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 World’s 4 th largest religion – after Christianity, Islam, & Hinduism  About 445 million – or 7% of the world’s population – are Buddhists  Most of the world’s Buddhists are in South & East Asia. It’s the major religion in what countries? Facts

Thailand-95% Cambodia-90% Myanmar-88% Bhutan-75% Sri Lanka-70% Tibet-65% Laos-60% Vietnam -55% Japan-50%

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 Founded between 563 & 483 B.C.E.  About 2,500 years old

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 Siddhartha Gautama o Indian Prince, living in Lumbini, in what is now Southern Nepal o Sixth century, B.C.E. One of the earliest known representations of the Buddha, 1st–2nd century CE. Greco-Buddhist art,Gandhara. (Tokyo National Museum)

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 Awake (or, the Awakened One) o Shortly after Siddhartha achieved enlightenment, he was asked, “are you a God?” He replied, “no. I am awake.”

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 Problem: Suffering (dukkha)  Solution: Awakening (to achieve Nirvana & end cycle of birth/rebirth)

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 The Truth of Dukkha (suffering, anxiety, unsatisfaction) o We all suffer…..birth, aging, sickness….not having what we desire…..holding onto things that are constantly changing……  The Truth of the Origin of Dukkha o Suffering comes from attachments to 3 types of desire: for sense pleasures; to become that which we are not; to get rid of that which is or what we are  The Truth of the Cessation of Dukkha o We can eradicate the causes and be free of suffering once we understand its causes  The Truth of the Path to the Cessation of Dukkha o Follow the Noble Eightfold Path

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Wisdom Right View Right Intention Ethical Conduct Right Speech Right Action Right Livelihood Concentration Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Concentration

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1. The Buddha (the Awakened One) 2. The Dharma (Buddhist Teachings) 3. The Sangha (the Buddhist Community) I take refuge in the Buddha; I take refuge in the Dharma; I take refuge in the Sangha

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BranchMain PhilosophyArea/Countries Theravada School of the Elders Nirvana achieved through withdrawal from the world – wisdom gained individually Monastic Buddhism Arhant exemplar Sri Lanka Myanmar Thailand Laos Cambodia Mahayana The Great Vehicle Nirvana doesn’t require withdrawal – live in the world with compassion for others Bodhisatta exemplar Japan (includes Zen variant) China Korea Vajrayana Diamond Vehicle Similar to Mahayana, but a “faster” way to nirvana via tantric & esoteric techniques Tibet Bhutan Mongolia Nepal

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 The Tripitaka o (Sanskrit: “Three Baskets”) – the earliest collection of Buddhist scriptures o Oldest version is the Pali Canon  Mahayana Sutras  Tibetan Book of the Dead

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Buddhism has adapted to different cultures in different countries Think of it as a “vehicle,” where outer appearances can differ but the core of the religion remains the same Fat Buddha – or “Laughing Buddha” -- is unique to Chinese Buddhism, representing good luck & wealth Reconciles easily with Chinese merchant class