Buddhism

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Buddhism is a nontheistic religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha.

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

Principles

File:Dharma Wheel.svg.png

The most recognizable symbol of Buddhism, the Wheel of Dharma represents the Noble Eightfold Path, Buddha's described way to enlightenment.

At its most basic level, Buddhism teaches that every sentient being has the potential to achieve Nirvana, 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 Buddha 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 Noble Eightfold Path

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.

Chronology

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.

Shinyaku Toaru Majutsu no Index

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

• Buddha: The term Buddha can refer to Siddhartha Gautama, 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.
• Self-mummification: A practice 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 mummy 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 the six realms as they 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

External Links

• Buddhism (Wikipedia article)