buddhism september, 2015. buddhism at a glance founder: siddhartha gautama also known as buddha ...
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Buddhism at a Glance Founder: Siddhartha Gautama
Also known as Buddha Buddha = Awakened one
Sacred Text: Dhammapada A sacred text of Buddhism, said to contain
Buddha’s answers to certain questions
All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage. All that we are is the result of what we have thought: it is founded on our thoughts, it is made up of our thoughts. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him. “He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,” – in those who harbour such thoughts hatred will never cease. “He abused me, he beat me, he defeated me, he robbed me,” – in those who harbour such thoughts hatred will cease. For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceases by love, this is an old rule. The world does not know that we all must come to an end here; - but those who know it, their quarrels cease at once. He who lives looking for pleasures only, his senses uncontrolled immoderate in his food, idle, and weak, Mara (the tempter) will certainly overthrow him, as the wind throws down a weak tree. He who lives without looking for pleasures, his senses well controlled, moderate in his food, faithful and strong, him Mara will certainly not overthrow, any more than the wind throws down a rocky mountain.
Q: What qualities does the Buddha say a person should master in order to find enlightenment
Life of Buddha Siddhartha was a young
Prince born in 500 BCE Father sheltered him so
he would be a king – not a religious leader
Once exposed to the cruelties of the world, Siddhartha decided to leave the palace to seek enlightenment
Teachings of Buddha Buddha spread his message after
reaching enlightenment His beliefs include…
Four Noble Truths – Four central truths to achieving enlightenment
Eightfold Path – series of steps that lead to enlightenment and salvation
Nirvana – a state of perfect peace in which the soul will become free
Enlightenment – basic teachings of the eightfold path
Four Noble Truths1. Suffering is part of human life, it cannot
be escaped2. Suffering comes from people’s desires3. Overcoming these desires during life
brings an end to suffering4. Desires can be overcome by following the
Eightfold Path
Eightfold Path
1. Right view2. Right attitude, strive for moderation3. Right speech4. Right action5. Right livelihood6. Right effort7. Right mindfulness8. Right concentration
Divisions of Buddhism Divisions caused by different
interpretations of correct teachings and practices
Three main traditions formed: Theravada Mahayana Tibetan
Each sect believed that its teachings and practices most closely followed the way of Buddha
Theravada Buddhism Means “Way of the Elders”
Oldest Based on Pali Canon
Principle teachings: Best way to reach enlightenment is to
become a monk or nun Spend significant time in meditation Find your own path
Individualized
Mahayana Buddhism Based on writings produced after Buddha’s
lifetime Principle teachings:
People help one another find enlightenment Provided by Bodhisattvas
Anyone can reach nirvana Bodhisattvas are worshipped too
Tibetan Buddhism Many similarities to Mahayana Differences:
Don’t destroy the poisons of desire – harness them for wisdom
Nirvana can be reached in one lifetime Use advanced yoga techniques and
elaborate meditation procedures Importance of lama
Lama = guru Ex.: Dalai Lama
Spread of Buddhism Buddhism spread to many other parts of
the world Today 350 million people are Buddhists
Spread further than Hinduism It spread through
Missionaries Trade
Rise of Mauryan Empire
Chandragupta Maurya gained control of several small kingdoms throughout India
How did he rule? Est. a strong army Had an adviser Divided the empire Appointed relatives to rule Gave up the throne in 301 BCE & his son,
then grandson Ashoka took over