BUDDHISM

What is Buddhism?
O Another major world religion originated from
India;
O Practiced also in Thailand, Japan, and China
O 515.7 million followers as of 2015
O The principles of Buddhism were first
propagated by Buddha, the founder of the
religion.

O Centered on ending suffering through

renouncing material desires and attaining
enlightenment.
Who is Buddha?
O Siddhartha Gautama
O Born in Nepal
O Was a Hindu
O Raised as a prince and
experienced the comforts
of a luxurious and
sheltered lifestyle;
 Buddha’s Four Sights

SICKNESS DEATH

OLD AGE
MONK in
MEDITATION
 Enlightenment
O Buddha practiced Asceticism
to find the deeper meaning of
life – but it didn’t give him
answers.

O He sat by a fig tree to

meditate where he
experienced clarity of mind
and was able to examine the
meanings of the mind, the
universe, and life itself.
 Basic Doctrines
O Buddha became known as the Shakyamuni
Buddha (capability and kindness)

O The fig tree is now known as the Bodhi Tree

O Buddhism is founded on the doctrine of

pursuing moral deeds and reaching
enlightenment in order to put an end to
suffering - samsara
 The Three Jewels
the most important beliefs of Buddhists enshrined in
the three Jewels of Buddhism – where they take refuge to
attain happiness, enlightenment and perfection.
O Buddha – refers to the perfection
gained from enlightenment, as
exemplified by the life and actions
of Gautama Buddha;
O Dharma – the teachings / doctrines
such as the Four Noble Truths, The
Noble Eightfold Path, the Five
Precepts.
O Sangha – the monastic community
which guides believers toward
achieving enlightenment and
perfection.
 The Four Noble Truths
they focus on suffering as an inevitable part of life. They
identify the reason behind suffering and the possible
solution.
O Dukkha – anxiety, dissatisfaction, and suffering. It
recognizes the EXISTENCE of suffering.
O Samudaya – the source of suffering. They believe
that one primary origins of suffering is DESIRE.
O Nirodha – there is an end to suffering, one’s in
earthly or spiritual life. Spiritual freedom can be
attained

O Magga – the path leading to the end of suffering

 SAMUDAYA
O This truth believes the that the source of
suffering is DESIRE.
O Desire is believed to be related to ignorance,
which is opposite to wisdom.
O Desire is craving for pleasure, material
wealth, and eternal life.
O Since these are things that can never be
fully attained, yearning them will lead to
dissatisfaction and suffering.
 SAMUDAYA
O Meanwhile, ignorance relates to the inability
to perceive the world in its true state.
O Because of this ignorance, man believes
that the world must work according to his
expectations.
O Expectation does not happen > frustration >
commits vices such as anger, envy, and
greed
 NIRODHA MAGGA
O This truth states O This truth outlines
that there is an end how to achieve
to suffering. Nirvana

O It can be achieved
O The Noble Eightfold
by attaining
NIRVANA, or the Path – the way to
state of eternal reach Nirvana and
peace and end suffering.
happiness.
The Noble Eightfold Path /
The Middle Way
/understanding

/thought
 The Five Precepts
O A guide to lead Buddhists on how to lead a
life of virtue and morality.
O All Buddhists are expected to subscribe to
these principles, whether they are a monk, a
nun, or an ordinary Buddhist practitioner.

