Buddhism

What is Buddhism… The “Middle Way of Wisdom and Compassion” Based on the teachings of the Buddha (the enlightened one). Buddhism is Non-theistic: Buddha is not the Buddhist God – he is just a revered teacher Once Buddha died, after 80 years of life in this world, having achieved “Nirvana” (enlightenment) and teaching many his way of life. The Buddha teachings of the “Middle Way” is a moderate, personal search for salvation and enlightenment from within. The extreme Hindu way of fasting and torturing or punishing the flesh of ones self to achieve “Moksha” salvation or was not.

What is Buddhism… The “Middle Way of Wisdom and Compassion” A 2500 year old tradition that began in India and spread and diversified throughout the Far East A philosophy, religion, and spiritual practice followed by more than approximately 328,000,000 Buddhists worldwide. Buddhism is mainly practiced in Asia, in countries such as Vietnam, Japan, Sri Lanka, Kampuchea, S. Korea, Taiwan, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and China. Buddhism started in India, but is now gone and really only practiced now on its borders, in areas such as Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan.

Who was the Buddha? He was born Siddhartha Gautama – a prince of noble caste (Brahmin) in India, 563 B.C.E. He was raised in great luxury to be a king He had empathy for the suffering of others; at age 29 rejected the life of luxury to seek enlightenment and the solution to suffering He followed a spiritual quest and strict lifestyle for six years to finally experience his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree (‘tree of wisdom’) after 49 days of mediation. He rejected the extreme, sat in meditation, achieved “Nirvana” – an awakening to the truth about life and thus becoming a “Buddha”, an “Enlightened or 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.

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

What are some Buddhist texts? There is no one statement of beliefs (a creed). Buddhism is however based on Buddha's teachings. At first these were passed down by word of mouth. At some stage between 250-500 years after his death two sets of scriptures were compiled.

What are some Buddhist texts? Tripitaka (the Pali language) – the “Three Baskets”: Dharma - The teachings of Buddha Abhidhamma - An explanation on that teaching. Most of these are called Sutras Vinaya (“discipline”) - A rule book for monks and nuns. There are 227 rules for monks, and more for nuns! The rules can be relaxed. Shoes were not one of the items a monk was originally allowed to have, but they are worn. It also sets out instructions on ceremonies Studying, chanting, learning and discussing these and other texts are an important part of a Buddhist's life. Other texts used by specific schools

What do Buddhists believe? Rebirth (reincarnation): Buddhists believe in reincarnation – the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. It is the Buddhist’s aim to break this cycle and achieve “Nirvana”. Rebirth (reincarnation) results from ones “Karma” (as in Hinduism) A Buddhist accepts the Hindu concept of “Karma”. This is the belief that the actions in one life will impact for good or evil on one's life following reincarnation and that one must take responsibility for one's own actions

What do Buddhists believe? Nirvana – the After-Life???: “Nirvana” is a peaceful, detached state of mind and is the aim of every Buddhist to achieve. Achieving “Nirvana” means escape from the cycle of rebirth. Suffering is a state of mind – achieve a balanced, peaceful, detached state of mind and suffering can be extinguished -“Nirvana” “Nirvana”, it is not a place like the concept of Heaven but rather a state of eternal being. It is the end of suffering, a state where there are no desires and the individual consciousness has come to an end. Buddha never explained what “Nirvana” was.

What do Buddhists believe? Nirvana – the After-Life???: “Nirvana” is a peaceful, detached state of mind and is the aim of everyone… continued: “Nirvana” may sound like the Hindu “Moksha” but it is very different. In “Moksha” the “Atman” (individual's soul) joins with the “Brahman” (universal soul). In Buddhism “Nirvana” there is no meeting of an all powerful being or deity. “Nirvana” means roughly extinction. It is seen as a void ( an empty space. ) The Theravadin Buddhists see this as a space of complete spiritual freedom. The Mahayanan Buddhists see it as a space of never-ending possibility.

