World religions buddhism

BuddhismBuddhism

World World ReligionsReligions

A Brief HistoryA Brief History

• Founded by Siddharta of the Gautama clan c. 560-480 Founded by Siddharta of the Gautama clan c. 560-480 BC (?)BC (?)

• Son of a raja who tried to keep him from seeing four Son of a raja who tried to keep him from seeing four sights: a dead body, an aged person, a diseased sights: a dead body, an aged person, a diseased person, an ascetic monkperson, an ascetic monk

• Married at 19 and had one sonMarried at 19 and had one son• Lived a privileged youth devoid of the ugly side of lifeLived a privileged youth devoid of the ugly side of life• At 30, began to understand that life was not always At 30, began to understand that life was not always

good and beautifulgood and beautiful• Abandoned his family and began a quest for life’s Abandoned his family and began a quest for life’s

meaning, or enlightenmentmeaning, or enlightenment

““Buddha” --- Enlightened OneBuddha” --- Enlightened One

• Tried several avenues to enlightenmentTried several avenues to enlightenment

Knowledge taught by a guruKnowledge taught by a guru

Extreme asceticismExtreme asceticism


• During a meal at a tavern was ridiculed by five During a meal at a tavern was ridiculed by five former friendsformer friends• Left and sat under a fig tree to meditateLeft and sat under a fig tree to meditate• Here, the answer cameHere, the answer came

Life is an endless cycle of birth, life, and deathLife is an endless cycle of birth, life, and deathThis cycle creates desire that causes karma and This cycle creates desire that causes karma and places fetters on peopleplaces fetters on people

Enlightenment is found when one overcomes desireEnlightenment is found when one overcomes desire

• Found his five friends and preached to them Found his five friends and preached to them his primary discoveryhis primary discovery


Neither the extreme of indulgence nor the extreme of Neither the extreme of indulgence nor the extreme of asceticism will bring enlightenment. Instead, one must find a asceticism will bring enlightenment. Instead, one must find a

middle way.middle way.

• These five men, along with Siddharta, formed These five men, along with Siddharta, formed the first Buddhist monasterythe first Buddhist monastery

The Teachings of BuddhaThe Teachings of Buddha

Siddharta understood life in a Hindu manner, but Siddharta understood life in a Hindu manner, but with differenceswith differences

Stopped all animal sacrificesStopped all animal sacrifices Gods considered irrelevant; he taught Gods considered irrelevant; he taught indifference indifference to themto them

The gods of no use in finding enlightenmentThe gods of no use in finding enlightenment

Siddharta espoused Siddharta espoused Four Noble Truths Four Noble Truths as the basis of all his teachings. as the basis of all his teachings. They are called noble truths because:They are called noble truths because:

NobleNoble –– because they ennoble the one who understands thembecause they ennoble the one who understands them TruthsTruths – – because they correspond with realitybecause they correspond with reality


• The Noble Truth of PainThe Noble Truth of PainTo live is to suffer. To do otherwise is impossibleTo live is to suffer. To do otherwise is impossible

Two ways to sufferTwo ways to suffer

PhysicallyPhysically

PsychologicallyPsychologically

• The Noble Truth of the Cause of PainThe Noble Truth of the Cause of PainSuffering is caused by cravingSuffering is caused by craving

Getting what we want is no guarantee of happinessGetting what we want is no guarantee of happiness

Humans need to modify their “wantings”Humans need to modify their “wantings”

The Four Noble TruthsThe Four Noble Truths

• The Noble Truth That Suffering May be Overcome and The Noble Truth That Suffering May be Overcome and Happiness AttainedHappiness Attained

Must learn to give up useless cravings and learn to live Must learn to give up useless cravings and learn to live each day without restlessness or selfishness, enduring each day without restlessness or selfishness, enduring life’s difficulties without hatred or angerlife’s difficulties without hatred or anger

Suffering is made a state of mind; happiness becomes a Suffering is made a state of mind; happiness becomes a state of beingstate of being

With these realizations, nirvana is achievedWith these realizations, nirvana is achieved


Nirvana – A dimension transcending time and space where there is no Nirvana – A dimension transcending time and space where there is no movement, aging, or dying. It is infinite, eternal, and without causation. movement, aging, or dying. It is infinite, eternal, and without causation.

There are no boundaries, no concepts of self, or non-self. It is an There are no boundaries, no concepts of self, or non-self. It is an experience---not a place---of great happiness.experience---not a place---of great happiness.

