BUDDHISM FOUNDER, CASTE PROBLEM, GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSMENT, SACRED SCRIPTURES, VOCABULARY, BUDDHIST SCHOOLS, BASIC TEACHINGS, SYMBOLS, AND DEITIES

BUDDHISMBUDDHISM

FOUNDER, CASTE PROBLEM, FOUNDER, CASTE PROBLEM, GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSMENT, SACRED GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSMENT, SACRED SCRIPTURES, VOCABULARY, BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES, VOCABULARY, BUDDHIST SCHOOLS, BASIC TEACHINGS, SYMBOLS, SCHOOLS, BASIC TEACHINGS, SYMBOLS, AND DEITIESAND DEITIES

FOUNDERFOUNDER

Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, was Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, was born in the sixth century BC in what is now born in the sixth century BC in what is now modern Nepal. His father, Suddhodana, was the modern Nepal. His father, Suddhodana, was the ruler of the Sakya people and Siddhartha grew up ruler of the Sakya people and Siddhartha grew up living the extravagant life of a young prince. living the extravagant life of a young prince.

According to custom, he married at the young According to custom, he married at the young age of sixteen to a girl named Yasodhara. His age of sixteen to a girl named Yasodhara. His father had ordered that he live a life of total father had ordered that he live a life of total seclusion, but one day Siddhartha ventured out seclusion, but one day Siddhartha ventured out into the world and was confronted with the reality into the world and was confronted with the reality of the inevitable suffering of life. of the inevitable suffering of life.

The next day, at the age of twenty-nine, he left The next day, at the age of twenty-nine, he left his kingdom and newborn son to lead an ascetic his kingdom and newborn son to lead an ascetic life and determine a way to relieve universal life and determine a way to relieve universal suffering. suffering.

FOUNDER…FOUNDER…

The birthplace of The birthplace of the Gautama the Gautama Buddha, Lumbini, Buddha, Lumbini, is the Mecca of is the Mecca of every Buddhist, every Buddhist, being one of the being one of the four holy places four holy places of Buddhism: the of Buddhism: the sites of his birth, sites of his birth, enlightenment, enlightenment, first discourse, first discourse, and death. and death.


For six years, Siddhartha submitted himself to For six years, Siddhartha submitted himself to rigorous ascetic practices, studying and following rigorous ascetic practices, studying and following different methods of meditation with various different methods of meditation with various religious teachers. But he was never fully religious teachers. But he was never fully satisfied.satisfied.

One day, however, he was offered a bowl of rice One day, however, he was offered a bowl of rice from a young girl and he accepted it. In that from a young girl and he accepted it. In that moment, he realized that physical austerities moment, he realized that physical austerities were not the means to achieve liberation. were not the means to achieve liberation.

From then on, he encouraged people to follow a From then on, he encouraged people to follow a path of balance rather than extremism. He called path of balance rather than extremism. He called this The Middle Way. this The Middle Way.


That night Siddhartha sat under the That night Siddhartha sat under the Bodhi tree, and meditated until dawn. Bodhi tree, and meditated until dawn.

He purified his mind of all defilements He purified his mind of all defilements and attained enlightenment at the age and attained enlightenment at the age of thirty-five, thus earning the title of thirty-five, thus earning the title Buddha, or "Enlightened One". Buddha, or "Enlightened One".

For the remainder of his eighty years, For the remainder of his eighty years, the Buddha preached the Dharma in the Buddha preached the Dharma in an effort to help other sentient beings an effort to help other sentient beings reach enlightenment.reach enlightenment.


One happy morning, while he was deeply absorbed in One happy morning, while he was deeply absorbed in meditation, unaided and unguided by any meditation, unaided and unguided by any supernatural power and solely relying on his efforts supernatural power and solely relying on his efforts and wisdom, he eradicated all defilements, purified and wisdom, he eradicated all defilements, purified himself, and, realizing things as they truly are, himself, and, realizing things as they truly are, attained Enlightenment (Buddhahood) at the age of attained Enlightenment (Buddhahood) at the age of 35. 35.

He was not born a Buddha (An Awakened or He was not born a Buddha (An Awakened or Enlightened One), but he became a Buddha by his Enlightened One), but he became a Buddha by his own striving. own striving.

As the perfect embodiment of all the virtues he As the perfect embodiment of all the virtues he preached, endowed with deep wisdom commensurate preached, endowed with deep wisdom commensurate with his boundless compassion. with his boundless compassion.

He devoted the remainder of his precious life to serve He devoted the remainder of his precious life to serve humanity both by example and precept, dominated by humanity both by example and precept, dominated by no personal motive whatever. no personal motive whatever.


The Buddha was a human being. As a man he The Buddha was a human being. As a man he was born, as a man he lived, and as a man his was born, as a man he lived, and as a man his life came to an end. Though a human being, he life came to an end. Though a human being, he became an extraordinary man (acchariya became an extraordinary man (acchariya manussa), but he never arrogated to himself manussa), but he never arrogated to himself divinity.divinity.

The Buddha is neither an incarnation of the The Buddha is neither an incarnation of the Hindu God Vishnu, as is believed by some, nor Hindu God Vishnu, as is believed by some, nor is he a savior who freely saves others by his is he a savior who freely saves others by his personal salvation. The Buddha exhorts his personal salvation. The Buddha exhorts his disciples to depend on themselves for their disciples to depend on themselves for their deliverance, for both purity and defilement deliverance, for both purity and defilement depend on oneself. depend on oneself.


Furthermore, the Buddha does not claim the Furthermore, the Buddha does not claim the monopoly of Buddhahood which, as a matter of monopoly of Buddhahood which, as a matter of fact, is not the prerogative of any specially fact, is not the prerogative of any specially graced person. He reached the highest possible graced person. He reached the highest possible state of perfection any person could aspire to, state of perfection any person could aspire to, and without the close-fist of a teacher he and without the close-fist of a teacher he revealed the only straight path that leads revealed the only straight path that leads thereto. thereto.

