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 BUDDHISM

- “a nontheistic religion”

-Central Figure is Siddhartha Gautama

-Known as the ‘Buddha’

- Enlightened one

- Awakened one

- The one who knows

-Buddha also known as

Buddha Sakyamuni, because he hailed from Shakyan People who resided in the northern parts of India and Nepal.

 HISTORY of BUDDHISM

 Buddhism is a religion that builds around Siddhartha Gautama’s experience of ‘enlightenment’ around 2500
years ago or around 500 BC.

- Again, Buddhists doesn’t worship BUDDHA as a god.

- Buddhist look to the Buddha’s teachings in order to attain enlightenment.

- The Buddha himself made it clear that he is not a god and that the individual is solely responsible for his/her
own enlightenment.

- Buddhism believes that gods exist and encourages respect toward them but it adheres that they are not to be worshiped.

- “It is better to be human rather than a God.”

 Story of Siddhartha Gautama

- Gautama was born in Nepal from the clan of Shakyas.

- Dream of Mahamaya while conceiving Siddhartha.

- King Shuddodana consulting a sooth-sayer.

- Siddhartha was kept in one or another of their palaces.

- Only beauty and health surrounded Siddhartha.

- Siddhartha grew up to be a strong and handsome man.

- Siddhartha marrying Princess Yashodhara

 Siddhartha saw old age, death, suffering and asceticism.

- Gautama leaving the palace in search for the truth.

- He studies with famous gurus.

- Practiced the life of asceticism with 5 followers.

- Sujata offered Siddhartha her milk-rice.

- Siddhartha decided to meditate under a fig tree.

Buddha – ‘He who is awake’

Buddha’s first sermon – ‘setting the wheel of the teaching in motion’

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 Scriptures/Documents in Buddhism

 Scriptural Canon

- lists of books that define matters of doctrine and discipline.

- it contains discourses between the Buddha and his disciples, called ‘suttas’ or ‘sutras’ .

 THE TRIPLE GEM

 Buddha

 Dhamma

 Sangha

- These three are basis of ‘taking refuge’ for Buddhists.

- To ‘Take Refuge’ is a profession of one’s faith and an intention to put oneself under another’s protection.

 Buddha

- refers to the inspiration from Siddharta Gautama, the teacher who led desciples to enlightenment.

- taking refuge in the Buddha means that the believer places his/her faith in Buddha’s teachings as a way to liberate
oneself from the sufferings of the world.

- also, the believer recognizes his/her capacity to be a ‘Buddha’ an ‘enlightened one’ through the practice of meditation

and loving kindness to all beings.

 Dhamma

- refers to the teaching of the Buddha.

- it literally means ‘truth’.

- Buddhists believe that the teachings of the Buddha found in the ‘suttas’ preserved by his followers provide the
path to enlightenment.

- putting the teachings in to practice in order to attain enlightenment.

 Sangha

- refers to the monastic order founded by the Buddha.

- the ‘sangha’ preserves the teachings and passes them on to future generations.

 THE FIVE PRECEPTS

- Contains the believer’s basic moral guidelines.

- All precepts begin with I

take the precept to.........

- The taking of the precepts demonstrates Buddhism’s emphasis on personal responsibility in one’s moral decisions.

 I take the precept to abstain from destroying living things (killing)

 I take the precept to abstain from taking things not given (stealing)

 I take the precept to abstain sexual misconduct

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 I take the precept to abstain from false speech (lying)

 I take the precept to abstain from anything that causes intoxication or heedlessness (getting drunk or using
illegal drugs)

 The summary of Buddha’s teachings.

- It answers the Buddha’s questions before he achieved enlightenment.

 THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

- This recorded in Buddha’s first discourse which he recorded in ‘Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta’ (The Discourse on
the Wheel of Dhamma).

 Why is there

suffering in the world?

- Life is suffering (dukkha)

- all beings are subject to birth, decay, disease and finally death.

- suffering can result from extreme dislike, as well as unfulfilled desires. - it is better to train the mind to
let go of aversion and attachment so there will be no suffering.

- To Buddhist’s we inevitably have to endure physical suffering such as pain, sickness, injury,tiredness, old age,
and eventually death. This is inevitable.

 There is suffering because there is desire

- desire is a deep-seated longing to experience the pleasures of the senses and the material world.

- this ‘chasing of’ material comforts and wants leads to suffering when they are unfulfilled.

