7) Texts and Monasteries
Describe the specific role of texts in Buddhism and how does it differ from other religious text?
Describe the aspects / role of one of the texts manuscripts depicted on the page.
In Buddhism, the texts are collections of the life of the Buddha who found the path to enlightenment. The texts greatly influenced the monasteries, and the teachings taught there. These texts vary greatly between religions, but the common belief in the journey of the Buddha to Enlightenment, and the teachings he passed on remains the same. These teachings are found throughout the Buddhist texts, such as the ones mentioned below.
The Tripitaka is the earliest Buddhist text and is divided into: Discipline Basket (Vinyana Pitaka) which sets guidelines on how to live the monastic life of the sangha, Discourse basket (Sutra Pitaka) which recounts the life and teachings of Buddha, and Special teachings (Abhidarma Pitaka), miscellaneous collections of poetry, songs and stories from Buddha's earlier lives.
Many Buddhist sacred texts fall under the category of Sutras as well. As sects of Buddhism were created like Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism, new texts were created, and certain texts are emphasized or excluded from the religion. Therefore this makes Buddhist texts different from other religions because of the great variation.
These texts differ from those of other religions because they recount the way that others can become like Buddha, and how it is possible. Whereas monotheistic religions would state that humans can never be like God, but should be the best human we can be. In Buddhism, it is possible to achieve the same status as Buddha.
These texts also differ because there is no one central text used between religions.
Overall Buddhist texts differ because: There is no one central text, each sect can create their own religious text, and there is no one central text like the Bible in Christianity.
8) Celestial Beings
Describe / explain the Buddhist concept of the Bodhisattvas.
Bodhisattvas came about because once the Buddha achieved Enlightenment, he simplified his teachings so everyday people could understand them. This was a form of compassion, and the role of Bodhisattvas evolved.
Bodhisattvas are defined as "Buddhists to be". Buddhists believe that once one achieves Enlightenment, the knowledge and joy should be shared with others. This is the role of bodhisattvas. Therefore in Buddhism, it is ok to worship the Bodhisattvas and unite oneself with them. This is called "nembutsu" or "mindfulness of the Buddha".
Symbolism is a crucial element to Buddhist concepts - analyze the significance of three different symbols given on the Celestial Beings pages.
On the statue of Tara:
The third eye in the middle of the forehead represents Tara's all seeing nature
The Open palm represents the favor granting gesture and openness to help all people achieve Enlightenment
The eye on the palm represents Tara's ability to see suffering everywhere in the world, and know that it exists. This contributes to the 1st truth of Buddhism that everything is suffering
9) Chinese Buddhism/ Japanese Buddhism
Describe some aspect of Chinese Buddhism that is uniquely Chinese.
In Chinese Buddhism, the belief is that through practice (meditation, ritual, chanting, teaching and studying Buddhist texts), one gains "merit" in future lives for oneself and also one's family and supporters.
The Buddhas and bodhisattvas from India were altered to Chinese forms. For example, in Chinese Buddhism there are: Kuan Shih Yin, the fat Laughing Buddha and the Buddha of pure land was believed to have come from the mountains in China, instead of from India.
Describe some aspect of Japanese Buddhism that is uniquely Japanese.
Buddhism arrived in Japan from China, and mainly Mahayana Buddhism. Other teachings include: Tendai, Shingon, the Pure Land Schools, the three major sects of Zen Buddhism: Rinzai, Soto and Obaku. Eisai Rinzai, a Japanese monk brought tea bush seeds to Japan and planted them in his school. Since then, tea has been connected to Buddhism because it is said to have the same essence and taste as Zen. Rinzai taught "chado", or way of tea, and that one could achieve Enlightenment through the absorption of all things.
10) Tantric Buddhism
Define (in your own words) what Tantric Buddhism is.
Tantric Buddhism uses meditation, ritual, symbolism and magic. The belief is that Tantric Buddhism achieves Enlightenment much faster than the way of the bodhisattvas. Through reciting mantras, one must realize that all human states are connected, even the opposites such as hate and revulsion are connected to love and desire. By realizing this connection, one can achieve Buddha-nature because these states are nothing on their own.
There are religious artifacts such as the vajra, a double-headed instrument with a bell. One vajra is held in each hand, representing opposites such as male/female, empty/full etc.
11) Overall Analysis / Synthesis:
Describe three important aspects of Buddhism that you learned as a result of this research.