According to the Teaching of the Buddha According to the Teaching of the Buddha anybody may aspire to that supreme state of anybody may aspire to that supreme state of perfection if he makes the necessary exertion. perfection if he makes the necessary exertion. The Buddha does not condemn men by calling The Buddha does not condemn men by calling them wretched sinners, but, on the contrary, he them wretched sinners, but, on the contrary, he gladdens them by saying that they are pure in gladdens them by saying that they are pure in heart at conception. heart at conception.


One who aspires to become a Buddha One who aspires to become a Buddha is called a Bodhisatta, which, literally, is called a Bodhisatta, which, literally, means a wisdom-being. means a wisdom-being.

According to Buddhism, this According to Buddhism, this Bodhisatta ideal is the most beautiful Bodhisatta ideal is the most beautiful and the most refined course of life that and the most refined course of life that has ever been presented to this ego-has ever been presented to this ego-centric world, for what is nobler than a centric world, for what is nobler than a life of service and purity? life of service and purity?

CASTE PROBLEMCASTE PROBLEM

Caste, which was a matter of vital importance to the Caste, which was a matter of vital importance to the brahmins of India, was one of utter indifference to the brahmins of India, was one of utter indifference to the Buddha, who strongly condemned the debasing caste Buddha, who strongly condemned the debasing caste system. system.

In his Order of Monks all castes unite as do the rivers In his Order of Monks all castes unite as do the rivers in the sea. They lose their former names, castes, and in the sea. They lose their former names, castes, and clans, and become known as members of one clans, and become known as members of one community, the Sangha. community, the Sangha.

The Buddha freely admitted into the Order people The Buddha freely admitted into the Order people from all castes and classes when he knew that they from all castes and classes when he knew that they were fit to live the holy life, and some of them later were fit to live the holy life, and some of them later distinguished themselves in the Order. distinguished themselves in the Order.

The Buddha was the only contemporary teacher who The Buddha was the only contemporary teacher who endeavored to blend in mutual tolerance and concord endeavored to blend in mutual tolerance and concord those who hitherto had been rent asunder by those who hitherto had been rent asunder by differences of caste and class.differences of caste and class.

GEOGRAPHIC GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSMENT DISPERSMENT

MAP AND STATISTICSMAP AND STATISTICS

COMPARATIVE MAPCOMPARATIVE MAP

STATISTICSSTATISTICS

STATISTICS…STATISTICS…

SACRED SCRIPTURESSACRED SCRIPTURES

THE PALI CANONTHE PALI CANON

PALI CANONPALI CANON

The Tripitaka [Sanskrit] [Pali: Tipitaka] is The Tripitaka [Sanskrit] [Pali: Tipitaka] is the Canon of the Buddhists, both the Canon of the Buddhists, both Theravada and Mahayana. Theravada and Mahayana.

Thus it is possible to speak of several Thus it is possible to speak of several Canons such as the Sthaviravada, Canons such as the Sthaviravada, Sarvastivada and Mahayana as well as Sarvastivada and Mahayana as well as in term of languages like Pali, Chinese in term of languages like Pali, Chinese and Tibetan. and Tibetan.

The word is used basically to refer to The word is used basically to refer to the literature, the authorship of which is the literature, the authorship of which is directly or indirectly ascribed to the directly or indirectly ascribed to the Buddha himself. Buddha himself.

PALI CANON…PALI CANON…

The Pali Canon is the only set of The Pali Canon is the only set of scriptures preserved in the scriptures preserved in the language of its composition. It is language of its composition. It is called the called the TipitakaTipitaka or "Three or "Three Baskets" because it includes the Baskets" because it includes the Vinaya PitakaVinaya Pitaka or "Basket of or "Basket of Discipline," the Discipline," the Sutta PitakaSutta Pitaka or or "Basket of Discourses," and the "Basket of Discourses," and the Abhidhamma PitakaAbhidhamma Pitaka or "Basket of or "Basket of Higher Teachings". Higher Teachings".

VINAYA PITAKAVINAYA PITAKA

The Vinaya Pitaka The Vinaya Pitaka which is regarded as which is regarded as the sheet anchor to the sheet anchor to the oldest historic the oldest historic celibate order — the celibate order — the Sangha — mainly Sangha — mainly deals with rules and deals with rules and regulations which the regulations which the Buddha promulgated, Buddha promulgated, as occasion arose, for as occasion arose, for the future discipline the future discipline of the Order of of the Order of monks (Bhikkhus) monks (Bhikkhus) and nuns (Bhikkunis) and nuns (Bhikkunis)

The Vinaya Pitaka consists The Vinaya Pitaka consists of the five following books: of the five following books:

((VibhangaVibhanga):):1.1. Parajika PaliParajika Pali — Major Offenses — Major Offenses2.2. Pacittiya PaliPacittiya Pali — Minor Offenses — Minor Offenses

(Khandaka(Khandaka):):3.3. Mahavagga PaliMahavagga Pali — Greater — Greater

SectionSection4.4. Cullavagga PaliCullavagga Pali — Shorter — Shorter

SectionSection5.5. Parivara PaliParivara Pali — Epitome of the — Epitome of the

Vinaya Vinaya

SUTTA PITAKASUTTA PITAKA

The Sutta The Sutta Pitaka Pitaka consists consists chiefly of chiefly of discourses, discourses, delivered by delivered by the Buddha the Buddha himself on himself on various various occasions. occasions.

