Buddhism

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Overview

• Non-theistic

• "Gripped by fear men go to the sacred mountains, sacred groves, sacred trees and shrines"

• Not considered a religion

• Practice and works based, not faith

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Origin• 2,500 years ago when an Indian Prince, Siddhartha

Guatma offered simple teachings

• dharma, “truth”

• How to free oneself from suffering (dukkha) through eliminating ignorance (avidyā) or desire

• 3 essential aspects of Buddhism

• Buddha, the teacher.

• Dharma, the teachings.

• Sangha, the community.

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The Four Noble Truths• There is suffering in the world.

To live is to suffer. (dukkha)

• The cause of suffering is self-centered desire and attachments. (Tanha)

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

• To reach nirvana, one must follow the Eightfold Path.

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The Eightfold Path

• To reach Nirvana and break the cycle of rebirth

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Sacred Texts and Temples

• Pali Tipitika (Theravada)

• No set teachings for Tibetan and Mahayana

• Temples

• Prayer

• Meditation

• Singing bowl

• YogaThursday, October 31, 13

Spiritual Representation

Mandala Buddha

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The Four Immeasurable

• May all sentient beings have happiness and its causes,

• May all sentient beings be free of suffering and its causes,

• May all sentient beings never be separated from bliss without suffering,

• May all sentient beings be in equanimity, free of bias, attachment and anger.

Love, Compassion, Joy and Equanimity

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Types of Buddhism

• Theravada

• Earliest teachings

• Mahayana

• Tibetan

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Controversial Issues and Gender Roles

• Drugs and alcohol

• Abortion

• Suicide

• Women

• 1. Refraining from harming living beings/practising loving kindness

• 2. Refraining from taking the non-given/practising generosity

• 3. Refraining from committing sexual misconduct/practising contentment

• 4. Refraining from false speech/practising truthful communication

• 5. Refraining from intoxicants/practising mindfulness.

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Marriage

• Single wife

• Personal and individual concern

• Many monks do not marry for celibacy

• Men and women must have the liberty to separate if they cannot agree with each other.

• Separation is preferable to avoid miserable family life for a long period of time

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Holy Days• Buddhist New Year

• Vesak ("Buddha Day")

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Tam Bao Buddhist Temple in Baton Rouge

• http://vimeo.com/56875417

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