CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING
MAJOR RELIGIONS AND BELIEFS PRACTISED IN THE UK
Buddhism
Buddhism was founded in India in the sixth century BC by Siddharta
Gautama, who is generally known as Buddha or ‘Enlightened One’. Its
philosophy is based on a system of ethics rather than a set of rules.
Beliefs
Buddhism sees life as a process of birth, ageing, illness and death, in which
people achieve enlightenment by understanding suffering and overcoming
grief. Buddhists believe in rebirth and that the life you lead has a direct effect
on your next life. ‘Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself’ is a
way of life with Buddhists.
Buddhism is about inner transformation and following a path that helps all
living things to be freed from unnecessary harm or unhappiness. Buddhists
aim to enjoy life and its riches without clinging to attachment that brings
unhappiness when things come to an end. They focus on changing
individuals’ own attitudes and perceptions through meditation and acts of
kindness to others. They emphasise being mindful at all times and thinking
through the consequences of one’s own actions.
Buddhists use 5 main principles to guide their actions and become
enlightened through:
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Acts of loving kindness (not killing other living things);
Stillness, simplicity and contentment (abstaining from sexual
misconduct and immorality);
Open handed generosity (not taking what is not given);
Awareness of mind and meditation (avoiding intoxicants that
impair meditation and clear thinking);
Truthful communication (avoiding careless or inaccurate
speech).
These are guidelines to help individuals, not ‘rules’.
Buddhism stresses love for all living things and respect for all forms of life. It
emphasises generosity, hospitality and self-discipline.
Dietary Practices
Although many Buddhists are vegetarian, there are no specific dietary
requirements. Buddhists respect life and avoid killing animals for food. Much
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depends on where individuals are in their path, on cultures and availability of
food.
Dress
Many Buddhists prefer not to wear products made of leather, e.g. shoes, belts
as part of their no-harm to self and other beliefs.
Festivals
There are a number of festivals, which change dates each year as most follow
the lunar calendar. Two of the festivals commemorate the enlightenment and
the death of the Buddha.
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