1. Refrain from killing;

2. Refrain from stealing;
3. Refrain from engaging in sexual practices;
4. Refrain from lying and false speech; and
5. Refrain from buying and selling alcoholic substances.
Impermanence (Anicca)
O Fleetingness or impermanence is one of the
Buddha’s teachings.
O He spoke about reality that all is shifting from
moment to moment, and nothing remains
constant.
O All compounded things are impermanent.
When individuals begin to realize the reality of
continuous change and start to appreciate objects
and start experiences without being attached to
them, it becomes easier to be free from suffering
and attain enlightenment.
Impermanence (Anicca)
Importance to meditate on impermanence.
O Understand impermanence in a deeper way,
beyond the intellectual level.
O Learn to refrain from attachment.
O Control and let go of anger; and
O Comprehend the reality and essence of
emptiness.
Impermanence (Anicca)
Impermanence characterized as subtle or gross
O Subtle impermanence is seen in small and
momentary changes that things and human
beings undergo, such as brief movements and
fleeting thoughts;
O Gross impermanence, encompasses changes
that can be easily noticed due to their
magnitude. This is seen in aging of living beings
and the disappearance of things.
Law of Dependent Origination
O According to this law, the universe functions
through cause-effect mechanism – every
single phenomenon can be attributed to a
certain set of conditions can again be linked
to a prior cause.
O All phenomena are interconnected – posits
that a phenomenon cannot exist by itself;
there will always be another phenomenon
that brings about its occurrence.
Law of Dependent Origination
Twelve factors which lead to suffering. The
existence of one factor contributes to the
occurrence of the other, and so on.
1. ignorance
2. volitional actions or predispositions
3. consciousness
4. phenomena involving the mind and the body
5. the six faculties (or the five senses and the
mind)
6. contact
Law of Dependent Origination
7. sensation or feeling
8. desire or craving
9. clinging to an object or entity
10. the state of becoming, or creating life;
11. birth; and
12. old age and death.
 Non - Theism
O Buddhism is considered non – theistic, as
its followers do not believe in a god or a set
of deities,
O The Buddha and other enlightened entities
are not considered gods, but are regarded
as teachers serving as Buddhist
practitioner’s guide towards reaching
enlightenment.
 SANGHA
O Buddhist life that centers on the monastic
community composed of monks (bhikkus)
and nuns (bhikkunis).
O Buddhists believe that life in the sangha is
the best means to achieve enlightenment as
it provides the most suitable environment for
meditation.
Holy Symbols
O Dharmachakra – “dharma
wheel” is a symbol for
numerous beliefs and
elements of Buddhism.
Representation of the Noble
Eightfold Path.
O It also symbolizes the
endless rebirth of man
(samsara).
O 3 parts of the wheel (hub,
rim and spokes) – symbols
the values taught in
Buddhism; representations
of discipline, concentration
and wisdom respectively.
 Holy Symbols
O Buddha’s footprints –
are considered to be
the closest
representation of
Buddha.
O These footprints are
highly venerated as it
is believed that the
Buddha himself
imprinted them.
 Major Buddhist Traditions:
sometime after the death of Buddha at around the fourth century BCE,
Buddhism eventually split into two major branches:

THERAVADA
and
MAHAYANA
THERAVADA BUDDHISM
O “The way of the Elders”.
O This branch claim that their beliefs can be
traced to the original teachings of the Buddha.

O Became popular because of the Burmese King

Anawrahta’s conversion. (Myanmar)
O Spread from India, Sri Lanka, Burma to Thailand,
Laos, and Cambodia
O They make up 25.2% of the Buddhist population,
or nearly 130 million people
 Theravada Sacred Texts
O Tipitaka - “triple basket”; also known as Pali
Canon.
O The name refers to the baskets or boxes in which
the sections of the text were originally kept.
O It is the earliest collection of Buddhist teachings.
O Believed to be written between 500 BCE and the
first century CE.
O In the early days, it did not exist in book form, but
was instead written on palm leaves or thin slices of
wood such as bamboo.
TIPITAKA
 Tipitaka
It is divided into three sections:

O Vinaya Pitaka – “Basket of Discipline”. Contains

guidelines and directions of monastic life.

O Sutta Pitaka – “Basket of Discourse”. Made up of

doctrinal and ethical discourses taken from Buddha’s
sermons.

O Abhidhamma Pitaka – “Basket of Ultimate Things” or the

“Basket of Special Doctrine”. Considered a more
detailed discussion of the Sutta Pitaka.
 Festival and Holy Days
O Some are rooted in important events in the
life of the Buddha, as indicated in the
Sacred texts of the tradition.
 Magha Puja Day
O Celebrated in late February or early March.
O Theravada Buddhists remember the sermon that the
Buddha gave to 1,250 monks.
O During this sermon, the monks were ordained and
given the basic teachings of the Buddha – striving for
goodness, abstaining from evil deeds, and purifying
one’s thoughts.
O In remembrance of this event, 1,250 candles are lit
and take a part in procession.
Magha Puja Day
 Esala Perahera
O Celebrated in July or August in Sri Lanka.
O Commemoration of the relic of the sacred
tooth of the Buddha, which is said to have
come from India – the birthplace of
Theravada Buddhism
O Known for its grand parades, cultural
dances, and other ceremonies or rituals –
one of these is the parade of the elephant
carrying the relic of the sacred tooth of the
Buddha.
Esla Perahera
 Kathina
O Celebrated in October or November
O Commemorates an event in the Buddha’s life that
showed his relationship towards his followers.
O It is said that the Buddha once had to part with other
monks, and suggested to make a robe out of pieces
of cloth as a way of making up for his absence.
O Today, Theravada Buddhists give monks pieces of
cloths which they can use to make new robes in
preparation for the winter season.
O Aside from cloths, other gifts are also given.
Kathina
MAHAYANA BUDDHISM
O More widely practiced Buddhist tradition.
O 71.5% of the Buddhist population.
O Its followers are found in China, Japan,
South Korea, and Vietnam.

