Understanding the Buddhist Mind Entering their world

Buddhism Originated 2600 years ago in Nepal (about the time of Jeremiah and Daniel) Scholars list 274 official kinds of Buddhism Dali Lama has popularized Buddhism today Buddhism has spread rapidly in west (Meditation) Will not hear: women cannot obtain Nirvana Will not hear: there is a Buddhist Hell Will not hear: must keep 227 laws Will not hear: there are 31 levels of existence

Origins/Expansion of Buddhism The Buddha – born a Hindu price in Nepal Three stages of his life: A. Affluence – birth, marriage, crisis (29) B. The great renunciation – 4 people old man, sick person, dead body, ascetic C. The time of seeking and inquiring – crisis to enlightenment

Origins/Expansion of Buddhism Summary of his teachings: he taught the Karma (cause & effect) of past lives result in the constant cycle of birth, suffering, death, and rebirth (reincarnation) The only way to free yourself from this cycle is through your own efforts. No one can help you. You must do this for yourself.

Origins/Expansion of Buddhism For 200 years it stayed locally in Nepal Within 1500 years it became a major Asian religion Some scholars say there are 1.2 billion adherents to Buddhist teaching worldwide. A. Theravada – conservative kind found across Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka B. Mahayana – liberal kind is found in East Asia, Japan, and Korea.

Basic Buddhist beliefs The Four Noble Truths: A. Life is suffering because all is impermanent, imperfect, and unsatisfactory B. Suffering is caused by desiring or craving attachment to all forms of illusion or impermanence and emptiness C. To escape suffering one must stop these cravings and eliminate desires D. The way to end suffering and be freed from desire is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path.

Basic Buddhist beliefs The Noble Eight-fold Path: 3 components and eight actions Three components: A. wisdom -- developing spiritual insights B. Ethical conduct – restraining one’s body and focusing one’s mind C. Concentration – meditation techniques to control the though process

Basic Buddhist beliefs The Noble Eight-fold Path: 8 actions A. Right view – understanding reality B. Right intention – removing wrong conduct C. Right speech – avoiding lying, gossip, etc. D. Right action – do no harm E. Right livelihood – occupations – do no harm F. Right effort – remove harmful thoughts and actions G. Right mindfulness – keeping alert mind H. Right concentration – peaceful inner calm

Basic Buddhist beliefs Sila – moral code. Help followers progress toward enlightenment. Most Buddhists know these. A. Do not take life – kill no living thing B. Do not take what is not given – exploiting, manipulating, stealing C. Do not distort facts – exaggeration, lying D. Do not misuse the senses – immorality, food, laziness E. Do not use self-intoxicants – drunk, etc.

Other Buddhist beliefs The cycle of life – birth, suffering, death, rebirth Karma – drives the cycle of life. Intention as well as action produce karmic results Rebirth and stages of being Heavens and hells Impermanence Concept of No self – no soul Nirvana – goal of Buddhism

Obstacles to Communicating gospel All religions are valid There is no God (so Christ is not God) Man is not a spiritual being Karma is the iron law of life Sin has little consequence Salvation is by your own efforts Nirvana is the ultimate hope, not heaven Forgiveness, grace, mercy – unknown Buddha was born before Jesus No knowledge or respect for the Bible

Obstacles to communicating gospel A cultural consideration: guilt verses shame, which is right? Guilt – culpability for committing an offence of crime. Shame – feelings of distress, embarrassment, disgrace, regret Which approach does the bible use?

Bridges to the gospel Apologetic – ex. Creation Point of contact – stories from Buddha like “Blind Turtle” Scratch where it itches – fear, healing, suffering, peace Power encounter – Luke 16 story Colombo approach – 10 burning fires of desire, 227 laws Personal testimony -- George as an example

Relevant bible stories Rich man and Lazarus – Luke 16 Prodigal son – Luke 15 Paul & Silas in prison – Acts 16 Parable of “evil from within” – Mark 7 Elijah on Mt. Carmel – I Kings 18 Miracles of Jesus “I Am’s” of Jesus

C2C for Buddhists C2C presentation in 2 ½ minutes