Monday, February 27, 17 Objec&ve: Complete Warm-Up, discuss Do-Now, complete outline notes on Buddhism Do Now: What is Moksha? How is it attained? What are the Shakti? What is the Third Eye in Hinduism? Nirvana- a transcendent state in which there is neither suffering, desire, nor sense of self, and the subject is released from the effects of karma and the cycle of death and rebirth. Ascetic- people who practiced self-denial to achieve an understanding of ultimate reality
Religions of India: Buddhism The middle way of wisdom and compassion A 2500 year old religion that began in India and spread and diversified throughout the Far East A philosophy, religion, and spiritual practice followed by more than 300 million people Based on the teachings of the Buddha 4th largest religion in the world
Religions of India: Birth Born Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha is a title) of noble caste in India, 563 B.C. Many miraculous stories were associated with his birth. He emerged from his mother's side without causing her any pain. The earth shook as he was born. As a newborn, he was miraculously showered with water. His mother (named Maya) died shortly after giving birth, but a holy man prophesized great things for Siddhartha: He would either be a great king or military leader or he would be a great spiritual leader.
Religions of India- Early Life To keep his son from witnessing the miseries and suffering of the world, Siddhartha's father raised him in luxury in a palace built just for the boy and sheltered him from knowledge of religion and human hardship. According to custom, he married at the age of 16, but his life of total seclusion continued for another 13 years.
Religions of India- Four Sights Pt. 1 Shortly after his son's birth, some sources say that he took four journeys by chariot. During the first trip/vision he was deeply disturbed by seeing an elderly, helpless, frail man. On the second, he saw a frail and depressed man suffering from an advanced disease.
Religions of India- Four Sights Pt. 2 On the third, he spotted a grieving family carrying the corpse of one of their own to a cremation site. He reflected deeply upon the suffering brought about by old age, illness and death. On his fourth trip/vision, he saw an ascetic- someone who led a reclusive life of meditation, and was calm and serene. The four encounters motivated him to follow the path of the beggar and find a spiritual solution to the problems brought about by human suffering.
Religions of India- Ascetic Life Followed a strict ascetic(self denial) lifestyle for six years When answers to his questions did not appear, however, he redoubled his efforts, enduring pain, fasting nearly to starvation, and refusing water. He realized that starvation of the body would NOT lead to enlightenment. He determined that a better path to achieve the state of Nirvana -- a state of liberation and freedom from suffering -- was to pursue a "Middle Way." This way was largely defined by moderation and meditation.
Religions of India- Nirvana Under a Bodhi tree Siddartha, sat in meditation, achieved Nirvana an awakening to the truth about life, becoming a Buddha, the Awakened One "at the age of 35 Spent the remaining 45 years of his life teaching others how to achieve the peace of mind he had achieved
Religions of India-Differences between Hinduism and Buddhism How does Buddhism differ from Hinduism? Buddhism rejects The caste system The Hindu deities The concept of Brahman