The first Hindus were a people who had a connection with God that represented itself through the mysteries of the mind and nature. For example, many religious journeys or soul searching in which the person is at a complete state of euphoria and oneness, similar to Buddhism. In fact, Buddhists teachings may have arisen from the Hindu and Taoist religions. An amalgamation of both Hinduism and Taoism created the Buddhist belief that was adopted by Siddhartha Gautama.
Although there are many separate states of mind in Hinduism, there is reference to the concept of God and karma. The bondage we face or suffering and Mukti (spiritual connection) appears to set standards for a messenger or “one who is close to God” to come or attain a similar spiritual evolution. Mukti also speaks of the different elevations of conscious needed to attain the spiritual connection with God, or to become a Buddha.
The views and spiritual attainments in Buddhism are similar to that of Guru Nanak Der and the Sikh belief. It is said that the meditation needed to be in connection with God all the time is great, and few have the ability to achieve this. This also coincides with Qur’anic teachings, which define the existence of God on multiple different planes of existence, as Allah is master and lord of all worlds. Hinduism speaks of understanding karma and the enlightenment and peace needed in meditation and attaining a connection with God on a variety of levels. Once the path to salvation or the domain of an individual is understood, then the road to salvation can begin.
Hinduism does not speak of God, but simply the thought of God.
It is that thought which propels the future of the universe (wanting to be and return to that energy.) Once the cycle of life, death, rebirth, and judgment is understood, then the path to enlightenment or becoming a Buddha can begin; once you attain enlightenment, your road to salvation can then begin.
The Forms of Buddhas: In Buddhism there are three attainment methods to that of Buddha.1:
1) Sammasambuddhas: attain buddhahood, then decide to teach 1
http://schools-wikipedia.org/wp/b/Buddhahood.htm (Accessed December 2011)
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others the truth they have discovered. They led others to awakening by teaching the Dhamma in a time where it has been forgotten. Siddhartha Gautama is considered a sammasambuddha.
2) Paccekabuddhas: sometimes called “silent Buddhas” are similar to sammasambuddhas in that they attain nirvana and acquire many of the same powers as a sammasambuddha, but are unable to teach what they have discovered. They are considered second to the sammasambuddhas in spiritual development. They do ordain others; their admonition is only in reference to good and proper conduct (abhisamacarikasikkha).
In some texts, the paccekabuddhas are described as those who understand the Dhamma through their own efforts, but do not obtain mastery over the ‘fruits’ (phalesu vasabhavam).
3) Savakabuddhas: attain nirvana after hearing the teaching of a sammasambuddha (directly or indirectly). The disciple of a sammasambuddha is called a savaka (“hearer” or “follower”) or, once enlightened, an arahant. These terms have slightly varied meanings but can all be used to describe the enlightened disciple. Anubuddha is a rarely used term, but is used by the Buddha in the Khuddakapatha to refer to those who become Buddhas after being given instruction. Enlightened disciples attain nirvana and parinirvana as the two types of Buddha do. Arahant is the term most generally used for them, though it is also applicable to Buddhas.
The Three Principles of Buddhism2
Anicca (Sanskrit anitya) “inconstancy” or “impermanence.” This refers to the fact that all conditioned things (sankhara) are in a constant state of flux. In reality there is no thing that ultimately ceases to exist; only the appearance of a thing ceases as it changes from one form to another.
Imagine a leaf that falls to the ground and decomposes. While the appearance and relative existence of the leaf ceases, the components that formed the leaf become particulate material that may go on to form new plants.
Buddhism teaches a middle way, avoiding the extreme views of eternalism and nihilism.
Dukkha (Sanskrit duhkha) or “unsatisfactoriness” (or “dis-ease”; also often translated “suffering,” though this is somewhat misleading). Nothing found in the physical world or even the psychological realm can bring lasting deep satisfaction.
2
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_marks_of_existence (Accessed December 2011)
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Anatta (Sanskrit anatman) or “non-self” is used in the suttas both as a noun and as a predicative adjective to denote that phenomena are not, or are without, a permanent self, to describe any and all composite, con-substantial, phenomenal and temporal things, from the macrocosmic to microcosmic, be it matter pertaining to the physical body or the cosmos at large, as well as any and all mental machinations, which are impermanent.
When the three principles of Buddhism are understood you begin to notice patterns and cycles in everything you do. The subconscious then becomes awakened and you become free of the need of possessions. Meaning you may still desire and acquire possessions, but the obsession with them is overcome; they are not essential in feeling whole. Many people after having children feel a greater peace or deeper meaning in their life; this is a form of nonpossessive love. An even higher connection is achieved when you can connect above any emotional connection to anything physical, and attain a meditative state in which you are almost asleep, but still awake.
Following Buddhism and attaining a form of enlightenment comes with great care and self-evaluation and discipline. There are other paths to salvation; however, when you consider a path to Buddhism you must incorporate a holistic approach and omega approach to all forms of life.
Once this is achieved, you will notice a coincidence or a pattern in your life around you. Once that is achieved you awaken your subconscious and your greater conscious becomes a greater being; you are in essence awakened.
When you achieve all these attainments you then become more self-aware and have attained salvation and a spiritual connection with the eternal energy that is life.
In essence that eternal energy and connection is in fact an energy that cannot be controlled, and never ceases to exist. Nothing is bad, everything is one, and since we are created from this energy, we are never-ending and are not bad. Once you attain peace with yourself, others, and your surroundings, then you can appreciate that connection and peace from within. There is usually always an inner struggle for most people to overcome; this inner struggle can often be confusing, scary, and cause much strife in life. That is why spirituality is so important in life, and why it is important to have proper direction. This is a main reason for such severe punishment of blasphemy in the past. Since religion defines the moral base, if the religion is corrupted, the morals of the people are corrupted.
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13. Judges, kIngs, and ProPhets
After the Exodus of Moses and the reign of Joshua came to an end, an era of governance known as the prophets, kings, and elders began. The time of Judges was before Israel had a king, and the prophets are leaders throughout Israel’s history. After the death of Joshua there was no appointed heir to lead the tribes of Israel. Judges were then appointed to oversee and perform priestly duties, according to the Torah and the Tanak. They were in charge of judgments, marriages, butchery, and other ceremonies according to the ways of the old scripture. Many things were judged by use of weight, such as grain, gold, cloth, and other spices and herbs throughout the land. The people were not that educated and the judges ensured fair distribution of these goods.
The judges arose from all the tribes and acted as chiefs or ambassadors of Israel; over time new prophets were sent to guide the people, such as Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Samuel. The prophet was seen as the high priest of Israel and acted and carried out judgments and orders of God and Israel. Over time the people grew covetous of the position of the prophet and a king was established over the people. This king was not a vessel to God, but an authority figure to the people; the people still followed the prophet in direction and matters of God. Affairs of the kingdom became represented by the king and members of the senate or high councils (aristocracy).
Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, “No, but we will have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.”
SAMUEL 8:19–20 (NKJV)
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