This Pitaka is divided into This Pitaka is divided into five Nikayas or collections: five Nikayas or collections:

1.1. Digha Nikaya (Collection of Digha Nikaya (Collection of Long Discourses).Long Discourses).

2.2. Majjhima Nikaya (Collection of Majjhima Nikaya (Collection of Middle-Length Discourses).Middle-Length Discourses).

3.3. Samyutta Nikaya (Collection of Samyutta Nikaya (Collection of Kindred Sayings).Kindred Sayings).

4.4. Anguttara Nikaya (Collection Anguttara Nikaya (Collection of Discourses arranged in of Discourses arranged in accordance with numbers).accordance with numbers).

5.5. Khuddaka Nikaya (Smaller Khuddaka Nikaya (Smaller Collection). Collection).

SUTA PITAKA…SUTA PITAKA…

The fifth is subdivided into The fifth is subdivided into fifteen books: fifteen books: 1.1. Khuddaka Patha Khuddaka Patha

(Shorter texts)(Shorter texts)2.2. DhammapadaDhammapada (Way of (Way of

Truth)Truth)3.3. UdanaUdana (Paeans of Joy) (Paeans of Joy)4.4. Iti VuttakaIti Vuttaka ("Thus said" ("Thus said"

Discourses)Discourses)5.5. Sutta NipataSutta Nipata (Collected (Collected

Discourses)Discourses)6.6. Vimana VatthuVimana Vatthu (Stories (Stories

of Celestial Mansions)of Celestial Mansions)7.7. Peta VatthuPeta Vatthu (Stories of (Stories of

PetasPetas))

8.8. TheragathaTheragatha (Psalms of (Psalms of the Brethren)the Brethren)

9.9. TherigathaTherigatha (Psalms of (Psalms of the Sisters)the Sisters)

10.10.Jataka Jataka (Birth Stories)(Birth Stories)11.11.NiddesaNiddesa (Expositions) (Expositions)12.12.Patisambhida MaggaPatisambhida Magga

(Analytical Knowledge)(Analytical Knowledge)13.13.ApadanaApadana (Lives of (Lives of

Arahats)Arahats)14.14.BuddhavamsaBuddhavamsa (The (The

History of the Buddha)History of the Buddha)15.15.Cariya PitakaCariya Pitaka (Modes (Modes

of Conduct) of Conduct)

ABHIDHAMMA PITAKAABHIDHAMMA PITAKA

The Abhidhamma Pitaka is the most The Abhidhamma Pitaka is the most important and the most interesting of the important and the most interesting of the three, containing as it does the profound three, containing as it does the profound philosophy of the Buddha's Teaching in philosophy of the Buddha's Teaching in contrast to the illuminating and simpler contrast to the illuminating and simpler discourses in the Sutta Pitaka. discourses in the Sutta Pitaka.

In the Sutta Pitaka is found the In the Sutta Pitaka is found the conventional teaching (conventional teaching (vohara desanavohara desana) ) while in the Abhidhamma Pitaka is found while in the Abhidhamma Pitaka is found the ultimate teaching the ultimate teaching (paramattha-(paramattha-desana).desana).

ABHIDHAMMA ABHIDHAMMA PITAKA…PITAKA… To the wise, Abhidhamma is an indispensable To the wise, Abhidhamma is an indispensable

guide; to the spiritually evolved, an guide; to the spiritually evolved, an intellectual treat; and to research scholars, intellectual treat; and to research scholars, food for thought. Consciousness is defined. food for thought. Consciousness is defined.

Thoughts are analyzed and classified chiefly Thoughts are analyzed and classified chiefly from an ethical standpoint. from an ethical standpoint.

Mental states are enumerated. Mental states are enumerated. The composition of each type of The composition of each type of

consciousness is set forth in detail. consciousness is set forth in detail. How thoughts arise, is minutely described. How thoughts arise, is minutely described.

ABHIDHAMMA ABHIDHAMMA PITAKA…PITAKA… The Abhidhamma investigates mind The Abhidhamma investigates mind

and matter, the two composite factors and matter, the two composite factors of the so-called being, to help the of the so-called being, to help the understanding of things as they truly understanding of things as they truly are, and a philosophy has been are, and a philosophy has been developed on those lines. developed on those lines.

Based on that philosophy, an ethical Based on that philosophy, an ethical system has been evolved, to realize system has been evolved, to realize the ultimate goal, Nibbana. the ultimate goal, Nibbana.

ABHIDHAMMA ABHIDHAMMA PITAKA…PITAKA… The Abhidhamma Pitaka consists of The Abhidhamma Pitaka consists of

seven books:seven books:1.1. Dhammasangani Dhammasangani (Classification of Dhammas)(Classification of Dhammas)2.2. VibhangaVibhanga (The book of Divisions) (The book of Divisions)3.3. Katha-VatthuKatha-Vatthu (Points of Controversy) (Points of Controversy)4.4. Puggala-PaññattiPuggala-Paññatti (Descriptions of Individuals) (Descriptions of Individuals)5.5. Dhatu-KathaDhatu-Katha (Discussion with reference to (Discussion with reference to

elements)elements)6.6. Yamaka Yamaka (The Book of Pairs)(The Book of Pairs)7.7. PatthanaPatthana (The Book of Relations) (The Book of Relations)

VOCABULARYVOCABULARY

BuddhaBuddha ““Enlightened,” or “Awakened one”Enlightened,” or “Awakened one”

DharmaDharma The orthodox belief of Buddhism that must be known for The orthodox belief of Buddhism that must be known for enlightenment.enlightenment.

AsceticAscetic The practice of rigorous self-discipline for religious The practice of rigorous self-discipline for religious purposes.purposes.

Bodhi TreeBodhi Tree Siddhartha Gautama meditated 7 days under this tree, Siddhartha Gautama meditated 7 days under this tree, achieving enlightenment and becoming the Buddha.achieving enlightenment and becoming the Buddha.

NirvanaNirvanaUltimate state of freedom from the cycle of birth and Ultimate state of freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth, achieving selflessness through the understanding rebirth, achieving selflessness through the understanding that all reality is one.that all reality is one.

