Buddhism

Last updated: 28 November 2011

Buddhism in Scotland

There is thought to be around 350 million Buddhists world-wide, with the majority in countries such as Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Myanmar/Burma. The religion is mostly connected with Eastern countries but is now becoming popular in the West. Around 4,700 of the Scottish population regard themselves as Buddhists.

Beliefs

Buddhism is based on the teachings of the Buddha Shakyamuni who lived in Northern India, what is now present-day Nepal, about 2500 years ago. He was born Prince Siddartha in Lumbini and attained what is called "the Supreme Enlightenment" and thus became the "Awakened One".

There are many different strands or types of Buddhism such as Theravada and Mahayana. In Scotland there are as many as ten traditions represented.

Buddhists believe that the essence of Buddha is within each of us and we can all attain our Buddhahood through sincere practice of the eight-fold path, which includes virtuous conduct such as compassion and generosity, meditation and the cultivation of wisdom.

In the Buddhist religion there is no idea of a mighty being or God and there are no ideas of heaven or a hell.

Buddhism teaches that all life is interconnected, so compassion is natural and important.

Followers of Buddhism follow the teachings of Buddha because they wish to reach a state of enlightenment just like Buddha did 2,500 years ago. This state will help them reach a kind of freedom, fulfil their wisdom and attain happiness. It will also help them to avoid suffering, get rid of any bad thoughts and behaviour within them and have a more positive karma around them.

Karma means that everything people do has a consequence and that people’s lives are therefore conditioned by our own past actions. If we do bad then bad will be done to us.

Many Buddhists are believers in spiritual rebirth but this is understood as a causal connection between lives rather than a soul literally coming back as something else.

The most important things for Buddhists to learn are The Four Noble Truths and The Eightfold Path. It is these which will lead to the path of Enlightenment and awakening.

Practice

Buddhists practice their religion by “being with Buddha” at all times. They believe that all through their day they are with him, and that through this contact all evils and negative karma disappear.

Buddhist temples, centres or meeting places are where Buddhists gather to meditate study, chant or pray together. There are a number of such centres in Scotland. Some groups make use of hired premises or meet together in private homes.

Holy days / festivals

Buddhists have many celebrations throughout the year. These generally commemorate particular events of the Buddha's life and include his birth (Wesak), his enlightenment, the day of his first teaching (Dharma Day) and his death (Parinirvana).

The dates of these events are generally expressed through the lunar calendar and there is some variation between the different traditions. Some Buddhists may also fast on new Moon and Full Moon days.

For more information on Buddhist Holy Days or festivals look at the BBC website’s Buddhism information.

The Five Precepts

There are five rules, known as the Five Precepts, which are the ‘moral code’ of Buddhist thinking and should be kept to if a Buddhist wishes to live in the correct spiritual manner.

These are:

do not kill or harm living creatures.
do not steal.
do not indulge in sexual misconduct e.g being unfaithful to your partner.
do not make false speech i.e. lying or gossiping.
do not take intoxicating drinks or drugs.

By following these rules Buddhist teachings say that you will enjoy all the blessings, happiness and freedom life can offer. If you break any of these precepts then there are Karmic consequences.

Other customs

The swapping of gifts is another tradition of the Buddhist religion; this can be between people, to good causes or to Buddhist monks. This act is a kindly one, which will improve the lives of the giver and his positive Karma.

Another important Buddhist custom is that of pilgrimage or travelling to a special place. There are many centres of pilgrimage all over the world that Buddhists may go to pay their respects.