- The reason for suffering are desire (Tanha),passion, pursuit of wealth and prestige, striving for fame and popularity,
or in short: craving and clinging.

 In order to get rid of suffering, one has to get rid of desire.

- it is the possibility of

ending suffering, which is the result of the extinguishing of one’s desire.

- The cessation of suffering can be attained through nirvana. Nirvana refers to the unmaking of sensual craving and
conceptual attachment.

- Nirvana extinguishes all forms of clinging and attachment. This means freedom from all worries, troubles,
complexes,fabrications and ideas.

- to achieve enlightenment is to detach oneself from the pleasures of the material world.

 There is a path that leads from suffering ( the eightfold path)

- avoiding two too much indulgence in one’s desires which would, dampen spiritual interest

- avoiding two too much asceticism, which would destroy the body.

- It is the middle way between the two extremes excessive self-indulgence (hedonism) and excessive self- mortification

(asceticism)

- it is through ‘Middle Way’ that one will be able to find happiness, peace and enlightenment.
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 THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH

- The ‘Middle Way’ summarized in the Eightfold path, which prescribes different areas of one’s life that need to
be subjected to the Dhamma.

The Path Pali Original Meaning

Awareness of the law of karma and the

four noble truths.
(1) Right View Samma-ditthi

The Path Pali Original Meaning

Avoiding thoughts of anger, greed, and

illicit desire.
(2) Right Thought Samma-sankappa

The Path Pali Original Meaning

Avoiding lies, unkind speech, and

frivolous talk.
(3) Right Speech Samma-vaca

The Path Pali Original Meaning

Avoiding evil acts, those against the

five precepts.
(4) Right Action Samma-kammato

The Path Pali Original Meaning

Awareness lifestyles and occupation

that harm oneself and other beings.
(5) Right Livelihood Samma-ajivo

The Path Pali Original Meaning

Doing one’s best in doing good things

at the right time.
(6) Right Effort Samma-vayamo

The Path Pali Original Meaning

Learning to be attentive to the present

moment.
(7) Right Mindfulness Samma-sati

The Path Pali Original Meaning

Training the mind to be focused and

calm.
(8) Right Concentration Samma-samadhi

 MAIN BUDDHIST SCHOOL OF THOUGHTS

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 Theravada (Way of the Elders)

Origin : Believed to be from the original followers of Buddha.

Areas of Practice : Southeast Asian countries (i.e. Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, South
Vietnam)

Focus : Cultivation of wisdom and knowledge of the 4 noble truths and practice of the 8-fold path
(especially meditation).Emphasis on monastic life resulting in a religious hierarchy. The Sanga
consists of monks/nuns and only they can achieve enlightenment. Lay people support the monks/nuns
can gain merit by following the buddha.

Guidelines for monks/nuns include: chastity, begging for good, giving up possessions,
meditating and pacifism.

View of the Buddha :A human who experienced enlightenment and then taught others how to do the same. Buddha is
forever beyond human reach as he has passed into the eternal peace of nirvana.The Buddha’s
teachings, not the figure of.

Important Individuals:Ultimate goal is to become an Arhat (worthy one, saint who has achieved Nirvana).

Arhats are the ideal types that all strive to imitate.

Reject the idea of heavenly figures etc. helping followers.

Scriptures :Follows the early texts and teachings of the Buddha.

Scriptures = Tripitaka (“Three Baskets”) recorded sayings of the Buddha or historical Buddha
documents.

End Goal:Liberation from the world = enlightenment achieved through individual effort (meditation,
NOT worship).

 Mahayana (Great Vehicle)

Origin : 200 BCE Mahayana (a more liberal school) emerges.

Areas of Practice : China, Korea and Japan

Focus : Buddhism for the masses emphasizes compassion for all (especially living things (particularly
fellow humans)as the supreme virtue.

Does not hold to monasticism as the only legitimate path (more inclusive).

Focuses on the Buddha himself and celebrates him as a divine saviour.View of the Buddha:

View of the Buddha: Buddha is more than one historical person. Buddhas existed before and well exist after Gautama
and are considered divine beings.Buddhahood is everlasting and creates new Buddhas from its
power.

Important Individuals: Believe in Bodhisattvas (persons who have reached enlightenment but refuse to enter Nirvana
until everyone has achieved enlightenment) who answer prayers and aid people (guides) These
individuals are Buddhas in the making and can dwell on earth or one of the Buddhist heavens
from where they offer divine assistance (transference of their Karma) to those who worship
them.

