Professional Documents
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Final Exam
Theravada, Gelug-pa, and Zen each emphasize the importance of emptiness, no-self, or Buddha
nature. Explain these terms. What is emptiness? Explain this as clearly and accurately as you
can. Why is emptiness so important in Buddhism? When we compare, and contrast the
Theravada, Gelug-pa, and Zen each emphasize the importance of emptiness, no-self, or Buddha
nature. Emptiness is the peace of “Sunyata”, meaning nothing exists in itself. Buddha taught a
doctrine called “anatta”, which is often defined as no-self or the teaching that the sense of
being permanent, autonomous, self is an illusion. Buddha Nature is a term often used in
Mahayana Buddhism, that isn’t easy to define. It is basically described as the fundamental
the concept that nothing in this world exists by itself. Every element is impermanent and
uses to separate one thing, even from another thing or event. The term emptiness is often used
Emptiness, no self, and Buddha nature all refer to much the same thing they all refer to state of
enlightenment. This state is the goal of what most Buddhists are looking for or in search for.
When we think of Buddhism everything is based off first-hand experience and if that’s not the
the concept that nothing in this world exists by itself. Every element is impermanent and
of perception, a way of looking at experience that’s utilized in mediation. Emptiness can have
“In Theravada Buddhism, Buddhists normally grasp the perspective espoused in the Tipitaka,
Pali canon, which scholars generally agree contains the earliest surviving record of the Buddha’s
teachings.” “Theravada Buddhists believe that emptiness is merely the “not-self” nature of the
goal is liberation. In some causes in their tradition emptiness may not be taught right away until
they feel that the student us ready for the teachings. Even though emptiness is another form of
liberation. In the teachings of liberation, it comes with insight on emptiness it’s not their
teachings of the Gelug-pa takes the view of the Indian master Atisa and the standard
development of the view of emptiness. Yoga is very common in this tradition with the key
focus being the firsthand experience of the unification of delight and emptiness.
Zen Buddhism adopted the idea of emptiness from Mahayana Buddhism. Emptiness is the
ultimate goals for all Buddhists and the true nature of reality. However, Zen Buddhism is a
slightly different from traditional Buddhism in many ways. Buddhism is a philosophy where one
will detach from the material world, but Zen Buddhism differs in teachings “because it teaches
individuals human beings that they should try to grasp and adapt to the “empty” world”
(peopleof.oureverydayllife.com). Their vision is while practicing one evaluate their inner side of
themselves and defeat their own illiteracy, preferably “retreating into the knowledge that the
individuals should be compelled to practice it straight through meditation methods. Any of the
teaching about the emptiness of the material world is secondary to the personal firsthand
Gary Snyder published “The Practice of the Wild”. This book is nothing more than the etiquette
of freedom and the relation to wildness. He has grasped Nature’s great lesson that wilderness,
and wild mind are not chaotic and out of control, but self-determining. He relates to Buddhist
because it encourages that everything you do and to follow the grain of Nature’s most deeply
confound laws. The book truly emphasizes on being a person of place. Base thins off personal
experiences. Learn more about where you are, learn the people you meet, animal and plants.
Love nature and what is made of such as air, land, and water. Clearing your mind on past beliefs
and experience for firsthand. Know where everything came from and where it’s going and how
it effects your family. Forget what you have learned and clear your mind and start learning
Snyder’s book is very interesting and some deep literature. Some examples “there will be
enough pain in the world as it is”, “supernatural is a name for phenomena which are reported
by so few people as to leave their reality in doubt” and “the world is our consciousness the
conscious agenda planning ego occupies a very tiny territory” were just some quotes that stood
out to me and how this book relates to the beliefs and visons of Buddhists. This book is a deep
collection on nature, wilderness, the wild and human culture. Be compelled and the book
forces you to think and rethink preconceptions and attitudes towards nature. View life around
many cultures. “Snyder’s distinguishes the two terms nature and wild. Nature is empirical; the
wild is not.” Nature is ultimately in no way endangered; wilderness is.” The wild is
In conclusion from reading the book “The Practice of the Wild” he included nine different
essays that differentiate visons and beliefs of humankind and nature. I had to take my time
reading each essay to fully understand and grasp his beliefs and concepts. The wild is sacred
and all wild places are considered sacred. Humans must preserve things for human sake and
our planet’s sake. One must practice self-discipline, and self-control at some point and not take
more than what we need In this book, Mr. Snyder emphasized encompasses many aspects of
life such as history, nature, religion, and different cultures. It expands on living life through
personal firsthand experiences such as Buddha practices. We learn practices and myths through
lessons of the planet to teach and direct us how to live. We often use myths, human nature,
and religion integrated and this is what Grandfather/Grandmother wisdom will tell us.
“The Practice of the Wild” Gary Snyder, 1990
Peopleof.oureverydaylife.com
Buddhanet.net