COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS H O U R 4

COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS H O U R 4

WHAT DID THE BUDDHA DISCOVER? The 3 Marks of Existence: 1. Dukkha 2. Anicca 3. Anatta Dependent Origination The 4 Noble Truths: 1. Life is Dukkha 2. The Cause of Dukkha is Tanha 3. To end Dukkha, extinguish Tanha. 4. Extinguish Tanha via the 8- Fold Path

REVIEW: THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS #4. The way to nirvana is through The Eight-Fold Path Wisdom (panna) Ethical Conduct (sila) Meditation/ Psychology (samadhi) Right Knowledge Right Intention Right Speech Right Behavior Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Absorption Wise understanding; map of reality. Conviction towards proper aim. Compassionate; selfless language Loving; selfless treatment of others Compassionate; selfless occupation Maintained motivation while on path Non-Judgmental, present, awareness Single-pointed focus on equanimity. The path to extinguishing the flame of Tanha.

REVIEW: RIGHT MINDFULNESS & ABSORPTION Mindful of our thoughts. Absorbed by equanimity: inner calmness. Exercising our mental muscle of resiliency.

REVIEW: RIGHT ABSORPTION If you are focused on your regrets, judgments, worries, fears what are you NOT aware of? Equanimity will help you speak & behave consciously, appropriately in turbulent times.

REVIEW: RIGHT ABSORPTION If you are focused on your regrets, judgments, worries, fears what are you NOT aware of?

MAIN PRACTICE: MEDITATION

MAIN PRACTICE: MEDITATION The Practice of Paying Attention Often seated. Non-judgmental Focus on present moment awareness. Common Forms: Focus on breath. Focus on image. Mindful activity. Key Ideas If mind wanders, notice that & bring your attention back. Do not judge experience.

BIG RAFT VS. LITTLE RAFT Huston Smith s Three Questions (pg 81) What did Hinduism tell us about people? We re all different.

BIG RAFT VS. LITTLE RAFT

BIG RAFT VS. LITTLE RAFT Hinayana (Little Raft) Mahayana (Big Raft) Theravada: Way of the Elders Based on Pali Canon Enlightenment is about bodhi (wisdom) Ideal: to be an arhat; one who attains nirvana. (individual liberation goal) More than just Pali Canon Enlightenment is about karuna (cultivating compassion). Ideal: to be a bodhisattva; one who attains enlightenment to help others, and postpones nirvana. (liberation for all goal)

MAHAYANA: THE FLOWER SERMON A fundamental sermon for Mahayana, most notably Zen Buddhism.

MAHAYANA Emphasis on the Experience of Sunyata Emptiness Clearness, transparency, openness Pure Awareness Awareness without conditioned mind.

MAHAYANA Emphasis on the Experience of Sunyata Two men are found dead in the cabin in the woods Sunyata is awareness without the mind imposing meaning

MAHAYANA ZEN BUDDHISM In a Nutshell: Simplicity, Serenity, Satori

MAHAYANA ZEN BUDDHISM Originated in China (6 th Cent.) Zen is the Japanese pronunciation of Chan (Chinese) Heavily influenced by Taoism Key Concepts Zazen: sitting meditation Koan: story/puzzle to emphasize nonconceptual (no words) insight. Sanzen: private session between master and student. Satori: the awakening insight (moment of clarity)

MAHAYANA - ZEN BUDDHISM Koan: You can make the sound of two hands clapping. Now what is the sound of one hand?

MAHAYANA - ZEN BUDDHISM Koan: If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him.

MAHAYANA - ZEN BUDDHISM Koan: What was your original face the one you had before your parents gave birth to you?

MAHAYANA - ZEN BUDDHISM Solutions to Zen Koans Often expressed non-verbally, affirming insight.

MAHAYANA - ZEN BUDDHISM Zen Proverb about the Nature of Enlightenment: Before Enlightenment: After Enlightenment:

VAJRAYANA Vajrayana: diamond / thunderbolt Claim: Most powerful, direct path to nirvana.