PDP6- Sermons and Teachings

Author Bio- The sermons and teachings in this document are written by Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha. He was born a prince and at a young age told that he would be a successful Buddha or king, and after seeing suffering, dropped all possessions and turned to having nothing and meditating often. In the document, he is essentially biased to himself, as he is teaching others his ways and not adding in any other point of view or ideas.

Data/Context-This document fits into the understanding of South Asia because it discusses beliefs and ways of life for Buddhists, a popular religion that originated in South Asia, also branching off of the main religion of Hinduism. The religion changed may people's way of thinking and acting and also diffused into near by countries and across the world. The documents were also written originally in the 6th century BCE, at the same time as many other religious breakthroughs to go on and create leading world religions.

Summary-The document is essentially dialogue with followers and Buddha, so the first part of the conversation discusses how a person cannot be at either extremes to achieve Nirvana. For example, one who gives up absolutely everything or one who indulges will achieve Nirvana, nor someone practicing the religion for the sake of becoming immortal. Also, Buddha talks about noble truths and other ways of life to live by to follow the religion. Specifically, the document discusses how craving satisfaction is the "origin of suffering" and acting on the temptations ceases the suffering. Also, destructions of sorrow are listed, like practicing right speech, behavior, and views. In the next part of the article, Buddha explains how Nirvana is something that can be realized, but not showed or seen in any way, it comes from nothing. To explain in more detail, he uses analogies and metaphors to compare objects on earth like how wind is felt and it exists, but it is not seen.

Key Quotation-"Water surrounds the lotus-flower, but does not wet its petals."