Transcript Slide 1
Overview • 4th largest religion 350 mil. • Non-theistic– believing in gods could distract you from your path • About personal journey • Many schools of Buddhism http://www.cotf.edu/earthinfo/images/sasia/SApeoCHART2.gif Buddhism in the Subcontinent http://www.harpercollege.edu/mhealy/geogres/maps/ssgif/ssrelig.gif • Born in NE India (modern day Nepal) 583 BCE • His mother had a dream that foretold greatness • Groomed to be a Brahmin king • At 29 he escaped the compound and was exposed to life, and saw : • An old man • A dying man • A corpse • An ascetic and so… • Siddhartha’s mind was blown • He saw hope in the life of an ascetic to • Rejected his life and privilege and lived as an ascetic • Siddhartha had 5 companions during the 6 years he was an ascetic. • Attempted to reach release through extreme self denial and self mortification http://24.media.tumblr.com/82c47fe5e75b5e6990b047e3ec57cbb4/tu mblr_mr5oh56XUc1st0h7ao1_500.jpg http://archive.chopra.com/files/images/namaste/EnlightenmentLG.jpg • Buddha’s companions left him • He sat under a Bodhi tree for 49 days • Reached Enlightenment • Was eventually convinced by new followers to spread his knowledge of how to attain Enlightenment The Middle Way The Four Noble Truths • • • • 1. There is suffering in the world 2. The cause of suffering is desire 3.Eliminate desire to attain Enlightenment 4.To reach Enlightenment, one must follow the Eightfold Path The Eightfold Path • • • • • • • • Right View Right Intention Right Speech Right Action Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Concentration • The Three Jewels of Buddhism: • Buddha– the teacher • Dharma—the teachings • Sangha—the community Types of Buddhism • Theravada • Mahayana • Tibetan • Zen Theravada vs. Mahayana Theravada Mahayana SE Asia 1 million followers Less variation of beliefs Goal: Enlightenment/ becoming a buddha • Personality/ ego stands in the way of Nirvana– Meditation is the main way to reach Nirvana • Few rituals • Northern and parts of SE Asia • Encompasses a variety of believers • Goal: Enlightenment for all! • We are all one, and cannot be separated • More players in the game (demons, spirits etc.) Many rituals • • • • Mahayna Zen Buddhism • Emerged in China • Meditation • Flexible http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen Tibetan Buddhism • Oral traditions • Devotion to guru (lama) • Incarnation of lamas http://www.amazingtibettravel.com/pic/city/tibet/tibetculture/tibet-buddhism/tibet-buddhism-5.jpg