1. Religion (Buddhism)

2. Buddhism About 400 million adherents Three branches
difficult to quantify due to syncretism
the combination of different beliefs
Three branches
Mahayana (56%) (China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam)
Theravada/Hinayana (38%) (Southeast Asia)
Tantrayana/Vajrayana (6%) (Tibet, Mongolia)

3. Origin and Diffusion of Buddhism

4. Why is Buddhism not practiced in India today?
Syncretism
absorbed into Hinduism

5. Buddhist Places of Worship
stupas
Mark location of relics collected by Buddha’s followers in South Asia
pagodas
Evolved from stupa concept (i.e. repository for relics)
Mostly found in East Asia (China and Japan)
Also part of Shinto landscape
Asoka’s pillars
know Asoka, most important figure in the diffusion of Buddhism

6. Buddhism View of Buddha Calendar Mahayana
Buddha elevated to divine
Not as strict in requiring monastic lifestyle
Boddhisatvas
Enlightenment guides
Theravada
Buddha = teacher, example
Requires monastic sacrifice
Tantayana
More mystical
Mixes in demons and other deities
Practice “sky burial”
Universalizing, so holidays will be based on what?
Life of the founder
Birth at Lumbini
Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya
1st Sermon at Deer Park
Death at Kushinagara

7. Buddhist Symbols