I learned that there are multiple sects of Buddhism that vary greatly, such as Chinese Buddhism, Japanese Buddhism, Mahayana, Theravada, more so than sects of other religions because there isn't one main text, there are different religious artifacts such as vajras and tea, different schools of thought, the Buddha is represented in different ways across Buddhist sects, and Tantric Buddhism has completely different methods from other forms of Buddhism. However, the common beliefs of Buddhism such as the belief in the life of the Buddha, the Four Noble truths and the Eightfold Path carry across the division between the different sects.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Buddhism Vocab
Buddhism Vocabulary
Dukkha-all living things are suffering, temporary and imperfect. It literally means the suffering of all things that are conditioned/manipulated. The things that cause suffering are the stress of pain, the stress of fabrication, and the stress of change. The concept of Dukkha is also the first noble truth.
Tanha-excessive cravings for desire of things that can’t be attained. This is the nature of humans that we must overcome through following the tenets of Buddhism.
Anicca-impermanence, nothing lasts forever. The inevitable fate of all matter. Humans rely on the belief that things last forever and suffering arises as a result of this expectation when these materials perish.
Anatta-a temporary ego. there is no permanent “self” that we think of as our ego, it is a temporary creation. This is our mind as we see ourselves, we often fail to see the bigger picture and that our ego is not really who we are.
Nirvana- a mental state that is empty of self, and therefore there is no suffering, escaping the cycle of birth and death. There is therefore no craving. By following the eightfold path, one can attain Nirvana.
Rhat- In Theravada Buddhism, someone who has reached Englightenment, including the Buddha. There are different types of rhat such as Sammasambuddha, one who discovered the truth on his own and teaches the path to others, Paccekabuddha, those who discover the truth on their own but cannot teach the path to others, and Savakabuddha, those who receive the truth from a Sammasambuddha.
Samsara- literally “journeying” the eightfold path leads from Samsara to Nirvana. The cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Sometimes described as the opposite of Nirvana. In Mahayana Buddhism, Samsara and Nirvana are mental states. In some Buddhist beliefs, the true nature of the world is both Samsara and Nirvana together.
Buddha- commonly used to mean the first Buddha (Siddhartha Guatama), but now is meant to be a teacher who helps you on the path to enlightenment.
Siddhartha Guatama-grew up as a Hindu and experienced the extremes in life of richness and desire and the sickness, death and poverty. He developed Buddhism and achieved enlightenment. However, after he developed the religion, he didn’t want followers to worship him as God. He believed followers should focus on attaining enlightenment on their own.
Bodhissata- the Buddha-to-be. The Dalai Lama is the bodhissata of compassion. These bodhissatas must still find their way on the path to Enlghtenment like anyone else. However, their fate is still to become a Buddha. Through successive births these Bodhissatas will eventually become Buddhas.
Sangha- a group of Buddhists, can be small or mean the entire community of Buddhists worldwide and anything in between. It helps people who are hurt and confused who choose to turn to Buddhism because other people will be in the same situation. It is beneficial for these people to talk and sort out their problems together. It is progressive in sharing wisdom and knowledge of life. By opening yourself and helping others, you can let go of selfishness and ego.
Dhamma-the law and order of the universe. It also refers to the teachings of the Buddha. Dhamma is the way of life that cannot be changed and is eternal.
Bhavana-generally means development. Usually combined with other words like “citta-bhavana” development of mind. “metta-bhavana” development of lovingkindness. Everything eminates from the mind, therefore control of the mind is the first step in action
Karuna-active sympathy and compassion towards others. In Theravada Buddhism, it is good for one to dwell in a state of compassion because it leads to happiness and cleanses the mind of suffering and worry.
Maya-illusion of the world. Illusion that our emotions are our reality and that is all that matters. To be able to be easily emotionally swayed and hang everything off of events in our lives.
Upaya-skillful means or methods to attain liberation from maya and reach Enlightenment. This is a broad expression and encompasses all Buddhist teachings
Lama- a Buddhist spiritual leader, in Hinduism this is known as a guru. For example, the Dalai Lama is the Buddha of compassion. Sprul-sku lamas are reincarnated lamas who have automatically earned their respect, as opposed to others who have earned respect from their great spiritual development.
Mudras-certain hand gestures used in images of Buddha that represent different meanings. For example Abhaya Mudra is like a cupped hand and means “do not fear”
Three Jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha
-these are the common required beliefs between all Buddhist sects.
