BUDDHISM

Location of Buddhism

Buddhism World Status

Buddhism: 360 million 6% of world population Fifth largest world religion
Christianity 32% Islam 22% Hinduism 15% Secular/Non-religious 14%

Buddhism
Origin History Main Tenets Worldview Differences with Christianity

Origin of Buddhism
Began in the 7th century BC Buddha is a title signifying The Enlightened One or The Awakened One Title given to Siddartha Gautama who was born in 563 B.C.; died 483 B.C. Biography of his life does not appear until several hundred years later His life was the last of 500 reincarnations
6

Origin of Buddhism
Siddartha Gautama was born into a wealthy family, some propitious signs accompanied his birth Father protected him and groom him to be a king. Father allows him to take a chariot ride but decrees all poor and suffering be hidden however the gods assume human form so he sees an old man near death, a man disfigured by disease, a funeral procession of decomposing body, and a monk who has renounced the world. Decided to forsake his status and wealth and seek the meaning of life at 30 years old Vedantic tradition.
7

Origin of Buddhism
First quest for enlightenment
Under the mentoring of two Brahman hermits, Alara and Uddaka They were unable to tell him how to put an end to the cycle of rebirths

Second quest for enlightenment

Asceticism with five companions Decided that self-mortification did not lead to self-realization but only enfeebled body & mind
8

 Enlightenment obtained

Origin of Buddhism

Devoted himself to the simple life of intense mental discipline After prolong meditation after seven years while sitting under a fig tree received the answer to his quest Decides to share his way of enlightenment and begins to preach Converts five followers & family Legend has him ascend into heaven but died after eating spoiled pork given as an offering Buddhists would probably say that words cannot 9 truly describe Prince Gautamas enlightenment

History of Buddhism
Collection of Teachings and Split
First council of followers shortly after his death collected his teachings
Called Tripitaka, lit. meaning three baskets

Second council (~ 380 B.C.)

Some argued for a greater role for the laity Less strict discipline

Split between Theravada and Mahayana (~ 200 B.C.)

10

History of Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism
Name derived from an expression meaning tradition of the elders Retained emphasis religion centered on monks Also called Hinayana (little raft) in distinction to Mahayana Height of Theravada was in 3rd century B.C. Now mainly in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia Most other areas have Mahayana Buddhism Mainly a religion for monks
11

History of Buddhism
Theravada Monks (bikhus)
Only ones who can obtain nirvana They the focus of religious practice Laitys primary religious work is to support the monks

Ordination
Shave head and put on orange robes Vow to follow the Ten Precepts

12

History of Buddhism
Theravada Monks Ten Precepts
Not to take a life Not to steal Not to commit sexual immorality Not to lie Not to drink intoxicating beverages Not to eat in excess or after noon Not to attend entertainment, e.g. dancing, singing, drama Not to decorate ones self or use cosmetics Not to sleep in high or wide beds 13 Not to touch any gold or silver

History of Buddhism
Theravada Monks Life
Usually live in a monastery Most of day in meditation
Object of meditation on the total impermanence of all existence Focus to avoid being distracted

Begging for food in the morning When monk attains full realization he is an arhat or holy man.
At death enters nirvana

Buddha is perfect in all his incarnations and arhat isnt

14

History of Buddhism
Buddhas
Twenty five Buddhas All came to teach the same way of enlightenment Idea emerged there is a Buddha in the final stages of preparation to come to earth.
Called Maitreya A Bodhisattva i.e. Buddha-in-the-making He will usher in a golden age of enlightenment for all

15

History of Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism & the Laity
Secondary participants Goal is to live a good life
Follow the first five of the ten precepts (special occasions will follow eight) Store up merit (good karma) for a better incarnation May even earns some time in heaven between incarnations
Universe consists of many levels and higher levels are states of bliss worthy of pursuing but not nirvana

Recitation of Three Refuges

I seek refuge in the Buddha I seek refuge in the Dharma (duty as in following teachings) I seek refuge in the sangha (order of bikhu or monks)

Care for the monks (bikhu)

16

History of Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism & the Laity
Three main obligations: Recitation of Three Refuges
I seek refuge in the Buddha I seek refuge in the Dharma (duty as in following teachings) I seek refuge in the sangha (order of bikhu or monks)

