1. Introduction to Buddhism

2. What was going on in India? Upheaval during Vedic Civilization City life challenged old beliefs New religions emerged Jaina – ascetics Lokayatas - materialists

3. Buddhism… Began in India 2,500 years ago Based on the teachings of the Buddha Currently 300 million followers

4. Who was the Buddha? Born Siddhartha Gautama Ksatriya – Warrior/Ruler Caste Born around 480 BCE Raised to be a king Compassionate for the suffering of others At age 29 rejected luxury Looked for a way to end suffering

5. Who was the Buddha? Tried an ascetic lifestyle for six years Tried meditation Achieved Nirvana “Blown Out” A peaceful, detached state of mind Became a Buddha “Awakened One” Spent the rest of his life teaching

6. The “Three Jewels” of Buddhism (Triratna) Buddha – the teacher Dharma – the teachings Sangha – the community

7. What did the Buddha teach? The Four Noble Truths: 1. To live is to suffer – “dukkha” 2. Desire causes suffering 3. To achieve Nirvana you must eliminate desire 4. The way to Nirvana is through the “Eight-Fold Path”

8. What is the Eight-Fold Path? Wisdom: Right views Right action Ethics: Right speech Right action Right livelihood Meditation: Right effort Right mindfulness Right contemplation

9. What do Buddhists believe? Rebirth (reincarnation) results from attachments (karma) Achieving Nirvana means escape from the cycle of rebirth “samsara” Buddhism is non-theistic: Buddha is not the Buddhist God

10. The Spread of Buddhism

11. Schools of Buddhism - Theravada The “Small Vehicle” Oldest school Found in southern Asia (Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, etc.) Monasticism is the ideal life for achieving Nirvana Goal is to become a Buddha

12. Schools of Buddhism - Mahayana The “Great Vehicle” Found in Northern Asia (China, Japan, etc.) Buddhism “for the masses” Seek guidance from Bodhisattvas (“wise beings”) Goal is to become a bodhisattva and assist others toward enlightenment

13. Schools of Buddhism - Tibetan Vajrayana – the “Diamond Vehicle” A mix of Theravada & Mahayana Rituals (Tantra): Mantras (chanting) Mandalas (symbolic images) Mudras (hand gestures) Bodhisattvas, including living Lamas (Dalai Lama)

14. Schools of Buddhism –Zen The “meditation” school: Seeks sudden enlightenment (satori) through meditation Use of meditation masters (Roshi) Aesthetics (study of beauty) Gardens, archery, the tea ceremony, calligraphy, etc.