Transcript Buddhism-PPT - Har

Buddhism
Buddhism
Based on life and
teachings of Siddhartha
Gautama, aka., Buddha
-Founded in
Nepal/India
563-483 B.C.E.
Buddhism
Buddhism explains a
problem of life: Life is
all about attachments
which make us suffer.
This explains injustice
and inequality all
around the world.
It provides a way of life
that may lead to no
attachment Nirvana.
Siddhartha Gautama
Began life as a sheltered prince in India who
never realized that this world is full of suffering.
Once he did he went in search of lasting
happiness. At the age of 29 he left the palace,
went to the forest and became a holy man.
It is said he attained enlightenment under the
Bodhi tree in India.
Spent rest of his life, teaching others to realize
what he himself had discovered.
Siddhartha is said to have discovered the Middle
Way—a path of moderation away from the
extremes of self-indulgence and attachment.
Beliefs
•Buddhism is a non-theistic
religion/philosophy. This
means there is no god in
Buddhism, although some
types of Buddhism see The
Buddha as a god.
•Goal: Get to Nirvana. To
do this you must follow
The Buddha’s teachings.
Belief system
Buddhism is also a belief
system which is tolerant
of all other beliefs or
religions.
The idea is that all of
mankind can get to
Enlightenment or
Nirvana by following the
4 Noble Truths.
The Four Noble Truths
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The truth is that life is suffering. Birth, aging and dying
is suffering.
Our attachments to things, people, and dreams lead to
our suffering.
Only by reaching a state of “not wanting” can we end
our suffering. Limiting attachments = less suffering
The Eight-Fold Path (middle path) breaks our habits of
suffering
Eight Fold Path=Do the Right Things
1. Right Understanding: know the Four Noble Truths
2.Right Thoughts: thinking well of people, thoughts of peace
3.Right Speech: refrain from lying, slander, gossip, etc
4.Right Action: refraining from stealing, killing, attacking others, etc.
5. Right Livelihood: avoid occupations that causes one to be directly
involved in violating against some aspect of the Eightfold Path - i.e.
trade in weapons, slavery, alcohol
6. Right Effort: eliminate any evil, prevent evil that might develop,
maintain any good, promote any good which might yet develop.
7. Right Mindfulness : stay aware of what you are doing to avoid doing
what is wrong.
8. Right Concentration: train the mind to improve both mental
and spiritual discipline
Enlightenment
(Nirvana)
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Buddhist Nirvana=release from all pain and
suffering. Don’t have to be reincarnated anymore!
Following the Eightfold Path helps one attain
Nirvana and escape pain and suffering in life.
Reincarnation-reborn again until you get it right!
Break the cycle of pain and reincarnation by
reaching Nirvana
Types of Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism
 The oldest school of Buddhism.
 Found in Southern Asia.
 The monastic life is the best way
to achieve nirvana. Monks live alone and
simply, meditate all day.
 Focus on wisdom and meditation.
 Goal is to become a “Buddha,” or
“Enlightened One.”
 Over 100,000,000 followers today.
Tibetan (Vajrayana) Buddhism
 Developed in Tibet, very much like
Hinduism and Buddhism mixed
 Boddhisatvas include Lamas, or High
Priests, like the Dalai Lama.
 Outlawed in China (who took
Tibet in the 1950s), now
the monks live in India.
 China would likely kill the
Dalai Lama if he went home
to Tibet. Really don’t like him
Mahayana Buddhism
 The “Great Vehicle.”
 Founded in northern Asia (China, Japan).
 Seen as Buddhism “for the masses.”
 Seek guidance from Boddhisatvas, wise
beings. Kind of like Gods, people in the past
who achieved Nirvana.
 Goal: Not just individual escape from the
suffering, but the salvation of all humanity
through self-sacrifice of those enlightened
few. You can stop everyone’s suffering by
being Buddhist…
Zen Buddhism
 The “Meditation School.”
 Seeks enlightenment by simple actions,
meditation, arriving at emptiness and
being free from attachments.
 Use of meditation masters [Roshi].
 Beauty, art, and aesthetics:
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Gardens.
Archery.
Tea ceremony.
Calligraphy.