Buddha- One must learn from the actions of Siddhartha Guatama on his path to attaining Englightenment
Dharma- Learning spiritual direction from Buddhist texts
Sangha-the worldwide community of Buddhists that support one another on their journey to Enlightenment on the Eightfold path
Buddha- take refuge in what Siddhartha discovered and learned through his teachings, but not through him. Anyone can be a Buddha when they achieve englightenment
Dharma-teachings passed on by Siddhartha, the fundamental nature of reality
Sangha-the entire community of Buddhists who support each other in their religious journeys
Theravada Buddhism-in South East Asia. “way of the elders” because it is the oldest of the Buddhist sects. This is the original form of Buddhism focused on the individual and serious meditation and practice were required. This form of Buddhism didn’t accomadate societies as a whole and set almost unattainable standards, so Mahayana Buddhism was developed for the everyday person to participate in and be more suited to meet the goals set in Mahayana Buddhism.
Mahayana Buddhism- in East Asia. “the great vehicle” there are many subsects. It is called “the great vehicle” because it branched off of Theravada Buddhism to create a more universal and achievable religion. In Mahayana Buddhism, there are certain terms for someone who has attained a higher state of consciousness and has reached a level closer to Enlightenment, rather than only one end goal of Enlightenment that you have either reached or not. In general, Mahayana Buddhism added a “gray scale” in between Theravada’s black and white.
Mandala-artwork made of natural materials that symbolizes anyita, the impermanence of life, when it is wiped away
Eightfold Path
-panna: a type of wisdom that must be discovered and can not be taught. Once one has learned this type of wisdom, one has achieved Englightenment.
-Sila- moral conduct and correct behavior to promote peaceful existence in communities. This contributes to “right action”
-Samadhi (effort)-one must demonstrate genuine interest in pursuing Buddhism as a way of living and with the end goal of achieving a state of no desire
Four Noble Truths
Life is suffering. Dukkha. This must first be accepted as truth to proceed
We cause our suffering. Tanha. Excessive craving and desire causes our suffering
We can end our suffering. Through
Through the Eightfold Path. The Eightfold path is a set of steps one must follow to achieve Enlightenment. The path is composed of:
Wisdom:
1. Right View
2. Right Intention
Ethical Conduct:
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
Mental Development:
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration
Dukkha-all living things are suffering, temporary and imperfect. It literally means the suffering of all things that are conditioned/manipulated. The things that cause suffering are the stress of pain, the stress of fabrication, and the stress of change. The concept of Dukkha is also the first noble truth.
Tanha-excessive cravings for desire of things that can’t be attained. This is the nature of humans that we must overcome through following the tenets of Buddhism.
Anicca-impermanence, nothing lasts forever. The inevitable fate of all matter. Humans rely on the belief that things last forever and suffering arises as a result of this expectation when these materials perish.
Anatta-a temporary ego. there is no permanent “self” that we think of as our ego, it is a temporary creation. This is our mind as we see ourselves, we often fail to see the bigger picture and that our ego is not really who we are.
Nirvana- a mental state that is empty of self, and therefore there is no suffering, escaping the cycle of birth and death. There is therefore no craving. By following the eightfold path, one can attain Nirvana.
Rhat- In Theravada Buddhism, someone who has reached Englightenment, including the Buddha. There are different types of rhat such as Sammasambuddha, one who discovered the truth on his own and teaches the path to others, Paccekabuddha, those who discover the truth on their own but cannot teach the path to others, and Savakabuddha, those who receive the truth from a Sammasambuddha.
Samsara- literally “journeying” the eightfold path leads from Samsara to Nirvana. The cycle of birth, death and rebirth. Sometimes described as the opposite of Nirvana. In Mahayana Buddhism, Samsara and Nirvana are mental states. In some Buddhist beliefs, the true nature of the world is both Samsara and Nirvana together.
Buddha- commonly used to mean the first Buddha (Siddhartha Guatama), but now is meant to be a teacher who helps you on the path to enlightenment.
Siddhartha Guatama-grew up as a Hindu and experienced the extremes in life of richness and desire and the sickness, death and poverty. He developed Buddhism and achieved enlightenment. However, after he developed the religion, he didn’t want followers to worship him as God. He believed followers should focus on attaining enlightenment on their own.