SamsaraSamsara The cycle of birth and rebirth based upon one’s karma; The cycle of birth and rebirth based upon one’s karma; reincarnation, or the transmigration of the soul.reincarnation, or the transmigration of the soul.

SanghaSangha The original monastic community founded by the Buddha. The original monastic community founded by the Buddha. It is the modern term for a Buddhist monastery. It is the modern term for a Buddhist monastery.

KarmaKarmaThe cosmic principle of cause and effect; rewarding The cosmic principle of cause and effect; rewarding goodness and punishing evil through transmigration into goodness and punishing evil through transmigration into better or lesser situations of rebirth.better or lesser situations of rebirth.

MendicantMendicant Holy man who travels and teaching while relying on the Holy man who travels and teaching while relying on the generosity of others for food, clothing, and shelter.generosity of others for food, clothing, and shelter.

BodhisattvBodhisattvaa

An enlightened human being in the Mahayanist sect who An enlightened human being in the Mahayanist sect who spreads insights to help others and refuses to enter spreads insights to help others and refuses to enter Nirvana until everyone has done so.Nirvana until everyone has done so.

LamaLama Tibetan for “High Priest”Tibetan for “High Priest”

DhammapadDhammapadaa

Summary account of Buddha’s Summary account of Buddha’s teachings on meditation and moral teachings on meditation and moral issues in the Theravadic scriptures.issues in the Theravadic scriptures.

TantricTantric

Sect of Buddhism that focuses on yoga Sect of Buddhism that focuses on yoga and ritual chants to discipline the mind and ritual chants to discipline the mind and body to go beyond desires and to and body to go beyond desires and to achieve enlightenment.achieve enlightenment.

MantraMantra

In Sanskrit, the “sacred utterance,” In Sanskrit, the “sacred utterance,” which is a sound or group of sounds which is a sound or group of sounds used to focus the mind in meditation on used to focus the mind in meditation on the inner realities.the inner realities.

ZenZen

From the Sanskrit word “Dhyana,” From the Sanskrit word “Dhyana,” meaning meditation. The sect of meaning meditation. The sect of Buddhism mainly found in Japan where Buddhism mainly found in Japan where meditation is used to achieve meditation is used to achieve enlightenment.enlightenment.

BUDDHIST SCHOOLSBUDDHIST SCHOOLS

MAHAYANA, THERAVADA, MAHAYANA, THERAVADA, TIBETAN AND ZENTIBETAN AND ZEN

Branch PercentageNumber of Adherents

Mahayana 56% 185,000,000

Theravada 38% 124,000,000

Vajrayana (Tibetan) 6% 20,000,000

MAHAYANA SCHOOL MAHAYANA SCHOOL (200 BCE)(200 BCE) The Mahayana is more of an umbrella body The Mahayana is more of an umbrella body

for a great variety of schools, from the Tantra for a great variety of schools, from the Tantra school (the secret teaching of Yoga) well school (the secret teaching of Yoga) well represented in Tibet and Nepal to the Pure represented in Tibet and Nepal to the Pure Land sect, whose essential teaching is that Land sect, whose essential teaching is that salvation can be attained only through salvation can be attained only through absolute trust in the saving power of absolute trust in the saving power of Amitabha, longing to be reborn in his Amitabha, longing to be reborn in his paradise through his grace, which are found paradise through his grace, which are found in China, Korea and Japan. in China, Korea and Japan.

Ch'an and Zen Buddhism, of China and Ch'an and Zen Buddhism, of China and Japan, are meditation schools. Japan, are meditation schools.

MAHAYANA SCHOOL…MAHAYANA SCHOOL…

It is generally accepted, that what we know It is generally accepted, that what we know today as the Mahayana arose from the today as the Mahayana arose from the Mahasanghikas who took up the cause of Mahasanghikas who took up the cause of their new sect with zeal and enthusiasm and their new sect with zeal and enthusiasm and soon grew in power and popularity. soon grew in power and popularity.

They adapted the existing monastic rules and They adapted the existing monastic rules and thus revolutionized the Buddhist Order of thus revolutionized the Buddhist Order of Monks and made alterations in the Monks and made alterations in the arrangements and interpretation of the Sutra arrangements and interpretation of the Sutra (Discourses) and the Vinaya (Rules) texts. (Discourses) and the Vinaya (Rules) texts.

And they rejected certain portions of the And they rejected certain portions of the canon, which had been accepted in the First canon, which had been accepted in the First Council. Council.

MAHAYANA SCHOOL…MAHAYANA SCHOOL…

According to it, the Buddhas areAccording to it, the Buddhas are lokottara lokottara (supramundane) and are connected only (supramundane) and are connected only externally with the worldly life. externally with the worldly life.

This conception of the Buddha This conception of the Buddha contributed much to the growth of the contributed much to the growth of the Mahayana philosophy. Mahayana philosophy.

The ideal of the Mahayana school is that The ideal of the Mahayana school is that of the Bodhisattva, a person who delays of the Bodhisattva, a person who delays his or her own enlightenment in order to his or her own enlightenment in order to compassionately assist all other beings compassionately assist all other beings and ultimately attains to the highest and ultimately attains to the highest Bodhi. Bodhi.

THERAVADA SCHOOL THERAVADA SCHOOL (100 BCE)(100 BCE) The earliest available teachings of the Buddha are to The earliest available teachings of the Buddha are to

be found in Pali literature and belongs to the school of be found in Pali literature and belongs to the school of the Theravadins, who may be called the most the Theravadins, who may be called the most orthodox school of Buddhism. orthodox school of Buddhism.

This school admits the human characteristics of the This school admits the human characteristics of the Buddha, and is characterized by a psychological Buddha, and is characterized by a psychological understanding of human nature and emphasizes a understanding of human nature and emphasizes a meditative approach to the transformation of meditative approach to the transformation of consciousness. consciousness.

