Buddhism

Preface to the Four Noble Truths: The Middle Path Two extremes to be avoided: (1) Hedonism (2) Asceticism By avoiding these two extremes, we discover a Middle Path, a path which opens the eyes, which bestows understanding, and which leads to peace of mind, to wisdom, to full enlightenment, to Nirvana. This Middle Path is the Noble Eightfold Path, namely, Right Views, Right Intent, Right Speech, Right Conduct, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration . . . .

1. The Noble Truth of Suffering Dukkha

2. The Noble Truth of the Cause of Suffering Tanha *Some traditions make (c) a craving for prosperity or for personal happiness.

3. The Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering Nirvana

4. The Noble Truth of the Path that leads to the cessation of suffering

Elaboration of the Noble Eightfold Path Right thought (Samma ditthi) Right understanding (Samma sankappa) Right speech (Samma vaca) Right conduct (Samma kammanta) Right livelihood (Samma ajiva) Right mental attitude (Samma vayama) Right mindfulness (Samma sati) Right concentration (Samma samadhi) Wisdom (prajna) Morality (sila) Meditation (samadhi)

After the Buddha…

The Buddha did not choose a successor Preferring for his followers to choose a path & search for enlightenment within themselves A council of monks convened to resolve differing views on the direction of faith Many sects of Buddhism emerged—in part because of disputes over monastic disciplines Buddha’s teachings were written down 400 years after his death. Most popular known as the Triptaka or Pali Canon

“Doctrine of the Elders” 2 Schools of Buddhism THERAVADA “Doctrine of the Elders” Emphasizes a solitary life of personal religious discipline Reveres the way of renunciation— rigorous, purifying lifestyle for the sake of spiritual goals Arhat: holy person who attains enlightenment thru solitude & ascetic practices MAHAYANA “Greater Vehicle” Buddha-hood can be obtained without necessarily renouncing the world Nirvana can be brought into existence in the present moment Focuses more on the importance of compassion & service to others Badhisattva: one who deserves Nirvana but postpones entry until all sentient beings are rescued from Samsara

Vajrayana Buddhism Known as the “Diamond Vehicle” Originated in 500 CE in India Came out of the Mahayana School Quickly immigrated to Tibet Led by gurus or lamas The most famous of which the Dali Lama

What is Zen? It is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes wisdom attained through experience. Zen is often thought of as a religion though it has no sacred scriptures, texts, dogma, or divine being. To know Zen is to experience and practice it, not study it. Zen is practiced through meditation.

Zen is an experience A Zen experience is one where you are completely focused and the rest of the world fades away.

A Zen Story (Koan) …is a story, dialogue, question, or statement, which is used in Zen practice to provoke the "great doubt" and test a student's progress in Zen practice. “The master politely invited his visitor to share a cup of ceremonial tea while they talked together. When the master had brewed the tea by the strict procedures of the tea ceremony, he began to pour the whisked green liquid into the visitor’s cup & continued pouring until the cup had overflowed. Even then he went on pouring until the discomforted guest, unable longer to restrain himself, cried out in agitation, ‘Sir, my cup is already full. No more will go in.’ At once the master put down the teapot and remarked, ‘Like this cup you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?’”

Zazen (literally) seated meditation. It is a meditative discipline that is typically the primary religious practice. The precise meaning and method of zazen varies from school to school, but in general it can be regarded as a means of insight into the nature of existence.—from wikipedia

Zen does not hold that… there is a god apart from the universe that created the universe and man to enjoy and master it. In Zen, the universe and man are one indissoluble existence like sugar added and stirred to coffee. Every human act of individuality is only a temporary manifestation, or better yet, each person is a cell to the functioning of the body/universe.

“We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize.” --Thich Nhat Hanh

12 Essentials to Living Zen taken from zenhabits.net Do one thing at a time. Do it slowly & deliberately Do it completely Do less Put space between things Develop rituals Designate time for certain things Devote time to sitting Smile and serve others Make cleaning & cooking meditation Think about what’s necessary Live simply

“Before enlightenment chop wood & carry water “Before enlightenment chop wood & carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood & carry water.” --Wu Li

Haikus Short poems notable to Zen, which are 3 lines long. The first and third lines are both 5 syllables in length, while the second is 7 syllables. The structure is not absolute. Ex: All the rains of June: And one evening, secretly, Through the pines, the moon.