BUDDHISM

CONTENTS
Introduction
to
Buddhism
 INTRODUCTION
Buddhism was established by a prince named Siddhartha Gautama. At first, he was
prophesized to bring about a great kingdom or become a great king.

With his father wishing his son to continue his legacy, Siddhartha Gautama was
shielded from the world and lived lavishly in his palaces. However, that would soon
change a Buddhism as the Four Sights - an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and a holy man.

These sights awakened Siddhartha Gautama to the realities and life. This sent him in a
long search for answers. He decided to meditate under a Bodhi tree for 49 days. He came
to understand that all human suffering came from too much desire and that the answer to
human suffering is to find the "Middle Way." Thus, the concept of Buddhism was born,
and Siddhartha Gautama took on a new name - Buddha or the Enlightened One.
 The Four
Noble Truths
and the
Eightfold
Path
 The four noble truths
A practitioner of Buddhism must understand two concepts: The Four
Noble Truths, which will help them understand the true source of suffering,
and the Noble Eightfold Path which will help them end craving/desire by
finding the balance in all things.

THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS:

1. Suffering exists
2. Suffering arises from craving/desire
3. Eliminating craving/desire reduces suffering.
4. The way to eliminate craving and suffering is by following the Eightfold
Path.
 The noble eightfold path
1. Right understanding - understanding of the true nature of things, specifically, knowledge of the Buddhist
practices

2. Right intention - cultivating thoughts and motives that are pure and not selfish.

3. Right speech - speaking honestly and kindly; avoiding lies, exaggeration, harsh words, and expressions that
hurt people.

4. Right action - doing actions that do not hurt people and animals, which include not stealing and engaging in
sexual misconduct.

5. Right work - pursuing a means of livelihood that does not harm oneself, other people, and animals.

6. Right effort - improving oneself while avoiding extremes or observing moderation or the middle way.

7. Right meditation - focusing one's energies on the right and positive things.

8. Right contemplation - cultivating mental state or thoughts that bring inner peace.
Theravada
Buddhism
vs.
Mahayana
Buddhism
 Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism
Buddhism is split into two major divisions: Theravada and Mahayana
Buddhism.

Their differences can be summarized into three categories:

• Which sacred text they follow
• Their concept of the function of being enlightened
• Their idea of Buddha.
 TRIPITAKA Mahayana v. Theravada:
Which sacred text they
follow?

Theravada : Tripitaka or “The

Three Baskets”
MAHAYANA SUTRAS

Mahayana : Mahayana Sutras

 Mahayana v. Theravada:
What is their concept of
Arhat: Once an enlightened being enlightened?
person leaves this plan, he
immediately enters Nirvana
Theravada : Arhat
Boddhisatva: A person must
first help someone enter the Mahayana : Boddhisatva
same state so they can both
enter Nirvana together. Even
if this person’s enlightenment
may delay.
Mahayana v. Theravada:
What is their idea of
Buddha

Theravada : Buddha is just simply man.

Mahayana : Buddha is not just a simple

man, but he comes in multiple forms
and exists in many worlds.
 Small Vehicle: Smaller and Mahayana v. Theravada:
more focus of Nirvana. It’s not What is their main
entirely being selfish, but
Theravadists, more or less,
difference?
focus on getting to the
enlightenment by Theravada : Small Vehicle
themselves/personally.

Great Vehicle: They focus on Mahayana : Great Vehicle

delaying their salvation by
ensuring others achieve the
same state. It’s not entirely
being selfless, but being
helpful of others.
 The Six
Perfections
of
Buddhism
The six perfections of Mahayana Buddhism
The six perfections, or parameters, are guides for Mahayana Buddhists to
their enlightenment.

1. Dana Paramatia: no selfishness attached, generosity of spirit

2. Sila Paramatia: teaching are like training wheels, self compassion
3. Ksanti Paramatia: patience, tolerance, forbearance, endurance,
composure
4. Virya Paramatia: energy or zeal, Indian-Iranian word “hero”
5. Dhayana Paramatia: meditation, concentration
6. Prajna Paramatia: transcendent knowledge, wisdom
 Some
Symbols of
Indian
Religions
 Some symbols of Indian Religions

Swastika Dharmachakra Lotus

Aryan symbol of Represents A symbol of

nobility, knowledge and untouched beauty
representing the one of the and represents the
truth, and stability. inspirations of the cycle of life.
Unfortunately, design of the
Hitler has owned mandala and
this symbol for his represents the
Nazi time and is Eightfold path.
now a symbol for
racial superiority.
Challenges
of
Buddhism
as a
religion
 Challenges and Impact of Buddhism as a religion
• Being in the modern era, Buddhism struggles to find a more modern approach to
find their teachings with Buddhism trying to avoid Consumerism or the use of many
material things.

• Inequality among women are still prevalent. While Buddhism allows women to
become nuns, there are still sects that practice this.

• Territorial disputes between Hindus and Buddhists are predominant.

• China has its Buddhist practices that incorporated more traditional Chinese
elements. Other also have included martial arts, art, and other forms of writing in
Buddhist practice as a means to control desire and suffering in the world.
•
Some Hindu texts have inspired Buddhist traditions and even people like Mahatma
Gandhi to inspire people especially during the time when the British colonized India.