Lecture on Buddhism

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Introduction to Buddhism

• Buddhism: Religion associated with peace, tranquility.
• One of the oldest religions: 2500 years ago in India.
• 520 million followers (7% of humanity).

Who was Buddha?

• Buddha's Birth: 480 BCE, born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama in current Nepal.
• Life of Luxury: Confined by his father to avoid prophecy.
• Exposure to Suffering: At 29, saw an old man, a sick person, and a corpse.
• Existential Crisis: Questioned the meaning of life amid suffering.
• Turning Point: Met a happy, homeless monk.
• Path of Asceticism: Fasting, extreme meditation, but led to physical decline.
• Realization of the Middle Path: Neither luxury nor extreme deprivation.
• Meditation and Nirvana: Meditated under Bodhi tree, reached enlightenment (Nirvana).

Key Teachings of Buddha

The Four Noble Truths

1. Life is Suffering: Known as Dukkha (insatisfaction).
2. Cause of Suffering: Attachment and desire.
3. Cessation of Suffering: By overcoming desire.
4. The Eightfold Path: Path to end suffering.

The Eightfold Path

1. Right View: Acceptance of the Four Noble Truths.
2. Right Intention: Positive thoughts from love, kindness, and compassion.
3. Right Speech: Avoid negative speech like gossip and lies.
4. Right Action: Non-violence, embody love and truth.
5. Right Livelihood: Avoid harmful occupations.
6. Right Effort: Nourish positive thoughts, remove negative ones.
7. Right Mindfulness: Being present without judgment.
8. Right Concentration: Focused meditation.

Other Important Beliefs

• Karma: Actions with consequences, cause and effect system.
• Samsara: Cycle of birth, suffering, and death.
• Nirvana: State of liberation from cycle of Samsara.
• Middle Path: Cobination of The Noble truths and The Eightfold path lead to happiness.

Branches of Buddhism

1. Theravada: "Doctrine of the Elders."
   • Oldest branch; focuses on texts called Suttas (Canon Pali).
   • Fewer rituals; Buddha seen as a human figure.
   • Practiced in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos.
2. Mahayana: "Great Vehicle."
   • Numerous texts and schools.
   • Central to Mahayana are Bodhisattvas (liberated beings helping others).
   • Practiced in Nepal, Mongolia, Taiwan, Korea, Japan.
3. Vajrayana: Also known as Tibetan Buddhism.
   • Uses mantras, mandalas, and deep meditation rituals.
   • Focus on lamas (teachers) to guide practitioners.
   • Dalai Lama is the leader.

Conclusion

• Teachings are guides, not strict rules.
• Happiness comes from dispelling desire, embracing joy and compassion.
• Numerous forms and practices, adaptable to one's life.

Additional Resources

• Recommended: Watch the episode on Buddha from "El genio del mundo antiguo" series on CuriosityStream.
• Nebula platform for original, ad-free educational content by various creators.

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