Chapter 6: Buddhism in Its First Phase
Chapter Objectives
After reading this chapter, the student should be able to:
• Compare the theological similarities of Buddhism and Jainism, and understand their different
paths to knowledge.
Chapter Summary
The term Buddhism signifies a unity of religion that exists only in Western perceptions.
Though its origins share a commonality with Jainism’s rejection of Hinduism, it diverges
strongly from Jainism’s embrace of severe asceticism. The teachings and moral injunctions of
Gautama Buddha are the basis for Buddhism. However, much that is known is a result of oral
traditions and the historical written record is sparse and in several languages, though Sanskrit is
the predominant form.
The teachings of the Buddha were firmly anchored in the practicalities of the human
condition and thus speculative philosophy and religious devotion (e.g. prayer) had little place
and were firmly rejected. A belief in karma and rebirth remained though modified. The four
Chapter Outline
I. Introduction
II. Life of the Founder
A. A Note about Sources
B. Parallel Accounts
H. The Great Enlightenment
I. A Cosmic Interpretation
J. A Foretaste of Nirvana
K. A Doctrine to Be Shared
L. The Deer Park Discourse: A Middle Path
III. The Teachings of the Buddha
A. Rejection of Speculative Philosophy
B. Rejection of Religious Devotion
C. Old Karma and New Karma
D. Rebirth without Transmigration
E. Causal Continuity
Discussion Questions
1. In the teachings of the Buddha there is a striking lack of emphasis on metaphysical
philosophy. What factors or conditions pushed inquiry away from the metaphysical and
more to the individual’s psychological or personal predicament? What would influence
the Buddhists’ concern with how to contend with the psychology of desire as a way to
liberation? How do you think this focus affected the spread of Buddhism throughout
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2. Affluence may not impede the embrace of Buddhist thinking if the practice of
“Hollywood personalities” (e.g. Steven Segal, Uma Thurman, Orlando Bloom-Pirates of
the Caribbean- Richard Gere) are to be believed. What is offered to those with
“everything” by the Buddhist way? What does this suggest about the needs of human
beings to achieve happiness?