Research Article
BibTex RIS Cite

Budizm’de Kıssaların Önemi: Bazı Budist İnanış ve Uygulamaların Anlaşılmasına Dair Örnekler

Year 2023, Volume: 12 Issue: 2, 1212 - 1225, 30.06.2023
https://doi.org/10.15869/itobiad.1264465

Abstract

Budizm, MÖ altıncı yüzyılda verimli topraklarıyla ünlü Ganj vadisinde Budda’nın keşifleri çerçevesinde oluşmuş bir dindir. Budda, aşırı lüks bir hayat ve devamındaki altı yıllık bir arayışın sonucunda uzun bir meditasyon oturuşuyla aydınlanmaya ulaşmıştır. O, bir takım uç tecrübeler yaşayarak ve yoğun zihinsel çaba sergileyerek keşfettiği orta yol tekniğini öğrencilerine aktararak öğretisini yaymaya çalışmıştır. Öğrencileri de ondan öğrendiklerini başka insanlara anlatmış, böylelikle inananların sayısı her geçen gün artmıştır. Budizm’in yayılışındaki en etkin unsurlardan birisi Budda’nın kullandığı anlaşılır dil ve üsluptur. Budda dinin temel ilke ve esaslarını etrafındakilere anlatırken sade bir dil kullanmıştır. Ayrıca karmaşık konuların daha iyi anlaşılmasını sağlamak için kıssalar, hikâyeler ve öyküler anlatmış; sık sık benzetmeler kullanmıştır. Böylelikle çevresinde toplanan insanların anlam dünyalarına daha iyi nüfuz edebilmiştir. Budda’nın birçok kıssa kullandığı bilinmektedir. Bunlardan en meşhurları arasında ‘zehirli okla yaralanan adam’, ‘kör adamlar ve fil’, ‘sal/sandal’, ‘hardal tohumu’ gibi örnekler sayılabilir. ‘Zehirli okla yaralanan adam’ hikâyesinde Budda, öğrencilerini vakitlerini ve enerjilerini açıklanması mümkün olmayan karmaşık ve metafizik konulara harcamamaları konusunda uyarmıştır. Bu hikâyede insanoğlunun önündeki mevcut hayati sorunlara yoğunlaşarak bunların çözümü için çareler üretmeye gayret etmesi vurgulanmaktadır. Hint alt kıtasında ortaya çıkmış ve buradan bütün dünyaya yayılmış yaygın bir anlatı olan 'körlerin fil tarifi’ hikâyesinde söz konusu toplumda, kültürde ve çevrede algılamanın seviyesine vurgu yapılır. Bu hikâye farklı bakış açısına sahip oldukları ve farklı düşünceleri savundukları için kavga eden grupları betimlemede kullanılır. ‘Sal’ hikâyesinde, Budist öğreti olarak da bilinen dhammayı çok iyi bir şekilde öğrenmenin, idrak etmenin ve içselleştirmenin önemi üzerinde durulur. ‘Hardal tohumu’ hikâyesinde, genel olarak dünyanın geçiciliği, dünya malına çok fazla ehemmiyet göstermeme, fiziksel ölümün evrensel bir hakikat olduğu üzerinde durulur. Bu örneklerden yola çıkarak kıssaların Budist inanç ve uygulamaların anlaşılmasındaki yeri ve önemini ortaya koymaya çalışacağız.

