By: Jessica Bills, Amanda Elias, Laura Gonzalez, Caitlin Kelly, Esmeralda Martinez, and Jennifer Villacis February 12, 2015 Period 6

The Quest for Salvation The quest for salvation can be compared to the crossing of a river. The river divides two realms: Samsara- the ordinary world of the suffering Nirvana- final destiny of absolute peace Buddhism can be divided into 3 great rafts: Theravada, also called Hinayana (the Lesser Vehicle) Mahayana (The Great Vehicle) Vajrayana (the Vehicle of the Diamonds)

Theravada: “The Way of the Elders” Theravada follows the earliest texts and agrees with the original teachings of the Buddha. The Buddha – he who experienced enlightenment and taught others how to do the same beyond the reach of humans because he has passed into the eternal peace of nirvana Theravada focuses on cultivating wisdom through knowing the Four Noble Truths, and practicing the Noble Eightfold Path.

Theravada continued… The final aim of Theravada Buddhists is to enter nirvana, and those who succeed are arhats (like saints). Theravada emphasizes meditation and monastic life Examples: monks and nuns In some regions, all males reside in a monastery temporarily. Serving as a monk for at least 3 months is a vital step toward becoming an adult

Mahayana: The Great Vehicle It is the largest division of Buddhism claiming over half the world’s Buddhists. Assert themselves as somewhat superior over the Theravada Buddhists (the Lesser Vehicle) Mahayana Buddhism is for the masses. It focuses on the Buddha himself, celebrating him as a divine savior. It offers salvation though the infinite grace of the Buddha. It recognizes not only Gautama the Buddha, but the salvific grace of all Buddha’s of the past.

Mahayana continued… It reveres bodhisattvas which are Buddhas in the making that are dedicated to attaining enlightenment. Stops short of nirvana in order to help others achieve it. They exist beyond the earthly realm and are believed to live in one of the Buddhist heavens. They are believed to transfer merit of the karma to their followers. On occasion they appear in the world as human beings. They embody compassion, which is the supreme virtue which is regarded more than wisdom.

Vajrayana: Tibetan Buddhism The relative intensity of Vajrayana is manifested in the common belief that its adherents can attain nirvana in this lifetime, here and now. Vajrayana Buddhism- Consists of a small minority of Buddhists but maintains a special interest due to its homeland in Tibet (endured much religious persecution) Teaches “to fight fire with fire” as in using energy and turning it against itself to reach nirvana

Vajrayana continued… Prominent practices to propel an individual toward enlightenment Mandalas: patterned icons that visually excite Mudras: choreographed hand movements that draw on the energies of movement Mantras: resonating chants that harness the spiritual potency of sound Together all three invoke sight, movement, and sound capitalizing on the sensual energies

Vajrayana continued… Another unique practice involves the harnessing of one’s basic energies: sexuality Vajrayana Buddhists regard sex as a potent energy for furthering spiritual progress Engage in ritualized sex through carefully guarded set of practices known as Tantrism Sex is regulated by masters and is undertaken solely to enhance spiritual energies An important feature includes the institution of lamas, a hierarchy of clergy headed by the Dalai Lama Hierarchy is not based by descent of natural birth, but by rebirth Whenever a Dalai Lama dies, the successor is sought through supernatural or mundane means

The Enduring Wisdom of Buddha All “rafts” of Buddhism ultimately lead followers into nirvana. Nirvana- The ultimate goal of all Buddhists Beyond every experience on life Beyond Buddhism itself

Enduring Wisdom continued… The “raft” that transported Buddhists across the river to the shore of salvation must be abandoned in order for the journey to be complete. Thus, Buddhism is paradoxical. Buddhism focuses on the spiritual condition of the human being, not on the supremacy of a divinity. It denies the existence of a self, or soul Buddhism relies on features of the modern scientific view of life. Modern scientific theory has much in close agreement with Gautama the Buddha’s observations about the universe.

Enduring Wisdom continued… The Buddha was a skilled physician Proceeded scientifically Investigated what is to be human Buddha came to the conclusion that people suffer. A life of moderation (the Middle Way Doctrine) helps to alleviate suffering. Meditation, the Buddha’s favored method of therapy, also nurtures the wisdom that leads followers to transcendence.