Buddhism SLMS/08 By about 600 BCE, many people in India had become dissatisfied with Brahmin power and privilege. Many began to question the rigid caste system of Hinduism, and began looking for other options options that would offer more people greater hope and a greater sense of equality. Basic Beliefs Like Hindus, Buddhists believe in reincarnation, or the rebirth of the soul. They also believe in karma the idea that the soul carries the effects of past deeds (good or bad). They do believe in something called dharma, but for Buddhists, dharma represents the teachings of the Buddha, not the duties of your jati. Buddhists do not embrace the notion of the caste system. They believe people to be equal and able to achieve enlightenment a concept they call nirvana. Siddhartha Gautama The Buddha Siddhartha Gautama was born in 563 BCE, a prince in the warrior (Kshatriyas) caste. His father ruled a kingdom in Nepal, and he grew up in a life of wealth and privilege. At the age of 29, Siddhartha ventured outside the palace and discovered human suffering. He became upset and wondered about the point of life. He left his life in the palace to live the life of a religious ascetic (one who renounces all worldly things and lives a meager existence). One day, as Gautama sat under a Bodhi tree meditating, he achieved enlightenment. The enlightenment he received has become the principal teachings of Buddhism. Gautama was given the name Buddha, or enlightened one. Teachings of the Buddha Buddhist teachings are found in the holy book, the Tripitaka (three baskets of wisdom) or the Sutras. In these books the Buddha issued The Four Noble Truths: 1. Dukkha All life is suffering. 2. Samudaya There is a cause for suffering. 3. Nirodha There is an end to suffering. 4. Magga In order to end suffer ing you must follow the eightfold path. The Three Trainings or Practices The Buddha also taught the Eightfold Path, which is divided into three mindful practices. 1. Virtue (good conduct, morality) 2. Concentration (meditation, mental development) Developing one s mind is the path to wisdom. 3. Wisdom (discernment, enlightenment) Wisdom will emerge if your mind is clear and pure.
The Eightfold Path The Eightfold Path is the path to enlightenment, and the way to end suffering. It is sometimes called the Middle Path between desire and self-denial. It incorporates the three practices. -Wisdom Right understanding (of the 4 Noble Truths) Right thinking (following the right path in life) -Virtue Right speech (no lying, criticism, gossip, harsh language) Right conduct (by following the 5 precepts) Right livelihood (support yourself without harming others) -Concentration Right effort (good thoughts, conquer evil thoughts) Right mindfulness (be aware of body, mind, feelings) Right concentration (meditate to achieve higher consciousness) The 5 Precepts Do not kill. (It is sometimes translated as not harming.) Do not steal. (Avoid fraud/economic exploitation.) Do not lie. Do not misuse sex. (Monks & nuns must abstain, no adultury for married couples.) Do not consume alcohol or drugs. (Nothing to cloud the mind.) Impact of Buddhism Can be seen in Asian architecture of the Pagoda, a style drawn directly from the Buddhist stupa (a place for relics). Many Buddhists, like Hindus, are vegetarian. Also like Hindus, Buddhists worship in temples, but usually have shirnes in their homes. Often small shrines can be seen along roadways in Buddhist nations. In Japan, the influence of Zen can be seen in the arts. Bonsai, tea ceremonies, flower arranging, zen gardens as well as the martial arts of karate & judo all derive from the meditation found in zen. Sects of Buddhism Therevada Therevada dominates Southeast Asia. The ultimate goal is to reach nirvana through intense study and meditation. The practice of meditation was originally restricted to monks, thus only monks had the hope of achieving nirvana. Common people were urged to live good lives in hopes of a better rebirth. It is sometimes referred to as the lesser vehicle because few people can achieve nirvana. Mahayana Mahayana dominates northern Asia (China, Japan, Korea). The goal is to make sure everyone reaches nirvana. In fact, one should desire to be reincarnated in order to help more people reach nirvana. Nirvana is attained through a normal life without undue focus on study and meditation. It is sometimes referred to as the greater vehicle because it offers hope for enlightenment to many. Zen Zen found primarily in Japan. The entire focus in Zen is on meditation as a way to gain self-knowledge and enlightenment. Tibetan Tibetan common in areas of the Himalayas such as Tibet & Nepal. Tibetan Buddhism is similar to Mahayana in that it focuses on others. Lamas are teachers in the Tibetan tradition that are exempt from the wheel of life, death & rebirth. They have come as teachers to help others attain enlightenment.
Global History Buddhism 1. Why were people dissatisfied with Hinduism? Name 5. What are the three mindful practices? 2. How did Siddhartha Gautama become the Buddha? (Give background information.) 6. Why is the eightfold path sometimes called the Middle Path? 3. How do Buddhist beliefs differ from Hindu? a. Dharma 7. What are the practices of the eightfold path? b. Caste 8. Explain the 5 precepts. a. b. 4. What are the Four Noble Truths? a. c. b. c. d. d. e.
9. What do the 5 precepts remind you of? d. Tibetan 10. Explain the different sects of Buddhism. a. Therevada 11. Describe at least 4 ways Buddhism influences the lives of believers. b. Manayana c. Zen Analysis: 12. Why do you think there are certain similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism? (What are some similarities?)
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