Buddhism Main Beliefs

Main Beliefs The 3 jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, the teacher. Dharma, the teachings. Sangha, the community.

Main Beliefs Samsara Karma Rebirth Realms Continual repetitive cycle of birth and death Karma Actions of body, speech and mind that bring consequence or result Rebirth Each rebirth takes place within one of the 5 or 6 realms Naraka beings: those who live in one of many Narakas (Hells); Preta: sometimes sharing some space with humans, but invisible to most people Animals: sharing space with humans, but considered another type of life; Human beings: one of the realms of rebirth in which attaining Nirvana is possible; Asuras: lowly deities, demons, titans, antigods; not recognized by Theravāda (Mahavihara) tradition as a separate realm; Devas including Brahmas: gods, deities, spirits, angels

Main Beliefs – Four Main Truths There is suffering in the world. To live is to suffer (Dukkha) The cause of suffering is self-centered desire and attachments (Tanha) The solution is to eliminate desire and attachments (Nirvana) To reach nirvana, one must follow the Eightfold Path

Main Beliefs – Eightfold Path

Is Buddhism similar to Hinduism? How so? Main Beliefs - Nirvana Nirvana is the final step of Buddhism The union with the ultimate spiritual reality Escape from the cycle of rebirth Is Buddhism similar to Hinduism? How so?

Main Belief The world of heaven. This is the world of enjoyment, pleasure or pleasant things. The condition of heaven is impermanent, and this state of mind will also change. The world of humans. (Human beings) In the world of humans, sometimes we are happy, sometimes we are sad, sometimes we are laughing, sometimes we are crying. The world of asuras. This is the world of fighting, or strife.  The realm or state of mind of fighting. The world of hungry spirits. This is the realm of dissatisfaction, not being content. The state of having endless unsatisfied desires, or greed. Figuratively speaking, always being hungry. The world of animals. It is the realm lacking reason. The state without reason. Without reason, mistakes are made, causing hardships or suffering to self, and at times others. Without reason, being dominated by one's desires. The world of hell. Hell refers to the realm of suffering. The state of suffering and pain, which through cause and condition people will enter.

Types of Buddhism Two (some would say three) major branches of Buddhism: Theravada – School of the Elders Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar (Southeast Asia) Mahayana – The Great Vehicle China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, Taiwan (East Asia) Vajrayana (Tibet and Mongolia) Sometimes seen as a third branch

Types of Buddhism Therevada Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism ‘Way of the Elders’ Goal is to become a ‘Buddha’ (or ‘Enlightened One’) Founded in Southern Asia Mahayana Buddhism The ‘Great Vehicle’ – Buddhism ‘for the masses’ Founded in Northern Asia (China, Japan) Goal is not just self enlightenment but salvation of all humanity

Types of Buddhism Tibetan Buddhism The ‘Diamond Vehicle’ Developed in Tibet Includes Lamas (e.g. Dalai Lama) Zen Buddhism The ‘Meditation School’ Seeks sudden enlightenment through meditation – arriving at emptiness