While the Dharma of Star Wars may seem like it looks to simply compare the similarities between the practice of Buddhism and the Star Wars Universe, it does more than that. This book by Matthew Bortolin not only finds the places in which the two have similarities, but also where some Jedi are, from a Buddhist point of view, imperfect. First and foremost, however, the similarities between the two come in spades. Buddhism has many aspects to it and involves a variety of teachings, but the two central teachings from Buddhism are the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths.
The Eightfold Path had an entire chapter dedicated to specific relations between Star Wars and the teachings, but it was also put into obvious relation in other areas as
Buddhism’s approach to ethics and practices are centred upon the principal beliefs of; the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path and the Five Precepts. By adhering to these guidelines, Buddhists are ensured that they are taking a step closer to escaping Samsara, and attaining the revered state of Nirvana,
The Hero’s journey, or in its more correct terminology the Monomyth is an object from the area of comparative mythology. Its definition in the most basic of forms, it is a pattern or outline that is used in storytelling, usually the myth. This pattern is found in many famous pieces from all around the world. In the book The Hero with a Thousand Faces from 1949 by author Joseph Campbell, this pattern is described in detail. Campbell describes that numerous myths from different times and areas of the world seem to share an identical structure in their storytelling. He summarized this with a well-known quote found at the intro of his book:
The wars, the victories, the defeats and deaths arose from the warrior’s duty to the Buddhist Law. These warriors lived their duty and this is reflected through the tales that illustrate actions that include loyalty and respect towards other warriors.
Star Wars and Harry Potter are two different dimensions. However, these two different dimensions have a similar way of teaching. In Star Wars, the place of learning is the Jedi Temple and in Harry Potter, it is Hogwarts. The Jedi Temple is where the students that have the potential of becoming a Jedi to learn about the Force. The Force is "An energy field
Jedi Religion or Jediism is a religious tradition inspired by the hit Star Wars films created by George Lucas. This religion is said to be a more modern adaptations of Taoism and Buddhism. This tradition is not a group of Star Wars role players, but more so a true religion that believes in Peace, Justice, Love, Learning and Benevolence. They live in a way to truly adhere to Peace, and make every effort to ensure that their beliefs do not conflict with other religions and their traditions. Jedi believe in the Force, a term used in the Star Wars films. Followers of this tradition believe that with practice, humans can tap into this energy to reach their full potential in life. This energy is believed to flow through all things and binds the universe together. With such energy, members of the religion tend to view themselves as guardians who are more prone to truth, knowledge, and justice and make a conscious effort to promote such a lifestyle. Some of those who adhere to Jediism prefer to not call it a “Religion” per say, but perhaps a philosophy, personal developme...
In addition, Buddhism places emphasis on the Four Noble Truths, which is the teaching of Buddha, a guide to enlightenment. These are a set of guidance that basically teaches the followers of Buddha the essence of...
When the original Star Wars trilogy established the Jedi and Sith, the inspirations and concepts for their costumes were purposely put in the forefront and made obvious to emphasize their position in this fantasy galaxy set far, far away. The costume of the main villain Darth Vader was based on gas masks, samurai armor and Nazi designs to punctuate the despair and fear in his image while his enemy Obi-wan Kenobi was clearly meant to provoke a sense of wisdom and power through his wizard-like attire, a striking similarity to the Lord of the Rings’ character, Gandalf, who wears the same kinds of clothing and has the same role in the story. Once the Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi created the Emperor, Vader’s master who’s dark robes
When observed through Buddhist lens, the Star Wars saga can be said to be intrinsically Buddhist; the many underlying themes that characterize the saga continuously point towards the dharma that is crucial to Buddhist philosophy. In Star Wars, many of the characters behave in ways which can be said to align with the noble eightfold path, which allows characters such as the Jedi knights to obtain the levels of morality, concentration, wisdom, and mindfulness that are associated with reaching nirvana. The concept of the force that weaves the saga together, can also be said to be a reflection of Buddhist thought, as it mirrors the notion that all beings are interconnected. Not only do the Jedi knights have qualities that pertain to Buddhist monastics,
Buddhism is currently the fourth most popular religion in our society today, following Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism. Its major ideologies are based on the philosophies of Siddhartha Guatama, also known as “Buddha”, who began his teachings in 598 BCE at the age of 35, according to Buddhist texts. A Buddhist’s foremost aspiration is the obtainment of Bodhi, or enlightenment through meditation and Anapana-sati (awareness of the breath). Buddhism shares many ideologies with India’s Hinduism and Yoga such as non-harming, non-violence, and self-awareness. In many instances, people regard Buddhism as a way of life rather than a religion, for it has no clear belief in the idea of a God or Gods. Its structure is built upon a hierarchy much like Christianity where superior orders such as Lamas or the Dalai Lama are said to be chosen by nature through the process of reincarnation rather than by a council like Christianity’s Pope. Though these “higher level” Buddhists are rare (not everyone is a reincarnation of an ancient Buddhist “priest”), all are permitted to follow “The Middle Way” either as a Buddhist monk or the simple attendance of a weekly teaching session from time to time. Throughout the last few hundred years the Buddhist population has blossomed into a healthy 381,611,000 and over fifteen different sects including Zen, Mahayana, and Theravada.
