Introduction to Buddhism
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Introduction to Buddhism
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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 - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Transcript of Introduction to Buddhism
Introduction to Buddhism
What was going on in India?
Upheaval during Vedic CivilizationCity life challenged old beliefsNew religions emerged
Jaina – asceticsLokayatas - materialists
Buddhism…Began in India 2,500 years agoBased on the teachings of the BuddhaCurrently 300 million followers
Who was the Buddha?Born Siddhartha Gautama
Ksatriya – Warrior/Ruler CasteBorn around 480 BCE
Raised to be a kingCompassionate for the suffering of others
At age 29 rejected luxury Looked for a way to end suffering
Who was the Buddha?Tried an ascetic lifestyle for six yearsTried meditationAchieved Nirvana “Blown Out”
A peaceful, detached state of mindBecame a Buddha “Awakened One” Spent the rest of his life teaching
The “Three Jewels” of Buddhism (Triratna)
Buddha – the teacher
Dharma – the teachings
Sangha – the community
What did the Buddha teach?
The Four Noble Truths:1. To live is to suffer – “dukkha”2. Desire causes suffering3. To achieve Nirvana you must
eliminate desire4. The way to Nirvana is through the
“Eight-Fold Path”
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
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
The Spread of Buddhism
Schools of Buddhism - TheravadaThe “Small Vehicle”
Oldest schoolFound in southern Asia (Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, etc.)Monasticism is the ideal life for achieving NirvanaGoal is to become a Buddha
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
Schools of Buddhism - TibetanVajrayana – the “Diamond Vehicle”
A mix of Theravada & MahayanaRituals (Tantra):Mantras (chanting)Mandalas (symbolic images) Mudras (hand gestures)
Bodhisattvas, including living Lamas(Dalai Lama)
Schools of Buddhism –ZenThe “meditation” school:
Seeks sudden enlightenment (satori) through meditationUse of meditation masters (Roshi)Aesthetics (study of beauty)
Gardens, archery, the tea ceremony, calligraphy, etc.
