70 likes | 131 Views
Buddhism. History, Major Divisions, and Beliefs. Basic Facts. 360 million Primarily in Thailand, SE Asia, N India 1 million in the U.S. 170% growth in 1990s 3 major traditions Some atheists, some theists About Nirvana. The Founder. Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE) “Awakened One”
E N D
Buddhism History, Major Divisions, and Beliefs
Basic Facts • 360 million • Primarily in Thailand, SE Asia, N India • 1 million in the U.S. • 170% growth in 1990s • 3 major traditions • Some atheists, some theists • About Nirvana
The Founder • Siddhartha Gautama (563-483 BCE) “Awakened One” • The Legend • Ruling family - protected - 4 sights • old man - sick man - corpse - sannyasin • Wandering - wondering • Moderation - Enlightenment (Bodhi)
Basic Traditions • Theravada / Hiniyana • Monastic, Sri Lanka & SE Asia • Mahayana • E Asia & Vietnam • Various ways • Vajrayana • Tibetan, Tantric, shamanistic
The 4 Noble Truths • Dukkha • Living means suffering. • Pleasures are usually short-lived. • Tanha • Suffering is caused by desire. • To end suffering, end desire. • Change yourself, not the outside world. • Follow the 8-fold path to release suffering. • Nirvana / Nibbana is the ultimate goal.
The EightFold Path • Right Understanding • Right Intention • Right Speech • Right Action • Right Work • Right Effort • Right Meditation • Right Contemplation
The Theravadan Path • Strong emphasis on the historical Buddha & the more ancient Pali Canon • Monastic community & Arhat (“worthy one”) • one who attains Nirvana • The life of a monk is the surest path to Nirvana Abbot Sunthorn, Wat Buddhasothorn Temple, Albuquerque