Buddhism.

Presentation on theme: "Buddhism."— Presentation transcript:

1 Buddhism

2 Buddhism… The “middle way of wisdom and compassion”
A 2500 year old tradition 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

3 Who was the Buddha? Born Siddhartha Gautama – of noble caste in India, 563 B.C.E. Raised in great luxury to be a king Empathy for the suffering of others; at age 29 rejected the life of luxury to seek enlightenment and the solution to suffering Followed a strict ascetic lifestyle for six years Rejected this extreme, 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 next 45 years of his life teaching others

4 Buddha Becoming Enlightened

5 The “Three Jewels” of Buddhism
Buddha – the teacher Dharma – the teachings Sangha – the community

6 What did the Buddha teach?
The Four Noble Truths: To live is to suffer The cause of suffering is self-centered desire & attachments The solution is to eliminate desire and attachment, thus achieving Nirvana (“extinction”) The way to Nirvana is through the “Eight-Fold Path”

7 What is the Eight-Fold Path?
Wisdom: Right understanding Right motivation Moral discipline: Right speech Right action Right livelihood Mental discipline: Right effort Right mindfulness Right concentration

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9 What do Buddhists believe?
Rebirth (reincarnation) results from attachments (karma) Nirvana is a peaceful, detached state of mind Achieving Nirvana means escape from the cycle of rebirth Once Gautama Buddha died, after 80 years of life in this world, having achieved Nirvana and teaching multitudes his way of life, he ceased to exist as a distinct being Buddhism is non-theistic: Buddha is not the Buddhist God – he is just a revered teacher

10 The Spread of Buddhism Within two centuries after the Buddha died, Buddhism began to spread north and east into Asia By 13th century Buddhism had disappeared from India

11 Schools of Buddhism - Theravada
The “Way of the Elders” Oldest school of Buddhism “Do-it-yourself” approach (no god or image can bring enlightenment) Focus on wisdom and meditation Goal is to become a Buddha

12 Schools of Buddhism - Mahayana
Found in Northern Asia (China, Japan, etc.) Buddhism “for the masses” Devotional – seek guidance from Bodhisattvas (“wise beings”) & heavenly Buddhas Focus on compassion Goal is to become a bodhisattva and assist others toward enlightenment (the “Bodhisattva Ideal”)

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14 Schools of Buddhism - Tibetan
A mix of Theravada & Mahayana: Rituals (Tantra): Mantras (chanting) Mandalas & Thankas (symbolic images) Mudras (hand gestures) Bodhisattvas, including living Lamas (Dalai Lama) Meditation, monasticism, wisdom & compassion

15 Schools of Buddhism – Zen
The “meditation” school: Seeks sudden enlightenment through meditation, arriving at emptiness and the “Buddha Nature” Use of meditation masters (Roshi) Beauty, arts & aesthetics – gardens, archery, the tea ceremony, calligraphy, etc.

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17 Japanese Haiku Zen Poetry 17-syllable (5/7/5)
Celebration of nature & wholeness & union of all living things “The light rising fast Over the far eastern plains Brings daytime to all.”

18 BUDDHISM

19 BUDDHIST SCRIPTURE

20 SYMBOLS of BUDDHISM

21 BODHISATTVAS In Mahayana Buddhism, these god-like beings are believed to help man by extending compassion and guidance. People try to emulate their qualities. The figures differ from country to country.

22 BODHISATTVAS Avalokiteshvara: the spirit of Buddha
Amida: the source of infinite goodness.

23 Manjushri: the Destroyer of Ignorance. He wields the Sword of Knowledge.
Tara: compassion

24 PLACES of PILGRIMAGE

25 LUMBINI GROVE, NEPAL Lumbini Grove in Nepal where Prince Siddhartha was born. This pillar was built by King Ashoka to honor the Prince’s birth.

26 BODH-GAYA Where Siddartha gained Enlightenment

27 SARNATH DEER PARK Deer Park in Sarnath. Close to Varanasi, India.
Deer Park where Buddha gave his first sermon after being enlightened.

28 KUSINARA, INDIA This stupa in Kusinara, contains the relics and ashes of Buddha. A statue honoring Buddha.

29 PLACES OF WORSHIP

30 Wat-Thailand

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37 Angor Wat, Cambodia

38 Angor Wat

39 Pagoda

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42 Stupa

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47 Creating a mandala with sand

48 Mandala

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55 SPREAD OF BUDDHISM

56 Afghanistan

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58 Efforts of the Taliban

59 Myanamar protests, 2007

60 Chanting monks, India

61 TIBETAN BUDDHISM

62 The Dalai Lama—Leader of Tibetan Buddhists

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64 Monestery in Lhasa, Tibet

65 Prayer Wheels

66 Prayer Wheels

67 Hand-held prayer wheel

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69 Prayer Flags

70 Message/symbols on the prayer flags

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