References

  • Arslan, H. (2015). Kutsal Metinlere Göre Budizm’de Manastır Hayatı, İzmir: Tibyan. Burlingame, E. W. (1922)., Buddhist Parables, Translated From The Original Pali By E. W. Burlingame, New Haven: Yale University Press.
  • Conze, E. (1959). Buddhist Scriptures, London: Penguin.
  • Dundas, P. (2004). “Beyond Anekantavada: A Jain Approach to Religious Tolerance”. Ahimsa, Anekanta, and Jainism, ed. Tara Sethia, içinde 123–136, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
  • Further Dialogues of the Buddha. (1926). Sacred Books of the Buddhists, Vol V., Translated from the Pali of the Majjhima Nikaya By Lord Chalmers, London: Oxford University Press.
  • Goldstein, E. B. (2009). Encyclopedia of Perception, New York: SAGE Publications.
  • Gomez, L. O. (1976). “Proto-Madhyamika in the Pali Canon”, Philosophy East and West, Univ. of Hawaii Press 26:2, 137-165.
  • Hanh, T. N. & Philip Kapleau. (1974). Zen Keys, New York: Anchor Books.
  • Hinüber, O. V. (1996). A Handbook Pali Literature, Berlin: Walter de Gruyter. https://psychology-spot.com/the-raft-buddhist-parable-shows-us-how/ (19.01.2023).
  • https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.022.than.html (19.01.2023).
  • Hua, H. (2002). The Vajra Prajna Paramita Sutra: General Explanation, USA: Buddhist Text Translation Society.
  • Ireland, J. D. (2007). Udana and the Itivuttaka: Two Classics from the Pali Canon, Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society.
  • Jaini, P. S. (1998). The Jaina Path of Purification, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
  • Kalupahana, D. (1986). The Philosophy of the Middle Way, New York: SUNY Press.
  • Kaya, K. (1999). Buddhistlerin Kutsal Kitapları, Ankara: İmge Kitabevi.
  • Keown, D. (1992). The Nature of Buddhist Ethics, New York: St. Martin’s Press.
  • Lay, U. K. (Tarihsiz). Guide to Tipitaka, Sri Lanka: The Buddhist Cultural Centre.
  • O'Brien, B. (2020). “The Buddha’s Raft Parable”, Learn Religions, Aug. 26, 2020, learnreligions.com/the- buddhas-raft-parable-450054.
  • Rig-Veda Sanhita: A Collection of Ancient Hindu Hymns, (I-VI) . (1866-1888). Trans. by, H. H. Wilson, London: N. Trübner and Co.
  • Sangharakshita. (2004). The Drama of Cosmic Enlightenment: Parables, Myths, and Symbols of the White Lotus Sutra, Cambridge: Windhorse Publications.
  • Snyder, C. R. & Carol E. Ford. (1987). Coping with Negative Life Events: Clinical and Social Psychological Perspectives, New York: Springer Science.
  • The Connected Discourses of the Buddha: A New Translation of the Samyutta Nikaya. (2000). Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi, Boston: Wisdom Pub.
  • The Dhammapada. (1950). English Translation by S. Radhakrishnan, London: Oxford University Press.
  • The Diamond Sutra: A General Explanation of the Vajra Prajna Paramita Sutra. (1974). Trans. by Dhyana Master Hsuan Hua, CA: Sino-American Buddhist Association.
  • The Elders’ Verses II: Therigatha. (1995). Translated with an introduction and notes by K. R. Norman, Oxford: Pali Text Society.
  • The Hymns of the Rigveda. (1973). Trans. by, Ralph T.H. Griffith, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Pub.
  • The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya. (1995). Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Nanamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi, Oxford: The Pali Text Society.
  • The Udana: The Solemn Utterances of the Buddha. (1902). Trans. by, D. M. Strong, London: Luzac & Co.
  • Therigatha: Psalms of the Early Buddhists I.– Psalms of the Sisters. (1909). C. A. F. Rhys Davids, Oxford: Pali Text Society.
  • Thomas, E. J. (1935). Early Buddhist Scriptures, New York: AMS Press.
  • Türkçe Sözlük. (2005). 10. Baskı, Ankara: TDK.
  • Wright, C. (1997). Buddhism for Today, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Wright, D. S. (2009). The Six Perfections: Buddhism and the Cultivation of Character, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Yitik, A. İ. (2005). Hint Dinleri, İzmir: İzmir İlahiyat Vakfı.

The Importance of Parables in Buddhısm: Examples Related to the Understandıng of Some Buddhıst Belıefs and Practıces

Year 2023, Volume: 12 Issue: 2, 1212 - 1225, 30.06.2023
https://doi.org/10.15869/itobiad.1264465

Abstract

Buddhism is a religion that was formed in the sixth century BC, within the framework of Buddha’s discoveries in the Ganges valley, famous for its fertile lands. After a life of extreme luxury and a subsequent six-year pursuit, Buddha attained enlightenment through a long sitting meditation. He tried to spread his teaching by patiently transferring the middle way technique, which he discovered by experiencing a number of extreme experiences and exerting intense mental effort, to his students. His students also explained to other people what they had learned from him. Thus, the number of believers increased day by day. One of the most influential elements in the spread of Buddhism is the comprehensible language and wording used by Buddha. He used simple language to explain the basic principles of religion to those around him. Buddha also told parables, tales and stories to provide a better understanding of complex issues; often used metaphors or similes. Thus, he was able to better penetrate the minds of people gathered around him. It is known that Buddha used many short parables or stories. The most famous of these are ‘the man injured with poisoned arrow’, ‘blind men and elephant’, ‘raft/boat’, and ‘mustard seed’. In the story of the ‘man injured by a poisoned arrow’, Buddha warned his disciples not to waste their time and energy on complex and metaphysical matters that cannot be explained. In this story, it is emphasized that human beings try to find solutions for their solution by concentrating on the current vital problems in front of them. In the story of ‘elephant description of the blind men’, which is a common narrative that emerged in the Indian subcontinent and spread all over the world from there, the level of perception in the society, culture and environment is emphasized. This story is used to describe groups fighting because they have different points of view and advocate different ideas. In the story of ‘raft’, the importance of learning, understanding and internalizing the dhamma, also known as the Buddhist teaching, is emphasized. In the story of the ‘mustard seed’, it is generally emphasized that the transience of the world, not paying too much attention to worldly goods, and that physical death is a universal truth. Based on these and similar examples, we will try to reveal the place and importance of parables related to understanding Buddhist beliefs and practices.

