(Answered) RELI 448N Week 3 Discussion: Buddhism

Required Resources
Read/review the following resources for this activity:

  • Textbook: Chapter 4
  • Lesson
  • Minimum of 1 scholarly source 

Initial Post Instructions
For the initial post, respond to one of the following options:

  1. Define Theravada and Mahayana. Describe the Arhat and the Bodhisattva. Explain how each achieves the goal of nirvana. Examine how they relate to some of the key concepts/teachings (e.g., the Four Noble Truths, the three marks of reality).
  2. Many scholars feel that “suffering” may be a misleading translation of the word dukkha. Why might the term suffering be misleading? What might be a better translation? What was the Buddha trying to explain in his commentary on dukkha?

Solution:

“The third characteristic of reality, known as dukkha (Pali), or duhkha (Sanskrit), is usually translated as ‘suffering’ or ‘sorrow,’ but it also means ‘dissatisfaction’ or ‘dis-ease’.” (Molloy, 2013). Most people can’t get over the misleading English translation of “suffering,” and for that reason, many prefer not to translate but rather stick to the term itself (Teasdale & Chaskalson, 2011). It is difficult to find one word to embrace the whole concept of the term dukkha……..Please click the icon below to purchase full solution at $5