He also makes reference to the long history of religious intolerance and persecution within the Christian tradition, brought about by greed, mistrust, and ignorance. He emphasizes the need for continuous practice, prayer, meditation, mindfulness, and personal growth within individual religious traditions and cultures. We must make the spirit of the Buddha and the spirit of Christ part of our everyday lives. He explores the “Five Wonderful Percepts of Buddhism”: reverence for life, generosity, responsible sexual behavior, speaking and listening deeply, and ingesting only wholesome substances; comparing them to the teachings of Christ. These precepts are without a doubt, very similar to the principles thought by Christ and his apostles. Each precept or teaching works with the next, interconnecting and building upon each other toward the same goal to end suffering, bring about personal and worldly understanding, world peace, and spiritual
Siddhartha Gautama is famously known as Gautama Buddha and was the founder of the idea of Buddhism. The Buddha was known to possess supernatural powers and abilities. He was born in the holy land of Nepal and his journey began in India when he decided to travel and teach himself about life. In the midst of his journey, he discovered Buddhism after he experienced a profound realization of the nature of life, death and existence. Buddhism became a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama and since then Buddhism has been popular throughout many civilizations. Buddhism is now one of the most ancient religions in the world, where people follow Buddha, which stand for “awakened one,” and Buddhism which has gained popularity because of the teachings of the Buddha.
While Star Trek can only boast one confusing weapon, the phaser, Star Wars has simple ones such as the blaster and lightsaber; these are simple to understand and intriguing to see in action. The effects and jargon in Star Wars are smoother than those in Star Trek. The difference in the quality of the visual events may be excused by the eleven year time difference between the productions of the two shows. Nonetheless, while the effects may be excused, they are neither forgiven nor ameliorated. The jargon that both sagas use due to their advanced setting also sets Star Wars apart.
Buddhism and Christianity are different religions. Both have numerous similarities as well as differences that one might find really interesting to look at in details. These two religions have certain beliefs, values and traditions which are really compatible. On the other hand, some of these values, beliefs and traditional practices are quite contradicting and conflicting. This makes the study of these two religions an inevitable and pleasurable task. Theology historians have raised adequate concerns and issues relating to connections between Buddhism and Christianity. They claim that there is strong comparability between the characters of Jesus and Buddha, especially their lives and teachings.
Hinduism believes in the teachings of one human man, the Buddha, the “Enlightened One”. The ultimate objective of a Buddhist is to reach nirvana which is a state of enlightenment where a person no longer desires or suffers and is at peace. The Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths. Fiero lists the Four Noble Truths as “pain is universal, desire causes pain, ceasing to desire relieves pain, and right conduct leads to release from pain” (11). The Buddha believed and taught that insight and knowledge come from following the Eightfold Path (Middle Way). Fiero states that the Eightfold Path includes “right views, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration” (11). If a person follows the Eightfold Path which leads to insight and knowledge then they could ultimately achieve nirvana. A Buddhist that avoids suffering and gains enlightenment is then released from what Fiero calls the “endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth” (11). Only then has a person accomplished extinction of the Self or salvation. The aspect of the release from the cycle of rebirth is similar to the goal of a Hindu and like Hinduism; Buddhism encourages moral behavior in order to attain inner
...deed present at the heart of the Mahayana tradition, it has also been expanded upon in order to answer the philosophical questions that the Pali Canons ignored. Mahayana Buddhism introduces the idea of the “inner Buddhahood”, compassionate Bodhisattvas, dharma as empty, and finally may also encourage a bit of clinging to the recitation and repetition of its dharma. However, aforementioned, it still emphasizes the Buddha’s teachings outlined in the Pali Canons, the existence of dukkha and awakening as a way to overcome it, and especially the Noble Eight Fold Path. Mahayana Buddhism is simply a representation of the Buddhist faith being adapted in a way to make it more all encompassing and strives to provide all, not just the clergy, with a closer connection with the Buddha and his teachings.