• Noble Truth of the Way That Leads to CessationNoble Truth of the Way That Leads to Cessation

The Eight-Fold PathThe Eight-Fold PathRight viewsRight views – perfect understanding of the truth of – perfect understanding of the truth of existenceexistence

Right intentionRight intention – Willingness to achieve – Willingness to achieve enlightenmentenlightenment

Right speechRight speech – Saying all that is required, nothing – Saying all that is required, nothing moremore

Right actionRight action – doing all that is required, nothing – doing all that is required, nothing moremore



Right livelihoodRight livelihood – being a monk or nun – being a monk or nun Right effortRight effort – directing one’s efforts properly – directing one’s efforts properly Right mindfulnessRight mindfulness – meditating properly – meditating properly Right concentrationRight concentration – maintaining continuous – maintaining continuous

focusfocus

The person who follows the path will break the bonds and achieve release The person who follows the path will break the bonds and achieve release from the cycle: nirvana. In this state, desire (craving) will be extinguished, from the cycle: nirvana. In this state, desire (craving) will be extinguished,

or snuffed out like a candle.or snuffed out like a candle.

In Buddhist thinking, everything needed for a good and In Buddhist thinking, everything needed for a good and proper existence is encapsulated in this eight-fold path.proper existence is encapsulated in this eight-fold path.

The Holy Book & Code of MoralityThe Holy Book & Code of Morality

• The Holy Book is the The Holy Book is the TripitakaTripitaka

Ti or Tri = ThreeTi or Tri = ThreePitaka = BasketsPitaka = Baskets

• The Tripitaka is actually a multi-volume set of booksThe Tripitaka is actually a multi-volume set of books• Each book is in three (Tri) parts including the teachings of Each book is in three (Tri) parts including the teachings of

Buddha, sermons by others, and commentaryBuddha, sermons by others, and commentary• The most important books are in section one: The The most important books are in section one: The

Dhammapada (The Way of Truth, or Verses of Truth), 423 Dhammapada (The Way of Truth, or Verses of Truth), 423 verses written by Siddharthaverses written by Siddhartha

• The books were not fully written until 100 BC in Sri LankaThe books were not fully written until 100 BC in Sri Lanka• Buddhists do not hold these volumes as divine or infallible; they Buddhists do not hold these volumes as divine or infallible; they

are only the teachings of a great man that should be judged are only the teachings of a great man that should be judged against one’s own experienceagainst one’s own experience

The Holy Book & Code of MoralityThe Holy Book & Code of Morality

The Buddhist concept of right and wrongThe Buddhist concept of right and wrongAll speech and/or actions rooted in greed, hatred, or All speech and/or actions rooted in greed, hatred, or

delusion lead away from nirvana and, therefore, are baddelusion lead away from nirvana and, therefore, are badEthics based on self understanding are stronger than those Ethics based on self understanding are stronger than those based on commandbased on command

“ “Five Precepts” of Buddhist moralityFive Precepts” of Buddhist moralityAvoid killing or harming living beingsAvoid killing or harming living beingsAvoid stealingAvoid stealingAvoid sexual misconductAvoid sexual misconductAvoid lyingAvoid lyingAvoid alcohol and other intoxicating drugsAvoid alcohol and other intoxicating drugs

Until nirvana is achieved, the mind, with its preferences and abilities at Until nirvana is achieved, the mind, with its preferences and abilities at the time of death, re-establishes itself in a fertilized egg to live again. the time of death, re-establishes itself in a fertilized egg to live again.

This is rebirth more than its is reincarnation.This is rebirth more than its is reincarnation.

A Fundamental BeliefA Fundamental Belief

We do not believe in God because we believe in man. Every person is precious and may

attain Buddha-hood. No one can save us but ourselves. No one can, and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path, and Buddha

shows the way.

The Development of BuddhismThe Development of Buddhism

Within a year of Shiddharta’s death, a Within a year of Shiddharta’s death, a council council was called to determine the meaning of his was called to determine the meaning of his

teachingsteachings Unity and agreement were not found --- Unity and agreement were not found --- four factions developedfour factions developed

390 BC the factions combined into two 390 BC the factions combined into two groupsgroups

HinayanaHinayana (the exclusive way) (the exclusive way)MahayanaMahayana (the expansive way) (the expansive way)

The Development of BuddhismThe Development of Buddhism

In GeneralIn GeneralHinayanaHinayana

Smaller segment, more conservative, & orthodox Known as the small boat or raft Dominated by the

“Theravada” school of thought (the tradition of

the elders)

MahayanaMahayana Largest segment of

Buddhists – more liberal Known as the big boat or raft Numerous schools of thought. No one school dominates

Specifics – Theravada BuddhismSpecifics – Theravada Buddhism

Closest to the original teachings of BuddhaClosest to the original teachings of Buddha

