...Sociology Report — Religion — Date: 3rd December 2014 Contents 1. Introduction…………………………………………………………..3 2. 3 Perspectives………………………...……………………………….4 Functionalist perspective Conflict perspective Feminist perspective 3. Muslim in Cham tribe in Vietnam…...……………………………. 4. Mahayana Buddhism...……………………………………………... Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism in Korea and Vietnam Differences in Mahayana Buddhism of Korea and Vietnam Trend towards Buddhism in Western countries 5. References………….......……………………………………………. 1. Introduction A religion is an organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence. According to some estimates, there are roughly 4,200 religions in the world. The five largest religious groups by world population, estimated to account for 5 billion people, are Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. There are some functions of religion. Firstly, it gives explanation for things that we do not understand such as seasons and supernatural things. So many religions have narratives, symbols, and sacred histories that are intended to explain the meaning of life and/or to explain the origin of life or the Universe. Secondly, it provides sense of morality and ethics. It sets the guideline for people to behave in right ways. Lastly, it supports people to have power to overcome. Religion often courage people and give strengths. That is why people seek religion when they are depressed...
Words: 2998 - Pages: 12
...Buddhism Worksheet Write a 1- to 2-paragraph response for each of the following. 1. Explain the basic Buddhist teachings including the three marks of reality, the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path. The three marks of reality are change, no permanent identity, and suffering. Buddha recommended that people look at life as it really is; life is full of impermanence, or constant change. Buddha also urged people to abandon egotism and a fixation on material objects. He denied the existence of the permanent identity of anything. The third characteristic of reality is suffering; meaning that life can never be fully satisfying because of inescapable change. It encompasses the whole range, from horrible suffering to everyday frustration. The Four Noble Truths are a linked chain of truths about life. They are as follows: 1. Suffering exists. 2. It has a cause. 3. It has an end. 4. There is a way to attain release from suffering; specifically, by following the Noble Eightfold Path, (Michael Molloy, 2010). The First Noble Truth: To Live is to Suffer The Second Noble Truth: Suffering Comes from Desire The Third Noble Truth: To End Suffering, End Desire The Fourth Noble Truth: Release from Suffering is Possible and Can Be Attained by Following the Noble Eightfold Path. The eight steps of the path form a program that the Buddha taught that will lead those who follow it toward liberation from the impermanence and suffering of reality, (Michael...
Words: 1081 - Pages: 5
...Buddhism has undergone many changes since it was founded by Indian Prince Siddhartha Gautama in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons. Change has occurred within the belief system and surrounding the Buddhist faith, and has been typically seen as evolutionary as the main the foundations of the faith, including the teachings of the Dharma (doctrine), the Four Noble Truths, the five precepts and the Noble Eightfold Path, have been central to the faith regardless of any changes undertaken. Other constants accepted by the majority of Buddhists include the concepts of impermanence, the cycle of birth and rebirth (Samsara) and the vital role of meditation. The main areas of change for Buddhism comes under the adaptation, or lack of adaptation,...
Words: 396 - Pages: 2
...spreading Buddhism throughout India and beyond. He also has a profound influence on polity in Buddhist countries as monarchs throughout Asia were encouraged to look to his tolerant humane style of government as an ideal to be followed. 2. The main characteristics of Theravada is toward enlightenment, which is mainly pursed through mediation, toward merit-making to improve future rebirths, and toward transcending the law of karma through magic, ritual and talismans. The triple Gem is important to these Buddhist because it is the central focus of impression and devotion. Theravada devotional practices are they don’t believe in god. The historical Buddha is clearly the dominant figure of Theravada Buddhism. In the sphere of popular worship Theravada Buddhist may also venture certain Hindu gods, nature spirt, saints, or even a few of the bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism at local shrines, but these are worshiped mostly for “ this worldly” purpose. 3. The main characteristics of Mahayana they accept the noble truths of the Buddha. They put great emphasis of mediation as a way to achieve enlightenment. They believe in not causing useless harm to other beings. Yes, Dharma embodied only in the scriptures. The bodihisattvas are beings who work for the enlightenment of all beings, not just themselves. We find Mahayana Buddhism today in China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Nepal, Russia, Tibet, and Vietnam. 4. Zen began to emerge as a distinctive school of Mahayana Buddhism when...
