Relationship Between the Transcendent and the Human (Leaving Cert Religious Education): Revision Notes
Relationship between the transcendent and the human
Understanding transcendence in Buddhism
In Buddhism, the concept of transcendence is fundamentally different from other world religions. Rather than referring to a divine being or god, transcendence in Buddhism means achieving enlightenment. This represents the ultimate spiritual goal where individuals can move beyond ordinary human limitations and suffering.
The key point to understand is that Buddhism does not centre around worship of a supreme deity. Instead, it is described as non-theistic, meaning it simply doesn't include the concept of God as a creator of the universe. This doesn't make Buddhism atheistic (actively denying God's existence), but rather it operates without needing this concept at all.
The Buddha and transcendence
An important clarification is that the Buddha himself is not considered a god. Rather, the Buddha represents someone who achieved the ultimate transcendent state of enlightenment and then taught others how to reach this same goal.
This means that transcendence in Buddhism is available to all human beings - it's not reserved for divine beings or special individuals. Anyone can follow the path that the Buddha demonstrated and achieve the same enlightened state through dedicated practice and understanding.
The Dharma as transcendent path
The Dharma (the Buddha's teachings) serves as the transcendent pathway that connects humans to enlightenment. Buddhists engage with transcendence by studying, understanding, and following these teachings in their daily lives.
In this sense, the Dharma itself can be viewed as having transcendent power because it provides the method for moving beyond ordinary human experience. It serves as both the map and the vehicle for the spiritual journey towards enlightenment.
Different approaches to transcendence
Theravada Buddhism approach
Theravada Buddhism focuses on the concept of samsara - the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that is characterised by suffering and dissatisfaction. In this tradition, transcendence means achieving nirvana, which allows a person to escape from samsara entirely. The ultimate goal is liberation from this unsatisfactory cycle by not being reborn into it again.
Mahayana Buddhism approach
Mahayana Buddhism emphasises the concept of Buddha Nature - the inherent potential for enlightenment that exists within every living being. This tradition teaches that transcendence, often called Buddhahood, goes beyond the usual limitations of human perception and even transcends our normal understanding of space and time. This approach suggests that the transcendent quality is already present within all beings and simply needs to be awakened.
Practical methods for achieving transcendence
Buddhism offers concrete ways for humans to connect with and realise transcendence through daily practice and spiritual development.
Practical Methods for Transcendence:
Contemplating impermanence: Deeply reflecting on how all things are temporary and constantly changing helps shift perspective beyond attachment to material things
Developing compassion: Practising kindness and understanding towards others helps move beyond self-centred thinking
Ethical living: Avoiding harm to others creates the proper foundation for spiritual development
Meditation: Various meditation practices help release harmful mental patterns and habits
The role of mind in transcendence
Buddhist teaching emphasises that our minds shape our reality. A famous quote from the Dhammapada states that our lives are formed by our thoughts and we become what we think. This means that Buddhist awakening involves a profound realisation that the world we normally experience is largely created by our own mental processes.
Through following the Buddhist path, practitioners learn to move beyond their conditioned minds with all their preconceptions and judgements. This allows them to begin seeing things as they truly are, rather than through the philtre of their mental conditioning.
The ultimate transcendent experience
The final goal of Buddhist practice is an experience that goes beyond words, thoughts, or even concepts. It represents a complete transformation of consciousness where the practitioner transcends ordinary human perception and achieves direct insight into the nature of reality. This state cannot be adequately described in language because it surpasses normal human experience and understanding.
Key Points to Remember:
- Transcendence in Buddhism means enlightenment, not connection to a god
- Buddhism is non-theistic - it doesn't include the concept of a creator deity
- The Buddha was not a god but an enlightened teacher showing the path to others
- Both Theravada and Mahayana schools offer different approaches to achieving transcendence
- The Dharma serves as the transcendent pathway available to all humans
- Practical methods like meditation, compassion, and understanding impermanence help achieve transcendence