Buddhism Lecture Notes Lesson 4

LESSON FOUR: BUDDHISM LECURE NOTES & READING GUIDE Textbook Notes/Outline I. Introduction: The Buddhist “Middle Way” A. Origins in Sixth Century B.C.E. Indian Reaction against Mainstream Hinduism B. Unlike Jainism, Buddhism Teaches Middle Way between Radical Asceticism and Worldliness C. Buddhism Becomes Missionary Religion in Asia and Diminishes in India II. The Life of Gautama A. Early Life of Siddhartha Gautama (circa. 560-480 B.C.E.) 1. Son of a Raja (Chieftain / Warrior) 2. Legends About Seers Predicting Siddhartha’s Life Path 3. Father Shields Siddhartha from Life’s Ugliness and Pain 4. Siddhartha Marries Cousin at Age Nineteen, Has Son 5. Siddhartha Discovers Ugliness and Pain of Life, Concludes that Life is Suffering 6. Siddhartha Runs Away from Home, Wife, Son to Find Answers to Life’s Miseries a. b. c. d. e. Studies Philosophy with Guru, Still Unsatisfied Practices Severe Monastic Asceticism for Six Years Quits Asceticism, Meditates under a Fig (bo) Tree Becomes the Buddha (Enlightened One) Vision Shows Him Life is Endless Cycle of Life and Death Because of desire/thirst/craving (tanha) B. The Buddha’s Religious Mission 1. Finds Former Fellow Monks in Deer Park, Preaches Middle Way Between Indulgence and Asceticism 2. Forms Sangha (Buddhist monastic order) a. Buddha Teaches that all People Irrespective of Caste or Gender can be Enlightened b. Serious Followers Shave Heads, Wear Coarse Yellow Robes, Possess Only Begging Bowl c. Buddhist Monks Vow to (1) Abstain from Killing (2) Abstain from Taking what is not Given (3) Abstain from Lying, Frivolous, Slanderous, or Harsh Talk (4) Abstain from Improper Sexual Conduct (5) Abstain from Comfort and Adornments (6) Abstain from Dancing, Singing, Music, Shows (7) Abstain from Worldly Commerce, Errands (8) Abstain from Injuring Seeds or Plants (9) Eat Only One Meal a Day 1 3. Non-Monastic (Lay) Buddhists Vow to Abstain from a. b. c. d. e. 4. Killing Stealing Lying Improper Sexual Conduct Intoxicants Death of Buddha at Age Eighty a. b. Probable Cause: Eating Spoiled Pork Curry Followers Organize New Religion After Buddha’s Death by Formalizing his Critique of Hinduism [TR: Most followers of Buddhism summarize the essence of their faith as “taking refuge” in three things: The Buddha, The Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha) & The Sangha (the community of monks/nuns who preserve and exemplify the Dharma). In fact, this threefold refuge has become one of the basic Buddhist chants, called Ti-Sarana. ] III. The Teachings of the Buddha A. Buddha’s Mixed Critique of Hinduism 1. Accepted Most Hindu Religious Categories and Vocabulary 2. Taught Enlightenment Possible for All Irrespective of Caste 3. Opposed to Brahmin System of Worship and Sacrifice 4. Rejects Religious Authority of the Vedas 5. Believed People Ought to Find Own Enlightenment, not Seek Gods / Goddesses as Patrons B. New Teachings of the Buddha (the Tathagata, truth-gatherer) 1. Individual Soul Does Not Exist—People are in State of Non-Soulness (anatman) [TR: Buddhists are not saying that people have no spiritual nature. What they are seeking to turn away from is the idea that there is some single essence that is unique to me. To understand this, I like for you to think back to the “basic” religious idea of the web of life. From our ordinary 5-sensory experience, we think of the world as being composed of many different, individual things (including you and me). But seen from the “awakened” perspective, we see the infinite inter-connectedness of all things. From this perspective, there is no “us” versus “them,” animals versus humans, souls versus bodies. . ., etc. From this perspective, the “self” vanishes, like a single drop of water in an ocean of water. This is what Buddhists mean by “no self – anatman.” This is also a reaction (Buddhist would say “correction”) of the popular Hindu idea of an “atman” (a soul, or breath) that goes around and around in many reincarnations. As you will read in the next section, part of one’s enlightenment is to let go of one’s desire for hanging on to our misguided notion of a single, changeless self. Life is change; embrace the change rather than fight against it. Can you image what benefit this would bring to adolescents who are seeking to be like supermodels; to adults in mid-life crisis who want more $, possessions, and status; to older adults who hate their aging bodies. To Buddhists, even Western religions (that preach the evils of desire) do nothing to curb this desire, but rather promise a future state of changelessness in which our self (soul) is able to fulfill its desires for peace, food, 2 shelter, love, etc. In this regard, we can understand why Buddhism claims to be more of a practical guide to life than a metaphysical gateway to some supernatural realm. Would this way of thinking have “fit” into your earlier definition of religion? ] 2. Combination of Body, Feelings, Understanding, Will, and Consciousness Constitute Human Personality / Self [TR: For a Buddhist, what we call the “self” is really a constantly changing collection of psycho-physical forces called “Skandhas.” Think of the flickering flames of a fire that are constantly changing. At death, these skandhas fly apart and recombine into other temporary manifestations. So, in a sense death brings neither creation nor destruction, but a kind of re-arranging within the web. ] 3. The Four Noble Truths a. b. c. d. 4. Life is Painful Because of Craving, Grasping Desire Desire Combined with Pleasure and Lust Leads to a Cycle of Rebirths Detachment from All Desire—Even the Desire to Exist—is the Way to Release from Pain and Rebirth The Eightfold Path Leads to Detachment (1) Right Views (2) Right Intention (3) Right Speech (4) Right Action (5) Right Livelihood (6) Right Effort (7) Right Mindfulness (8) Right Concentration Enlightenment is to Have Self Extinguished (Nirvana) a. b. Extinguishing Desire, Thirst, Craving (tanha) A Saint (arhat) is One Who Reaches Enlightenment [TR: To consider… Lay aside the popular images of laughing, fat Buddha statues, shaven-headed monks, chants and meditations, etc. and think for a moment about how basic this message is and how it is found in every religion of the world….that we create suffering for ourselves and others because of our desires. Think of how even wellmeaning desires (to bring freedom and democracy, for example) can led to suffering in the world. Also to consider.… Scholars of religion have noted that Christianity has been most widely accepted in Buddhist countries (where people claim to be BOTH Buddhist and Christian). Can you see any similarities? When we get to lesson six, seven, and eight (the Western monotheistic religions), we’ll see a similar call to turn away from self-centered desires. On a related note, we find that in America, Buddhists have selected Sunday as a day of worship, with a “Sunday school” hour for children, even though Sundays have no sacred significance in Buddhist history. Remember…religion is a culturally patterned institution….] IV. The Development of Buddhism A. A Religion for Self-Disciplined, Intelligent Individuals B. Sectarian Infighting Begins Early after Buddha’s Death 3 1. First Council of Buddhists Gather One Year After Buddha’s Death to Determine True Meaning of Teachings 2. Second Council of Buddhists (390 B.C.E) Controlled by Conservative Minority Declares Most Buddhists Heretical a. b. Conservative Minority: Exclusive Way (Hinayana) Liberal Majority: Expansive Way (Mahayana) C. Indian Emperor Asoka Converts to Buddhism 1. The “Constantine” (see Christianity) of Buddhism Rules 268-232 B.C.E 2. Asoka Uses Imperial Throne to Support Indian