Buddhism Beliefs and Philosophy

Views Not Theology, but Philosophy Do not worship their founder Do not worship gods or deities Not a religion of dogma Focus on attaining salvation Nirvana

Noble Truths 1.Life inevitably involves suffering, is imperfect and unsatisfactory 2.suffering originates in our desires 3.Suffering will cease if all desires cease 4.There is a way to realize this state: the Noble Eightfold Path

Suffering Dukha Suffering or frustration Cannot control everything in our life

Principles of Non-Existence Anicca – nothing in the universe is permanent Anatman – we are not permanent We are ever changing ideas and emotions When desire ceases, so too will Dukha

The Matrix and Buddhism

Wheel of Birth and Death Differences between Hindu and Buddhism No eternal self in Buddhism Karma understood slightly differently Personality developing on moment-to-moment basis Impressions of good and back actions carry on

Liberation – Freed from the Illusion

Buddhism Morality

Wheel of Birth and Death Differences between Hindu and Buddhism No eternal self in Buddhism Karma understood slightly differently Personality developing on moment-to-moment basis Impressions of good and back actions carry on

The Four Noble Truths 1.Life inevitably involves suffering, is imperfect and unsatisfactory 2.suffering originates in our desires 3.Suffering will cease if all desires cease 4.There is a way to realize this state: the Noble Eightfold Path

Dharma Path to righteousness Principle that upholds the universe The Middle Way

Noble Eightfold Path to Liberation 1.Right Views 2.Right Intent

Morality 3.Right Speech 4.Right Action 5.Right livelihood

Concentration 6.Right Effort 7.Right Mindfulness 8.Right Concentration

Buddhism Devotion and Practices

North Into China Emulate Philosophical Philo-piety Way of Life Accepted by Chinese government

South to India Theravada Buddhism Closer to Hinduism Divine assistance Temples, shrines, candles More Devotional Mahaparinibbana Sutta Prayer and monasticism

Spiritual Focus Mahayana Bodhisattva Conservative and traditional Study scripture Enlightened are never far Monastic and lay people

Vajrayana Buddhism South east Asia (Tibet, Mongolia, Nepal) Tibetan Diaspora under the Chinese Communist regime Dali Lama Rebirth of a long line of Bodhisattva 17th century to 1959, Dali Lama played important role in Tibetan government