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Introduction to Buddhism

Introduction to Buddhism. What was going on in India?. Upheaval during Vedic Civilization City life challenged old beliefs New religions emerged Jaina – ascetics Lokayatas - materialists. Buddhism…. Began in India 2,500 years ago Based on the teachings of the Buddha

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Introduction to Buddhism

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  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: • To live is to suffer – “dukkha” • Desire causes suffering • To achieve Nirvana you must eliminate desire • 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.

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