Branches of

BuddhismThe 2 main schools

of Buddhism are Mahayana and

Theravada

Early Buddhism After Buddha’s parinirvana: the sangha continued to operate. They met to keep the teachings consistent. Since the monks and nuns travelled a lot, the

views began to change. Buddhist practices merged with local

customs. The community disagreed about which

scriptures to recognize. Both the main schools recognize the Tripitaka

as their scripture.

Where in the world are the Buddhists?

Theravada Buddhism The “way of the elders”, formerly known as

Hinayana (“the lesser vehicle”) Oldest, most conservative Only accepts Tripitaka does not see Buddha as a god meditation helps monks reach enlightenment Ideal human state = arhat Spread initially through monks and nuns sent

out by the Emperor Ashoka

Theravadin practices Lay people’s main focus is 3 things: Dana (giving to monks) – sila (morality) –

bhavana (meditation, beginning w puja) Monks live a very structured life of

meditation, study and chanting; community supports them completely.

Their goal is panna (wisdom) – sila (morality) – samadhi (mental training to reach enlightenment)

Performing dana “Thai monks collecting alms” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN-f-2uG-kI

Mahayana Buddhism This branch includes Zen, Pure Land Buddhism,

Tibetan (aka Vajrayana) and others. “the greater vehicle” Many Mahayana Buddhists see Buddha as god Believe in many Buddhas and people pray to them Ideal human state = bodhisattva (also

Buddhahood) Recognize Tripitaka and many sutras as scriptures Rituals reflect culture of the people

Mahayana devotion Compared to Theravada, Mahayana is far more

devotional (love of a god) and lay-focused.

Cundi and Avalokitesvara (many forms exist of both)

Bodhisattva’s paying respect to the Buddha (l), Matreiya Buddha(r), the Buddha who is yet to come – sometimes depicted as Budai

Amida Buddha (Pure Land Sect) (l) and Guan Yin (r) with Amida Buddha in her crown. Guan Yin has many names and forms in different countries – often called Goddess of Mercy

Mahayana practices Meditation – focus on an object (a Buddha image,

a flower), a saying of B. Meditation varies – sitting, walking, working

Chanting mantras, e.g. OM MANI PADME HUM (Tibetan) –counted on a mala

Compassion Specific practices

for certain subgroups Puja dana

Mahayana subgroups Zen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_

WAi2fwUqN4 (asian art museum) The Zen Mind http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=XK_4Z5DZcNM

Branch comparisons Theravada Humans are

individual Wisdom is key belief Religion is for monks Meditation is the key

practice Early scriptures in

Pali (dhamma, kamma)

Mahayana Communities are

important Compassion is key

belief Religion is for

everyone People pray for

requests Scriptures in Sanskrit

(dharma, karma)

What both schools agree on Buddha is the only master and the ideal

example One must take refuge in the Buddha, dharma

and sangha This world is not created by a god One must accept the 4 Noble Truths All things are impermanent

How is Tibet different? emerged later in history (750 CE) included in Mahayana AKA esoteric Buddhism Combined with native Tibetan religion Ritualistic (mantras and using thangkas and

mandalas) – builds concentration Spiritual and political leader is Dalai Lama Scriptures are translated to Tibetan Practices include prayer wheels, flags and

singing bowls

Tibetan Buddhism Like other Mahayana groups, there is great

concern for gaining merit (another word for good karma) and spreading compassion and peace.

Creating mandalas, chanting, Tibetan music and dress (Crow Museum of Asian Art)

Tibetan tour – prayer flags, wheels, mani stone pile (4:16) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOVvjim1ZRY Life of an Australian Buddhist monk (5:23) “The Monk

Story” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRHkivEzCfw A Day in the Life of Buddhist Zen Monks (1:52) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yD9WDlwVYgwBuddhist Spirituality and Modernity Tibet Tech Prayer Wheel (1:40)http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lgbx2D_bVk Traditional Prayer wheels (both less than 1 min) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=633eH4yajHE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czFjg1xpfxM Tibetan singing bowl (2:53) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn-J9-LQRw8

Buddhism and Modernity Jews in Buddhism http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoWP1w4X3ws

Soka Gakkai - http://www.sgi.org/ The Beastie Boys – Bodhisattva Vow http://

www.viduse.com/Play/4384047/0/Beastie-Boys/Bodhisattva-Vow.html