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FAITH CATHEDRAL DELIVERANCE CENTRE Welcomes You To The Study On BUDDHISM INTRODUCTION In his book ‘The Spirit of Buddhism: a Christian Perspective,’ David Burnett informs and I quote “… my aim is to give a study of the Buddhist tradition from a Christian perspective”. INTRODUCTION cont’d The primary function is to give understanding about a rich and elegant religious system, and try to explain why this has attracted many millions of followers over the centuries. INTRODUCTION cont’d Only as Christians understand the fascination of this unique religion will they be able to communicate meaningfully with those of the Buddhist tradition.’’ WHAT IS BUDDHISM The English word ‘Buddhism’ is relatively new. It was first used in the Oxford English Dictionary of 1801 (spelled ‘Boudhism’) and its spelling changed to the present one in 1816. WHAT IS BUDDHISM cont'd Buddhism is the derived religious name title from the word “Buddha.” It is a major global religion and philosophy with the complex history encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices. WHAT IS BUDDHISM cont'd It is largely based on teachings attributed to its founder and is sometimes loosely described as “ Hinduism without the gods”. WHAT IS BUDDHISM cont’d It is that religion that practices morality and meditation thus gaining wisdom to escape from the cycle of reincarnation and attain Nirvada (literally no- being) the ultimately peaceful transformed consciousness. WHAT IS BUDDHISM cont’d Buddhism is that philosophy (more than a religion) of tolerance, gentleness, respect and with a vision of the future that attempts to transcend the present, which sets it completely apart from western thought. WHAT IS BUDDHISM cont'd It is the embraced religion said to have existed some five hundred years before the time of Jesus Christ and a thousand years before Mohammed. WHAT IS BUDDHISM cont'd It is a religious belief that had its birth when a wandering sage found enlightenment with its goal to have an impact that would spread throughout the whole of Asia. CONTINENTS OF THE WORLD CONTINENT OF ASIA The Buddha lived and taught in the eastern part of India, sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BC Buddhism was finally distinguished from Hinduism and identified as one of the great religious traditions of Asia. Buddhism remains most popular within Asia but today, the name of the Buddha is known around the world. He is recognized by the Buddhist (person who embraces Buddhism) as an awakened or enlightened teacher who shared his insights to Geographical Concentration cont’d His message steadily entered into the nations of the West that were previously Christian. It’s uncertain why the people of Asia adopted Buddhism instead of Christianity which existed about the same time. Speculation cited psychological and geographical barriers which forced Christianity to advance into Asia Map of Asia Minor Geographical Concentration cont’d Estimates of Buddhists worldwide vary significantly depending on the way Buddhist adherence is defined. However, estimates are between three hundred fifty and five hundred (350 – 500) million. Geographical Concentration cont’d Its introduction to foreign lands was achieved by the conquest of ideas – wherever it went, it was able to accommodate itself to the ideas of the new land and the people, thus becoming practically a new religion. In every land where Buddhism has been introduced, the religion has displayed remarkable elasticity in adapting itself to local conditions and in responding to new needs. Probably no other missionary religion has this characteristic to such a remarkable degree. This elasticity of Buddhism is undoubtedly one of the sources of strength of the religion. By being ready to change and to adjust itself to new conditions and new ideas, the religion has managed to keep itself alive. It is never bothered by inconsistencies, nor is it bound by loyalty to an authoritarian past, but it is always free to develop new ideas and institutions to meet new needs and is not afraid nor too proud to learn from even its rivals. This elasticity of the religion is great asset as it faces the problems of the modern world. BUDDHISM IN THE WEST Today it is surprising that only 150 years ago there was almost no knowledge in Europe of the Buddhist tradition. It was only during the 19th century that the ‘Budda’ emerged from the realm of myth and stepped onto the stage of Western History. BUDDHISM IN THE WEST cont'd Buddhism gained prominence through the work of Edwin Arnold (an English Poet and Journalist) who first published a poem called ‘Light of Asia’, while teaching in India. This poem was based upon the life and philosophy of Sakyamuni Buddha, and