My Shin BuddhismⅡ_The teachings of Buddha and Mahayana thought

Ⅱ02. Anyone can become a Buddha, it depends on you.

Buddhism originated in northern India about 2,500 years ago, and it then spread to various regions of the world, undergoing repeated adaptations and transformations.

Buddhism can be broadly divided into two streams in its global development: Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism spread across India to Sri Lanka and then to countries in Southeast Asia. It has become widely known in recent years through the terms Vipassana meditation and mindfulness.

And Mahayana Buddhism spread across the Silk Road and Cibet into East Asia. It spread through mainland China and the Korean Peninsula, and reached the island nation of Japan.

The map of the spread of Buddhism

Buddhism has spread throughout the world, crossing borders and times, and continues to develop in various ways even in recent times. However, this diversity has been always based on two fundamental ideas: “Shogyou-mujyou” and “Shohou-muga.”

Shogyou-mujou means “impermanence of all things” It is the idea that all things are constantly changing.

“Shohou-muga” means “non-existence of the absolute self in all things.” It is the idea that all things are interconnected.

Things are constantly changing within relationships; they never exist independently as fixed entities. This way of thinking is also consistent with the principle of complementarity proposed by quantum physicist Niels Bohr. This is something that most people should be able to agree with and understand, both logically and practically. Anything that deviates from these two basic ideas is not Buddhism.

These ideas inform us that in Buddhism it is impossible to assume the existence of an absolute and unchanging creator. In Buddhism, everything is perceived as being interdependent and constantly transforming. This is true for all phenomena without exception.

The third principle derived from the two ideas of “Shogyou-mujou” and “Shohou-muga” is “Issai-kaiku.” “Issai-kaiku” means “all things are cause of sufferings.” Things change through various interactions, so events in this world do not always turn out the way any one person wants them to.

Buddhism does not envision an omnipotent being ruling the world. Not everyone has the ability to do as they please, so even if there is temporary satisfaction, no one can fully satisfy their desires. In fact, the stronger one’s self-desires, the greater the stress and suffering that comes from not having them fulfilled.

The internet is a very useful tool that allows anyone to do many things. However, if you cannot connect, you will likely feel stressed and even upset due to being unable to access its convenience. In everything there is a seed of suffering. (Though I would like to think that in everything there is a seed of joy too!)

None of us can escape our self-centered perspective or position. Because we are self-centered beings, we all see things through our own assumptions and preconceptions.

Since each person is in a different position and has a different perception, it is difficult to reach a consensus. Rather, there are often differences of opinion, conflicts, and emotional problems. Not everything is going to go your way. Not everything you want will come true.

The reality is that we often cause ourselves pain through our own assumptions and preconceptions. None of us are able to let go of our self-centered assumptions and preconceptions, and we all suffer because of them. There may be something fundamentally defective in the human mind.

Buddhism teaches that if you can completely let go of your assumptions and preconceptions and see things as they really are, you can reach a state of “Nehan-jakujyou”. It means “tranquil nirvana”. This is the “enlightenment” taught in Buddhism.

It is said that an enlightened person can see the world as it is, be aware of it correctly, and become a Buddha (an awakened one). A being who is in a state of nirvana, awakens to it, and embodies it is called a “Buddha.”

A state of nirvana is one of complete peace and serenity, a completely clear mind without any impurities. It is a state of peace itself, transcending conflict, obstruction, and discrimination.

1 Shogyou-mujou is “impermanence of all things”.

2 Shohou-muga is “non-existence of the absolute self in all things”.

3 Issai-kaiku is “all things are causes of suffering”.

4 Nehan-jakujyou is “If you see things as they are, you will see a tranquil nirvana”.

These four fundamental principles of Buddhism are called the Four Dharma Seals.

The Buddhist worldview does not perceive things as fixed entities, but rather as phenomena. Buddhism is a way of life that aims at becoming a Buddha and escaping suffering by having this perception.

The Four Dharma Seals are a common basic principle shared by both the Theravada and Mahayana mentioned above. However, while Theravada Buddhism believes it is important to strictly follow the teachings of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism takes a more liberal approach.

While Theravada has attempted to convey the teachings of Gautama Buddha in as original a form as possible, the Mahayana has actively transformed and developed its teachings to suit the needs of different eras, regions, and societies.

Mahayana Buddhism has a long history of over 2,000 years and has traditional aspects that have been passed down through the generations. However, at the same time, it also has innovative aspects that seek to apply Buddhism to real society and actively practice it. Both tradition and innovation are necessary for sustainability; neither can exist without the other.

Mahayana Buddhism should be constantly updated in order to make all of our lives better. Mahayana thought has no meaning unless it is applicable to modern society. I’m searching for a way of thought that aims for world peace and social sustainability.

By believing in a state of nirvana and everyone’s relation within it, we can overcome a life of suffering. We should be able to accept each of our lives as an irreplaceable phenomenon and live it to the fullest.

Mahayana thought offers infinite possibilities that are open to everyone, by allowing us to believe that we too can become “an awakened one” someday. I would like to practice Mahayana Buddhism in a practical way as my way of life.

That’s what I think.