Bodhissata- the Buddha-to-be. The Dalai Lama is the bodhissata of compassion. These bodhissatas must still find their way on the path to Enlghtenment like anyone else. However, their fate is still to become a Buddha. Through successive births these Bodhissatas will eventually become Buddhas.
Sangha- a group of Buddhists, can be small or mean the entire community of Buddhists worldwide and anything in between. It helps people who are hurt and confused who choose to turn to Buddhism because other people will be in the same situation. It is beneficial for these people to talk and sort out their problems together. It is progressive in sharing wisdom and knowledge of life. By opening yourself and helping others, you can let go of selfishness and ego.
Dhamma-the law and order of the universe. It also refers to the teachings of the Buddha. Dhamma is the way of life that cannot be changed and is eternal.
Bhavana-generally means development. Usually combined with other words like “citta-bhavana” development of mind. “metta-bhavana” development of lovingkindness. Everything eminates from the mind, therefore control of the mind is the first step in action
Karuna-active sympathy and compassion towards others. In Theravada Buddhism, it is good for one to dwell in a state of compassion because it leads to happiness and cleanses the mind of suffering and worry.
Maya-illusion of the world. Illusion that our emotions are our reality and that is all that matters. To be able to be easily emotionally swayed and hang everything off of events in our lives.
Upaya-skillful means or methods to attain liberation from maya and reach Enlightenment. This is a broad expression and encompasses all Buddhist teachings
Lama- a Buddhist spiritual leader, in Hinduism this is known as a guru. For example, the Dalai Lama is the Buddha of compassion. Sprul-sku lamas are reincarnated lamas who have automatically earned their respect, as opposed to others who have earned respect from their great spiritual development.
Mudras-certain hand gestures used in images of Buddha that represent different meanings. For example Abhaya Mudra is like a cupped hand and means “do not fear”
Three Jewels of Buddhism: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha
-these are the common required beliefs between all Buddhist sects.
Buddha- One must learn from the actions of Siddhartha Guatama on his path to attaining Englightenment
Dharma- Learning spiritual direction from Buddhist texts
Sangha-the worldwide community of Buddhists that support one another on their journey to Enlightenment on the Eightfold path
Buddha- take refuge in what Siddhartha discovered and learned through his teachings, but not through him. Anyone can be a Buddha when they achieve englightenment
Dharma-teachings passed on by Siddhartha, the fundamental nature of reality
Sangha-the entire community of Buddhists who support each other in their religious journeys
Theravada Buddhism-in South East Asia. “way of the elders” because it is the oldest of the Buddhist sects. This is the original form of Buddhism focused on the individual and serious meditation and practice were required. This form of Buddhism didn’t accomadate societies as a whole and set almost unattainable standards, so Mahayana Buddhism was developed for the everyday person to participate in and be more suited to meet the goals set in Mahayana Buddhism.
Mahayana Buddhism- in East Asia. “the great vehicle” there are many subsects. It is called “the great vehicle” because it branched off of Theravada Buddhism to create a more universal and achievable religion. In Mahayana Buddhism, there are certain terms for someone who has attained a higher state of consciousness and has reached a level closer to Enlightenment, rather than only one end goal of Enlightenment that you have either reached or not. In general, Mahayana Buddhism added a “gray scale” in between Theravada’s black and white.
Mandala-artwork made of natural materials that symbolizes anyita, the impermanence of life, when it is wiped away
Eightfold Path
-panna: a type of wisdom that must be discovered and can not be taught. Once one has learned this type of wisdom, one has achieved Englightenment.
-Sila- moral conduct and correct behavior to promote peaceful existence in communities. This contributes to “right action”
-Samadhi (effort)-one must demonstrate genuine interest in pursuing Buddhism as a way of living and with the end goal of achieving a state of no desire
Four Noble Truths
Life is suffering. Dukkha. This must first be accepted as truth to proceed
We cause our suffering. Tanha. Excessive craving and desire causes our suffering
We can end our suffering. Through
Through the Eightfold Path. The Eightfold path is a set of steps one must follow to achieve Enlightenment. The path is composed of:
Wisdom:
1. Right View
2. Right Intention
Ethical Conduct:
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
Mental Development:
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration
Monday, November 15, 2010
Buddhism Concepts
1) Buddhism (general overview):
Describe what you think are the three main concepts of Buddhism outlined on pages 60 -61
The three main concepts of Buddhism are dukka, tanha and samma.