The teaching of the Buddha according to this school is The teaching of the Buddha according to this school is very plain. He asks us to 'abstain from all kinds of evil, very plain. He asks us to 'abstain from all kinds of evil, to accumulate all that is good and to purify our mind'. to accumulate all that is good and to purify our mind'.

These can be accomplished by The Three Trainings: These can be accomplished by The Three Trainings: the development of ethical conduct, meditation and the development of ethical conduct, meditation and insight-wisdom.insight-wisdom.

THERAVADA SCHOOL…THERAVADA SCHOOL…

The philosophy of this school is that all The philosophy of this school is that all worldly phenomena are subject to three worldly phenomena are subject to three characteristics - they are impermanent characteristics - they are impermanent and transient; unsatisfactory and that and transient; unsatisfactory and that there is nothing in them which can be there is nothing in them which can be called one's own, nothing substantial, called one's own, nothing substantial, nothing permanent. nothing permanent.

All compounded things are made up of All compounded things are made up of two elements - the non-material part two elements - the non-material part and the material part. and the material part.

THERAVADA SCHOOL…THERAVADA SCHOOL…

They are further described as consisting of They are further described as consisting of nothing but five constituent groups, namely the nothing but five constituent groups, namely the material quality, and the four non-material material quality, and the four non-material qualities - sensations, perception, mental qualities - sensations, perception, mental formatives and consciousness. formatives and consciousness.

When that perfected state of insight is reached, When that perfected state of insight is reached, i.e. Nibanna, that person is a 'worthy person' an i.e. Nibanna, that person is a 'worthy person' an Arhat.Arhat.

The life of the Arhat is the ideal of the followers The life of the Arhat is the ideal of the followers of this school, a life where all (future) birth is at of this school, a life where all (future) birth is at an end, where the holy life is fully achieved, an end, where the holy life is fully achieved, where all that has to be done has been done, and where all that has to be done has been done, and there is no more returning to the worldly life'.there is no more returning to the worldly life'.

TIBETAN SCHOOLTIBETAN SCHOOL

This is the kind of Buddhism predominant This is the kind of Buddhism predominant in the Himalayan nations of Tibet, Nepal, in the Himalayan nations of Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and also Mongolia. It is known as Bhutan, and also Mongolia. It is known as Vajrayana because of the ritual use of the Vajrayana because of the ritual use of the vajravajra, a symbol of imperishable diamond, , a symbol of imperishable diamond, of thunder and lightning. At the center of of thunder and lightning. At the center of Tibetan Buddhism is the religious figure Tibetan Buddhism is the religious figure called the lama, Tibetan for "guru"," called the lama, Tibetan for "guru"," source of another of its names, Lamaism. source of another of its names, Lamaism.

TIBETAN SCHOOL…TIBETAN SCHOOL…

His Holiness the 14th the Dalai His Holiness the 14th the Dalai Lama Tenzin Gyatso, is the Lama Tenzin Gyatso, is the head of state and spiritual head of state and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. leader of the Tibetan people. He was born 6 July 1935 in a He was born 6 July 1935 in a small village in northeastern small village in northeastern Tibet to a peasant family.Tibet to a peasant family.

His Holiness was recognized at His Holiness was recognized at the age of two, in accordance the age of two, in accordance with Tibetan tradition, as the with Tibetan tradition, as the reincarnation of his reincarnation of his predecessor the 13th Dalai predecessor the 13th Dalai Lama, and thus an incarnation Lama, and thus an incarnation Avalokitesvara, the Buddha of Avalokitesvara, the Buddha of Compassion.Compassion.

ZEN BUDDHISMZEN BUDDHISM

Bodhidharma, an Indian monk who settled in Bodhidharma, an Indian monk who settled in China in the 6th century A.D., is the founder China in the 6th century A.D., is the founder of Ch'an (Chinese Zen Buddhism). It is said of Ch'an (Chinese Zen Buddhism). It is said when he first came to the Shaolin monastery when he first came to the Shaolin monastery in China, he practiced zazen (sitting in China, he practiced zazen (sitting meditation) facing a wall for several years. meditation) facing a wall for several years.

““Zen” is a mere word, symbol... an illusion.Zen” is a mere word, symbol... an illusion. There is an old story of a man who sought There is an old story of a man who sought

enlightenment and traveled great distances enlightenment and traveled great distances to find a particular Zen master. Upon finding to find a particular Zen master. Upon finding this Zen master, he kindly asked if he would this Zen master, he kindly asked if he would "teach him the path to enlightenment." The "teach him the path to enlightenment." The Zen master replied "I have nothing to teach." Zen master replied "I have nothing to teach."

ZAZENZAZEN

ZEN BUDDHISM…ZEN BUDDHISM…

Zen practice involves letting go of preconceptions, Zen practice involves letting go of preconceptions, dualistic thinking, religious abstractions and any other dualistic thinking, religious abstractions and any other false categories of thought. false categories of thought.

It is a way of simply seeing life without abstractions It is a way of simply seeing life without abstractions and preconceptions, and thus can enhance and clarify and preconceptions, and thus can enhance and clarify any religious faith. any religious faith.

There is no doctrine, no system of beliefs in Zen. Zen There is no doctrine, no system of beliefs in Zen. Zen is spontaneity in living. A transformation of our is spontaneity in living. A transformation of our consciousness. To transform the way we experience consciousness. To transform the way we experience right now... right here.right now... right here.

Zen might be defined as waking up in the present. It's Zen might be defined as waking up in the present. It's an experience that defies abstractions, an awakening an experience that defies abstractions, an awakening to to just thisjust this, what is here, now, and seeing it as for the , what is here, now, and seeing it as for the first time in every moment. first time in every moment.