Mainly in Sri Lanka and SE AsiaMainly in Sri Lanka and SE Asia

Individuals must achieve enlightenment alone, without Individuals must achieve enlightenment alone, without help from godshelp from gods

The monk is the ideal figureThe monk is the ideal figure

Becomes part of the “Sanga” (order of monks)Becomes part of the “Sanga” (order of monks)

Shaves headShaves head

Wears yellow robeWears yellow robe

Begs for riceBegs for rice

Seeks release through meditationSeeks release through meditation

• If one will not join the Sanga, that person must be If one will not join the Sanga, that person must be content to be a layperson, supporting monks, and content to be a layperson, supporting monks, and hoping for betterment through rebirthhoping for betterment through rebirth

• Only monks can obtain nirvanaOnly monks can obtain nirvana• Relics of the life of Buddha are importantRelics of the life of Buddha are important• Some teach that Siddhartha was a divine omniscient Some teach that Siddhartha was a divine omniscient

who lived many lives prior to becoming the Buddha. who lived many lives prior to becoming the Buddha. Another Buddha is now awaiting rebirth and will share Another Buddha is now awaiting rebirth and will share further enlightenment with the world.further enlightenment with the world.

Specifics – Theravada BuddhismSpecifics – Theravada Buddhism

• No MurderNo Murder• Do not stealDo not steal• No sexual immoralityNo sexual immorality• No lyingNo lying• No liquorNo liquor• No eating to excess or after noonNo eating to excess or after noon• No entertainmentNo entertainment• No cosmeticsNo cosmetics• No sleeping in high or wide bedsNo sleeping in high or wide beds• One is not to put trust in gold or silverOne is not to put trust in gold or silver

Specifics – Theravadan BuddhismSpecifics – Theravadan Buddhism

Theravadins Are Guided by Ten Precepts

Very different from teachings of Buddha.Very different from teachings of Buddha.

They believe:They believe:• Buddha taught other things in private that Theravadins do Buddha taught other things in private that Theravadins do

not knownot know

• Theravadan monks are selfish because they only seek their Theravadan monks are selfish because they only seek their own salvationown salvation

• Siddhartha was more than a man, he was a Siddhartha was more than a man, he was a compassionate compassionate DIVINEDIVINE being being

• Siddhartha was not the only Buddha; there were Siddhartha was not the only Buddha; there were many other divine beings born into the worldmany other divine beings born into the world

Specifics – Mahayanan BuddhismSpecifics – Mahayanan Buddhism

Worship developed around these divine beingsWorship developed around these divine beings

These divine beings are of two kinds:These divine beings are of two kinds:

BuddhasBuddhas

Bodhisattvas (powerful beings who provide help for Bodhisattvas (powerful beings who provide help for humans with the problems of life)humans with the problems of life)

– These divine beings postponed nirvana (by refusing to These divine beings postponed nirvana (by refusing to enter it). They sit in heaven, sharing their merit with enter it). They sit in heaven, sharing their merit with

humans and answering prayers.humans and answering prayers.

– As Mahayana spread to new nations, it incorporated the As Mahayana spread to new nations, it incorporated the deities found by claiming these gods were incarnations deities found by claiming these gods were incarnations

of of BuddhaBuddha

Specifics – Mahayana BuddhismSpecifics – Mahayana Buddhism

Sects of Mahayanan BuddhismSects of Mahayanan Buddhism

The Pure Land SectThe Pure Land Sect---- Believe in heaven rather than nirvanaBelieve in heaven rather than nirvana---- Believe in many gods, among them AmitabhaBelieve in many gods, among them Amitabha---- Priests may marry, have families, eat meatPriests may marry, have families, eat meat---- Little is required of followers except to show Little is required of followers except to show

Amitabha (Japanese “Amida”) their gratitudeAmitabha (Japanese “Amida”) their gratitude

The Rationalist Sect (Tendai)The Rationalist Sect (Tendai)---- Meditation on Buddhist Scripitures is a basic Meditation on Buddhist Scripitures is a basic

need, but only through reasoned studyneed, but only through reasoned study---- Teachings: Teachings: (1)(1) Lotus Sutra is inspired scriptureLotus Sutra is inspired scripture, , (2)(2)

Unity in realityUnity in reality, , (3)(3) Universal salvation is possibleUniversal salvation is possible

• Believe that salvation comes through a flash of insight like Believe that salvation comes through a flash of insight like Buddha under the fig treeBuddha under the fig tree