Dukka is the belief that everything in life is unsatifactory and filled with suffering. This suffering arises from the clinging and infinite desire that will never be fulfilled; this is called tanha. However, we can choose to overcome that suffering with samma, or the correct way of life as it applies to many actions. For example, right understanding, right thought, right speech, right livlihood, right action, right mindfulness and right concentration. These three "right" ways of life make up the eightfold path, or the way to achieve Nirvana.
2) The Life of Buddha
What do you think are the main / most important elements of the Buddha's life?
The Buddha began life as Siddhartha Gautama, a young man who was spoiled from birth and given all humanly pleasures possible. His father wished to hide him from all the suffering of the world. However, as he ventured out into the world he began to notice sick people, elderly people, poor people and suffering people in general. He met an ascetic one day and followed him, leaving his family to study. He studied for 40 years and achieved Enlightenment under the bodhi tree. He then began preaching Buddhism in northeast India.
The most important elements are that he began life with all human pleasures and from there was awoken to the realities of the world and the innate nature of suffering. It is also important that he demonstrated his interest and out of his own will he pursued the teachings of an ascetic and found the "right" way through life on his own.
Analyze the image and text in the center of the pages titled "The Buddha Conquers Mara" and describe three aspects of the imagery and the symbolism it represents in the life of the Buddha
Symbol of the Buddha's teaching: The wheel that the Buddha holds in his hand is composed of 8 spokes representing the eightfold path which he formed after attaining enlightenment. This teaching is called dharma.
Treasury of Desire: a vase is placed at an altar below the meditation throne representing the fact that all desires must be left behind before one can begin to attain Enlightenment.
Lotus Throne: The Buddha sits on his meditation throne of a lotus flower. The lotus flower still has its roots in the mud and water, but its petals are in the light above water. It is said that when the Buddha was born, a lotus flower sprung up after each of the first seven steps he took.
Overall, this picture is representative of the Buddhist religion because it uses symbolic images to describe certain beliefs. This temple hanging details the life of the Buddha from birth, when he was a boddhista (a future buddha) to Enlightenment. It details his conquest over Mara, the evil one who tried to prevent Shakyamuni from attaining enlightenment.
3) The Buddha Image
Using the smaller images of Buddha as a reference (on pages 64-65) explain at least two different ways the Buddha is represented.
Buddha on a Lotus Throne: This Buddha figure represents the finality of life. It depicts scenes from Buddha's life and at the top shows his inevitable death. By becoming dispassionate, one can become detached and through this one is liberated. Then there is knowledge of this liberation and one achieves Nirvana. After this goal in life has been reached, it is the inevitable way that one then passes away and one's life has been fulfilled. Overall, this Buddha statue represents the goal in life and the destined death of all humans at the end.
Gandharan Buddha: This Buddha was constructed during he 2nd to 3rd century CE because of the type of bun on the Buddha's head is typical of Greek gods. Also when Alexander the Great conquered northwest India where this statue is from. The respect for the Buddha is shown through the ascetic haristyle, the halo around the back of his head, the "mark of a superman" spot on his forehead and many more. Overall, this is the Greek influenced statue of Buddha.
Analyzing the image of the Buddha on page 65 and explain at least five elements / symbols represented in the image.
The monastic cloak is typical of Gandharan style, showing how Buddha is a normal everyday man, no more special that anyone today.
Meditation throne-symbol of the presence of the Buddha. The Buddha sits on top of it and prays
Wheel-turning posture- a position or mudra for the hands common of the "dharmacakra mudra" or wheel turning pose.
Buddha Halo- as stated earlier, there is a halo around the back of Buddha's head that suggests his religious importance.
Marks of a Superman- there is a little tuft of hair between Buddha's eyes on his forehead that is a marking of a "superman". This again shows the reverence for Buddha
4) Stupas, Temples and Relics
What role do stupas play in Buddhism and what sort of symbols are found as a part of stupas?
Stupas used to be ancient burial grounds for the Buddha and other prominent religious figures of the era. However, as they gained importance they were carved out and certain symbols were engraved into them. Stupas have become large relics that remind believers of their symbolism and Buddhist beliefs. In Tibet, the stupa is a dome centered on a five-tiered bass representing the five elements of the world along with the sun resting on the crescent moon representing wisdom and compassion.
Using the stone slab in the middle of the two pages as a reference, what are some of the main features and what do they represent within Buddhism?
