Buddhism

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A Way of Life

To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'

The major tenets are … (1) to lead a moral life

(2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions(3) to develop wisdom and understanding

(“Introduction to Buddhism”)

Who was the Buddha?

Born Siddhartha Gautama in 563 B.C.E.He was of the noble caste in IndiaAt the age of 29 he rejected the life of luxuryHe sought enlightenment and the solution to

suffering (“Introduction to Buddha”)

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The Wandering Ascetic

He followed a strict ascetic lifestyle for six years

Then he realized even this was too extreme

He became Buddha, the “Awakened One”at the age of 35

He spent the remaining 45 years of his life teaching others how to achieve the peace of mind he had achieved

(“Introduction to Buddha”)

The Four Noble Truths:

1- To live is to suffer2- The cause of suffering is self-centered desire

& attachments3- The solution is to eliminate desire and

attachment, thus achieving Nirvana (“extinction”)

4- The way to Nirvana is through the “Eight-Fold Path”

(“Introduction to Buddhism”)

What is the Eight-Fold Path?

Mental discipline:

• Right effort

• Right mindfulness

• Right meditation

Moral discipline:

•Right speech

•Right action

•Right livelihood

Wisdom:

•Right understanding

•Right motivation

Three Marks of Existence

Anicca (Sanskrit anitya) = impermanence

Dukkha (Sanskrit duhkha) = unsatisfactoriness

Anatta (Sanskrit anatman) = non-self

(“Three Marks of Existence”)

Buddhist Metaphysics

Dukkha: life in this world is filled with suffering

Anicca: everything in this world is impermanent

Anatta: the self/soul is also impermanent – there is no eternal, unchanging self (“no soul” – no atman)

(“Metaphysics”)

What do Buddhists believe?

Rebirth (reincarnation) results from attachments (karma)

Nirvana is a peaceful, detached state of mind Once Gautama Buddha died, after 80 years of life in

this world, having achieved Nirvana and teaching multitudes his way of life, he ceased to exist as a distinct being

Buddhism is non-theistic: Buddha is not the Buddhist God – he is just a revered teacher

How are Buddhism and Hinduism Similar?

Buddhists and Hindus believe …Karma is a cycle of cause and effect “Similar actions will lead to similar results”

(Santina)Dharma is duty Samsara is the cycle of rebirth

(“Major Differences”)

How are Buddhism and Hinduism Different?

Buddhism rejects…Authority of the ancient Vedic textsThe Vedic caste systemThe Vedic and Hindu deitiesThe efficacy of Vedic worship and ritualThe concept of Brahman

(“Major Differences”)

For Example …

There are no supreme dieties in Buddhism Buddha is not an Avatar, he is a holy man Buddha is omniscient, not omnipotentMoksha is happiness on earth while Nirvana

is an escape from it entirely

(“Major Differences”)

Schools of Buddhism - Theravada

Oldest school of BuddhismFound in southern Asia (Sri Lanka, Burma,

Thailand, etc.)Monasticism is the ideal life for achieving

NirvanaA “do-it-yourself” approach to enlightenment Focus on wisdom and meditation

Goal is to become a Buddha Pāli Canon = word of Buddha

(“Theravada Ideal”)

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Schools of Buddhism - Mahayana

Developed first century C.E.Found in Northern Asia (China, Japan, etc.)Buddhism “for the masses”Group, not individual end to suffering Believe Buddha’s can help lead to

enlightenment"Āgamas" as well as Pali CanonDiverse schools and sects

(“Bodhisattva Ideal”)

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Schools of Buddhism - Tibetan

Developed 7th century C.E.A mix of Theravada & Mahayana:

Rituals (Tantra): Mantras (chanting) Mandalas & Thankas (symbolic images) Mudras (hand gestures)

Bodhisattvas, including living Lamas (Dalai Lama) Scriptures

Between the 11th and 14th centuries, the Tibetans translated every available Buddhist text into Tibetan..

Tibetan Book of the Dead

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Schools of Buddhism –Zen

The “meditation” school:Seeks sudden

enlightenment (satori) through meditation, arriving at emptiness (sunyata) and the “Buddha Nature”

Use of meditation masters (Roshi)

Beauty, arts & aesthetics – gardens, archery, the tea ceremony, calligraphy, etc.

What are some Buddhist texts?

Tripitaka aka the “Three Baskets”:Vinaya (“discipline”) – rules for

monastic lifeSutta (“discourse”) – sermons of the

BuddhaAbhidhamma (metaphysical

“teachings”)Dhammapada – collected sayings of the Buddha

The Spread of Buddhism

Within two centuries after the Buddha died, Buddhism began to spread north and east into Asia

By 13th century Buddhism had disappeared from India

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Buddhist Populations

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A quick note about the Citations

All of the information in this presentation comes from Buddhanet.net

The citations reference the articles on the cite