Words: 450 - Pages: 2
...Maria Salazar Relg. 335 June 4, 2012 Buddhism Reading Report Religions have set rules and ways of living for civilizations for thousands of years. Among some of the greatest existing religions now is Buddhism. Buddhism for many is now a way of life that makes no distinction between an individual and its environment. The Dharma or Buddha’s teachings like stated in The Buddha’s Early Life reading, dictate to treat others with patience and compassion whether at home or out in the world with strangers. Since one’s happiness and living conditions are the product of each individual’s actions. In an excerpt from the Digha Nikaya 31, a Buddhist scripture from the Sutta Pikata that forms part of Theravada Buddhism a depiction of what makes a goof wife and husband is presented. The duties explained present no hierarchy among husband or wife and call for acceptance and emotional equality, for a merrier household. Although, this excerpt contradicts with historical views on gender roles presented in various Buddhist readings, it presents a more realistic depiction of gender roles in Buddhism today. It is important to note the excerpt from the Digha Nikaya 31, forms part of Theravada Buddhism that was essentially practiced centuries ago back in the time of the Buddha. One can argue societies back then were more conservative than contemporary societies yet the following quote demonstrates exceedingly contemporary words of advice, “ In five ways should a husband minister his...
Words: 2117 - Pages: 9
...Difference in Chan Buddhism and Indian Buddhism Indian Buddhism and Chan Buddhism differ from each other in a few ways. The Chan belief to achieving enlightenment one must be able to study, eat enough, and have a place to live. The Chan Buddhism belief in instantaneous enlightenment, whereas this belief isn’t available to Indian Buddhism. Both Indian Buddhism and Chan Buddhism belief in karma, that every actions has its consequences and that what happens to us are from actions that have been in the past. First, Chan Buddhism believes in the four noble truths which are, life is suffering, suffering is due to attachment (to an illusion), there is an escape from attachment/illusion, and the solution lies within the 8 fold path. There Is another form of meditation in Chan Buddhism, which is, Rinza. Rinza is a form of meditation hat gives instantaneous enlightenment. One gains enlightenment through good deeds, for example doing something without noticing it, this will lead to the instantaneous enlightenment. They also believed in the Soto, which is gradation of Enlightenment. The 8-fold path consists of Right view, Right intention, Right speech, Right actions, Right livelihood, Right effort, Right mindfulness, and Right concentration/meditation. Second, A lot of the Buddhism was based on a lot of core concepts in Hinduism (possible, due the similarity in name). Buddhism all started in India, so India is the heart of Buddhism. Buddha was born is Brahmin Caste system. Which...
Words: 412 - Pages: 2
...in Buddhism. The atthakatha means the “explanation of the meaning” or “commentary” and can be mentioned as exegetical treatises on the texts of the Pali canon. Their main object is, therefore, to explain difficult words and abstruse points of doctrine that occur in the Texts and also to give additional explanatory information wherever it was deemed necessary.[1] For that reason Atthakatha is usually considered as the huge encyclopedia of Buddhist study. One can find in this precious treasure any interpretations of the Buddhist terminology, idea and philosophical explanation on Tipitakas; for almost the Pali Tipitaka has its own commentary. The concept of Paramitas is well-known not only in Mahayana tradition with the aim of complete enlightenment but also it is interpreted in almost by the same way in Theravada especially it is revealed in commentaries literature. Historically along the process of development, there are many arguments and misunderstandings between these two traditions especially while Mahayana developed many new concepts like the concept and practice of bodhisattva with numerous skillful means (upāyaksalya) which seem to go too far away from the orthodox teaching of the Buddha according to the Theravada tradition. However it is said that within the Pali commentaries many doctrinal agreements between these two traditions are found. Hence, it is very important to study Pali commentaries so that one can find the original teachings or the spirit of Buddhism among...