BASIC TEACHINGSBASIC TEACHINGS

THE DHAMMA, THE FOUR NOBLE THE DHAMMA, THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS, THE PATH TO NIBANNA TRUTHS, THE PATH TO NIBANNA (PALI) NIRVANA (SANSKRIT), (PALI) NIRVANA (SANSKRIT), KAMMA (PALI) KARMA (SANSKRIT)KAMMA (PALI) KARMA (SANSKRIT)

THE DHAMMATHE DHAMMA

The non-aggressive, moral and The non-aggressive, moral and philosophical system expounded by philosophical system expounded by the Buddha, which demands no blind the Buddha, which demands no blind faith from its adherents, expounds no faith from its adherents, expounds no dogmatic creeds, encourages no dogmatic creeds, encourages no superstitious rites and ceremonies, but superstitious rites and ceremonies, but advocates a golden mean that guides advocates a golden mean that guides a disciple through pure living and pure a disciple through pure living and pure thinking to the gain of supreme thinking to the gain of supreme wisdom and deliverance from all evil, wisdom and deliverance from all evil, is called the Dhamma and is popularly is called the Dhamma and is popularly known as Buddhism. known as Buddhism.

THE DHAMMA…THE DHAMMA…

The Dhamma he taught is not merely to be The Dhamma he taught is not merely to be preserved in books, nor is it a subject to be preserved in books, nor is it a subject to be studied from an historical or literary standpoint. studied from an historical or literary standpoint. On the contrary it is to be learnt and put into On the contrary it is to be learnt and put into practice in the course of one's daily life, for practice in the course of one's daily life, for without practice one cannot appreciate the without practice one cannot appreciate the truth. truth.

The Dhamma is to be studied, and more to be The Dhamma is to be studied, and more to be practiced, and above all to be realized; practiced, and above all to be realized; immediate realization is its ultimate goal. immediate realization is its ultimate goal.

As such the Dhamma is compared to a raft As such the Dhamma is compared to a raft which is meant for the sole purpose of escaping which is meant for the sole purpose of escaping from the ocean of birth and death (sfrom the ocean of birth and death (samsaraamsara). ).

THE FOUR NOBLE THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHSTRUTHS The foundations of Buddhism are the The foundations of Buddhism are the

four Noble Truths — namely, Suffering four Noble Truths — namely, Suffering (the (the raison d'etre raison d'etre of Buddhism), its of Buddhism), its cause (i.e., Craving), its end (i.e., cause (i.e., Craving), its end (i.e., Nibbana, the Summum Bonum of Nibbana, the Summum Bonum of Buddhism), and the Middle Way. Buddhism), and the Middle Way.

The first three truths represent the The first three truths represent the philosophy of Buddhism; the fourth philosophy of Buddhism; the fourth represents the ethics of Buddhism, represents the ethics of Buddhism, based on that philosophy. based on that philosophy.

FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS…FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS…

Buddhism rests on the pivot of sorrow. But it does not Buddhism rests on the pivot of sorrow. But it does not thereby follow that Buddhism is pessimistic. thereby follow that Buddhism is pessimistic.

It is neither totally pessimistic nor totally optimistic, but, It is neither totally pessimistic nor totally optimistic, but, on the contrary, it teaches a truth that lies midway on the contrary, it teaches a truth that lies midway between them. between them.

One would be justified in calling the Buddha a pessimist One would be justified in calling the Buddha a pessimist if he had only enunciated the truth of suffering without if he had only enunciated the truth of suffering without suggesting a means to put an end to it. suggesting a means to put an end to it.

The Buddha perceived the universality of sorrow and did The Buddha perceived the universality of sorrow and did prescribe a panacea for this universal sickness of prescribe a panacea for this universal sickness of humanity.humanity.

The highest conceivable happiness, according to the The highest conceivable happiness, according to the Buddha, is Nibbana, which is the total extinction of Buddha, is Nibbana, which is the total extinction of suffering. suffering.

THE PATH TO NIBANNATHE PATH TO NIBANNA

It is by following the Noble Eightfold It is by following the Noble Eightfold Path which consists of Path which consists of

1.1. Right UnderstandingRight Understanding (samma-ditthi), (samma-ditthi),

2.2. Right Thoughts (Right Thoughts (samma-sankappasamma-sankappa), ),

3.3. Right Speech (Right Speech (samma-vacasamma-vaca), ),

4.4. Right Actions (Right Actions (samma-kammantasamma-kammanta), ),

5.5. Right Livelihood (Right Livelihood (samma-ajivasamma-ajiva), ),

6.6. Right Effort (Right Effort (samma-vayamasamma-vayama), ),

7.7. Right Mindfulness (Right Mindfulness (samma-satisamma-sati), and ), and

8.8. Right Concentration (Right Concentration (samma-samadhsamma-samadhi). i).

KAMMAKAMMA

There is nothing in this world that happens by There is nothing in this world that happens by blind chance or accident. To say that anything blind chance or accident. To say that anything happens by chance, is no more true than that happens by chance, is no more true than that this book has come here of itself. Strictly this book has come here of itself. Strictly speaking, nothing happens to man that he speaking, nothing happens to man that he does not deserve for some reason or another. does not deserve for some reason or another.

From a Buddhist standpoint, our present From a Buddhist standpoint, our present mental, intellectual, moral and temperamental mental, intellectual, moral and temperamental differences are mainly due to our own actions differences are mainly due to our own actions and tendencies, both past the present. and tendencies, both past the present.

We reap what we have sown. What we sow we We reap what we have sown. What we sow we reap somewhere or some when. reap somewhere or some when.

KAMMA…KAMMA…

Kamma is, therefore, only one of the five Kamma is, therefore, only one of the five orders that prevail in the universe. It is a law orders that prevail in the universe. It is a law in itself, but it does not thereby follow that in itself, but it does not thereby follow that there should be a law-giver. there should be a law-giver.