Teachings of Buddha (the enlightened one)                    

The “Three Jewels” of Buddhism Buddha – the teacher Dharma – the teachings Sangha – the community

The “Four Noble Truths” To live is to suffer. Life in this world is filled with suffering The cause of suffering is self-centered desire & attachments The solution is to eliminate desire and attachments, thus achieving Nirvana The way to Nirvana is through the “Eight-Fold Path”. In other words, existence entails suffering, suffering is caused by inherently insatiable desires, desires must be suppressed in order to end suffering and existence, to do this one has to follow the “Eight Fold Path”.

What is the Eight-Fold Path? Mental discipline: Right effort - using discipline and control to overcome difficulties. To think before acting. Right mindfulness - paying full attention to what is going on. Right meditation - be able to be at peace in any situation through an ability to focus deeply Wisdom: Right understanding - a proper understanding of Buddha's teachings and of the world Right motivation - thinking kind or wise thoughts Moral discipline: Right speech - not telling lies or speaking angrily but speaking honestly and compassionately Right action - behaving peacefully and honestly Right livelihood - not harming any other living creature to include stop the pollution and destruction of the environment.

How does Buddhism differ from Hinduism? Buddhism rejects… Authority of the ancient Vedic texts The Vedic Caste System The Vedic and Hindu deities The Vedic worship and ritual – extreme forms The concept of Brahman (Universal Truth)

How does Buddhism differ from Hinduism? Buddhism rejects… The concept of Atman (Individual Soul) Rejects the concept of Moksha Vegetarianism as required

Places of Worship Buddhists will often worship daily at home alone or in a group. This will be before a shrine containing an image of Buddha or a bodhisattva, usually with a candle or incense. Many visit Shrines, Monasteries or Temples, especially on full moon days and festivals, to chant or make offerings and to listen to talks by monks. Pilgrimages are popular. Pilgrimages are often lively joyful occasions with music and dancing.

Forms of Worship Buddhists pray not to a god but to within themselves. They seek enlightenment. Buddhist may pray, meditate and chant. They might also light a candle or incense, make offerings of flowers or food as a sign of thankfulness and respect. Make sounds ( Mantras) that are repeated to open up the mind. The words "Om mani padme hum“. People can also meditate (some using Mandalas) to try to find their true selves, and so become closer to Nirvana.

Schools of Buddhism - Theravada The “Way of the Elders” (a.k.a.: the “small vehicle”) Oldest school of Buddhism Found in southern Asia (Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, etc.) Monasticism (Monastery Life) is the ideal life for achieving Nirvana A “do-it-yourself” approach to enlightenment Focus on wisdom and meditation Goal is to become a Buddha

Schools of Buddhism - Mahayana The “Great Vehicle” Developed first century C.E. Found in Northern Asia (China, Japan, etc.) Lay Buddhism – Buddhism “for the masses” Devotional – seek guidance from Bodhisattvas (“wise beings”) & heavenly Buddhas (kwan Yin, Amida, etc.) Focus on compassion Goal is to become a bodhisattva and assist others toward enlightenment (the “Bodhisattva Ideal”) Diverse schools and sects

Schools of Buddhism - Tibetan Vajrayana – the “Diamond Vehicle” 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) Meditation, monasticism, wisdom & compassion Bardo Thodol -Tibetan Book of the Dead

Schools of Buddhism – Zen (Japanese) The “meditation” school: Lay and monastic Seeks sudden enlightenment (satori) through meditation, arriving at emptiness (sunyata) and the “Buddha Nature” Use of meditation masters (Roshi) Koans (paradoxical riddles to confound reason) Beauty, arts & aesthetics – gardens, archery, the tea ceremony, calligraphy, etc.

Buddhism in the West Over the past two centuries, especially since the later half of the 20th century, Buddhism has made inroads into the Western world through… Immigration of Asian peoples who have brought their diverse forms of Buddhism to the West Western followers who tend to adopt meditation practices and the philosophy rather than more devotional forms of Buddhism Many such western followers remain within their own faith traditions, finding Buddhism to be a complement to rather than in conflict with other religions The two groups – East and West - remain independent of one another