ahtr prehistory buddhism (1)
TRANSCRIPT
Great Stupa (the Mahastupa), Sanchi. Founded third century BCE, enlarged c. 150–50 BCE. UNESCO video link.
Samsara is the cycle of birth, death, disease, decay
Karma is the universal law of cause and effect
Maya is the illusionary nature of the phenomenal world and includes skepticism of the physical world and a desire to find the truth beyond the physical
Nirvana is the possibility of release from samsara
Mokśa is liberation, release from samsara
Siddhārtha Gautama(also known as Śakyamuni referring to the Śakya
(lion)
The Middle Path
The great appeal of Buddhism is its teaching of wisdom, compassion and humility.
Its emphasis on moral and ethical perfection, a democratic outlook and a casteless society also
widened its attraction.
Buddha “Awakened One”
A Buddha is a being that has achieved Enlightenment (the ability to understand the true nature of all
things) and has been released from samsara.
The Bodhi Tree(Bodhi = Enlightenment)
The Four Noble Truths
Life is suffering (suffering = rebirth)The cause of suffering is desire
The cause of desire must be overcomeWhen desire is overcome, there is no more suffering
(rebirth)
First Sermon (Turning the Wheel of the Law),
Pala Dynasty, tenth century.
Enlightenment (Earth Touching gesture), Pala Dynasty,
tenth century
Great Stupa (the Mahastupa), Sanchi. Founded third century BCE, enlarged c. 150–50 BCE. UNESCO video link.
North gate at Sanchi and detail from the upper right of the triratna (the three jewels) of Buddhism (source).
Hinayana(Lesser Vehicle)
(also known as shravakayana)
It is based on the original teachings of the Buddha. It demonstrates practical methods for the end to suffering.
Release can only be achieved through personal effort. The essence of the teachings is the Four Noble Truths.
The basic practice is the Eightfold Path.The goal is individual salvation.
There is a clear monastic tradition associated with Hinayana.
Worship of deities is secondary.The simple concept is release from samsara.
Footprints of the Buddha at Bodh Gaya, source.
Mahayana(Greater Vehicle)
This is rooted in the teachings of the historical Buddha, but seeks salvation for all beings. This
attitude is embodied in the idea of the bodhisattva whose outstanding quality is compassion.
The Mahayana places less emphasis on the monastery because through direct worship and assistance from the bodhisattva the individual can attain release.
Buddha and Attendants, c.182 BCE, Ghandara, northwest Pakistan.Buddha and Attendants,
c. late first-early second century BCE, Mathura, Madhya, Pradesh, India.
Imperial Procession, From the Ara Pacis, 13-9 BCE.
Standing Buddha, Gandhara, c. second–third century.
First Sermon (Turning the Wheel of the Law),
Pala Dynasty, tenth century.
Enlightenment (Earth Touching gesture), Pala Dynasty,
tenth century
Bodhisattva:An enlightened being who has achieved Buddhahood, but chooses to remain in
the temporal world to assist others