Buddhism
Background
-6th century CE in India
-like Jainism, rejected Vedic authority and caste system
-by 3rd century CE, missionaries begin spreading through Asia
-gradually defeated by Hinduism/Islam w/in India, however
“Siddhartha” (“one who has proven himself”) Gautama (family name)
-traditional dates are 560-480 BCE
-historians unsure of accuracy
-legend says birth surrounded by extraordinary events (Jesus?)
-some even predict he’ll be a “Buddha” (enlightened/awakened one)
-first 20 years lived in luxury
-father desires to shield him from life’s harsh side
-eventually leaves home to seek a solution to suffering
-begins by seeking gurus & turning to asceticism
-eventually turns to moderation and “middle way”
-becomes enlightened while meditating under a bodhi (fig) tree (age 35)
-spent the rest of his life preaching
-all people theoretically capable of enlightenment
Teachings of the Buddha
-he didn’t necessarily intend to found brand new religion
-lived & taught in Hindu milieu
-generally accepts karma, rebirth etc…
-rejects idea of atman (soul)
-“soul” is actually combo of body, feelings, understanding, will,
consciousness (not an independent entity)
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/storybuddha.htm
4 Noble Truths (sheet)-Attempt to encapsulate the truth of human life
Eightfold Path
-guide to break the bonds and release one from cycle of birth/death
-known as “Nirvana” (“extinguished” or “emancipated” or…)
Development of Buddhism
-Separates from “Hinduism” in that…
-denies relevance of gods
-denies importance of worship/sacrifice
-denies caste system
-concurs on need for “release from existence,” but…
-says totally dependent on individual
Post-Gautama
-Indian Emperor Asoka (268-232 CE) puts power of the throne into
spreading Buddhism, a la Constantine & Christianity
-sends through much of Asia
-never repairs 390 BCE schism between two major sects:
Theravada Buddhism
-more conservative branch; possibly closer to Gautama’s original teachings
-dominant in Sri Lanka and SE Asia
-emphasis is monastic
-monks in sanghas have best chance at Enlightenment
-common to spend limited times as a monk during teen years
-gods/sacrifice/prayer of minor consequence
-focus on individual efforts of meditation etc…
-believe that there have been many Buddhas in past; more coming…
-houses of prayer known as wats
-stupas and pagodas part of the complex
-two primary types of meditation
-Sammatta (intense concentration) Vipassana (sudden insight)
Mahayana Buddhism
-believes in more expansive interpretation of Buddha’s teachings
-allows possibility of esoteric, cryptic teachings
-differing views on Gautama
-some say quasi-divine Boddhisatva
-some say one of many Buddhas all over the universe
-able to adapt well as missionary religion
-flexible in labeling native deities as “Buddhas”
Spread of Buddhism through Asia
-joins Confucianism and Taoism as major religion in China
-China’s influence equals quick spread to Japan, Korea
-inland areas (Tibet/Mongolia) also convert, yet retain earlier local flavor
Mahayanist Sects
-Pure Land
-unusual in that focus on faith in Amitabha (“cosmic Buddha”)
can lead to next life in “Land of Bliss”
-Zen
-founded by monk named Bodhidharma
-life become the subject of much legend (eyelid=tea)
-emphasizes acquisition of truth through sudden flash of insight, not
rational thought
-Buddha enlightened under bo tree, not with gurus
-koans designed to shake one from normal modes of thought
-goal is to provoke satori (flash of enlightenment)
-Tendai
-pushes for reason/study in addition to meditation
-Nichiren
-Japanese nationalism mixed with uncompromising form of Buddhism
-Tibetan
-average Tibetans often syncretize indigenous belief w/ Buddhism
-much discussion of spells, magic etc…
-distinctive features include prayer wheels, lamas
-monasticism major feature of society
-now live in exile in north India, due to confrontation with Red China
American Buddhism
-exposure during WW2 in Asia; interest during Beat Generation and
Hippies; immigration after Vietnam --- all lead to current interest