Buddhism

By: Julie, Hillary, Tommy, Nikko and

Bryce

Beliefs1. The Buddha is our only Master2. We take refuge in the Buddha, the Dhamma and the

Sangha3. We do not believe that this world is created and ruled by

God4. Following the example of the Buddha, we consider that

the purpose of life is to develop compassion for all living begins without discrimination and to work for their good, happiness, and peace; and to develop wisdom leading to the realization of Ultimate Truth

5. We accept the Four Noble Truths6. We understand, according to the teaching of the Buddha,

that all conditioned things are impermanent and that all conditioned and unconditioned things are without self.

7. We accept the Thirty-seven Qualities conductive to Enlightenment as different aspects of the Path taught by the Buddha leading to Enlightenment.

Beliefs Cont.8. There are three ways of attaining

bodhi or Enlightenment, according to the ability and capacity of each individual: namely as a disciple. We accept it as the highest, noblest, and most heroic to follow the career of a Bodhisattva and to be able to save others.

9. We admit that in different countries there are differences with regard to the life of Buddhist monks, popular Buddhist beliefs and practices, rites and ceremonies, customs and habits. These external forms and expressions should not be confused with the essential teachings of the Buddha.

10. The Precepts guide life and are to be partaken to the wise.

The Four Noble Truths

Forms the foundation of belief for all branches of Buddhism

1. All of life is marked by suffering2. Suffering caused by desire and

attachment3. Suffering can be stopped4. The way to end suffering is to follow

the Noble Eightfold Path

The Noble Eightfold Path• You can permanently

escape suffering by following the eightfold path

• “Right” means “true” or “correct”

1. Right knowledge2. Right intention3. Right speech4. Right action5. Right livelihood6. Right effort7. Right mindfulness8. Right concentration

The PreceptsI undertake to observe the precept to abstain from ...• ...harming living beings. • ...taking things not freely given. • ...sexual misconduct. • ...false speech. • ...intoxicating drinks and drugs causing heedlessness. • ...taking untimely meals. • ...dancing, singing, music and watching grotesque mime. • ...use of garlands, perfumes and personal adornment. • ...use of high seats. • ...accepting gold or silver.

Meditation• Mindfulness with

breathing• Full concentration• To penetrate the true

nature of phenomena and to reach Enlightenment

• Meditation on the parts of the body will results in a lessening of attachment to our own bodies and those of others; a reduction of sensual desires occurs

• Loving Kindness

Reincarnation• The taking on of a new

body in the next life• This is not like the

traditional Indian understanding—it is compared to the lighting of successive candles using the flame of the preceding candle.

• “Although each flame is casually connected to the one that came before it, it is not the same flame.”

• Reincarnation is referred to as “transmigration”

Nirvana-”to extinguish”-the way a fire goes out when it runs out of fuel

• State of final liberation from the cycle of reincarnation• End of suffering• Enlightenment is only understood by the Enlightened.• “it is recognized that there is nothing but what is seen

of the mind itself; where, recognizing the nature of the self-mind, one no longer cherishes the dualisms of discrimination; where there is no more thirst nor grasping; where there is no more attachment to external things”– Buddha

• “Incomprehensible, indescribable, inconceivable, unutterable”– Buddha

Mahayana Buddhism

• The earliest mention of "Mahayana" occurs in the Lotus Sutra between the first century BCE and the first century CE.

• Originated in India• Buddhism practiced in China, Korea,

Tibet, and Japan is Mahayana Buddhism • Loosely bound bundle of many teachings • Mahayana is a vast religious and

philosophical structure

Mahayana Buddhism Enlightenment

• “The Greater Vehicle”• Opened the way of Enlightenment to

more people because even people with secular careers could obtain Enlightenment

• A faster route to obtain Enlightenment– Could obtain in one lifetime

Theravada Buddhism

• “The Teaching of the Elders", or “The Ancient Teaching“

• The oldest surviving Buddhist school• Theravada Buddhists number over 100 million

worldwide • Insight must come from the aspirant's experience,

critical investigation, and reasoning instead of by blind faith

• In Theravada, the cause of human existence and suffering is identified as the craving – anger, ill will, aversion, greed, jealousy, conceit, hatred, fear,

sensual desire, obsession, passion, irritation, distraction, vengeance, depression, anxiety, clinging to the body

• Theravadins believe that every individual is personally responsible for their own self-realization and liberation

The Beauty of LifeThe Greatest…• achievement is selflessness.• worth is self-mastery.• quality is seeking to serve others.• precept is continual awareness.• medicine is the emptiness of everything.• action is not conforming with the worlds ways.• magic is transmuting the passions.• generosity is non-attachment.• goodness is a peaceful mind.• patience is humility.• effort is not concerned with results.• meditation is a mind that lets go.• wisdom is seeing through appearances.

Dalai Lama

• Tibetan Buddhists hold the Dalai Lama to be one of many incarnations of the bodhisattva of compassion

• Between the 17th century and 1959, the Dalai Lama was the head of the Tibetan Government

• Often referred to as “His Holiness”

The Current Dalai Lama• Was recognized at the age of two as the

reincarnation the Dalai Lama• Lhamo Lhatso at Chokhorgyal

– Sacred Lake– visions of the future could be seen

• Ah, Ka, and Ma, followed by a picture of a monastery with roofs of jade green and gold, and a house with turquoise tiles– Sent out to find this

• Basically, found the house, went in, found the boy and the boy and recognized the rosary belonging to the 13th Dahlia Lama and the Regent found the new reincarnation

The Current Dalai Lama cont.

• Ah could stand for Amdo, the name of the province;

• Ka for Kumbum, one of the largest monasteries in the neighbourhood;

• Ka and Ma for the monastery of Karma Rolpai Dorje on the mountain above the village

• In 1940 the 14th Dalai Lama was enthroned

Interesting Fact

• The truth behind the hands

Celebrities• Richard Gere

– Actor• Runaway Bride• Jackal

• Adam Yauch – Beastie Boys

• Tina Turner– Singer

• Phil Jackson – Chicago Bulls Coach

• Seymour Lachman – CNYU Professor – Co-author of “One Nation Under God”

Works Cited

Religion Facts. Just the Facts on World Religions. The Purpose Of Life According to Buddhism. 24

January 2008. http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/beliefs/basic_points.htm.

Religion Facts. Just the Facts on World Religions. Buddhism Beliefs About The Afterlife. 24 January

2008. http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/beliefs/basic_points.htm.

Religion Facts. Just the Facts on World Religions. The Basic Points of Buddhism. 24 January 2008.

http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/beliefs/basic_points.htm

Religion Facts. Just the Facts on World Religions. Is Buddhism Aethiestic. 24 January 2008. http://

www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/beliefs/basic_points.htm

A little something to make you laugh

;)