Scriptures : The Tripitakas are worthy scriptures but there are others including “secret” teachings of the
Buddha and later Chinese & Tibetan writings.

End Goal: Believes in compassion and liberation for everyone. Salvation is offered through the grace
and compassion of the Buddha.

Wisdom is attained through meditation, devotion to a bodhisattva, ritual and spiritual

exercises.

 Vajrayana (Trantic Buddhism)

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Origin : 750 CE Buddhism spread to Tibet and mixed with local religion.

Areas of Practice : Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan.

Focus : Fighting fire with fire – harness the sensual energies of life and turn them against themselves.

Practices used to achieve this are: mandalas, mudras, mantras, and in rare cases ritualized
(tantric)sex. All of which can only be learned through study with a master.

Together these practices invoke sound, movement and sight, capitalizing on sensual energies
as ways to enhance spiritual energies.

View of the Buddha: Buddhahood is everlasting and creates new Buddhas from its power. Every person is a a human
who experienced enlightenment and then taught others how to do the same.

Important Individuals: Lamas are important religious leaders who reincarnate to continue leading out of compassion.

Dali Lama is the current leader of Tibet (the 14th in a direct line of succession through
re-birth).

Scriptures : In English it is also known as Tantric.

End Goal: To reach Nirvana in a single lifetime – rather than passing through countless lives before
achieving salvation. In Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, followers hope to gain enough merit
in this life to reincarnate into the next with better Karma - thereby moving one step closer
to Nirvana.

OTHER FORMS OF BUDDHISM

* Monasticism (Monastic life in Burma and Thailand).

- Young men spend several months in a monastery

- Initiation includes a ceremony where their heads are shaved and new names are given

- Yellow robes and begging bowls are also given at this time

- A man will not marry until he has served as a monk (initiation into adulthood) and may return to this
life when he is older.

- Monks and Nuns may choose to re-enter society at anytime.

* Zen Buddhism

- Buddhism spread into Japan from China.

- When Buddhism entered Japan in the 12th Century C. E., the Samurai were especially drawn to it due
to Buddhism’s emphasis on overcoming the fear of death and the training in right mindfulness.

- Samurai training in martial arts advanced this principle.

- Zen Buddhism is popular in Japan today.

- Today activities range from dance movements to a calligraphy to ceremonies to poetry.

WORSHIP AND PRACTICES IN BUDDHISM

Bowing

This is performed on many occasions.

A lay person bows before monks and nuns show respect.

Monks and nuns bow before any member of the sangha.

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Buddhists bow before sacred objects (i.e.. Images of the Buddha) three times to honour the three refuges.

Offerings

Symbolic offerings are made to the Triple Gem, giving rise to comtemplative gratitude and inspiration.

Typical offerings involve simple objects such as lit candles or oil lamps, burning incense, flowers, food, fruit,
water or drinks.

Worship and Practices in Buddhism

Meditation

Buddhists pray through meditation.

Meditation quiets the mind so that one can enter more fully into the spiritual world.

Meditation brings insights into compassion and humility and can also improve confidence and lead to better general
mental and physical health.

Chanting Mantras

Mantras are symbolic phrases that are chanted to help Buddhists keep in touch with their spiritual nature. They
can also serve to enhance meditation.

Rituals in Temples

Lay people can choose to visit temples for instruction, meditation and private devotions to Buddha - however most
Buddhist devotions are performed in the home.

There are monthly holy days and other festivals that draw people to the temple.

Buddhism has very little common ritual

Symbolisms

In the early days, Buddha was not represented as i t was seen as impossible and inappropriate. Instead images of
his disciples, the Bodhi tree, or his footprints were depicted as symbols of Buddha’s disappearance into Nirvana

Later art shows depictions of Buddha in the form of giant statues.Buddha is typically shown in one of 3 positions:

(a)sitting, representing his enlightenment

(b)standing or walking, representing followers of his teachings

(c)lying down, representing his passage into Nirvana

EVOLUTION OF BUDDHIST ARCITECTURE

A. Early Indian Stupa - 3rd Century to early 1st Centries B. C.

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B. Later Indian Stupa - 2nd Century A. D

C. Chinese Pagoda - 5th-7th Century

D. Japaness Pagod - 7th Centry

DIFFERENT IMAGES OF BUDDHA

1. The Buddha in the Lotus Position:

This Buddha sits on the lotus which represents purity. The Lotus position is a position of meditation. His hands
are in the teaching position which again, is another meditation technique.

