Buddhism, Confucianism, & Taoism Chinese Religion and Philosophy

Buddhism 360 MILLION Approximately followers world wide Founded by Siddharta Gautama (the Buddha) in 520 BC, North East India. Approximately 360 MILLION followers world wide

Buddhism Theravada Buddhist are basically atheistic They neither deny or emphasize the presence of a God Buddha himself taught “Simplicity and no speculation” which includes power greater than us; he also taught nothing is permanent Mahayana Buddhist are more liberal and have a poly theistic belief Has several sects: Zen, Nichiren, and Pure Land Celebrate and worship several celestial Buddhas (not to be confused with the Almighty Buddha) and many Bodhasattvas

Buddhism After Siddharta was Enlightened and became Buddha, he taught that the way to eliminate suffering begins with understanding the true nature of the world. He taught his followers to focus on the 4 Noble Truths: All of life is marked by suffering Suffering has a cause (desire and attachment) The cause of suffering can be ended There is a way, or 8 fold path, to end the cause of suffering

Buddhism To avoid suffering, end the cycle of rebirth, and gain Enlightenment one must follow the: The 8 Fold Path Right Beliefs (views) Right Aspirations (intentions) Right Speech Right Discipline (conduct) simplicity Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Concentration (meditational attainment)

Buddhism Buddha taught reincarnation into a new body upon death until one reaches the highest state of Enlightenment Buddha did not believe in the concept of a soul; therefore reincarnation was seen more as a transmigration of karma and dharma to a new body which was not permanent either Nirvana is the final liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth, the ultimate state of Enlightenment, and is the end of all suffering

Buddhism Buddhist practices vary by sect but include: Meditation Samatha (Tranquility) Vipassana (Insight) Walking Mindfulness Sitting Mindfulness Conscious Mindfulness Metta Bhavana (Loving-Kindness) Mantras – sacred sounds and chants for protection, celebration, and study of doctrine Mudras – hand gestures to focus meditation and bring a cycle forth (Fearlessness, Earth Witness, Wheel Turning, Meditation, and Gift Giving are the most common) Prayer Wheels - a way of worship and prayer

Buddhism Some sects of Buddhism reject text entirely, but most follow the recorded teachings of Buddha Tripitaka (Pali Canon) is to be the direct text wirtten by Buddha on long leaves and collected in three baskets Sutras are text followed mostly by Mahayana Buddhist. There are over 2000 but the most prominent are the Lotus Sutra, the Heart Sutra, and the Land of Bliss Sutra Tibetan Book of the Dead reveals the doctrine around death and rebirth and what insights can be unveiled in the 49 days after death before rebirth

Founded by Confucius (551–479 BC), China Confucianism Founded by Confucius (551–479 BC), China Approximately 5.5 MILLION followers world wide

Taoism 20 MILLION Approximately followers world wide Lao-Tzu, c. 550 BC, China. Approximately 20 MILLION followers world wide