Care for the monks (bikhu)

Food, material for clothing and other necessities

Care for the temples

Usually erected by lay peoples contributions Statue of generous donor with monk robe place in temple Traditionally, contribute by buying gold leafs to be added to 17 statue of Buddha

History of Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism & the Laity
Position of Buddha statue hands
Left hand open and on lap Right hand direct to the earth Calling on earth to witness to his Buddhahood and steadfastness (other positions, e.g. teaching, protecting)

Folk religion
Laity deify Buddha and worship him Knowledgeable Buddhist do not claim they worship him

Storing Merit
Can become a bikhu for a period of time Rite of passage in puberty rites
18

History of Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhism
Means big raft because it accommodates large number of people, monks and laity Innovations
Sunyata (void) is interpreted as absolute compassion, Benevolent compassion is the ultimate motivating force of Mahayana Buddhism Multiplication of divine beings Lotus Sutra and other scriptures Other schools
19

History of Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhisms Innovations
Multiplication of divine beings Multiple Buddhas and Bodhisattvas
Manushi Buddhas achieved enlightenment on earth
Died and in Nirvana so not accessible

Dhyani Buddhas attained enlightenment in heaven

Have not died and are accessible I.e., Amithaba of the Pure Land School

Bodhisattvas many Buddhas-in-the-making

In Mahayana mythology these are divine beings in heaven who forgo entry into nirvana until the last soul is redeemed from hell which is the lower levels of incarnation. Available in heaven with much merit stored up to assist people in 20 need

History of Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhisms Innovations
Lotus Sutra and other scriptures
Proliferation of Mahayana writings Lotus Sutra has the highest stature Core teachings attributed to Gautama (Called Sakyamuni [sage of the sakya clan] to differentiate him from other Buddhas) Sakyamuni was a manifestation of the true celestial Buddha All human beings have potential to reach Buddhahood References to specific Buddhas and Bodhisattvas by name Asserts that Hinayana is only for selfish uncaring people 21

History of Buddhism
Mahayana Buddhisms Innovations
Other schools
Tendai (rationalist)
Pure Land (compassionate) Zen (intuitive Nichiren (chanting)

Vajrayana (lamaist of Tibet)

Shingon (combination of Tendai and Vajrayana) Ryobu (combination of Shinto and Shingon

See Winfried Corduans chart, p. 230

22

History of Buddhism
Other Schools of Mahayana Buddhism
Tendai (rationalist school)
Provide compromise between variations Organized by Chinese monk, Chih-I 6th century A.D.

Teachings
Superiority of Lotus Sutra inspired scripture Unity of reality all reality is equally a part of Buddhas nature
Reality is sunyatta and maya at the same time

Universal salvation all people will attain Buddhahood

Because all are a part of the same Buddha nature

Meditation to receive true insight into true reality

23

History of Buddhism
Other Schools of Mahayana Buddhism
Pure Land Schools (multiple)
Buddha Amida (Japanese name for Dhyani Buddha) Mythology has Amida while going through his incarnations overwhelmed with human suffering that he vows to provide a way of salvation for all people. Became a Buddha and was able to provide salvation Created a paradise in western regions of heaven (pure land, Buddha field, or western paradise)

24

History of Buddhism
Other Schools of Mahayana Buddhism
Pure Land Schools (multiple)
Anyone who trusts in Buddha Amida can enter at death In paradise anyone can reach nirvana (equivalent) Some schools say must recite nembutsu (I bow down to the Buddha Amida) to enter paradise Jodo-shin-shu (Japan) recite nembutsu only to express gratitude No demands on followers other than to show Amida their thankfulness Worship performed by clergy, services have chanting, meditation, and adoration
25

History of Buddhism
Other Schools of Mahayana Buddhism
Zen Origins
Arose in 6th century A.D. in response to Tendais rationalist speculation Claims its origin come from Gautama (as do they all) Essence of it is enlightenment without words or explination
Story of Buddha standing before his pupils waiting for him to teach, one pupil, Mahakasyapa understood and smiled and just looked at him.

