ԿՐՈՆԱԿԱՆ ՊՐԱԿՏԻԿԱՅԻ ԱՌԱՆՁՆԱՀԱՏԿՈՒԹՅՈՒՆՆԵՐԸ ԲՈՒԴԴԱՅԱԿԱՆՈՒԹՅԱՆ ՄԵՋ

Abstract

Armenian religious thought has conducted little research related to Buddhism. In existing studies, the teachings and religious practice of Buddhism are not fully represented. The features and ideological foundations of Buddhist religious practice are presented within the framework of the article. The main methodological approach is that in a comprehensive and systematic analysis of Buddhism, it is essential to consider the religious-philosophical and worldview approaches that have become the basis of Buddhist teachings and have evolved into religious practice. In general, Buddhist religious practice has a more emphasized cultic nature, with doctrinal aspects sometimes taking a back seat. Dogmatics is replaced by the concept of "dharma", the full description of which is one of the most complex phenomena in Buddhism. Within the framework of the article, we consider the concept of dharma as Buddha’s doctrine. This approach allows dharma to be studied in the context of the Buddhist religious system, emphasizing its religious and behavioural significance. "Dharma" is a collection of ideas, views, and beliefs followed and believed by an ordinary Buddhist. It represents the Buddhist worldview, rooted in the Four Noble Truths formulated by Buddha. Typically, each branch or school of Buddhism offers its interpretation of Buddha's teachings, professing its own version of Buddhism. Nevertheless, there are certain principles, approaches, and ideas that are present in one form or another across all branches of Buddhism. Among these, the teaching of the Four Noble Truths stands out, serving as the foundation of Buddhist religious practice. Thus, the religious practice of Buddhism is primarily based on the teachings of the Four Noble Truths. The ideological foundation of this doctrine draws from ancient Indian religious and philosophical perspectives on the world, the universe, human beings, life, death, eternal life, and more. Buddha also relies upon ancient Indian concepts of samsara and karma, introducing entirely new solutions through the Four Noble Truths regarding suffering, its causes and end, as well as liberation and salvation from suffering. The ultimate goal in Buddhist teachings is the attainment of nirvana, which becomes the central objective of Buddhist practice. The awareness, understanding, and practical application of the Four Noble Truths are fundamental features of Buddhism. This is why Buddhism can be regarded as a doctrine of the path to salvation