E-Book - Philosophy - Fundamentals of Buddhism.pdf

FundamentalsFundamentals
ofof BuddhismBuddhism
Dr Peter D. Santina
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E-mail: bdea@
Web site:
Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc.
CONTENTS
FOREWORD 1
BUDDHISM — A MODERN PERSPECTIVE 3
I. THE PREBUDDHIST BACKGROUND 12
II. LIFE OF THE BUDDHA 21
III. THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS PART I 28
IV. THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS PART II 41
V. MORALITY 49
VI. MENTAL DEVELOPMENT 59
VII. WISDOM 69
VIII. KARMA 80
IX. REBIRTH 90
X. DEPENDENT ORIGINATION 103
XI. THE THREE UNIVERSAL CHARACTERISTICS 113
XII. THE FIVE AGGREGATES 125
CONCLUSION 133
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
THE GIFT OF TRUTH EXCELS ALL GIFTS.
BY THE MERIT OF THIS VIRTUE,
MAY ALL THE SPONSORS BE WELL AND HAPPY,
AND ATTAIN THE BLISS OF NIRVANA.
FOREWORD
Buddhism has long been an important part of the
cultural heritage of South East Asia. The monuments of
Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia are
just two of countless testimonies to the former greatness
of Buddhism in this region. In Singapore too Buddhism is
an important element in the cultural heritage of the people.
The fact that a large section of the munity as
well as the small but influential munity
acknowledge Buddhism as the primary force shaping their
religious ideals and moral values is more than proof of
this. heless, it is certain that if Buddhism is to
continue to exercise a positive influence upon present and
future generations, it cannot remain content with the
achievements of the past. The religious ideals and moral
values of Buddhism which have proved so useful to past
generations must be transmitted to men and women living
in a changing world. In order that this can be p-
lished, it is important that the teachings of the Buddha be
made available to the largest number of people.
With this objective in mind, the Srilankaramaya
Buddhist Temple invited Dr Santina to deliver a series
of public lectures. The lectures outlined the funda-
mentals of Bu