Buddhism

Buddhism (仏教) is a nontheistic religion based on the teachings of, commonly known as the Buddha.

In Toaru Majutsu no Index, Buddhism is mostly used as a base for certain forms of Magic.

Principles
At its most basic level, Buddhism teaches that every sentient being has the potential to achieve, a state of permanent peace, liberation, and "consciousness without feature, without end" beyond suffering and desire. If not in this life, then another. This is the core of Buddhism, and built around it are key concepts forming much of the basis of Buddhism.

The Four Noble Truths
After achieved enlightenment, it is said that he taught the Four Noble Truths in his first sermon. They are, summarised:


 * That life is suffering


 * That suffering has an origin and this is attachment or desire


 * That there is a way to end suffering


 * That this way is through the

The Four Dharma Seals
Buddhists believe that all phenomena in the physical world are characterised by the Four Seals or Axioms. They are, summarised again:


 * All things are impermanent (both in a state of change and not eternal)


 * That physical existence is suffering and dissatisfaction


 * That all things have no true self (i.e. a soul)


 * Nirvana is peace and liberation

History
Several varieties of Buddhism have formed as it has spread and been changed by other traditions. An example would be the Japanese variety, which changed during its passage through China and Korea from its origin in India, and was affected by Shinto.

Toaru Majutsu no Index
Several characters appearing in Toaru Majutsu no Index, including Kanzaki Kaori and the rest of the Amakusa-Style Remix of Church, make use of aspects of Buddhism in their magic.

Magic God Invasion Arc
The High Priest, a Magic God of the true Gremlin and the Japanese variety of Buddhism, born from self-mummification, makes use of several forms of Buddhist magic during his destructive pursuit of Kamijou Touma through Academy City.

Uses of Buddhism within the story

 * Acala: A guardian deity, one of the Wisdom Kings, commonly depicted as holding a sword and lariat, and being engulfed in flames.
 * The accessories worn by the High Priest, his purple robe with the flame-like collar, his golden sword and ornaments, all forced on him by those who sabotaged his attempt at becoming a Buddha, are based on those of Acala.
 * Buddha: The term Buddha can refer to, whose teachings Buddhism is based on, or to one who has achieved a state of perfect enlightenment.
 * The High Priest subjected himself to self-mummification in order to become a Buddha in one generation, but ultimately failed to achieve enlightenment, due to sabotage from a faction opposed to him attaining Buddhahood, becoming a Magic God instead.
 * Self-mummification: A of the Japanese variety of Buddhism, aimed at becoming a Buddha in a single life, involving one sealing themself in an underground room, forming mudra and chanting sutra until they starve to death and dry up, becoming a  in the process.
 * The High Priest subjected himself to self-mummification, though he failed to become a Buddha due to sabotage, and can manipulate dirt due to a connection formed during the process.
 * Six Paths: The concept that all forms of life are continually being reborn throughout six "lower" realms: the Deva/God realm, the Asura/Jealous God realm, the Human realm, the Animal realm, the Preta/Hungry Ghost realm, and the Hell realm/Naraka. Each of the lifeforms stuck in the cycle of reincarnation thus strive to reach enlightenment, ending in achieving Buddhahood.
 * As one who rose the level of a Buddha in a single life, the High Priest is capable of freely manipulating the intersection of the Six Paths.

Users of Buddhist-related Magic

 * Amakusa-Style Remix of Church
 * Yamisaka Ouma
 * High Priest