Transcript Buddhism
Buddhism Buddhism in America New configurations – “In LA, Buddhists who would never have met one another in Asia find themselves neighbors, often with very different cultural experiences of Buddhism” (149). Need for lay education – Few second-generation Buddhist Americans become monks or nuns (159, 161) Adaptation – “Buddhism’s three treasures will all be expressed in new ways as the various forms of Buddhism begin to grow. So far, the plant is still young” (164). – http://www.hsilai.org/VirtualTour/virtualmap.html Triple Gem I take refuge in the Buddha I take refuge in the Dharma I take refuge in the Sangha Siddhartha Gautama Born ca. 563 BC – Context: asceticism in India and Nepal Life story: Classic story of a quest – – – – – How is it unusual? How does it typify universal human experience? Four Sights: why are these shocking to Siddhartha? Enlightenment Teaching others (45 yrs) Presents “middle way” Ideal of enlightenment Not a god Four Noble Truths 1. 2. 3. 4. Life is suffering (dukkha) Suffering is caused by desire Ceasing desire will bring an end to suffering Do this through the Eightfold Path Eightfold Path: ethics and discipline (157) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Right Right Right Right Right Right Right Right views intent speech conduct livelihood effort mindfulness concentration Right views Right intention Right concentration Right speech Right mindfulness Right conduct Right effort Right livelihood Doctrines Samsara: cycle of rebirth Impermanence Interdependence Enlightenment Nirvana Development of Buddhism No clear successor after the Buddha’s death Theravada: most traditional Mahayana: most adapting Zen: branch of Mahayana Theravada Buddhism Predominant in SE Asia (e.g., Thailand) More conservative, strict – Buddha: an exemplar, not a god – Dharma: Scriptures are the Pali canon Sangha: monastery – Best way to reach enlightenment – Community supports monks Universe is not friendly (no gods to help) – Most like teaching of the Buddha – Rely on self for enlightenment: “Impermanent are all created things; strive on with awareness.” Mahayana Buddhism Dharma: More liberal (innovative) – Scriptures are Pali canon PLUS other sutras – more open on inclusion of women Buddha: a savior, god-like – offer prayer and worship Sangha: monks and laity – “Big raft”: Focus on laity, all people – Priests serve laity, can marry – Ideal: Bodhisattva who helps others Universe has helpful and harmful powers – Offer reverence for gods – Pray for help Zen Buddhism Branch of Mahayana Most common form in West Less ritualistic, less emphasis on scriptures Focus on emptying, even of most sacred teachings – critical of verbal reliance, conceptions – remarkably self-critical practices: – zazen (sacred meditation), – koan (problem/riddle) [reason is limited, have to use other forms of knowing], – leading to satori/kensho American Buddhism “If we don’t build temples, our culture won’t survive in this country” (210) – Temples as community centers (216) – Entering temple = a world set apart (214) – But, American landscape has also entered temple (216) Different Buddhist groups have different agendas and priorities (216) – Preserve culture (immigrants) – Vehicle for social transformation (non-Asian Americans) – Synthesis of different Buddhist practices (217) Socially Engaged Buddhism Prominent in Vietnam in 1960s – Rooted in interdependence Similar to Americanization of Buddhism: how can Buddhism engage culture in new ways? – Anti-war, promoting peace-making – Relief efforts for poverty, natural disasters – Rejection of materialism, consumerism in America (216) Happens at same time as waves of immigration to U.S. – Synergistic effect: how can Buddhism thrive by engaging American culture as lay people?