Practices that shape and express religious identity (Buddhism)

Introduction: Living the Dharma

Welcome to your study notes on Practices that shape and express religious identity in Buddhism. While the Dharma (the Buddha's teaching) provides the theory, practice is the "doing" part of being a Buddhist. In this chapter, we will explore how Buddhists from different traditions put their beliefs into action, primarily through meditation and community life. Whether you are aiming for an A* or just trying to get your head around the basics, these notes will help you navigate the essential elements of Buddhist practice for your Edexcel A Level.

1. Theravada and Mahayana: Different Paths, Same Goal

In Buddhism, there isn't just one way to practice. The two main "vehicles" or traditions—Theravada and Mahayana—have different styles of expressing their identity.

Theravada: The Way of the Elders

Theravada Buddhism is often seen as the more traditional or conservative branch. Its practices focus heavily on the individual's path to Nirvana.
• The Goal: To become an Arhat (a perfected person who has attained enlightenment).
• Key Practices: Following the Five Precepts strictly, supporting the monastic Sangha (monks and nuns), and engaging in Dana (giving or generosity).
• Veneration: Focuses on the historical Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) as a human teacher and role model.

Mahayana: The Great Vehicle

Mahayana Buddhism is broader and includes traditions like Zen and Pure Land. Its practices emphasize compassion for all beings.
• The Goal: To become a Bodhisattva (someone who vows to delay their own Nirvana until all other beings are saved).
• Key Practices: Cultivating the Paramitas (perfections) such as wisdom and compassion. They often use Upaya (skillful means)—flexible methods of teaching and practice to suit different people.
• Veneration: Involves a wide range of celestial Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who can help the practitioner.

Quick Review: Think of Theravada as a solo journey on a bicycle, and Mahayana as a large bus where the driver (the Bodhisattva) tries to take everyone along!

2. Meditation (Bhavana): The Heart of Practice

Meditation is perhaps the most famous Buddhist practice. The term Bhavana literally means "mental cultivation" or "development." It isn't just about relaxing; it’s about training the mind to see the truth.

Types and Purposes of Meditation

Buddhists generally categorize meditation into two main types, often practiced in sequence:

A. Samatha (Calming Meditation)

Purpose: To develop one-pointed concentration and a tranquil mind. It helps to settle the "monkey mind" that jumps from thought to thought.
How it’s done: Focusing on a single object, such as the breath (Anapanasati) or a colored disc (Kasina).
Scholar Link: Buddhaghosa, in his famous work the Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification), describes 40 different objects of meditation that can be used to achieve this calm state.

B. Vipassana (Insight Meditation)

Purpose: To gain direct insight into the nature of reality, specifically the Three Marks of Existence (Anicca/Impermanence, Dukkha/Suffering, and Anatta/No-self).
How it’s done: Instead of focusing on one thing, the practitioner observes all thoughts and sensations as they arise and pass away without judgment.
Scholar Link: Henepola Gunaratana is a modern scholar who explains Vipassana as a way of "seeing things as they really are." Joseph Goldstein also emphasizes this practice as a way to liberate the mind from attachment.

C. Metta Bhavana (Loving-Kindness)

Purpose: To cultivate unconditional love and kindness toward oneself and all other beings. It acts as an antidote to anger and hatred.
Scholar Link: Bhikkhu Bodhi emphasizes the importance of Metta in balancing the intellectual side of meditation with an emotional, compassionate heart.

Did you know? Meditation is part of the "Mental Discipline" section of the Eightfold Path. You can't have Buddhist wisdom without a trained mind!

3. Scholars and Their Perspectives

To succeed in your exam, you need to reference the views of scholars. Here are the key names associated with Buddhist practice:

Buddhaghosa (The Visuddhimagga):
He is the "go-to" scholar for Theravada practice. He organized Buddhist practices into three stages: Sila (Ethics), Samadhi (Meditation), and Panna (Wisdom). He argues that you must have a moral foundation (Sila) before you can succeed in meditation.

Richard Gombrich:
Gombrich focuses on the sociological side of Buddhism. He explores how practice has changed over time and how the relationship between the monks and the laypeople (non-monks) is vital for the religion's identity.

Thanissaro Bhikkhu and Bhikkhu Bodhi:
These are modern monk-scholars who have translated many ancient texts. They emphasize that practice must be grounded in the original teachings of the Buddha (the Tipitaka) to be effective.

Vajragupta:
Associated with Triratna Buddhism, he explores how traditional practices can be adapted for the modern Western world without losing their essence.

4. Shaping Identity: The Sangha and Daily Life

Practice isn't just what happens on a meditation cushion; it happens in the community (the Sangha).

The Vihara (Monastery/Temple)

The Vihara is the hub of religious identity. It is where:
• Laypeople come to make offerings (Puja).
• Monks teach the Dharma.
• Important festivals and rituals take place.

The Relationship of Reciprocity

In Theravada traditions especially, there is a "two-way street" between the monastics and the laity:
1. The Laypeople provide food, robes, and medicine to the monks. This is a way of "making merit" (good Karma).
2. The Monks provide spiritual guidance, teaching, and a living example of the Dharma.
This relationship expresses a shared identity where everyone has a role to play in keeping the religion alive.

5. Common Pitfalls and Tips for Success

Don't make these mistakes:
• Confusing Samatha and Vipassana: Remember, Samatha = Calm; Vipassana = Insight. You usually need the calm of Samatha to achieve the insight of Vipassana.
• Ignoring the "Middle Way": All Buddhist practices are meant to avoid extremes (too much luxury or too much pain).
• Forgetting Scholars: In 20-mark and 30-mark questions, you must mention scholars like Buddhaghosa or Gunaratana to show you understand the academic debate.

Key Takeaway: Buddhist practice is the bridge between learning the Buddha's words and becoming enlightened like the Buddha. Whether through the quiet breath-counting of Samatha or the compassionate vows of a Bodhisattva, these practices are what make a person "Buddhist."

Note: For more on how these practices relate to Buddhist ethics, see the "Religious beliefs, values and teachings" chapter. For information on how Buddhism moved to the West, see "Social and historical developments."