The Buddha's life: there is a depiction of the Buddha as a bodhisattva (Buddha to be)
Celestial spirits: bring garlands to the Buddha in veneration
The Wheel of the Law: represents the cosmos and Buddhist concepts of karma and rebirth, as these beliefs are cyclical and recurring like a wheel
5) Devotion
Describe one symbol or act of devotion in Buddhism.
At the Pure Land school the boys are taught to give up all self-serving desires, even the one for enlightenment and devote himself entirely to the power of Amitabha who saves those who have faith and trust in him. It is also ceremonial for the boys to all shave their heads.
Also, for lay Buddhists, being philanthropic and donating food, clothing and other goods are great devotional acts because through these acts, a lay Buddhist is assured a favorable future birth.
6) Cosmology
Describe the main tenets or ideas of Buddhist Cosmology.
In Buddhism, the cosmos is impermanent and was not created. All things living or otherwise must work to achieve Enlightenment, even Gods. There are different realms like castes, for Gods then humans and animals. Below these realms lay the "hungry ghosts" and "hells". The concept of Samsara plays a part because when humans are reborn, they are born into one of 6 different realms.
What are the different types of mandalas and what the main ideas presented in all mandalas?
Mandalas represent the ideal Buddha world. They are a part of Tantric Meditation practice where believers learn to visualize Buddhist realms. These visualizations may be represented through different forms of artwork. Rituals and mantras are associated with these mandalas, and they are believed to posses powerful psychic energy. They represent both the macrocosm of the universe and the microcosm of the believer's psychic energy. After these intricate beautiful mantras are completed from organic materials, they are destroyed representing the impermanence of life.
Interpret what you think are the three - four most important concepts in the Buddhist "wheel of life"
Clinging: the man plucking fruit from the tree represents the irresistible human yearning for possession and desire life.
Ignorance: represented by a blind man shows human ignorance to the fact that life is suffering and that we can escape this state through our own effort.
Acts of Volition: potters molding their own fate/karma in the pots they produce represent a deed such as right action, right speech and right mindfulness. This shows that by following the eightfold path and discovering one's way through life one can achieve enlightenment.
Describe what you think are the three main concepts of Buddhism outlined on pages 60 -61
The three main concepts of Buddhism are dukka, tanha and samma.
Dukka is the belief that everything in life is unsatifactory and filled with suffering. This suffering arises from the clinging and infinite desire that will never be fulfilled; this is called tanha. However, we can choose to overcome that suffering with samma, or the correct way of life as it applies to many actions. For example, right understanding, right thought, right speech, right livlihood, right action, right mindfulness and right concentration. These three "right" ways of life make up the eightfold path, or the way to achieve Nirvana.
2) The Life of Buddha
What do you think are the main / most important elements of the Buddha's life?
The Buddha began life as Siddhartha Gautama, a young man who was spoiled from birth and given all humanly pleasures possible. His father wished to hide him from all the suffering of the world. However, as he ventured out into the world he began to notice sick people, elderly people, poor people and suffering people in general. He met an ascetic one day and followed him, leaving his family to study. He studied for 40 years and achieved Enlightenment under the bodhi tree. He then began preaching Buddhism in northeast India.
The most important elements are that he began life with all human pleasures and from there was awoken to the realities of the world and the innate nature of suffering. It is also important that he demonstrated his interest and out of his own will he pursued the teachings of an ascetic and found the "right" way through life on his own.
Analyze the image and text in the center of the pages titled "The Buddha Conquers Mara" and describe three aspects of the imagery and the symbolism it represents in the life of the Buddha
Symbol of the Buddha's teaching: The wheel that the Buddha holds in his hand is composed of 8 spokes representing the eightfold path which he formed after attaining enlightenment. This teaching is called dharma.
Treasury of Desire: a vase is placed at an altar below the meditation throne representing the fact that all desires must be left behind before one can begin to attain Enlightenment.
Lotus Throne: The Buddha sits on his meditation throne of a lotus flower. The lotus flower still has its roots in the mud and water, but its petals are in the light above water. It is said that when the Buddha was born, a lotus flower sprung up after each of the first seven steps he took.
Overall, this picture is representative of the Buddhist religion because it uses symbolic images to describe certain beliefs. This temple hanging details the life of the Buddha from birth, when he was a boddhista (a future buddha) to Enlightenment. It details his conquest over Mara, the evil one who tried to prevent Shakyamuni from attaining enlightenment.
