The Spread of Buddhism Section 8-3

Standards H-SS Know the life and moral teaching of the Buddha and how Buddhism spread in India, Ceylon, and Central Asia. E-LA Reading Connect and clarify main ideas by identifying their relationships to other sources and related topics.

Language of the Discipline Asoka- a ruler of India. Missionary- a person who goes to another place to teach about his or her religion. Virtue- good quality. Compassion- loving concern for others. Bodhisattva- enlightened ones who return to Earth after death to help others.

Anticipatory Set Have you ever played a game of telephone? Have you ever lived in a small town? Doesn’t news travel fast? The spread of Buddhism had the same effect. Buddhism spread to many different places and its followers carried its teachings through most of Asia.

The Growth of Buddhism (Input) Buddhism spread rapidly through India. Some Indian rulers encouraged the growth of the new religion. Asoka sent Buddhist missionaries out in all directions. After Buddha’s death, missionaries carries his teachings all throughout Asia. Asoka’s son took Buddhism south to Ceylon, present day Sri Lanka.

Missionaries (Input) Missionaries took it to southeast Asia, Others took it north across the Himalayas into central Asia. From China Buddhism spread to Korea and Japan. Buddhism came later to Tibet where it is now their center of life. Buddhist religious teachers called lamas gained influence over time. The Dalai Lama, “or great teacher,” is still viewed as the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people.

The Schools of Buddhism (Input) As Buddhism spread, its followers split into two major schools or sects. The two schools share Buddha’s beliefs, but interpret Buddha’s life and teachings differently. One group believes his greatest virtue was his wisdom. The other group believes that his greatest virtue was his compassion. The oldest school is Theravada Buddhism They believe the virtue of wisdom They follow his teaching strictly to obtain enlightenment. Most live their lives in a monastery

Continued… (Input) Mahayana Buddhist believe the most important aspect of Buddha’s life was his decision not to remain in nirvana after his enlightenment. He showed compassion by remaining on Earth. Mahayana’s pray to bodhisattvas and look to them to help them obtain enlightenment.

The Decline of Buddhism (Input) While Buddhism spread all throughout Asia, it began to die out in India. Buddhism’s decline in India occurred partly as a result of wars. The most important factor is that Hinduism absorbed many of the Buddha’s teachings. Hindu’s began to believe that the god Vishnu came to Earth as the Buddha to help people overcome suffering.

The Legacy of Buddhism (Input) Nearly 360 million people call themselves Buddhists. 1 in every 8 people in the world practice this religion. 2.7 Buddhists live in North America. The moral teachings of Buddhism also appeal to people of other faiths.

Literature and the Arts (Input) Buddhism left a number of religious writings and Jataka tales. It also inspired building beautiful temples and monasteries. In India Buddhist temples were rounded structures called strupas. In China, pagodas. Temples are decorated with colorful scenes from the life of Buddha. In some countries, the Buddhist statues and temples are viewed as national treasures.

Checking for Understanding Buddhist teachings were carried throughout Asia by A. ascetics B. kings C. gurus D. missionaries Answer: D

Checking from Understanding What do Theravada Buddhist believe the key virtue to be? A. prayer B. wisdom C. meditation D. compassion Answer: B.

Checking for Understanding What did missionaries do after the Buddha’s death? A. lived in monasteries B. spread his teachings C. planted Bodhi trees D. built a temple in the Deer Park Answer: B,

Guided Practice and Independent Practice Students will work on the Reading Comprehension side of the 8-1 worksheet. Guided Practice: #1, 2 and 3 Independent Practice: #4 and 5.