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Siddhartha Gautam Essay

Decent Essays

a. What were some of the Indian/Hindu influences on Siddhartha Gautama and early Buddhism? In other words, how can early Buddhism be seen as an Indian religion?
Hindu Indian influences were vast and heavy on Siddhartha Gautama and early Buddhism. Siddhartha Gautama grew up in a culture with heavy Brahmin influences. Along with the cultural caste system associated with Hindu and Indian culture. This caste system weighed heavily on Siddhartha Gautama and led him on his quest to find a path to enlightenment that is the same goal in Hinduism but would not be limited by one’s caste. On his path to enlightenment he sought out the various yogas Hindus prescribe to. With this he developed Buddhism using the core fundamentals found in the Indian religion, …show more content…

The mind and thoughts are central for early Buddhism as they are key to accessing enlightenment. If one develops the mind, then they rid themselves negative thoughts, with positive thoughts positive actions follow, doing all this allows one to participate in the blessings of a holy life.
c. From chapter ten in the Dhammapada, how does the Buddha talk about violence? Moreover, what is the link between violence and karma?
The Buddha discusses violence in a manner that warns of the build faith that follows the path of violence. Sticking with the common theme if controlling one's mind, the Buddha States that violence only begets more violence. Furthermore, the violence will be met with karma retribution in one of the 10 states discuss in section 138 - 140.
d. From chapter twelve in the Dhammapada, describe the importance the Buddha placed on self-mastery.
Self-mastery is important because as Buddha States only by oneself is evil done by oneself is one defiled. This being said only we have control of our fate, this is further reiterated byline 166, which states one should not help another no matter the cost, one must have a clear understanding of their own welfare and be intent on securing

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