1. Buddhism, Confucianism, & Taoism
Chinese Religion and Philosophy

2. Buddhism 360 MILLION Approximately followers world wide
Founded by Siddharta Gautama (the Buddha) in 520 BC, North East India.
Approximately
360 MILLION
followers world wide

3. Buddhism Theravada Buddhist are basically atheistic
They neither deny or emphasize the presence of a God
Buddha himself taught “Simplicity and no speculation” which includes power greater than us; he also taught nothing is permanent
Mahayana Buddhist are more liberal and have a poly theistic belief
Has several sects: Zen, Nichiren, and Pure Land
Celebrate and worship several celestial Buddhas (not to be confused with the Almighty Buddha) and many Bodhasattvas

4. Buddhism
After Siddharta was Enlightened and became Buddha, he taught that the way to eliminate suffering begins with understanding the true nature of the world.
He taught his followers to focus on the 4 Noble Truths:
All of life is marked by suffering
Suffering has a cause (desire and attachment)
The cause of suffering can be ended
There is a way, or 8 fold path, to end the cause of suffering

5. Buddhism
To avoid suffering, end the cycle of rebirth, and gain Enlightenment one must follow the: The 8 Fold Path
Right Beliefs (views)
Right Aspirations (intentions)
Right Speech
Right Discipline (conduct) simplicity
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration (meditational attainment)

6. Buddhism
Buddha taught reincarnation into a new body upon death until one reaches the highest state of Enlightenment
Buddha did not believe in the concept of a soul; therefore reincarnation was seen more as a transmigration of karma and dharma to a new body which was not permanent either
Nirvana is the final liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth, the ultimate state of Enlightenment, and is the end of all suffering

7. Buddhism Buddhist practices vary by sect but include: Meditation
Samatha (Tranquility)
Vipassana (Insight)
Walking Mindfulness
Sitting Mindfulness
Conscious Mindfulness
Metta Bhavana (Loving-Kindness)
Mantras – sacred sounds and chants for protection, celebration, and study of doctrine
Mudras – hand gestures to focus meditation and bring a cycle forth (Fearlessness, Earth Witness, Wheel Turning, Meditation, and Gift Giving are the most common)
Prayer Wheels - a way of worship and prayer

8. Buddhism
Some sects of Buddhism reject text entirely, but most follow the recorded teachings of Buddha
Tripitaka (Pali Canon) is to be the direct text wirtten by Buddha on long leaves and collected in three baskets
Sutras are text followed mostly by Mahayana Buddhist. There are over 2000 but the most prominent are the Lotus Sutra, the Heart Sutra, and the Land of Bliss Sutra
Tibetan Book of the Dead reveals the doctrine around death and rebirth and what insights can be unveiled in the 49 days after death before rebirth

9. Founded by Confucius (551–479 BC), China
Confucianism
Founded by Confucius (551–479 BC), China
Approximately
5.5 MILLION
followers world wide

11. Taoism 20 MILLION Approximately followers world wide
Lao-Tzu, c. 550 BC, China.
Approximately
20 MILLION
followers world wide