O Founded on the belief that everyone can

become a Buddha.
 Branches of
Mahayana Buddhism
• Tibet, China
Tibetan • High regard for Dalai Lama
Buddhism

• China and Japan

Pure Land • Believes in Amitabha who lives in the Pure Land
Buddhism

• China and Japan

• Incorporates Taoism
Zen
Buddhism • Instant enlightenment
 Sacred Texts
O Tipitakas
 Sacred texts: The Sutras
O Composed of 2,184 texts
O Delve into the important practices and
beliefs of their religion
O Most well-known and frequently used Sutra:
 Lotus Sutra
 Heart Sutra
 Land Sutra
 Filial Piety Sutra
 The Sutras
LOTUS HEART LAND OF BLISS FILIAL PIETY

•Instructions on •Concept of •Practitioners of •Discusses loving

how to achieve enlightenment Pure Land one’s parents
enlightenment. and nothingness Buddhism. •Sacrifices of
•Contains which Mahayana •Pure Land is parents
mantras which Buddhists described and
regards as •How to repay
they believe Amitabha, the your parents’
important in ultimate reality; principal entity in kindness.
reaching •Describes the 5 Pure Land
enlightenment skandhas or the Buddhism, gives
and becoming a components that instructions on
Buddha. make up an how an individual
individual’s being can enter this
and existence: place.
physical body,
consciousness,
sensations,
perceptions and
mental
formations.
The Nature of the Buddha
O Trikaya – Buddha’s three forms of bodies
 Emptiness
Tis concept exists in both Theravada and
Mahayana Buddhism, but there are
differences in beliefs.

Believes that emptiness is merely part of

enlightenment
- eg being empty of suffering

Said to have been first taught by

Nagarjuna. They believe that all beings
do not have their own existence. Thus,
avoiding pointless greed.
BODHISATTVAS
O They are individuals or
Mahayana practitioners
who are on their way to
attaining Buddhahood.

O Also known as bodies of

bliss of the Buddha

O They remain in the world to

help other people to attain
enlightenment, before they
themselves reach nirvana
and become a Buddha.
The Bodhisattva Precepts
 Refrain from killing;
 Refrain from stealing;
 Refrain from engaging in sexual
practices;
 Refrain from lying and false speech;
 Refrain from buying and selling
alcoholic substances;
 Refrain from telling others about
one’s mistakes;
The Bodhisattva Precepts
 Refrain from exaggerating one’s
accomplishments and ridiculing
others;
 Refrain from envying others;
 Refrain from being angry and
refusing to forgive; and
 Refrain from insulting the Buddha
and his teachings, as well as the
Sangha
 The Six Paramitas
O Paramita – (perfection) one key solution to end
suffering and a way to achieve Buddhahood.
 The Eight Realizations Sutra
O It contains guidelines on how a Mahayana
Buddhist can recognize instances of suffering
and overcome it. It calls for awareness:

1. that the world is impermanent

2. that desire and greed are the root of suffering
3. that the human mind is never satisfied
4. that laziness as hindrance to achieving success and fulfillment in one’s
life
5. that ignorance is the cause of endless cycles of suffering birth and death
6. that poverty creates more hatred and anger, which in turn causes more
hatred and anger
7. that difficulties in one’s life are a product of worldliness or desires –
wealth, beauty, gluttony and laziness.
8. of the suffering of others — and the great vow to help others to attain
release and joy.
 Festivals and Holy Days
O Many of the festivals celebrated by
Mahayana Buddhists are also in keeping
with the tradition’s emphasis on the
principles of enlightenment and
Buddhahood.
 Parinirvana Day
O Gives much focus on enlightenment
O This celebrates the day that the Buddha
reached enlightenment, and finally attained
freedom from suffering.
O Regarded as a time to reflect on one’s life,
and go to temples to meditate
O Celebrated in February.
Parinirvana Day
 Hana Matsuri
O Takes place in April in Japan
O Celebrates the birth of Buddha and the
concept of impermanence.
O An infant image of Buddha is bathed with
sweet tea and decorated with cherry
blossoms.
Hana Matsuri
 Obon
O Takes place in July in Japan
O Time for Mahayana Buddhists to remember
their loved ones who have passed away.
O Buddhists ask the Buddha to guide their
loved ones to Buddhahood.
Obon
Conflicts involving Theravada Buddhism in
South and Southeast Asia
 Sri Lankan Civil War
O 26-year civil war between the Tamils and the
government that ended in 2009.