• Origin traced to Bodhidarma in the 5Origin traced to Bodhidarma in the 5thth century AD century AD• In Japan the sect took the name, ZenIn Japan the sect took the name, Zen• Disciples distrust reason, are not ascetic, and trust that Disciples distrust reason, are not ascetic, and trust that

enlightenment will come through accident or meditationenlightenment will come through accident or meditation• To aid the process, Zen masters give students riddles to To aid the process, Zen masters give students riddles to

solve, may shout at them, slap them, or even cut off a solve, may shout at them, slap them, or even cut off a student’s fingerstudent’s finger


The Intuitive SectThe Intuitive Sect

The Magical SectThe Magical Sect• Mainly in Japan and ChinaMainly in Japan and China• Fusion with Shinto beliefs is commonFusion with Shinto beliefs is common


The Sociopolitical SectThe Sociopolitical Sect

-- -- Began c. 13Began c. 13thth century in Japan century in Japan

-- -- Founder, Nichiren, believedFounder, Nichiren, believed> Lotus Sutra is only scripture required> Social justice is the primary message of

correct Buddhism

-- -- Chanting is major part of worshipChanting is major part of worship-- -- Four vowsFour vows

> > Beings are infinite; I vow to save them all> Passions are infinite; I vow to end them all> Many teachings that can save: I vow to learn them

all> Buddhahood is supreme achievement: I vow to

attain it

• A variation of Buddhism developed in TibetA variation of Buddhism developed in Tibet

• The Dalai Lama is the central personageThe Dalai Lama is the central personage

• Essentially the ruler of TibetEssentially the ruler of Tibet

• It is believed that when a Dalai dies, he will reincarnate It is believed that when a Dalai dies, he will reincarnate in the body of a young boyin the body of a young boy

• Priests search for this boy, looking for one who yields Priests search for this boy, looking for one who yields traits of the deceased Dalahitraits of the deceased Dalahi

• When found, this boy begins a long process of When found, this boy begins a long process of preparing to lead a nationpreparing to lead a nation


The Lamist or Tibetan SectThe Lamist or Tibetan Sect

• Lamists rely on magical practices (from pre-Buddhist Lamists rely on magical practices (from pre-Buddhist times) and tantras (manuals) that teach magic words times) and tantras (manuals) that teach magic words and spellsand spells

• Teach a human duality: Male and female in each bodyTeach a human duality: Male and female in each body

• Certain phrases are used to focus spiritual energy, Certain phrases are used to focus spiritual energy, ward off evil, and attain good fortune: “Om mani padmi ward off evil, and attain good fortune: “Om mani padmi hum” (Om the jewel of the Lotus hum)hum” (Om the jewel of the Lotus hum)

• Utilization of a prayer wheel cylinderUtilization of a prayer wheel cylinder


• Clergy (lamas) divided into two orders: Clergy (lamas) divided into two orders: (1)(1) The Yellow Hat The Yellow Hat School, School, (2)(2) The Red Hat School The Red Hat School

The Yellow HatsThe Yellow HatsHighest orderHighest orderRuled by the DalaiRuled by the Dalai

The Red HatsThe Red HatsAdherents of the Bardo Thodol (Book of Adherents of the Bardo Thodol (Book of the Dead) Scripturesthe Dead) ScripturesBardo – a dreamlike state lasting 49 days Bardo – a dreamlike state lasting 49 days following death where ultimate destiny is following death where ultimate destiny is determineddeterminedPriests of this order assist dying people through the Priests of this order assist dying people through the death experiencedeath experience


Innovations? Of The Mahayana Innovations? Of The Mahayana SchoolSchool

• Theoretical abstraction of complete emptiness Theoretical abstraction of complete emptiness replaced by absolute compassionreplaced by absolute compassion

• Multiplication of divine beings into three main Multiplication of divine beings into three main groups:groups:– Manushi BuddhasManushi Buddhas – like Gautama, have achieved – like Gautama, have achieved

enlightenment on earth, but are of lesser importance enlightenment on earth, but are of lesser importance because they cannot minister on earthbecause they cannot minister on earth

– Dhyani BuddhasDhyani Buddhas – attained enlightenment in heaven – attained enlightenment in heaven and are yet available to minister to those on earthand are yet available to minister to those on earth

– BodhisattvasBodhisattvas – Buddhas in the making. Heavenly – Buddhas in the making. Heavenly beings who forgo nervana until all beings achieve beings who forgo nervana until all beings achieve nirvananirvana

Innovations? Of The Mahayana Innovations? Of The Mahayana SchoolSchool

• The Lotus Sutra and other Scriptures that The Lotus Sutra and other Scriptures that gave rise to the broader teaching that all gave rise to the broader teaching that all humans may achieve Buddhahoodhumans may achieve Buddhahood

• The development of many schools of The development of many schools of Buddhist thought and practiceBuddhist thought and practice

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