Lecture Notes on Buddhism

Key Questions

• The Great Vehicle, The Elder's Way, or The Diamond Thunderbolt?
• Who was Gautama Siddhartha?
• Important episodes in his life?
• Meaning of Nirvana?
• What are the Four Noble Truths?
• What is the Eightfold Path?

Fundamental Concepts

• Shunyata (Emptiness): Everything in the world is empty and impermanent (Antia).
• Anatman: No real, lasting self.
• Nirvana: The state of liberation from suffering, achieved by following the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

Four Noble Truths

1. Truth of suffering.
2. Cause of suffering: Attachment to impermanent things.
3. Cessation of suffering is possible.
4. Path to cessation is the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path

• Right understanding
• Right intention
• Right speech
• Right action
• Right livelihood
• Right effort
• Right mindfulness
• Right concentration

Spread of Buddhism

• Gautama Siddhartha’s Death: 5th or 4th centuries BCE.
• Sangha: Community of monks and nuns.
• Laity: Supporters who could not join but patronized the Sangha.

Ashoka’s Influence

• Emperor Ashoka became a patron of Buddhism after the bloody Kalinga war.
• Built shrines, temples, and sent missionaries.
• Used Buddhism politically to maintain peace and control.

Internal Divisions

• Orthodoxy vs. Orthopraxy: Divergent schools of thought over right beliefs and practices.
• Buddhism diversified into different schools and practices.

Major Lineages of Buddhism

Theravada (The Elder's Way)

• Focus on original teachings of Buddha Siddhartha.
• Pali language used for liturgies and scriptures (Pali Canon).
• Arhat: Ideal figure; enlightened monk.
• Common in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

Mahayana (The Great Vehicle)

• Emphasizes enlightenment for everyone, not just monks.
• Bodhisattva: Enlightened being who helps others achieve Nirvana.
• Allows for diverse scriptures and practices.
• Common in Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan.

Vajrayana (The Diamond Thunderbolt)

• Also known as Tantric Buddhism.
• Emphasizes rituals and physical experiences for enlightenment.
• Practiced in Tibet and Mongolia.
• Dalai Lama as reincarnation of Avalokiteshvara, a Bodhisattva.

Notable Practices and Concepts

• Bodhisattva: Enlightened being who chooses to help others.
• Koan: Riddle or statement used in Zen Buddhism for meditation.
• Lama: Spiritual teacher in Vajrayana Buddhism.
• Mandala: Symbolic representation of the universe, used in rituals.

Buddhism’s Spread

• Unlike other religions, Buddhism adapted and formed new scriptures and rituals.
• It spread widely beyond its original region, making it diverse and adaptable.

Conclusion

• Buddhism's ability to evolve and integrate into different cultures has made it unique in its spread compared to other religious traditions.
• Understanding of its key concepts provides insight into its widespread influence and adaptation.