In-Depth Notes on Buddhism

Refer to the slides for proper bibliographic information needed for your review and bibliography.

Sangha: Initially referred to monks but now represents the Buddhist community in general.

The Wheel of Life: Represents the cycle of fortune and misfortune, showing various realms one can enter based on karma.
- Doing good deeds leads to good karma (positive outcomes).
- Bad deeds lead to negative karma (negative outcomes).
The Human Realm: Believed to be the most conducive for reaching enlightenment due to a balance of energies (not too blissful like gods, not too tortured like demons).

At the center of the Wheel of Life are three animals representing qualities that perpetuate karma:
- Snake: Represents hatred.
- Pig: Represents ignorance.
- Rooster: Represents attachment.
Collectively called the Three Poisons.

Initially, Buddhism was unified under the Buddha and his early followers, leading a harmonious community.
Second Buddhist Council: Marked the split into different sects due to disagreements over monastic discipline, not fundamental teachings.
- Disputes included issues like the handling of public donations and monastic lifestyles.
Each monastery developed its own Vinaya (monastic manual) leading to the formation of different sects.

Origins: Ancient texts recorded in Pali; prevalent in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.
Bodhisattva in Theravada refers to the past lives of the Buddha on his path to enlightenment.
Major goal: becoming an Arhat, one who achieves enlightenment through Buddha’s teachings.

Characteristics: More liberal compared to Theravada; allows for diverse interpretations and practices.
Major ideal: Bodhisattva Vow - postponing one’s own enlightenment to assist others in achieving enlightenment.
Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who help alleviate suffering.
- Example: Avalokiteshvara - Bodhisattva of compassion, depicted with a thousand arms representing helping hands.
Comparison of Bodhisattva definitions in Theravada versus Mahayana:
- In Theravada: Bodhisattva means past lives of the Buddha.
- In Mahayana: Refers to anyone on the path to enlightenment who prioritizes others' suffering over their own.

Example: Tara - born from the compassionate tears of Avalokiteshvara.
- Various forms each associated with different qualities, e.g.,
- White Tara: Longevity
- Green Tara: Protection
- Yellow Tara: Prosperity

Especially popular in Japan; characterized by its focus on direct experience and presence.
Zen Koans: Riddles meant to challenge conventional thinking, e.g., "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
Central practice: Zazen (sitting meditation) - emphasizes being fully present without distraction.
Encourages appreciation of the moment, highlighting that simple tasks can be enlightening when approached with mindfulness.

Differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism in goals and practices influence their teachings and cultural manifestations.