A-B-C... Buddhist Jobs! Which of the following might produce the best / worst kamma? – – – – – – – – – TEACHER FARMER SOLDIER ACTOR MUSICIAN DOCTOR LAWYER PET SHOP OWNER LANDLORD Dhammapada Quotes a)Human Condition b)The Goals THE MEANS (6) Which practices help to achieve the goals? Human beings progress towards Enlightenment by following the Eightfold Path. KEY QUESTION What does a Buddhist actually do to attain nirvana? THE MEANS (6) The Noble Eightfold Path — focus on Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood; the Threefold Way. Ethics — the Five Precepts in principle and practice; the Bodhisattva and Arhat ideals. Meditation and worship — purpose and practice. (The differences in Theravada and Mahayana practice should be addressed). THE MEANS (6) INTRODUCTION To achieve the goal of enlightenment, Buddhists first take refuge in the 3 Jewels: Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. Following this, the way in which Buddhists live their lives is all important. THE MEANS (6) INTRODUCTION This 1. 2. 3. 4. ties in to the 4 Noble Truths: All life is suffering. Suffering is caused by craving. Suffering can end. You can end suffering by following the middle way. It is the practical way the Buddha described to escape samsara & avoid dukkha. Based on avoiding extremes (magga). SMB Definition What is WISDOM? SMB Definition What is MORALITY? I am more moral than I am wise. SMB Definition What is MEDITATION? THE THREEFOLD WAY Wisdom • Linking thoughts and actions. Morality • Putting beliefs into action. Meditation • Training mind to have correct thoughts & beliefs. THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH Wisdom • Right View • Right Intention Morality • Right Speech • Right Action • Right Livelihood Meditation • Right Effort • Right Mindfulness • Right Concentration These are not to be seen in isolation. REAL-TIME TEST a) b) 1. 2. 3. WISDOM MORALITY MEDITATION c) d) e) f) g) h) SPEECH INTENTION CONCENTRATION ACTION EFFORT LIVELIHOOD VIEW MINDFULNESS Think of a time when your intentions had been good but things didn’t work out like you had planned… WISDOM: RIGHT INTENTION All about the motivation for an action, not the consequences... to avoid choices influenced by the 3 Root Poisons. Skilful (kusala) intentions are ones which: Resist selfish desire Show good will Act on that good will Are compassionate Vote with your feet I am a compassionate person. If you don’t know who would be able to tell you? When was the last time you hurt someone with your words? MORALITY: RIGHT SPEECH Buddha taught to avoid: False speech (lying) Using words as weapons against others e.g. backstabbing and slander Impolite & rude words, gossip, chatter and ‘empty words’ which waste time and misuse the power of speech When was the last time you hurt someone with your actions? MORALITY: RIGHT ACTION The Buddha encouraged honourable and honest conduct and taught you should avoid: Harming living things (link with compassion) Taking what is not given (stealing) Sexual misconduct Gambling MORALITY: RIGHT LIVELIHOOD Living in a skilful way: honestly, legally and peacefully, while causing no harm. Avoid: Working in weapons Buying and selling living beings Working with death (meat industry) Working with poisons and intoxicants Most importantly is that you choose a profession that does not break any of the Five Precepts. What kind of career would you like to have in the future? What might a Buddhist feel about this livelihood? precept noun A general rule intended to regulate behaviour or thought. "the legal precept of being innocent until proven guilty" If you had to come up with 5 Precepts what would they be? THE 5 PRECEPTS from Buddhism 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Do not take life Do not take what is not given Do not distort fact Refrain from misuse of the senses Refrain from self-intoxication through alcohol or drugs Vote with your feet The 5 Precepts are a sound basis for living a good life. Number off 1-4 Pupil-led Plenary Summarise the learning that has went on today.