Buddhism

Founder of Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama became Buddha in 535 BCE when he reached enlightenment. The Middle Way as the path to enlightenment.

Buddhism –Belief about God Generally, Buddhists do not believe in any type of God, the need for a savior, prayer, or eternal life after death. Dalai Lamas are the head monks of Tibetan Buddhism. Since the time of Buddha, Buddhism has integrated many regional religious rituals, beliefs and customs as it has spread throughout Asia

Afterlife Some Buddhists, however, believe in reincarnation. After many cycles, if a person releases his attachment to self, he can reach Nirvana or ultimate existence.

To Reach Nirvana

Major Text Tripitaka (means 3 baskets) – Collection of Budha’s teachings Sutras (Budha’s written and spoken words) Vinaya (rules for monks) Abhidharma (philosopy)

Zen A type of Buddhism. A Japanese word, Zen comes from a word meaning "meditation."

Beliefs All beings have the Buddha-nature, the essential nature of the mind itself. The aim of Zen practice is to discover this Buddha-nature within each person through meditation and practice of the Buddha's teachings. The ultimate goal of this is to become a Completely Enlightened Buddha

Major Writings No writings but pursues God through meditation Follows Buddhist writings

Flower Sermon Gautama Buddha gathered his disciples one day for a Dharma talk. When they gathered together, the Buddha was completely silent and some speculated that perhaps the Buddha was tired or ill. The Buddha silently held up and twirled a flower and twinkled his eyes; several of his disciples tried to interpret what this meant, though none of them were correct. One of the Buddha's disciples, Mahākāśyapa, silently gazed at the flower and broke into a broad smile. The Buddha then acknowledged Mahākāśyapa's insight by saying the following: I possess the true Dharma eye, the marvelous mind of Nirvāṇa, the true form of the formless, the subtle Dharma gate that does not rest on words or letters but is a special transmission outside of the scriptures.

Reading about Zen Read the Zen Parables on pg. 514 and 515 Which teaching or parable did you like best? According to the author, a good deed cannot be spoiled by the selfish intentions of the doer. Do you agree? Explain your answer. What does the parable “Publishing the Sutras” suggest about what is important to followers of Zen? In the parable “Right & Wrong,” the thief cries and loses his desire to steal after Bankei refuses to dismiss him. Why do you think Bankei’s decision has such a powerful effect on the thief? When you are finished, read pg. 544 and pgs. 548-549

Haiku Haikus are Japanese poems that have 3 lines. The first line and third line have 5 syllables. The middle line has 7. Usually, they are about nature. Here’s an example: The Rose The red blossom bends  and drips its dew to the ground.  Like a tear it falls Now, write your own. Pick a persona. Remember to stay in nature. You can be a tree, a cat, a rock, a leaf, et al What would your persona write about? Squirrels? Autumn? Time passing? ONLY 17 Syllables!

Tanka Poems Tanka poems are written about nature, seasons, love, sadness and other strong emotions. The Tanka poem is very similar to haiku but a Tanka poem has more syllables and it uses simile, metaphor and personification. Line one - 5 syllables All the small moments Line two - 7 syllables Which, together, make my day; Line three - 5 syllable All the great duties Line four - 7 syllables Which can seem too much to bear Line five - 7 syllables Alike are fleeting, precious