Buddhists 3. Asoka Sends Buddhist Missionaries to World a. b. Sent Son Mahinda to Ceylon (Sri Lanka) on Successful Missionary Project Sent Missionaries as Far as Burma, Syria, Greece 4. Asoka Calls Third Council of Buddhism (247 B.C.E.) to Determine Authoritative List of Buddhist Scriptures 5. Asoka’s Efforts Guarantee Survival of Buddhism After It Virtually Ceases to Exist in India a. b. Hinduism Absorbs Buddhism by Teaching Siddhartha Gautama an avatar of Vishnu Presence of Islam in India Further Erodes Buddhist Presence V. Theravada (Hinayana) Buddhism [TR: This semester, you will find the terms Religion, Sect, and Cult used in notes and the text. The term Religion refers to a well-established institution; it’s a general designation like Judaism, Hinduism, etc. The term Sect refers to any group or denomination within a religious institution. So Theravada is one of the major sects in Buddhism; Baptist is a major sect in Christianity, etc. The term Cult refers to any group whose beliefs have become so different from the main sect/religion, that the members have broken away from (or been rejected by) the sect/religion entirely. For example, in Texas the Branch-Davidian group in Waco was a cult that broke away from the Seventh Day Adventist Sect within Christianity. Sometimes cults (if they gather a significant following) will become a new religion. Buddhism and Christianity began as sects of older religions (Hinduism and Judaism, respectively); as they broke away from their “parent” religion, they became cults. But as they grew, they became large religions over time. ] A. Dominant Sect among Conservative Minority Hinayana [TR: The term Hinayana means “the smaller vehicle, or raft.” In this sect, only monk/nuns can attain nirvana and so become “arhants.” Only a few (small, Hina) are carried across the river of desire and suffering.] 1. Considers Itself Closer to Original Teachings of Buddha 2. Dominant in Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos 4 B. Teachings and Practices of Theravada Buddhism 1. People Must Achieve Enlightenment for Themselves Without Reliance on Gods or Any External Forces 2. Detached, Begging Monk is Ideal Buddhist, Most Likely to Attain Nirvana 3. Lay Buddhists Ought to Support Monks, Sometimes Join Monastic Life Temporarily 4. Ritual / Ceremony Based on Veneration of Buddha’s Relics 5. Believe Many Buddhas Before and After Siddhartha 6. The Jataka Tales of Siddhartha’s Many Prior Lives before Enlightenment Released Him Provide Common Themes in Theravada Art, Preaching, Writings 7. The Theravada wat: A Complex of Religious Buildings a. b. 8. The bot or vihara is Hall for Teaching, Preaching and Meditation The stupas or paGodas: Originate as Relic Mounds, Used Today as Worship and Festival Centers (1) Focus not Worship of Buddha or Saint, but Respect Ideas of Buddhahood (2) Places to Meditate Types of Theravada Meditation a. b. Sammatta: Intense Concentration to Attain Spiritual State the open Path to Enlightenment Vipassana: Effort to Gain Sudden, Intuitive Realization of Buddhist Truths, as Siddhartha had Under the bo Tree VI. Mahayana Buddhism [TR: The term Mahayana means “greater vehicle, or raft.” In this sect, many people (potentially all living things) can attain nirvana. For some, the Buddha is seen as a kind of savior, who will eventually lead all sentient beings across to another plain of existence (Pure Land Sects); for others, one must rely on one’s own efforts to attain Nirvana through mediation and wisdom (Intuitive/Wisdom Sects), social action, or sudden insight.] A. The Principles of Mahayana 1. Claim that Buddha Taught Secret Principles to Select Few Serves as Warrant for Expansive Interpretations of Basic Buddhist Concepts 2. Between Third Century B.C.E. and First Century C.E. Mahayana Sects Teach Buddha was More than Human, a Compassionate