References

  • Arslan, H. (2015). Kutsal Metinlere Göre Budizm’de Manastır Hayatı, İzmir: Tibyan. Burlingame, E. W. (1922)., Buddhist Parables, Translated From The Original Pali By E. W. Burlingame, New Haven: Yale University Press.
  • Conze, E. (1959). Buddhist Scriptures, London: Penguin.
  • Dundas, P. (2004). “Beyond Anekantavada: A Jain Approach to Religious Tolerance”. Ahimsa, Anekanta, and Jainism, ed. Tara Sethia, içinde 123–136, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
  • Further Dialogues of the Buddha. (1926). Sacred Books of the Buddhists, Vol V., Translated from the Pali of the Majjhima Nikaya By Lord Chalmers, London: Oxford University Press.
  • Goldstein, E. B. (2009). Encyclopedia of Perception, New York: SAGE Publications.
  • Gomez, L. O. (1976). “Proto-Madhyamika in the Pali Canon”, Philosophy East and West, Univ. of Hawaii Press 26:2, 137-165.
  • Hanh, T. N. & Philip Kapleau. (1974). Zen Keys, New York: Anchor Books.
  • Hinüber, O. V. (1996). A Handbook Pali Literature, Berlin: Walter de Gruyter. https://psychology-spot.com/the-raft-buddhist-parable-shows-us-how/ (19.01.2023).
  • https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/mn/mn.022.than.html (19.01.2023).
  • Hua, H. (2002). The Vajra Prajna Paramita Sutra: General Explanation, USA: Buddhist Text Translation Society.
  • Ireland, J. D. (2007). Udana and the Itivuttaka: Two Classics from the Pali Canon, Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society.
  • Jaini, P. S. (1998). The Jaina Path of Purification, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass.
  • Kalupahana, D. (1986). The Philosophy of the Middle Way, New York: SUNY Press.
  • Kaya, K. (1999). Buddhistlerin Kutsal Kitapları, Ankara: İmge Kitabevi.
  • Keown, D. (1992). The Nature of Buddhist Ethics, New York: St. Martin’s Press.
  • Lay, U. K. (Tarihsiz). Guide to Tipitaka, Sri Lanka: The Buddhist Cultural Centre.
  • O'Brien, B. (2020). “The Buddha’s Raft Parable”, Learn Religions, Aug. 26, 2020, learnreligions.com/the- buddhas-raft-parable-450054.
  • Rig-Veda Sanhita: A Collection of Ancient Hindu Hymns, (I-VI) . (1866-1888). Trans. by, H. H. Wilson, London: N. Trübner and Co.
  • Sangharakshita. (2004). The Drama of Cosmic Enlightenment: Parables, Myths, and Symbols of the White Lotus Sutra, Cambridge: Windhorse Publications.
  • Snyder, C. R. & Carol E. Ford. (1987). Coping with Negative Life Events: Clinical and Social Psychological Perspectives, New York: Springer Science.
  • The Connected Discourses of the Buddha: A New Translation of the Samyutta Nikaya. (2000). Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Bodhi, Boston: Wisdom Pub.
  • The Dhammapada. (1950). English Translation by S. Radhakrishnan, London: Oxford University Press.
  • The Diamond Sutra: A General Explanation of the Vajra Prajna Paramita Sutra. (1974). Trans. by Dhyana Master Hsuan Hua, CA: Sino-American Buddhist Association.
  • The Elders’ Verses II: Therigatha. (1995). Translated with an introduction and notes by K. R. Norman, Oxford: Pali Text Society.
  • The Hymns of the Rigveda. (1973). Trans. by, Ralph T.H. Griffith, Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Pub.
  • The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of the Majjhima Nikaya. (1995). Translated from the Pali by Bhikkhu Nanamoli and Bhikkhu Bodhi, Oxford: The Pali Text Society.
  • The Udana: The Solemn Utterances of the Buddha. (1902). Trans. by, D. M. Strong, London: Luzac & Co.
  • Therigatha: Psalms of the Early Buddhists I.– Psalms of the Sisters. (1909). C. A. F. Rhys Davids, Oxford: Pali Text Society.
  • Thomas, E. J. (1935). Early Buddhist Scriptures, New York: AMS Press.
  • Türkçe Sözlük. (2005). 10. Baskı, Ankara: TDK.
  • Wright, C. (1997). Buddhism for Today, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Wright, D. S. (2009). The Six Perfections: Buddhism and the Cultivation of Character, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Yitik, A. İ. (2005). Hint Dinleri, İzmir: İzmir İlahiyat Vakfı.
There are 33 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language Turkish
Subjects Religious Studies
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Hammet Arslan 0000-0002-4703-9952

Early Pub Date June 30, 2023
Publication Date June 30, 2023
Published in Issue Year 2023 Volume: 12 Issue: 2

Cite

APA Arslan, H. (2023). Budizm’de Kıssaların Önemi: Bazı Budist İnanış ve Uygulamaların Anlaşılmasına Dair Örnekler. İnsan Ve Toplum Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi, 12(2), 1212-1225. https://doi.org/10.15869/itobiad.1264465

Journal of the Human and Social Science Researches is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY NC).