Traditional founder is Bodhidharma, Indian monk that emigrated to China a thousand years after Mahakasyapa
Cut off eyelids and meditated at wall for three years and hit on 26 head and then gained enlightenment

History of Buddhism
Other Schools of Mahayana Buddhism
Zen Schools
Two major schools in Japan, Master Soto & Master Rinzai Soto saw enlightenment gain gradually Rinzai saw a lengthy preparation time then gained abruptly

All Zen schools

Clear ones mind of conceptual clutter that impedes insight

D. T. Suzuki summary of Zen

Special transmission outside of scriptures No dependence on words or letters Direct pointing to the soul of man Seeing ones nature & attainment of Buddhahood

27

History of Buddhism
Other Schools of Mahayana Buddhism
Zen Scriptures and experience
Platform Sutra not considered authoritative nor source of belief Zen knowledge only transmitted from master to pupil and he can only direct him to see what he can see Enlightenment referred to as satori Satori is when a person has direct, unmediated insight into the self, the world and truth (Corduan, 233).

28

History of Buddhism
Other Schools of Mahayana Buddhism
Zen Enlightenment
Dualistic thinking hinders enlightenment meaning making distinction and classifying things according to rational categories. Categories what is real, what is really real, and what is not really real Zen accepts reality as it is given (or perceived)

Four ways to satori

Zazen meditation cross-legged, straight back, focus on thought provided by master
29

History of Buddhism
Other Schools of Mahayana Buddhism
Four ways to satori
Zazen meditation cross-legged, straight back, focus on thought provided by master Mondos stories of past great Zen masters and how they received enlightenment so pupil can learn how he may gain enlightenment Koans conundrumsriddles without answers (they supposedly carry the answer in them after one stops thinking analytically)
What is the sound of one hand clapping? Does a dog have Buddha nature? How crooked is straight?

Cultural activities such as art, martial arts, haiku poetry

30

History of Buddhism
Other Schools of Mahayana Buddhism
Nichiren Shoshu (Soka Gakkai)
Founded by Japanese monk Nichiren from Tendai school 13th century Determined all other traditions wrong Return to Sakyamuni and true Buddhist teaching Nichiren was persecuted and about to be executed but a natural disaster free him, good omen so gather disciples Split into many sub-schools

31

History of Buddhism
Other Schools of Mahayana Buddhism
Soka Gakkai
Nichiren Shoshu means the true Nichiren Revived in 1930s in Japan as Soka Gakkai society for the creation of values Most popular after Pure Land Buddhism

32

History of Buddhism
Other Schools of Mahayana Buddhism
Soka Gakkai Teachings
Enlightenment available to everyone regardless of previous incarnations and current status and can be achieved in just a few years Ten states of life must be traveled from lowest to highest Persons state at death determines his karma and thus his next incarnation Those who attain Buddhahood finish incarnations

33

 Other Schools of Mahayana Buddhism

Soka Gakkai Ten States of Life
Hell, anger, animality, hunger, tranquility, rapture, learning, realization, Bodhisattva, and Buddhahood Progress from worst of human experience to physical, mental and then pure consciousness of enlightenment

History of Buddhism

Key to enlightenment
Chanting (diamoku) I bow down to the beautiful teaching of the Lotus Sutra Gohonzon piece of paper with diamoku worship when copy brought out at the temple (original in Japan) Improve physical life by putting in harmony with universe Lay movement, no priests, interested in social justice 34

History of Buddhism
Other Schools of Mahayana Buddhism
Vajrayana (Tibetan Buddhism)
Means diamond vehicle Considered the third division of Buddhism Also known as Lamaism Sublime philosophy and meditation
Folk more concerned with magical practices to control evil spirits

35

History of Buddhism

36

History of Buddhism

37

Tenets of Buddhism

Relationship to Hinduism
Gods have no place in teachings and are themselves in need of enlightenment Accepted samsara, karma, and ultimate (though the later is different)
Some Hindu schools hold the atheistic view of Brahman

Eliminated the caste system and the Vedas as authoritative

This is what was against orthodox Hinduism
38

Tenets of Buddhism
Four Truths
1. Truth of suffering all forms of existence are subject to physical and mental suffering 2. The cause of suffering is desire desire for possession and selfish enjoyment of every kind, particularly the desire for separate, individual, existence. 3. Suffering ceases when selfish desires are denounced and ceases 4. The eightfold path leads to enlightenment
39

Tenets of Buddhism
Eightfold Path path of perfect detachment also known as the middle way because it avoids both selfindulgence and self-mortification
This path leads to the cessation of suffering This path allows a person to escape from the cycle of rebirth To accomplish this task was a fulltime commitment so formed an order of monks
40

Tenets of Buddhism

The Eightfold Path

Right Views Right Desires Right Speech Right Conduct Right Mode of Livelihood Right Effort Right Awareness Right Meditation
41

The Eightfold Path

The Right Views
This involves acceptance of the four truths and a resolute rejection of unworthy attitudes and acts, such as covetousness, lying and gossip.