2. The Emmaciated Sidhartha Gautama:

This Buddha image represents the Buddha as a starving ascetic. In this position the Buddha can be seen as striving
for enlightenment

3. Amida Buddha of Immeasurable Light/Life:

Developed out of PURE LAND Buddhism - a form of Mahayana.

Previous incarnation of Buddha who refused to reach complete enlightenment.

4. Buddha, Standing Dressed as a Monk:

This Buddha is primarily found in Japanese Buddhism. The standing position is another popular position for the
Buddha (along with reclining and sitting)

DISTINCTION OF TEMPLES IN BUDDHISM

* THERAVADA TEMPLES

- Single statue of Buddha or a relic found in a stupa (shrine)

* MAHAYANA TEMPLES

- Many statues of Buddha or bodhisattvas (male and female)

* VAJRAYANA TEMPLES

- Incorporation of hinduism symbols

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Mudras

These hand gestures which appear in images of Hindu deities are important Buddhist icons.

Often used in meditation or seen on Buddha images.

There are many mudras and they symbolize different states of mind – the belief is that since we can often tell
someone’s state of mind by looking at their gestures, we can also generate a specific state of mind by making certain
gestures.

MUDRAS OF BUDDHA

* Bhumisparsha Mudra/ Touching the Earth

- to invoke the earth as witness to the truth of his words.

* Dhyana Mudra/ Yoga Mudra

- the gesture of absolute balance of meditation.

* Dharmachakra Mudra/ Turning the Wheel of the Dharma or Law

- gesture usually interpreted as turning the Wheel of Law.

* Vitarka Mudra

- intellectual argument or discussion

* Anjali Mudra/ Adoration or Devotion

- gesture of greeting, prayer and adoration.

* Vajra Mudra/ Knowledge

- the hand of mighty one. It stands for brilliance and sturdiness that cannot be destroyed.
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* Uttarabodhi Mudra

- gesture of supreme enlightenment

* Varada Mudra/ Granting Wishes

- gesture of charity and fulfillment of all wishes.

* Karana Mudra/ Warding off Evil

- gesture with which demons are expelled.

MILESTONES IN BUDDHISM

* Early Life:

When a baby boy reaches one month of age, the parents invite monks to their house or take the baby to the temple
so his head can be shaved.

Sometimes parents will take their children to stay with the monks for an extended period of time. When a boy is
brought into the temple he comes as a novice, or a monk in training. The novice participates in all of the activities
of becoming a monk.

In some countries, men can enter monkhood for a limited period of time.

* Becoming a monk:

Stage 1 – at 7 or 8 a boy enters the m o n a s t e r y a s a n o v i c e . H e undertakes the 10 precepts and usually

acts as an attendant to a senior monk. This monk must teach t h e n o v i c e B u d d h i s t r i t u a l s , philosophy
and scripture.

Stage 2 – ordination at age 20 once the man can read, write and chant simple texts.Once ordained a monk mustshave
his head ( a sign of rejecting vanity), take a religious name and wear appropriate robes. Upon ordination
Buddhist monks renounce their possessions and keep only what is necessary .

* Marriage

The bride and groom go to the monastery to feed the monks in order to receive a blessing, but the monks never attend
the wedding itself. For other important events, people go to the temple to seek a blessing or to gain merit, but
monks are never involved in the ceremonies.

FESTIVALS IN BUDDHISM

Bodhi Day
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- commemorates the day when Siddhartha became Buddha and achieved enlightenment.

Mangha Puja

- Buddhists are expected not to commit any sin on this day, do only good and purify one’s mind.

- This day is only celebrated in Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand and Myanmar.

Vesak

- it commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha which are all said to have happened on the same
date.

- celebrated during the month of may

Asalha Puja

- dharma day

- the day when Buddha gave his first discourse.

A Buddhist Monk Making a Statement

On June 11, 1963, Thich Quang Duc, a Buddhist monk from Vietnam, burned himself to death at a busy intersection
in downtown Saigon to bring attention to the repressive policies of the Catholic Diem regime that controlled the
South Vietnamese government at the time.

Buddhist monks asked the regime to lift its ban on flying the traditional Buddhist flag, to grant Buddhism the same
rights as Catholicism, to stop detaining Buddhists and to give Buddhist monks and nuns the right to practice and
spread their religion. While burning, Thich Quang Duc never moved a muscle.
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