3) The Buddha Image
Using the smaller images of Buddha as a reference (on pages 64-65) explain at least two different ways the Buddha is represented.
Buddha on a Lotus Throne: This Buddha figure represents the finality of life. It depicts scenes from Buddha's life and at the top shows his inevitable death. By becoming dispassionate, one can become detached and through this one is liberated. Then there is knowledge of this liberation and one achieves Nirvana. After this goal in life has been reached, it is the inevitable way that one then passes away and one's life has been fulfilled. Overall, this Buddha statue represents the goal in life and the destined death of all humans at the end.
Gandharan Buddha: This Buddha was constructed during he 2nd to 3rd century CE because of the type of bun on the Buddha's head is typical of Greek gods. Also when Alexander the Great conquered northwest India where this statue is from. The respect for the Buddha is shown through the ascetic haristyle, the halo around the back of his head, the "mark of a superman" spot on his forehead and many more. Overall, this is the Greek influenced statue of Buddha.
Analyzing the image of the Buddha on page 65 and explain at least five elements / symbols represented in the image.
The monastic cloak is typical of Gandharan style, showing how Buddha is a normal everyday man, no more special that anyone today.
Meditation throne-symbol of the presence of the Buddha. The Buddha sits on top of it and prays
Wheel-turning posture- a position or mudra for the hands common of the "dharmacakra mudra" or wheel turning pose.
Buddha Halo- as stated earlier, there is a halo around the back of Buddha's head that suggests his religious importance.
Marks of a Superman- there is a little tuft of hair between Buddha's eyes on his forehead that is a marking of a "superman". This again shows the reverence for Buddha
4) Stupas, Temples and Relics
What role do stupas play in Buddhism and what sort of symbols are found as a part of stupas?
Stupas used to be ancient burial grounds for the Buddha and other prominent religious figures of the era. However, as they gained importance they were carved out and certain symbols were engraved into them. Stupas have become large relics that remind believers of their symbolism and Buddhist beliefs. In Tibet, the stupa is a dome centered on a five-tiered bass representing the five elements of the world along with the sun resting on the crescent moon representing wisdom and compassion.
Using the stone slab in the middle of the two pages as a reference, what are some of the main features and what do they represent within Buddhism?
The Buddha's life: there is a depiction of the Buddha as a bodhisattva (Buddha to be)
Celestial spirits: bring garlands to the Buddha in veneration
The Wheel of the Law: represents the cosmos and Buddhist concepts of karma and rebirth, as these beliefs are cyclical and recurring like a wheel
5) Devotion
Describe one symbol or act of devotion in Buddhism.
At the Pure Land school the boys are taught to give up all self-serving desires, even the one for enlightenment and devote himself entirely to the power of Amitabha who saves those who have faith and trust in him. It is also ceremonial for the boys to all shave their heads.
Also, for lay Buddhists, being philanthropic and donating food, clothing and other goods are great devotional acts because through these acts, a lay Buddhist is assured a favorable future birth.
6) Cosmology
Describe the main tenets or ideas of Buddhist Cosmology.
In Buddhism, the cosmos is impermanent and was not created. All things living or otherwise must work to achieve Enlightenment, even Gods. There are different realms like castes, for Gods then humans and animals. Below these realms lay the "hungry ghosts" and "hells". The concept of Samsara plays a part because when humans are reborn, they are born into one of 6 different realms.
What are the different types of mandalas and what the main ideas presented in all mandalas?
Mandalas represent the ideal Buddha world. They are a part of Tantric Meditation practice where believers learn to visualize Buddhist realms. These visualizations may be represented through different forms of artwork. Rituals and mantras are associated with these mandalas, and they are believed to posses powerful psychic energy. They represent both the macrocosm of the universe and the microcosm of the believer's psychic energy. After these intricate beautiful mantras are completed from organic materials, they are destroyed representing the impermanence of life.
Interpret what you think are the three - four most important concepts in the Buddhist "wheel of life"
Clinging: the man plucking fruit from the tree represents the irresistible human yearning for possession and desire life.
Ignorance: represented by a blind man shows human ignorance to the fact that life is suffering and that we can escape this state through our own effort.
Acts of Volition: potters molding their own fate/karma in the pots they produce represent a deed such as right action, right speech and right mindfulness. This shows that by following the eightfold path and discovering one's way through life one can achieve enlightenment.
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