Mullin

Religions of South Asia

The essence of Buddhism  The “ middle way of wisdom and compassion. ”  2,500 year old tradition.  The 3 jewels of Buddhism:  Buddha, the teacher.  Dharma, the teachings.  Sangha, the community.

Siddhartha Gautama ( BCE)  Born  Born in NE India (Nepal).  Raised  Raised in great luxury to be a king.  At  At 29 he rejected his luxurious life to seek enlightenment and the source of suffering.  Lived  Lived a strict, ascetic life for 6 yrs.  Rejecting  Rejecting this extreme, sat in meditation, and found nirvana.  Became  Became “ The “ The Enlightened One, ” One, ” at 35.

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What is the fundamental cause of all suffering? Desire!  Therefore,  Therefore, extinguish the self, don ’ t don ’ t obsess about oneself.

Four Noble Truths 1. There is suffering in the world. To live is to suffer. (Dukkha)  The Buddha found this out when he was young and experienced suffering and death in others.

Four Noble Truths 2. The cause of suffering is self- centered desire and attachments. (Tanha)

Four Noble Truths 3. The solution is to eliminate desire and attachments. (Nirvana = “ extinction ” )

Four Noble Truths 4. To reach nirvana, one must follow the Eightfold Path.

Activity Complete by the end of class. Due for a grade.

Eightfold Path Nirvana  The union with the ultimate spiritual reality.  Escape from the cycle of rebirth.

Video v=U4MeKtZr7dI

What is the Eight-Fold Path? Wisdom: Right understanding Right motivation Moral discipline: Right speech Right action Right livelihood Mental discipline: Right effort Right mindfulness Right meditation

Dharma Taken together, the teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path constitute dharma, the basic doctrine shared by all Buddhists

The Middle Path or Moderate Way Avoid extremes Live a moderate lifestyle characterized by quiet contemplation, thoughtful reflection, and disciplined self-control –Reduces desire for material goods –Eventually results in detachment from the world itself

Nirvana Living this lifestyle will lead to personal salvation– escape from the cycle of incarnation and the attainment of nirvana –Nirvana is the state of perfect spiritual independence

How does Buddhism differ from Hinduism? Buddhism rejects… Authority of the ancient Vedic texts The Vedic caste system The Vedic and Hindu deities The concept of Brahman

Buddhist Metaphysics Dukkha: life in this world is filled with suffering Anicca: everything in this world is impermanent Suffering is a state of mind – achieve a balanced, peaceful, detached state of mind and suffering can be extinguished (Nirvana)

The Spread of Buddhism Within two centuries after the Buddha died, Buddhism began to spread north and east into Asia By 13 th century Buddhism had disappeared from India

Buddha – 19c Thailand

Mandala: Wheel of Life Motif

The Wheel of Dharma symbolizes samsara, the continuous cycle of birth, life, and death. One is liberated from this endless cycle of rebirth when nirvana is achieved.

Mandala: Wheel of Life Motif

Buddhist Altar

Activity Due in class.

Essay- 3 Paragraphs Due for HW next class

Types of Buddhism  Therevada Buddhism  Mahayana Buddhism  Tibetan Buddhism  Zen Buddhism  Therevada Buddhism  Mahayana Buddhism  Tibetan Buddhism  Zen Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism  The oldest school of Buddhism.  The “Way of the Elders” or the “Small Vehicle.”  Found in southern Asia.  The monastic life is the best way to achieve nirvana.  Focus on wisdom and meditation.  Goal is to become a “Buddha,” or “Enlightened One.”  Over 100,000,000 followers today.  The oldest school of Buddhism.  The “Way of the Elders” or the “Small Vehicle.”  Found in southern Asia.  The monastic life is the best way to achieve nirvana.  Focus on wisdom and meditation.  Goal is to become a “Buddha,” or “Enlightened One.”  Over 100,000,000 followers today.

Theravada Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism  The “ Great Vehicle. ”  Founded in northern Asia (China, Japan).  Buddhism “ for the masses. ”  Seek guidance from Boddhisatvas, wise beings.  Goal: Not just individual escape from the wheel, but the salvation of all humanity through self- sacrifice of those enlightened few.

Mahayana Buddhism

Seated Boddhisatva – 16c Bhutan

Tibetan Buddhism  The “ Diamond Vehicle. ” [Vajrayana]  Developed in Tibet in the 7c CE.  A mix of Theravada and Mahayana.  Boddhisatvas include Lamas, like the Dalai Lama.  The Tibetan Book of the Dead [Bardo Thodol].

The Dalai Lama ube.com/watch? v=IUEkDc_LfKQ The Dalai Lama ube.com/watch? v=IUEkDc_LfKQ

zen Buddhism  The “ Meditation School. ”  Seeks sudden enlightenment [satori] through meditation, arriving at emptiness [sunyata].  Use of meditation masters [Roshi].  Beauty, art, and aesthetics:  Gardens.  Archery.  Tea ceremony.  Calligraphy.

Relieve Stress & Meditate: Get a Mantra ! Hail to the jewel in the lotus!

Activity Role Playing. Write two paragraphs. Due at the end of class.