Godlike Being Incarnate as a Man [TR: As Buddhism moved north over the Himalayas, it mingled with Tibetan and Chinese religions. In these areas, the view of the Buddha took on a more supernatural image. As it moved South through India, however, the Buddha was not viewed as a god, thus distinguishing it from Hindu belief in millions of gods. In the South (where Therevada sects are more common), Buddha is not to be viewed as a supernatural being, but rather as a unique human being, nothing more.] 5 3. Siddhartha Gautama Not Only Buddha to Whom People can Appeal, but Only One of Many Incarnations of the Eternal Buddha a. b. c. d. The Rise of a New Type of Veneration and Worship Cultic Systems Develop for Many Eternal Buddhas Missionary Buddhists Adapt Native Cultic Practices to Worship of Eternal Buddha The Rise of Veneration of Buddhist Saints (Bodhisattavas) who Postpone Nirvana to Spend Time Compassionately Aiding the Living B. The Spread of Mahayana Buddhism 1. Third Century C.E. Mahayana Spreads in China 2. From China Mahayana Spreads to Korea (Fourth Century C.E.) and Japan (Sixth Century C.E.) 3. Mahayana Spreads to Bali, Sumatra, Java, Mongolia, Tibet C. Mahayanist Sects 1. The Pure Land Sect (Ching-t’u, Jodo) a. b. c. d. e. Most Popular and Widespread Goal is Life after Death in Land of Bliss Cosmic Bodhisattvas, Such as Dhyani Buddhas, Preside Over Heavenlike Buddha-lands Amitabha: Popular Pure Land Bodhisattva who Presides Over a Paradise Called the “Pure Land,” Object of Worship in Pure Land “churches” Deviation from the Historical Buddha’s Doctrine? [TR Film note: You can find expressions of this view of “afterlife” in modern, Western films like, What Dreams May Come and The Five People You Meet in Heaven, and Ground Hog Day. Here, as in Pure Land Buddhism, heaven in not a place of reward or mindless bliss, but a place where we learn from the past (guided by enlightened teachers) in order to further release us from desires.] 2. The Intuitive Sects (Ch’an, Zen) a. Recall that Buddha Failed to Attain Enlightenment While Studying Philosophy Under a Guru b. Enlightenment Comes Suddenly, Intuitively c. Monk Bodhidharma Found Meditative Sects in Fifth Century C.E. d. In China Bodhidharma’s Meditative (Vipassana) Form of Buddhism is Known as “Ch’an” and in Japan it is Known as “Zen” e. Basic Principles of Ch’an, Zen (1) Enlightenment is Sudden Flash (satori) (2) Enlightenment is Individual Matter and thus Other People or Institutions or Gods Cannot Aid the Process (3) Reason Distrusted Because Cannot Lead to Enlightenment (4) Zen koans: Riddles to Confuse Reason and Make Enlightenment Possible 6 f. Zen Buddhism Flourished in Japan, Shaped Much of its Culture, Architecture, and Aesthetics [TR Film note: You can find expressions of Zen in the Star Wars. The Jedi are more like Zen masters that lead their pupils to focus on the infinite Web of interconnectedness (the Force) rather than the world of ordinary sensory experience. Ending fear, desire, and suffering are major themes in the teachings of Yoda in particular.] 3. The Rationalist Sect (T’ien-t’ai, Tendai) a. b. c. d. 4. Originates in Sixth Century C.E. China Use Reason and Study of Buddhist Scriptures to Attain Enlightenment Founded by Monk Chih-I Known as T’ien-t’ai in China, Tendai in Japan The Sociopolitical Sect (Nichiren) a. b. c. d. Japanese Founder Nichiren (Sun Lotus) Lived in Thirteenth Century C.E. Nichiren Begins as Tendai Monk, but Decides all Current Japanese Versions of Buddhism are Perverting Buddha’s True Teachings Nichiren Emphasizes Priority of Lotus Sutra Nichiren and Soka Gakkai Sects Challenge Japan to Purify its Buddhist Beliefs and Practices D. Tibetan Buddhism [TR: This form of Buddhism is the most Syncretistic (meaning, it incorporates the traditions of other religions into its own teachings). For example, most