42

The Eightfold Path

Right Desires
The thoughts are to be free from lust, from illwill, and from cruelty. Free from desire from selfish possessions. Desire for achieving highest ends.

43

The Eightfold Path

Right Speech
Ones speech should be plain and truthful, abhorring lying, tale-bearing, and harsh or vain talk. Words must be gentle, soothing to the ear, penetrating to the heart, useful, rightly timed, and according to the facts.

44

The Eightfold Path

Right Conduct
To follow this path one must practice charity and abstention from killing any living thing, from stealing, and from unlawful sexual intercourse. While morality forms the basis of the higher life, wisdom completes it.

45

The Eightfold Path

Right Mode of Livelihood
This path requires harming no one and being free from luxury. Each must take up work which will give scope to his abilities and make him useful to his fellow men.

46

The Eightfold Path

Right Effort
Press forward in four directions: 1) avoid increasing evil; 2) overcome evil; 3) develop meritorious conditions (detachment, investigation of law, concentration, & rapture); 4) bring meritorious conditions which already exist to maturity and perfection.

47

The Eightfold Path

Right Awareness
Four fundamentals of awareness:
Contemplation of the transitory nature and loathsomeness of the body Contemplation of the feelings of oneself and others Contemplation of the mind Contemplation of phenomena
48

The Eightfold Path

Right Meditation
Concentration on a single object with all hindrances overcome Purpose is to be purified from all distractions and evils and filled with rapture, happiness and equanimity. Ultimate goal is to pass beyond sensation of either pleasure or pain into a state transcending consciousness, ultimately attaining full Enlightenment (state of perfection)
49

Tenets of Buddhism

Main purpose of Buddhism

Escape from suffering Escape from cycle of rebirth Reach Nirvana cease to exist or realize ones selfextinctedness; Nirvana (lit. blown out unconditional state of liberation, release from the cycle of rebirth-redeath determined by karma

No ultimate reality (Brahman) behind illusion but nothingness (sunyata the void). No Atman (No soul in people) Karma in Buddhism the actions of body or mind which produce a fixed consequence for the present life or the future life.
50

Buddhist Shrine
A1 Body of Buddha A2 Sacred Text A3 Stupa mind of Buddha B1 Drinking water B2 Feet washing water B3 Rice & Flowers B4 Rice & Incense B5 Butter lamp or Candle B6 Scented water to annoint B7 Rice and Food B8 Conch Shell - Ting-shag

51

Theravada Buddhist Worldview

Suffering/Desiring

Individual

Karma

Nirvana

Samsara
52

Mahayana Buddhism Worldview

Individual

Compassion

Karma

Nirvana
Heaven/Hell

Samsara
53

Important Terms
Karma Cause and effect (what you sow is what you reap); good deeds do not cancel out evil deeds Impermanence everything changes and goes through cycle of birth, growth, decay, and death. No such thing as death. The world of phenomena, the very universe itself, has a purely relative existence, and this lack of absolute reality, applies to the individuals self. There is nothing eternal or immortal inside a mans body.
54

Important Terms
Nirvana is an ethical state, a condition which eliminates any future rebirth, the extinction of desire, the final release from suffering. Anatman ultimate non-self Sunyata the void

55

Important Terms
Gautama refused to answer about the existence after death. There is, disciples, a condition, where there is neither earth nor water, neither air nor light, neither limitless space, nor limitless time, neither any kind of being, neither ideation nor non-ideation, neither this world nor that world. There is neither arising nor passing-away, nor dying, neither cause nor effect, neither change nor standing-still. (Sacred Books of the Buddhists, Vol.
II, 54)
56

Christianity & Buddhism

Both seek enlightenment Both empathize with suffering Individuals are of value Committed relationships Emphasis on living live and loving Moderation Value of life
57