Ordinary laws of nature, like gravitation, Ordinary laws of nature, like gravitation, need no law-giver. It operates in its own field need no law-giver. It operates in its own field without the intervention of an external without the intervention of an external independent ruling agency. independent ruling agency.

A Buddhist who is fully convinced of the A Buddhist who is fully convinced of the doctrine of kamma does not pray to another doctrine of kamma does not pray to another to be saved but confidently relies on himself to be saved but confidently relies on himself for his purification because it teaches for his purification because it teaches individual responsibility. individual responsibility.

KAMMA…KAMMA…

It is this doctrine of kamma that gives It is this doctrine of kamma that gives him consolation, hope, self reliance and him consolation, hope, self reliance and moral courage. moral courage.

It is this belief in kamma "that validates It is this belief in kamma "that validates his effort, kindles his enthusiasm," makes his effort, kindles his enthusiasm," makes him ever kind, tolerant and considerate. him ever kind, tolerant and considerate.

It is also this firm belief in kamma that It is also this firm belief in kamma that prompts him to refrain from evil, do good prompts him to refrain from evil, do good and be good without being frightened of and be good without being frightened of any punishment or tempted by any any punishment or tempted by any reward. reward.

SYMBOLSSYMBOLS

TIBETAN PRAYER WHEEL, TIBETAN PRAYER WHEEL, STUPA, MALAS (BEADS), STUPA, MALAS (BEADS), DHARMA WHEEL (LAW), DHARMA WHEEL (LAW), TIBETAN WHEEL OF LIFETIBETAN WHEEL OF LIFE

TIBETAN PRAYER TIBETAN PRAYER WHEELWHEEL This is an exclusively This is an exclusively

Tibetan Buddhist Tibetan Buddhist praying instrument praying instrument which always bears which always bears the mystical word 'the mystical word 'OM OM MANI PADME HUM'MANI PADME HUM' [Om the Jewel in the [Om the Jewel in the Lotus Hum] Lotus Hum] numbering six numbering six syllables in the syllables in the mantra of mantra of Avalokitesvara. Avalokitesvara.

STUPASTUPA

Stupas are monuments for peace in the world.

Through their perfect form, these structures express the clear nature of the mind - enlightenment.

People who venerate them, who participate in their construction, or those who live near them, find them to be a source of peacefulness, happiness, and prosperity.

The stupa represents the Mind of the Buddha. Furthermore, it signifies the community of practitioners, the sangha.

STUPA…STUPA…

"The Stupa is truly the image, or rather the epiphany, of the Buddha, of his Law that rules the universe, and is moreover a psycho-cosmogram.

The form, suggested by the apparent aspect of the vault of the sky, implies in its turn the total presence and intangibility of the Buddha, who in this way is seen not as a human teacher but as the essence of the Universe."

The Great Stupa at Sanchi, India

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/Sanchi2.jpg

MALAS (BEADS)MALAS (BEADS)

Beads are mainly Beads are mainly used to count used to count mantras, which mantras, which can be recited for can be recited for four different four different purposes:purposes:

1.1. To appease,To appease,

2.2. To increase,To increase,

3.3. To overcome, orTo overcome, or

4.4. Tame by forceful Tame by forceful means. means.

DHARMA WHEELDHARMA WHEEL

The wheel symbolize the The wheel symbolize the Wheel of Buddhist Law, Wheel of Buddhist Law, the endless cycle of the endless cycle of birth and rebirth. birth and rebirth.

Modern versions of Modern versions of Dharma Wheels often Dharma Wheels often have four spokes, have four spokes, symbolizing the Four symbolizing the Four JinasJinas or the four or the four 'moments' in the life of 'moments' in the life of the Buddha; or with the Buddha; or with eight spokes, or eight spokes, or octagonal, symbolizing octagonal, symbolizing the Noble Eightfold the Noble Eightfold Path. Path.

TIBETAN WHEEL OF TIBETAN WHEEL OF LIFELIFE An amazing collection of

contrasting imagery, each aspect of this composition is packed with rich symbolism and direct, hard-hitting metaphors.

Essentially a construction made up of four concentric circles, it is an attempt to convey spiritual insights behind our 'physical existence' in purely visual terms.

TIBETAN WHEEL…TIBETAN WHEEL…

Each of these animals represents a particular human failing or weakness, which stands as an obstacle to spiritual accomplishment.


Next to the central circle is a concentric band divided along two halves. One is colored softly and radiantly, while the other is black.

The darker portion shows individuals who have chosen the path of darkness and thus descend into gloomy depths.

The glowing path, however, is the one taken by those following the righteous way, attaining spiritual ascension. Hence it shows mortals rising towards greater spiritual heights.


Beyond this band is a wider area divided into six units, each depicting a different level of conditioned existence.

These states of existence are termed conditioned because they are brought about as a result of our own actions or karma.


The first such realm is the world of hell.

Flames engulf the entire realm which is unbearably hot, though there are regions of ice also, which yield the painful experience of cold.

The depiction of this hell is an objectification of hatred, rather a visual depiction of what may await us if we fill out hearts with hatred instead of compassionate understanding.


Next to the realm of hell are groups of ungainly creatures huddled together.

No matter what they possess, they always feel that there is something missing.

Thus this realm is the personification of the mind in which craving predominates.


In the realm of the animals, life is the life of the body. All endeavor is directed to the satisfaction of physical desires and the business of self-preservation.

This depiction is a visual representation of the ignorant refusal to see beyond the needs of the body.


The titans know only warfare. Not content with what they possess these giants rush upon the gods of the sensuous realm and try to grab from them their happiness and delight.

The success of others leaves them with a feeling of inadequacy and belittled.

Indeed it is said that man is not content with he does have but discontent with what others have.


