2.3.5

Buddha's Authority & Personal Experience

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Buddha's Authority & Personal Experience

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The Buddha’s Authority

  • The Buddha’s authority came from his own direct experience of enlightenment.
    • It did not come from a god or a sacred book.
  • The Buddha discovered the truth for himself. He did that with deep meditation and reflection on why people suffer.
  • After reaching enlightenment, the Buddha shared his wisdom. He wished others to end suffering and find inner peace.
  • Buddhists follow his example because he experienced and understood truth directly.
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The Buddha’s Message

  • The Buddha's authority came from experience and insight. It did not come from commanding others or claiming divine power.
    • Everyone can find wisdom, peace, and freedom through their own effort.
  • The Buddha encouraged people to question and test his teachings for themselves.
  • Buddhists do not follow the Buddha as a god, but as a teacher and guide.
    • Understanding comes through practice, not just belief.
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Scriptures

  • Buddhist scriptures record the Buddha’s teachings.
  • These texts are respected, but are not an unquestionable authority.
  • Personal experience and wisdom are more important than memorising scriptures.
  • People should use reason, reflection, and meditation to discover the truth.

Jump to other topics

1Year 7

1.1Origins of Abrahamic Faith

1.2Judaism

1.3Christianity

1.4Disciplinary Knowledge

2Year 8

2.1Islam

2.2Hindu Dharma (Hinduism)

2.3Buddhism

2.4Sikhi

2.5Atheism

2.6Philosophy of Religion

2.7Disciplinary Knowledge

3Year 9

3.1Life & Death

3.2Extremism

3.3Equality

4Additional Concepts

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