went through at least one hundred editions in Britain and America. Hence, Budda’s name became common among the English speaking people , globally. Buddhism was presented as the oldest and wisest religion that would enable European culture to step out of gloom into a new and glorious century. A demand by western people for a new and radically different philosophy of life. WHY WESTERNS ACCEPT BUDDHISM cont'd It claims to offer peace in a stressfilled life. American culture is so hectic and busy and stressful and the various kinds of Buddhism meditation technique are an antidote they hadn’t found in the Christianity that they had grown up with. People are looking for answers to the question of suffering. In the midst of material prosperity they still feel a lack of satisfaction. BUDDHISM COMES TO JAMIACA 1982 - The United Nations Volunteer Programme saw the shipment of Burmese, to work in the health sector in Jamaica. They brought their religious belief (Buddhism) which was barely group gathering or praying at home with no leader or specific place of worship. BUDDHISM COMES TO JAMIACA cont’d This was contrary to their custom which has 90% of the population being Buddhist (Theravada Buddhist), numerous temples, monasteries and golden Pagodas. Buddhists could gather peacefully to pray and meditate. 1997 – The first senior monk (the Most Venerable U Silananda USA) visited Jamaica and gave series of lectures on the teachings of Buddha and techniques of meditation, and did radio talk shows and television programs for interviews and discussion on Buddhism. 1998 – The Theravada Buddhist Association of Jamaica (TBAJ) was formed with about 80 members, mainly Burmese. 2000(March) – Venerable U Lokanata moved from United Kingdom to Jamaica to serve the need of Burmese community and to spread Dhamma (teachings.) BUDDHISM COMES TO JAMIACA cont’d 2002 – The head office and official Buddhist Monastery (Damadipa Vihara) established at 1 Duquesnay Avenue. 2009 – The new Dhammanata Sima Hall on the premises officially opened (holds lectures, significant ceremonies and also a place for silent meditation.) BUDDHISM COMES TO JAMIACA cont’d There are about 300 Burmese including one (1) monk. Ninety percent (90%) of them being doctors and who are dispersed in almost every capital. There are about three hundred (300) Burmese including one monk . Ninety percent (90%) of them being doctors and who are dispersed in almost every Capital. They speak Burmese and meet mostly on Sunday afternoons. Their aim is not to convert, but to establish their practices for anyone who desires, since they are therapy for stress. HOW WAS IT? LET’S SEE!! Review (Watch and Listen) HOW WAS IT? LET’S SEE!! 1.Review 2. Assessment 3. Christian Link (a) Questions & Answers (b) Comments Assessment Put one word on each line to make the statement true • Buddhism is from the word ------• Buddhism became a dictionary word in the year ----• Buddhism existed ----- years before Christ and ----- years before Mohammed Assessment cont’d • The goal of Buddhism was to have an impact on the Continent of -----• Estimates of Buddhists globally are between 350 – 500 -----• There are ----- Buddhists in Jamaica • The practices of the religion gives HOW WAS IT? LET’S SEE!! 1.Review 2. Assessment 3. Christian Link (a) Questions & Answers (b) Comments Christian Link Questions & Answers (b) Comments Christian Link Do you agree that only when Christians understand Buddhisn that they will be able to dialogue meaningfully with them? Justify with Scriptures. (b) Comments Christian Link Which Christian practice may be linked with the spread of Buddhism? Justify with Scriptures. Christian Link In light of the Scriptures, what is your take on any of the pointers given as reason Westerns accept Buddhism? Christian Link How would you refute the Buddhist’s claim that Christians are violent? (b) Comments THANKS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION UNTIL NEXT WEEK, BE BLESSED!! PART TWO THE HISTORICAL BUDDHA Introduction Writing was uncommon in India at the time Buddha lived . So everything known about him was carefully memorized and passed on orally until it was written down, probably during the first century B.C. Introduction cont’d In writing her biography of Buddha, Karen Armstrong noted, “It is obviously difficult, therefore, to write a biography of the Buddha that will meet modern criteria, because we have very little information that can be considered historically sound… Introduction cont’d …but we are reasonably confident Siddhatta Gotama did indeed exist and that his disciples preserved the memory of his life and teachings as well as they could” HIS FATHER The name of his father was King Suddhodana Gautama. He was a chief (raja) of the Sakya clan and an