Buddhists are practical atheists—no gods or spirits are worshipped or venerated. In this form of Buddhism, however, there are many elements of supernaturalism. Some scholars place Tibetan Buddhism within a larger Sect of Buddhism called Vajrayana Buddhism. The term Vajrayana means “diamond vehicle, or raft.” As the diamond is the hardest substance, able to cut through other matter with greater precision, so Vajrayana Buddhism claims to “cut through” those feature of existence that prevent us from attaining enlightenment more efficiently than the more exclusive Hinayana or the more philosophically difficult Mahayana forms.] 1. Buddhism Introduced to Tibet in Seventh Century C.E. by King Srong-brtsansgam-po and His Indian and Chinese Buddhist Wives 2. Unique Attributes of Tibetan Buddhism a. b. c. Belief in Magical Words and Formulas as Means to Achieve Goals Deeply Influences Tibetan Buddhism (1) Native Tibetan Religion Relied on Incantations and Spells to Protect People from Dark Spirits (2) Bon: Folk Buddhism in Tibet based More on Native Tibetan Religion than Buddha’s Doctrine of Enlightenment (3) Tantric Buddhism: Tibetan Buddhist Manuals (tantras) Teaching Magical Words and Spells (4) The Sexual-Hedonistic Development and Excesses of Tantric Buddhism Prayer to Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, Patron of Tibetan People The Prayer Wheel 7 d. The Tibetan Clergy: The Lamas (Superior Ones) (1) Originate in Ninth Century C.E. as Wealthy and Powerful Monastic Leaders (2) The Lamas Displace Kings, Rule Theocratic Tibet by Fourteenth Century C.E. (3) The Yellow Hat School (a) Led by Dalai Lama (b) Dalai Lama is Reincarnation of Previous Dalai Lamas (c) Dalai Lama was Theocratic Ruler of Tibet Until China’s 1950 Invasion (4) The Red Hat School (a) Scriptural Book: Tibetan Book of the Dead (Bardro Thodol) (b) The Bardo: Near-Death and/or Post-Death State in which One Either Moves on to Nirvana or is Reborn (c) Ritual Practices Designed to Help Dying Move through Bardo to Nirvana VII. Buddhist Festivals and Holy Days A. New Year 1. Theravada Buddhists Celebrate in April 2. Characterized by Carnival Atmosphere B. Buddha’s Birthday 1. Celebrated on April 8th in China and Japan 2. Celebrated on Last Day of May in Southeast Asia 3. Flower Festivals Common 4. Washing of Infant Buddha Statues Common 5. Children Dress Up Like Little Buddha C. The Festival of Souls (Ullambana) 1. 2. July (Japan) or August (China) Purgatory Opened and Souls of Dead Wander Earth 3. Families Leave Gifts of Food for Wandering Spirits 4. Priests Perform Rituals to Provide Souls of the Dead Comfort and Release from Purgatory D. The Robe Offering 1. November in Theravada Buddhism 2. Celebration of Emperor Asoka’s Sending of First Buddhist Missionaries 3. Laity Present New Yellow Robes to Monks 8 4. Public Feast and Display of Robes on a Wishing Tree Make Up the Ceremony 5. Season Ends with Presentation of Great Robe (mahakathina) to Commemorate Act of Buddha’s Mother Weaving Him a Mendicant Robe in One Night VIII. Buddhism Today A. Buddhism Quiescent After Missionary Period until Twentieth Century Revival B. Factors Contributing to the Buddhist Revival 1. Christian Missionaries Translate Buddhist Texts, Some Convert, and Cause Fascination with Buddhism in the West 2. The Rise of Asian Nationalism Leads to Rise of Theravada Buddhism a. b. C. D. E. F. Asian Buddhism More Compatible with Science than Christianity Asian Buddhism is Generally More Peaceful and Tolerant than Secular or Christian West, but Obviously not Immune to Violence as Current Events in Sri Lanka (civil war) and Myanmar (military dictatorship) Show Renewal of Buddhist Missionary Societies Renewed Interest in Post-Maoist China and America Mahayana Remains Living Force in Lives of Many Japanese and Koreans Currently 376 Million Buddhists in the World 9