The human realm is the world of everyday experience.

Human life, containing both pleasure and pain, makes us aware of both these aspects of life, striking a harmonious balance.

Thus since human life gives us such rare opportunities for spiritual realization, Buddhism teaches that it is very precious indeed.


It is significant to note here that the gods are shown partaking of similar sensuous experiences as the humans, albeit at a more rarified level.

The import being that the gods are not so far removed from the human dimension and mortal humans too can attain godhood following the path of virtuous karma.


These six realms constitute all possible states of existence in the universe and all beings cycle between these states, dependent on their karma, none of these states being permanent or everlasting.

Thus, virtuous persons are said to be born in heaven; virtuous beings dominated by negative emotions of jealousy are born in the realm of the titans; persons dominated by attachment are born in the ghostly realms; those afflicted with hatred and anger are born in hell; and those dominated by dullness are born in the world of animals.


The outermost concentric ring of the Wheel of Life is divided into twelve units, each depicting a phase of the peculiar cycle of cause and effect which keeps one trapped in the six realms of cyclic existence mentioned above.


The complete Wheel of Life is gripped tightly in the talons of the Lord of Death, whose horrific face, projecting fangs and the forehead wreathed in the macabre five-skull crown is visible above the diagram.

We are all clutched in the fear of death. But death is not the end. According to Buddhist thought death is the beginning of a new existence.

The process of death is evidenced everywhere in the natural rhythms of the earth, sea, and sky. A death occurs each night as the sun sets, each month as the moon wanes, each year as the earth shuts down for the winter, and each time the ocean waters recede with the tide. Thus the concept of death in nature is a promise of hope.

With each death there is a resurrection. Nature has the capacity for renewal. The new, renewed state is of course dependent upon our previous karma.

DEITIESDEITIES

MAITREYA, BODHISATTVAS OF MAITREYA, BODHISATTVAS OF COMPASSION, THE CHINESE COMPASSION, THE CHINESE PANTHEON, LOHANSPANTHEON, LOHANS

MAITREYA: THE MAITREYA: THE FUTURE BUDDHAFUTURE BUDDHA According to some Buddhist traditions, the According to some Buddhist traditions, the

period of the Buddhist Law is divided into period of the Buddhist Law is divided into three stages: a first period of 500 years, of three stages: a first period of 500 years, of the turning the Wheel of the Law; a second the turning the Wheel of the Law; a second period of 1,000 years, of the deterioration of period of 1,000 years, of the deterioration of the Law, and a third period of 3,000 years the Law, and a third period of 3,000 years (called Mappo in Japan) during which no one (called Mappo in Japan) during which no one practises the Law. practises the Law.

After this, Buddhism having disappeared, a After this, Buddhism having disappeared, a new Buddha will appear who will again turn new Buddha will appear who will again turn the Wheel of the Law. the Wheel of the Law.

This future Buddha is still in the Tusita This future Buddha is still in the Tusita heaven, in the state of a Bodhisattva. heaven, in the state of a Bodhisattva.

Gautama Buddha himself will enthrone him Gautama Buddha himself will enthrone him as his successor.as his successor.

The name means 'benevolence' or The name means 'benevolence' or 'friendship'. He is now living his last existence 'friendship'. He is now living his last existence as a Bodhisattva.as a Bodhisattva.

BODHISATTVAS OF BODHISATTVAS OF COMPASSIONCOMPASSION

The term Bodhisattva refers to someone on the path The term Bodhisattva refers to someone on the path to Awakening. to Awakening.

The Mahayana has conceived them as having The Mahayana has conceived them as having renounced the ultimate state out of pure compassion renounced the ultimate state out of pure compassion towards all beings, and can therefore refer to anyone towards all beings, and can therefore refer to anyone en routeen route. .

In non-Mahayana Buddhism, it usually refers either to In non-Mahayana Buddhism, it usually refers either to Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, or to the Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future, or to the historical Buddha Gautama prior to his enlightenment historical Buddha Gautama prior to his enlightenment — either during the life in which he became — either during the life in which he became enlightened or in one of the innumerable lives before enlightened or in one of the innumerable lives before that in which he was developing the requisite virtues that in which he was developing the requisite virtues for enlightenment, such as generosity. for enlightenment, such as generosity.

The stories of these lives are called the Jatakas, or The stories of these lives are called the Jatakas, or 'birth stories', and they are a very frequent subject of 'birth stories', and they are a very frequent subject of Buddhist art. Buddhist art.

CHINESE PANTHEONCHINESE PANTHEON

Amitabha: Amitabha: the the Buddha of Buddha of Boundless Light.Boundless Light.

Yao Shih Fwo, Yao Shih Fwo, Bhaisajyaguru: Bhaisajyaguru: the Medicine the Medicine Buddha. Buddha.

Kuan Ti - Kuan Ti - Protector of Protector of the Buddhist the Buddhist religion religion

THE LOHANS PLACE IN THE LOHANS PLACE IN BUDDHISMBUDDHISM Lohans are well-known for Lohans are well-known for

their great wisdom, courage their great wisdom, courage and supernatural power.and supernatural power.

Due to their abilities to ward Due to their abilities to ward off the evil, Lohans have off the evil, Lohans have became guardian angels of became guardian angels of the Buddhist temple and the Buddhist temple and there in the main hall there in the main hall standing guard are the standing guard are the ever-present, indomitable-ever-present, indomitable-looking 18 Lohan figures, looking 18 Lohan figures, sometimes accompanied by sometimes accompanied by 500 or more lesser Lohans. 500 or more lesser Lohans.

Documents

BUDDHISM FOUNDER, CASTE PROBLEM, GEOGRAPHIC DISPERSMENT, SACRED SCRIPTURES, VOCABULARY, BUDDHIST SCHOOLS, BASIC TEACHINGS, SYMBOLS, AND DEITIES