Core Buddhist Assumptions & Teachings - 2005FebMtg1

The Elevator Answer
Core Buddhist Assumptions & Teachings

2005 February - Meeting 1

Leader: Graham Robertson
Date: Wednesday 02/09/2005
Location: BIG Meeting Room - Lewman Farm
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
__________________________

Primary Text Resources:
This month's primary text resources will cover core Buddhist assumptions and teachings. Namely: the three marks of existence, the four noble truths, and the noble eightfold path. Several different passages from throughout the Buddhist Scriptures will be used, please click on the links in the outline below for reading.


Presentation Outline:

I. Assumptions - tilakkhana - three characteristics of all existence: impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, not-self
A. anicca - impermanence
See points #5 and #6 in the linked text: read it here...
B. dukkha - unsatisfactoriness/'stress'
See point #6 in the linked text: read it here...
C. anatta - not-self
Sutta on not-self: read it here...


II. Analysis - cattari ariya saccani - Four Noble Truths
A. Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta - Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion read it here...
B. Please note this is the Buddha's first public teaching - parts of it should be in every "elevator answer."

III. Teaching/Path - ariya patipada – Noble Path
A. dukkha nirodha gamini patipada ariya sacca - The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of Dukkha read it here...
B. Please follow all links related to the primary one above. Also, note the successive, interpenetration of Buddhist teachings from the assumptions, which lead to the noble truths, which lead to the path of practice.

IV. Discussion - Debate: some guiding questions
A. Importance (or not) of ability to articulate these core assumptions & beliefs?
B. How to avoid divisive tendencies such as monk vs. lay understanding, Asian Cultures vs. Western Cultures, Religion vs. Philosophy, One school of Buddhism vs. another?

V. Homework - Take some time to write your own one or two paragraph "Elevator Answer". The exercise should help sharpen your focus (what's the Pali word for that?), come to a greater understanding of your own interest in Buddhism, and increase your ability to articulate that interest.