components of the 8-fold path. Nirvana Samadhi vs. Vipassana meditation 12

13 What are some Buddhist texts?! Tripitaka (the Pali Cannon) the Three Baskets : Vinaya ( discipline ) rules for monastic life Sutta ( discourse ) sermons of the Buddha Abhidhamma (metaphysical teachings )! Dhammapada collected sayings of the Buddha! Other texts used by specific schools an ongoing collection of knowledge achieved by enlightened beings. Epistemology and religious hierarchies: Buddhist Asian (traditional) Meditators (central to theology & philosophic interpretation) Epistemology: from meditational practice, Buddha Dharma & Sangha Religious scholars & philosophers (frequently meditators themselves) Devotional (praying for luck, chanting Buddha s name, generally not committed to meditation) Buddhism - Asia 13

14 Interdependent Origination More broadly: all things are interdependent/interbeing: Is an apple just an apple? 14

15 How does Buddhism differ from Hinduism? Buddhism rejects! Authority of the ancient Vedic texts! The Vedic caste system! The Vedic and Hindu deities! The efficacy of Vedic worship and ritual! The concept of Brahman & an individual internal soul! Samadhi (concentration) is only part of the meditative approach to liberation. How does Buddhism differ from Christianity? Buddhism rejects! The concept of an everlasting soul! Devotion to a one almighty God! Sacred texts as absolute truth from God! The Buddha is a god and should be prayed to! Priests as intermediaries to the truth 15

16 Quick check: How much can you recall so far? What is the goal of Buddhist mediation? a) Gain insight into reality b) Merge the individual self with the cosmic self c) Calm the body and mind d) Attain psychic powers! Which of the following is NOT considered one of the marks of existence? a) Impermanence b) Suffering c) Nirvana d) Buddha as a god Key Learnings:! Key Learning #1: Buddhism is non-theistic way of life as opposed to a religion Buddha was not a god. His message was primarily about overcoming suffering.! Key Learning #2: Buddhism is a pragmatic approach that hinges on meditation, morality and wisdom to achieve its goal of nirvana (extinction of suffering and happiness)! Key Learning #3: Buddhism originated in India and gradually spread through S.E. Asia (and more recently Europe and N. America) and as moved into different countries it developed a number of different traditions and schools. 16

17 Evolution of Buddhism! Number of schools & sects tends to rise over time true of most religions.! More philosophical and scholarly ideas get added on to the original teachers ideas.! Complexity rises. The Spread of Buddhism! Within two centuries after the Buddha died, Buddhism began to spread north and east into Asia! To Europe & N. America in the 19 th to 20 th centuries! By 13 th century Buddhism had disappeared from India or absorbed into Hinduism 17

18 Divisions of Buddhism! Three Rafts for Crossing the River Theravada Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism: Vajrayana Buddhism: Schools of Buddhism - Theravada The Way of the Elders (a.k.a.: the small vehicle )! Oldest school of Buddhism! Found in southern Asia (Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, etc.)! Monasticism is the ideal life for achieving Nirvana! A do-it-yourself approach to enlightenment! Focus on wisdom and meditation! Goal is to become a Buddha! Fairly unified in belief & practice (some cultural differences) 18

Schools of Buddhism - Mahayana The Great Vehicle! Developed first century C.E.! Found in Northern Asia (China, Japan, etc.)!

)! Focus on compassion! Goal is to become a bodhisattva and assist others toward enlightenment (the Bodhisattva Ideal )!

Vehicle! Developed 7 th century C.E.! A mix of Theravada & Mahayana: Rituals (Tantra):! Mantras (chanting)!

19 Schools of Buddhism - Mahayana The Great Vehicle! Developed first century C.E.! Found in Northern Asia (China, Japan, etc.)! Lay Buddhism Buddhism for the masses! Devotional seek guidance from Bodhisattvas ( wise beings ) & heavenly Buddhas (kwan Yin, Amida, etc.)! Focus on compassion! Goal is to become a bodhisattva and assist others toward enlightenment (the Bodhisattva Ideal )! Diverse schools and sects including: Pureland, Nichiren, Tendai, Shingon, and others Schools of Buddhism - Tibetan Vajrayana the Diamond Vehicle! Developed 7 th century C.E.! A mix of Theravada & Mahayana: Rituals (Tantra):! Mantras (chanting)! Mandalas & Thankas (symbolic images)! Mudras (hand gestures) Bodhisattvas, including living Lamas (Dalai Lama) Meditation, monasticism, wisdom & compassion! Bardo Thodol -Tibetan Book of the Dead 19

20 Schools of Buddhism " Zen The meditation school:! Lay and monastic! Seeks sudden enlightenment (satori) through meditation, arriving at emptiness (sunyata) and the Buddha Nature! Rejects reading of sacred texts! Use of meditation masters (Roshi)! Koans (paradoxical riddles to confound reason)! Beauty, arts & aesthetics gardens, archery, the tea ceremony, calligraphy, etc. Buddhism in the West" Over the past two centuries, especially since the later half of the 20 th century, Buddhism has made inroads into the Western world through! Immigration of Asian peoples who have brought their diverse forms of Buddhism to the West! Western followers who tend to adopt meditation practices and the philosophy rather than more devotional forms of Buddhism Many such western followers remain within their own faith traditions, finding Buddhism to be a complement to rather than in conflict with other religions The two groups remain somewhat independent of one another 20

21 Epistemology and religious hierarchies: Buddhist North American Meditators (central to theology & philosophic interpretation) Retreat Centers or Small Sanghas lead by Eastern or Western teacher Small group of dedicated monks Retreat or Small Sangha participants (part-time) Epistemology: from the Leader (plus, individual meditational practice, Buddha Dharma & Sangha) Religious scholars & philosophers (almost always senior meditators trained by the leader and serious meditators themselves) Buddhism - Asia Divisions of Buddhism! Three Rafts for Crossing the River Final quick quiz to consolidate your memory! Theravada Buddhism Name the three major schools or rafts of Mahayana Buddhism Buddhism: Vajrayana Buddhism: 21

22 Part 2: Hand s on practice - Mindful Breathing 22

The following presentation can be found at el231/resource/buddhism.ppt (accessed April 21, 2010).

The following presentation can be found at http://www.nvcc.edu/home/lshulman/r el231/resource/buddhism.ppt (accessed April 21, 2010). Buddhism The middle way of wisdom and compassion A 2500 year old tradition