Buddha
Major religious figures are often the subject of research papers in college religion courses. Research papers on the Buddha are one of Paper Masters' specialties. Have our writers custom write your project on Buddha, Buddhism or any aspect of Buddhist teachings.
Buddhism is one of the major religious philosophies of the world and is based on the teachings of the Buddha, or "enlightened one". One of the most important aspect's of Buddha's teaching's is the emphasis on compassion, one of the qualities that the Buddha shared and exemplified throughout his life.
The Early Life of Buddha
It was early in his life that the Buddha became aware of the suffering around him and he chose give up his worldly lifestyle in order to seek an end to such suffering. He spent six years with a shaven head, wearing ragged clothes and barely surviving on roots and fruit. It wasn't until his enlightenment, facing and denying the temptations presented to him by Mara, that he realized the cause of human suffering and how to end it. He had gained supreme wisdom and at that time became the Buddha, or "the awakened one".
After his enlightenment, he shared his new wisdom with five men who became his disciples, thus beginning the first Buddhist community. Over the next forty years, Buddha and his followers traveled throughout India, sharing his teachings, collectively called the Dharma. It was during these travels that the examples of his compassion were revealed. Showing no concern for their own needs, they helped and served those people that they met whether slaves, beggars or royalty. Buddha shared the need for and the importance of compassion as he traveled and his actions proved him to be a living example of the wisdom he taught.
It is important to note that in the Buddha's teaching, compassion is not the same as what we would consider a love attachment, as in the affection of the mind or body. It is, instead, having the mind of benevolence without an attachment to anyone. It is this same compassion for all living things that affects the Buddhist belief in reincarnation, showing compassion for all things, as they may have a kinship to you.
Teachings to Include in Your Research Paper on the Buddha
Each individual must persist on his or her own internal quest of one's own understanding of the world and awareness of self. This personal realization can occur only through an active involvement and participation of the individual. In Buddhist thought, our own short lives are likened to the transitory experience of all other life forms. The individual believer must find their own rate to discover the principals of Buddhism.
The broad nature of the four noble truths and the Eightfold Path convey a sense of universal applicability in the theory. The eightfold path consists of guidelines in becoming self-aware of one's actions and behavior. Each part of the Eightfold Path pose methods of proper living by:
- Right views
- Right aspirations
- Right speech
- Right conduct
- Right livelihood
- Right effort
- Right mind control
- Right mindfulness
This approach to living is accomplished by an awareness of behavior and consideration of self to world. These ideas are not intended to be a singular accomplishment, but as a total way of life.
The final realization of an individual of the path of Buddhism is nirvana, or a complete extinction of suffering and rebirth. In attaining nirvana, no further solutions of life or afterlife are discussed or offered. In a nihilistic fashion, no finite answers to afterlife are provided in Buddhism. Eternal existence is denied, along with the worship of a singular, supreme god.
Related Research Paper Topic Suggestions
Buddhism - Buddhism research papers explore the religion and the Dalai Lama. The four noble truths and the suffering in life are a few topics to cover in research on Buddhism and its history and origin in Tibet.
Buddhism In China - Buddhism in China research papers investigate the spread of Buddhist teachings in a country where Confucianism rules.
Buddhist Monks - Buddhist Monks research papers discuss how monks first began and how they have changed over the centuries.
Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism - Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism Research Papers delve into a sample of a paper order for a religion research paper with only scholarly resources used.
Creation In Buddhism - In the religious practice of Buddhism, creation is dramatically different than in other common belief systems. Buddhists believe in cycles of creation and an evolutionary process.
Hinduism and Buddhism - Hinduism and Buddhism research papers explore Buddhist beliefs and Hindu traditions. You can have a comparison and contrast religion research paper written that compares any two religions such as those practiced by Hindus or even Christians.
Rinzai Zen - Rinzai Zen research papers discuss Buddhist teachings on Zen and enlightenment. Order a religion research paper today.
Tantra - Tantra Research Papers delve into ritual sexual beliefs and practices that have thier origin in various religions of the East.
The Four Noble Truths - The Four Noble Truths Research Paper goes into the core of the Buddhist philosophy. Research on The Four Noble Truths at Paper Masters show that The Four Noble Truths are the core of Buddhist philosophy and are of particular importance to Buddhism, since understanding them encourages people to embrace and follow prescribed practices that promise to result in a life of greater joy and less suffering for their practitioners.
The Phoenix Hall - The Phoenix Hall Research Papers look at one of the few surviving buildings from the Heian Period.
Zen Buddhism - Zen Buddhism research papers dissect the sector of teaching by the Buddha that looks for enlightenment. A research paper example is custom at Paper Masters.