Indian warrior King. He was of a proud independent people (Sakyas) who were probably already great economically. He reigned over a small region between India and Nepal FATHER cont’d He won a battle against his father, and gained permission to marry the two sisters of his cousin Two sisters of his eventually marry that same cousin. HIS MOTHER Queen Maha Maya of the Sakyas group was the birth mother of the historical Buddha. Maha means ‘great’ Maya means ‘illusion’ or ‘enchantment’ (in Sanskrit and Pāli). His Mother Cont’d Also called Mayadevi (‘devi’ means goddess). She was born in one of the areas (kingdom) of Nepal and has been compared with Mary, Jesus’ mother. CONCEPTION Queen Māyā and King Suddhodhana did not have children for twenty years into their marriage. Conception cont’d According to some accounts the Buddha-to-be chose her to be his own mother because of her faith and purity. While she slept he took the form of a white elephant and entered her side. Maha Maya was blessed with the immaculate conception. Conception cont’d Another account said that one full moon night, while sleeping in the palace, the queen had a vivid dream. She felt herself being carried away by four devas (spirits) to a Lake. After bathing her in the lake, the devas (spirits) clothed her in heavenly cloths, anointed her Conception cont’d with perfumes, and bedecked her with divine flowers. Conception cont’d Soon after a white elephant with six tusks, holding a white lotus flower in its trunk, appeared and went round her three times, entered her womb through her right side. Conception cont’d Finally the elephant disappeared and the queen awoke, knowing she had been delivered an important message, as the elephant is a symbol of greatness in Nepal. Conception cont’d According to Buddhist tradition, the Buddha-to-be was residing as a Bodhisattva, in the Tuṣita heaven, surveyed the world and when he found that conditions were ripe for his descent to earth, to be reborn for the last time, he changed himself and entered the womb of Maya while she was sleeping. BIRTH Maya’s pregnancy lasted ten months. Following custom, the Queen returned to her own home in order to give the birth. On the way, she stepped down from her palanquin Birth cont’d to have a walk under the Sal tree, in the beautiful flower garden of Lumbini Park, (Lumbini Zone, Nepal). Maya Devi was delighted by the park and gave birth standing while holding onto a sal branch. Birth cont’d Legend has it that the baby emerged from her right side to the accompaniment of flowers blooming out of season, and of happiness pervading the world. . Birth cont’d All hatred, struggle jealousy, sadness, selfishness and fear disappeared, sickness was healed, hunger satisfied and thirst quenched. Birth cont’d There are stories of the whole earth being flooded with light, of the blind being able to see, of the lame being able to walk, of prisoners chains being snapped opened, and of the baby walking seven steps as soon as he was born, and being bathed in Birth cont’d One version indicates that on the sole of his feet were wheels and his fingers and toes were joined by webs. Birth cont’d Some accounts say Maya gave him his first bath in a pond in Lumbini Zone. But legend has it that devas caused it to rain to wash the newborn babe. Birth cont’d Maya died seven days after giving birth and ascended to one of the Buddhist heavens to be reborn there as a deity. Birth cont’d Buddhist theologians say that absolute rule/law states that the mother of a future Buddha must die seven days after birth. This law would imply that Buddha is omniscient, knowing what woman would die at a given time Birth cont’d It was also held that the mother must die since the womb must not have another occupant, also that it was better for her to die and avoid heart break when her son would have left home. Birth cont’d After she died, Saddohdana took her two sisters as his wives. The Buddha was therefore brought up by his maternal aunt. BIRTH DATE, PLACE AND NAME The information for this should be given with certainty, however, chronology never comes easy in India for historical record were not kept. Birth Date, Place And Name cont’d His biography was not written during his life time. Based on historical and legendary descriptions the earliest account of his life were collected some three hundred years after his Birth Date, Place And Name cont’d Calculations based on traditional events have been used to approximate his date of birth to be 563 BC. He was born in the geographical area Lumbini in modern day Nepal. (Theravada Scriptures – Pali) He was later named Siddhartha NAMES (TITLES) Siddhartha is known by a number of names. This can cause confusion to a person first seeking to understand the religious