Buddhism

REJECTED THE CASTE SYSTEM – as unfair, unjust!

“Not by birth does one become an outcast, not by birth does one become a Brahmin. By DEEDS one becomes an outcast, by DEEDS one becomes a Brahmin” – Buddha

The essence of Buddhism

The essence of Buddhism

The “middle way of wisdom”

The 3 jewels of Buddhism:

Buddha, the teacher. Dharma, the

teachings. Sangha, the

community.

Buddhism • Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE)

better known as Buddha (Enlightened One).

Buddhism

• The handsome Siddhartha had a rich ruling family.

Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE)

Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE)

He saw poor and suffereing people everywhere.

At 29 he gave up all his money and social position.

He tried to find the source ofsuffering.

Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE)

Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE)

At first he tried a strict, Janistlife for 6 yrs.

The believed in fasting to find truth.

He rejected Janism, and found a middle way between Hinduism and Janism.

Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE)

Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE)

Through meditation, he fought an army of demons and incarnate of Shiva.

Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE)

Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE) He became a god, proving that one

could reach Moksha without reincarnation. You could go from man to God in one lifetime, called “The Enlightened One,” at 35.

What is the fundamental cause

of all suffering?

What is the fundamental cause

of all suffering?

Desire!Desire!

Four Noble TruthsFour Noble Truths

1. There is suffering in the world. To live is to suffer. (Dukkha)

Four Noble TruthsFour Noble Truths

2. The cause of suffering is self-centered desire. (Tanha)

Four Noble TruthsFour Noble Truths

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

Four Noble TruthsFour Noble Truths4. To reach nirvana, one

must follow the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold PathEightfold Path

NirvanaNirvana The union with the ultimate spiritual reality.

Escape from the cycle of rebirth.

Buddha – 7c IndiaBuddha – 7c India

Buddha’s

head :

2c Pakist

an

Buddha’s

head :

2c Pakist

an

Mandala: Wheel of Life Motif

Mandala: Wheel of Life Motif

Mandala: Wheel of Life Motif

Mandala: Wheel of Life Motif

Buddhist AltarBuddhist Altar

Types of BuddhismTypes of

Buddhism Therevada Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism

Zen Buddhism

Therevada Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism

Zen Buddhism

Theravada BuddhismTheravada Buddhism The oldest school of Buddhism.

The “Way of the Elders” or the “Small Vehicle.”

Consider Buddhism a philosophy.

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.” Consider Buddhism a

philosophy. 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 BuddhismTheravada Buddhism

Kaza Valley India

Mahayana BuddhismMahayana Buddhism The “Great Vehicle.”

Founded in northern Asia (China, Korea, Mongolia).

Buddhism “for everyone.” 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 BuddhismMahayana Buddhism

Seated Boddhisatva – 16c

Bhutan

Seated Boddhisatva – 16c

Bhutan

boddhisatvaboddhisatva

Tibetan BuddhismTibetan

Buddhism The “Diamond Vehicle.” [Vajrayana]

Developed in Tibet in the 7c CE.

A mix of Theravada and Mahayana.

Boddhisatvas include Lamas

The Tibetan Book of the Dead[Bardo Thodol].

zen Buddhismzen 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.

Buddhism in the Subcontinent

Buddhism in the Subcontinent

Religions of South Asia

Religions of South Asia

Buddhism in America

Buddhism in America

Home work

• Pg 79 1-5

Distribution of Buddhism Centers

in the US, 2001

Distribution of Buddhism Centers

in the US, 2001

10th Annual western buddhist monastic

conference

10th Annual western buddhist monastic

conference

California, 2004

Relieve Stress & Meditate:

Get a Mantra !

Relieve Stress & Meditate:

Get a Mantra !

Ohm...mani...padme...hung...Hail to the jewel in the lotus!