Introduction to Buddhism

What was going on in India?

Upheaval during Vedic Civilization

City life challenged old beliefs

New religions emergedJaina – ascetics

Lokayatas - materialists

Buddhism…Began in India 2,500 years ago

Based on the teachings of the Buddha

Currently 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 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

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 suffering

3. To achieve Nirvana you must eliminate desire

4. The way to Nirvana is through the “Eight-Fold Path”

What is the Eight-Fold Path?

Wisdom:• Right views

• Right actionEthics:• 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 - 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

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 –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.