tradition. Names (Titles) cont’d Siddhartha – (Pali language, Siddatha) Birth Name Meaning “he who hath accomplished his objectives” or “Goal achieved/wish granted” Gautama- (Pali: Gotama) Clan name Surname Family name Names (Titles) cont’d Sakyamuni Named after the ‘Sakya’ tribe Regarded as their Sage Bodhisattva (Pali: Bodhisatta) A being destined for enlightenment Names (Titles) cont’d Buddha One who had attained bodhi or enlightenment Awakened one This name was given after the experience of enlightenment. Names (Titles) cont’d Tathagata An honorary title Synonymous with title ‘The Buddha’ – ‘Thus-gone’. It indicates that he followed the way to liberation to the end as other Buddhas had done before him. Meaning Names (Titles) cont’d Bhagavan The Blessed One Blessed with happiness Jina The victorious Devote Buddhists avoid the use of his personal name Siddhartha and refer to him as the Buddha BELIEVE IT OR NOT!!!!!! On the day of birth, a sage named Asita saw the gods dancing in glee. When asked the reason for their delight he learned that a bodhisatta was born. Believe it or not!!!!!! Asita surveyed the land with his divine sight (one of the attributes of a sage) and saw him at home and flew through the air to where the bodhisatta was. Believe it or not!!!!!! When he saw the child endowed with the thirty-two major and eighty minor marks of a great man he immediately realized that this child when grown up would either become a universal monarch, ruling over the entire realm or an enlightened one. At this thought, the sage wept. Believe it or not!!!!!! Suddhodana, (father), surprised to see Asita weeping, thought something wrong so asked the reason for his strange behaviour. Asita said because he would not live long enough to see the infant grow up to become the Buddha and to hear his teachings. LIFE IN THE PALACE According to narrative, shortly after his birth, an astrologer (Asita for some) prophesied that Siddartha would either be a great king, if he dwelt in his father’s house, or renounce the material world to become a holy man (Buddha), a remover of ignorance from the world depending on whether he saw what life was like outside the palace wall. Life in the Palace cont’d Another story states that his father asked eight wise men what would become of his son in later life. They all agreed he would become a great ruler unless he witnessed the four signs of what life is really like –old age, sickness, death, and a wandering ascetic –then he would become a great religious leader. Life in the Palace cont’d King Suddhodana knew that the sight of human misery would cause his son to leave and to seek for truth. Since the king wanted his son to follow his footsteps to the throne, he issued strict orders to his subjects that the young prince was to be protected from these sights. (Called ‘The Four Passing Life in the Palace cont’d At sixteen he secured the hand of his cousin, Yashodara, in marriage, by demonstrating twelve marvelous feats in the art of archery. Life in the Palace cont’d He might have had other wives, but legend says she was the most beautiful of women dressed in the finest fabrics. Life in the Palace cont’d They had a son whom they called Rahula (chains) because Gautama felt thaat in spite of his life of luxury, he was in chains. Life offered him no pleasure or happiness. He longed to see how ordinary people lived but was trapped behind the walls of the palace. Life in the Palace cont’d Suddhondana surrounded his son with a life of extreme luxury in the palace. He built for them three palaces – one for the rainy season, one for winter, and one for he heat of summer. Each palace was filled with every kind of enjoyment for the five senses according to the season of Life in the Palace cont’d His son expressed: ‘Monks I was delicately nurtured, exceedingly delicately nurtured. For instance in my father’s house lotus pools where made thus, one of blue lotuses , one of red, another of white lotuses, just for my benefit. Life in the Palace cont’d No sandle wood power did I use that was of Kasi; of Kasi cloth was my turban made; of kasi cloth was my jacket, my tunic, and my cloak. By night and day a white canopy was held over me, less cold or heat, dust or chaff or dew, should touch me. Life in the Palace cont’d More over I had three palaces, one for the winter, one for summer and one for the rainy season. In the four months of the rain, I was waited upon by minstrels, women all of them. I came not down from my palace in three months. Life in the Palace cont’d Gautama drew less and less satisfaction from these pleasures as time went by, and he began to look for a deeper meaning to life. Then one day when he was twenty nine years old he went out with his charioteer driving in the park when