BUDDHISM September, 2015

Buddhism at a Glance  Founder: Siddhartha Gautama  Also known as Buddha  Buddha = Awakened one  Sacred Text: Dhammapada  A sacred text of Buddhism, said to contain Buddha’s answers to certain questions

All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage. All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him. “He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,” – in those who harbour such thoughts hatred will never cease. “He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,” – in those who harbour such thoughts hatred will cease. For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceases by love, this is an old rule. The world does not know that we all must come to an end here; - but those who know it, their quarrels cease at once. He who lives looking for pleasures only, his senses uncontrolled immoderate in his food, idle, and weak, Mara (the tempter) will certainly overthrow him, as the wind throws down a weak tree. He who lives without looking for pleasures, his senses well controlled, moderate in his food, faithful and strong, him Mara will certainly not overthrow, any more than the wind throws down a rocky mountain. Q: What qualities does the Buddha say a person should master in order to find enlightenment

Life of Buddha  Siddhartha was a young Prince born in 500 BCE  Father sheltered him so he would be a king – not a religious leader  Once exposed to the cruelties of the world, Siddhartha decided to leave the palace to seek enlightenment

Teachings of Buddha  Buddha spread his message after reaching enlightenment  His beliefs include…  Four Noble Truths – Four central truths to achieving enlightenment  Eightfold Path – series of steps that lead to enlightenment and salvation  Nirvana – a state of perfect peace in which the soul will become free  Enlightenment – basic teachings of the eightfold path

Four Noble Truths 1. Suffering is part of human life, it cannot be escaped 2. Suffering comes from people’s desires 3. Overcoming these desires during life brings an end to suffering 4. Desires can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path

Eightfold Path 1. Right view 2. Right attitude, strive for moderation 3. Right speech 4. Right action 5. Right livelihood 6. Right effort 7. Right mindfulness 8. Right concentration

Branches of Buddhism

Divisions of Buddhism  Divisions caused by different interpretations of correct teachings and practices  Three main traditions formed:  Theravada  Mahayana  Tibetan  Each sect believed that its teachings and practices most closely followed the way of Buddha

Theravada Buddhism  Means “Way of the Elders”  Oldest  Based on Pali Canon  Principle teachings:  Best way to reach enlightenment is to become a monk or nun  Spend significant time in meditation  Find your own path  Individualized

Mahayana Buddhism  Based on writings produced after Buddha’s lifetime  Principle teachings:  People help one another find enlightenment  Provided by Bodhisattvas  Anyone can reach nirvana  Bodhisattvas are worshipped too

Tibetan Buddhism  Many similarities to Mahayana  Differences:  Don’t destroy the poisons of desire – harness them for wisdom  Nirvana can be reached in one lifetime  Use advanced yoga techniques and elaborate meditation procedures  Importance of lama  Lama = guru  Ex.: Dalai Lama

Spread of Buddhism  Buddhism spread to many other parts of the world  Today 350 million people are Buddhists  Spread further than Hinduism  It spread through  Missionaries  Trade

Rise of Mauryan Empire  Chandragupta Maurya gained control of several small kingdoms throughout India  How did he rule?  Est. a strong army  Had an adviser  Divided the empire  Appointed relatives to rule  Gave up the throne in 301 BCE & his son, then grandson Ashoka took over

Ashoka  He continued to expand using military  One brutal battle upset Ashoka  Became a Buddhist  Encouraged teaching of Buddhism throughout his kingdom  Worked to improve lives of the people  Ashoka died 232 BCE and Mauryan Empire began to decline