Q1-Think of a social group you are a part of, such as a family, business, or student organization. How do you think the group dynamic would change if its members lived in accordance with the ideas of anichcha and anatta? Why?
Anichcha and anatta consists of Buddhists thoughts which define the true nature of human existence. Anichcha is used to define the concept of impermanence while anatta refers to absence of self. These two concepts consists the right to knowledge as associated with the religion. In a social group such as in a family setting, when the members adopt these ideas, they are likely to have a different perception towards life. For instance, majority of people in my family setting have different beliefs contrary to those of Buddhism. The belief that suffering is a result of reality, cause and as a means of suppression will definitely have an adverse effect on the family members. Their life style will also change as they will new beliefs about suffering such suffering as a cause of pain and pleasure.Q2-Consider the following statement: Buddhism has no real deity. Using what you learned in this chapter, why might you agree or disagree with this statement? Address the different branches of Buddhism in your response.one page for both questions
I agree with the statement that Buddhism has no real deity. This is simply because Buddha denotes a number of religious teachers who have lived in a particular cosmic time. This is evident through the three main branches of Buddhism philosophies. They include; firstly, Theravada who is based on the doctrine of the elders. It is believed to be the oldest surviving canons. Its sutras are accepted by all branches of Buddhism. Theravada is said to be the only representative of the Nikaya branch. The second branch is the Mahayana. This is used to mean the great vehicle that mainly emphasis on compassion and the selfish idea possessed by dodhisattva. It is based on the idea of enlightenment in a favorable environment.
The last branch is referred to as Vajrayana or the diamond vehicle. It stipulates various spiritual techniques that are put in place to promote Buddhism. It focuses on psycho-physical that is deemed important in enhancing efficient concentration and awareness of individuals (Armstrong, 2001). These three branches vividly shows that Buddhism is not based on a real deity as it adopts its doctrines from various religious teachers.
Reference
Armstrong, K. (2001). Buddha. Routledge: Penguin Books.