Tiger Tamils are Hindus.

Most Sri Lankans are

Theravada Buddhists
Other conflicts in Sri Lanka
O Conflict between
Theravada
Buddhists and
Muslims arose in
2012
O Christians are also
persecuted in Sri
Lanka
 Thailand:
Muslims vs Buddhists
O 2004 – Present
O Muslims want political autonomy from Thai government

Muslim resistance groups:

(PULO)
Pattani United Liberation Organization

(BRN)
Barisan Revolusi Nasional
O Rise of “military monks” to protect Buddhists
 Myanmar:
Rohingya Muslims vs Rakhine People
O Full blown riots in 2012
O Rakhines (practitioners of Theravada
Buddhism in western Myanmar) fear
becoming a minority as Rohingya Muslims
rise in population
O To protect Buddhism in Myanmar, laws have
been campaigned to avoid inter-religion
marriages.
Rohingya Genocide
Major Issues faced by
Mahayana Buddhists
Chinese Invasion of Tibet
O Britain and China signed an agreement in
1906 giving the Chinese government
authority over Tibet.
O Tibet was annexed by China in 1950
O The Dalai Lama and his followers were
forced into exile
O China is exerting control on Buddhist
activities in Tibet to avoid independence
movements.
Tibetan monks being dragged to jail for anti-Chinese protests
 Engaged Buddhism
O It is the application of the principles of the Mahayana
faith in dealing with social issues.
O Founded on Mahayana concepts of love, generosity,
and freedom from unending cycle of suffering.
O Said to have made major contributions to addressing
global issues such as poverty, war, and social
inequality.
O Engaged Buddhists make an effort to educate others
about political issues and encourage them to act
upon these problems.
O The practice of engaged Buddhism has led to the
humanitarian foundation from the Mahayana sect,
one of which is the Tzu Chi Foundation.
 Tzu Chi Foundation
O It is a humanitarian organization led by engaged
Buddhism.
O Founded by Master Cheng Yen in Taiwan
O He claimed that the absence of compassion is
the reason why there are social ills.
O Voluntary and charity work, alternative access to
education and advocating for environmental
conservation, among others.
O The foundation has also extended it’s efforts to
other countries.
 provide medical assistance to those affected by
the earthquake in Jakarta (2006).
 provide financial and medical aid, and helped
rebuild classrooms to those affected by typhoon
Yolanda in 2013.
 Assignment:

Write a journal about the life story of Siddharta Gautama.

Submit in a whole sheet of paper.
 Quiz
Complete the table by filling in the blanks with the correct answer.
Choose the answer from the list below. 1. untruthfulness 2. tale-
bearing 3. maintain 4. overcome 5. living thing 6.
killing 7. Four Noble Truths 8. feeling 9. single object
Eightfold Path What One Must Do
Right View
Understand the “_____________ ”1
Right Intention
Free one’s self from ill-will, cruelty, and ________ 2
Right Speech
Abstain from untruthfulness, _________________, 3 harsh language,
and vain talk.
Right Action
Abstain from ,_________________ 4 stealing, and sexual misconduct .
Right Livelihood
Earn a living in a way not harmful to any ___________________ 5.
 Quiz
Complete the table by filling in the blanks with the correct answer.
Choose the answer from the list below. 1. untruthfulness 2. tale-
bearing 3. maintain 4. overcome 5. living thing 6.
killing 7. Four Noble Truths 8. feeling 9. single object

Eightfold Path What One Must Do

Right Effort
Avoid evil thoughts and ___________________ 6 them, arouse good
thoughts and ______________7 them .
Right Mindfulness .
Pay vigilant attention to every state of the body, ______________, 8 and
mind .
Right Concentration
Concentrate on a ________________ 9 object so as to induce
certain special states of consciousness in deep meditation.
1. Four Noble Truths
2. Untruthfulness
3. Tale-bearing
4. Killing
5. Living thing
6. Overcome
7. Maintain
8. Feeling
9. Single object