introduction to buddhism. what was going on in india? upheaval during vedic civilization city life...
TRANSCRIPT
Introduction to Buddhism
What was going on in India?
Upheaval during Vedic Civilization
City life challenged old beliefs
New religions emergedJaina – ascetics
Lokayatas - materialists
Buddhism…Began in India 2,500 years ago
Based on the teachings of the Buddha
Currently 300 million followers
Who was the Buddha?Born Siddhartha Gautama
Ksatriya – Warrior/Ruler CasteBorn around 480 BCE
Raised to be a kingCompassionate for the suffering of others
At age 29 rejected luxury Looked for a way to end suffering
Who was the Buddha?Tried an ascetic lifestyle for six years
Tried meditation
Achieved Nirvana “Blown Out”A peaceful, detached state of mind
Became a Buddha “Awakened One”
Spent the rest of his life teaching
The “Three Jewels” of Buddhism (Triratna)
Buddha – the teacher
Dharma – the teachings
Sangha – the community
What did the Buddha teach?
The Four Noble Truths:
1. To live is to suffer – “dukkha”
2. Desire causes suffering
3. To achieve Nirvana you must eliminate desire
4. The way to Nirvana is through the “Eight-Fold Path”
What is the Eight-Fold Path?
Wisdom:• Right views
• Right actionEthics:• Right speech
• Right action
• Right livelihood
Meditation:• Right effort
• Right mindfulness
• Right contemplation
What do Buddhists believe?
Rebirth (reincarnation) results from attachments (karma)Achieving Nirvana means escape from the cycle of rebirth “samsara”Buddhism is non-theistic: Buddha is not the Buddhist God
The Spread of Buddhism
Schools of Buddhism - Theravada
The “Small Vehicle”Oldest school
Found in southern Asia (Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, etc.)
Monasticism is the ideal life for achieving Nirvana
Goal is to become a Buddha
Schools of Buddhism - Mahayana
The “Great Vehicle”Found in Northern Asia (China, Japan, etc.)
Buddhism “for the masses”
Seek guidance from Bodhisattvas (“wise beings”)
Goal is to become a bodhisattva and assist others toward enlightenment
Schools of Buddhism - TibetanVajrayana – the “Diamond Vehicle”
A mix of Theravada & MahayanaRituals (Tantra):Mantras (chanting)
Mandalas (symbolic images)
Mudras (hand gestures)
Bodhisattvas, including living Lamas(Dalai Lama)
Schools of Buddhism –Zen
The “meditation” school:
Seeks sudden enlightenment (satori) through meditation
Use of meditation masters (Roshi)
Aesthetics (study of beauty)Gardens, archery, the tea ceremony, calligraphy, etc.