Lecture: Buddhism (Buddha Dharma)

Two Major Traditions of Buddha Dharma

Theravada (Lesser Vehicle)
- Oldest and minority tradition (18-20%)
- Focus on historical figure Siddhartha Gautama and his teachings
- Triple Gem (Three refuges): Buddha, Dharma (teachings), Sangha (monastic community)
- Holy scripture: Tipitaka (Tripitaka)
- Strong emphasis on meditation
  - Samatha: Quieting the mind
  - Vipassana: Enlightenment and new awareness
- Devotion to rituals and relics honoring the Buddha
Mahayana (Greater Vehicle)
- Majority tradition (78-80%)
- Focus on the cosmic presence of Buddha
- Concepts:
  - Arhant: One who achieves enlightenment
  - Bodhisattva: An enlightened one who teaches others
- Depictions of Buddha (e.g., Guanyin, sometimes androgynous)
- Emphasis on meditation similar to Theravada
  - Sunyata: Emptiness to discover true identity

Zen/Chan Buddhism
- Famous for its sudden bursts of enlightenment: Kensho and Satori
- Use of koans (questions without logical answers)
Pure Land Buddhism
- Almost theistic view of Buddha (as a personal god)
- Principal Buddha: Amitabha
- Stresses spiritual land and refuge
Nichiren Buddhism
- Focus on social activism and justice
- Origin from Bodhisattvas Superb Action and Always Abused
- Influenced Mahatma Gandhi
Vajrayana Buddhism
- Most aggressive form and aims to hasten enlightenment
- Practices Deity Yoga: Viewing oneself as already enlightened
- Led by the Dalai Lama (e.g., 14th Dalai Lama)

Vesak
- Celebrates the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama
- For Theravada, also the birth and death
Magha Puja Day
- Celebrates mass conversion of monks (Bikshus)

Appeal due to its non-theistic nature and focus on simplicity over materialism
Some scholars suggest Western practices are closer to Siddhartha's original intent
Growing egalitarian practices with increasing ordination of nuns (Bikshunis)
Focus on social activism and justice, notably seen in Myanmar and Cambodia