Words: 3424 - Pages: 14
...Zen Buddhism Zen Buddhism Zen comes from a form of the word dhyana “meditation” and is the school of Buddhism which has a strong effect on countries like Japan, America and Europe. “An exceptional communication outside the scriptures; that does not lean on words and letters; candidly dealing with man’s mind; Looking into one’s personality and reaching Buddhahood.” (Bodhidharma’s definition, 2010) Zen is the school of Mahayana Buddhism which started in China in the 6th century C.E. It was also taught at the Shaolin Monastery of China. It is also Japanese’s name which came from the Chinese “Ch’an.” This is the Chinese translation Sanskrit word dhyana that is a mind consumed in meditation. The most well known practice of Zen is zazen, which is a type of meditation where one sits down. History of Buddhism Buddhism was formed in the 5th century B.C.E. and began in India. This religion started about 2500 years ago when Suddhartha Gotama, or the Buddha was liberated at 35 years old. This religion currently has about 350,000,000 followers and does not have a formal headquarters. Its sacred texts are Pali Tipitika, Mahayana, and Vajrayana Canons. The word originates from “budhi”, which means to awaken. Many followers, Buddhism is more than Religion it is away of living their lives. They feel it is a philosophy, in that this word means love of wisdom. Buddhism is a practice that leads to moral living, being mindful and being familiar with ones way of thinking and what they do...
Words: 849 - Pages: 4
...In Chapter 15, it presents us with summarized and detailed explanations of how basic ideas change with time in Buddhism especially after Mahayana becomes the main stream of Buddhism. There are also dialogues between Mouzi and questioners arguing about the Buddhism’s potential effects on Chinese culture. Buddhism does not put much concentration on philosophical and metaphysical explanations of the Way like other schools of thoughts; neither did it intend to admonish rulers by concerning about political issues. Buddhism’s targeted audience would be those who want to achieve nirvana since it emphasizes a lot on humanity and regards teaching the idea of transmigration to commoners as their priority. The questioners’ suspect tones in Mouzi’s Disposing of Error reveal that most people at that time are suspicious about Buddhism because it is completely different from ideas proclaimed by former religion groups. However, it does not deviate from central ideas but brings more flexibility. Based on the belief that all things are transient, people and rules need to change with time. This is demonstrated by Buddhism beliefs that monks can injury themselves, do not need to marry and give birth to the next generation and even do not have to bow down before a king. Although it seems that Buddhism contradicts with Confucianism’s idea of filial piety as well as disregards Daoists’ desire for immortality, it actually brings humanity to the first place. Buddhism’s arguments are not as effective...
Words: 336 - Pages: 2
...Buddhism Carrie Nicholson REL/133 Oct 19, 2015 Hjamil Martinez Vazquez Buddhism Buddhism is a religion in which a person is trying to reach nirvana. There are different things a person follows in order to follow steps that will take them to nirvana. Buddha gave up all the riches of his father and his family. In order to teach other a way of life that was in the middle of self-indulgence and asceticism. After reaching his enlightenment he traveled to teach his lifestyle to others. The Mahayana branch of Buddhism is one of the three branches of Buddhism that survived after Buddha’s death. Mahayana is known of the “Big Vehicle” and is the second of the three branches. History of Buddhism Buddhism was founded by Buddha Shakyamuni. He was a royal prince born in 324 BC in a place that was originally northern India that is now considered Nepal. This prince’s name means Able One. This prince started his Spiritual life when he was 29 and retired to the forest. It was after six years the he was able to attain enlightenment underneath a Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India. He was requested to teach; it was this request that was the beginning of Buddhism. It was this request that allowed Buddha to rise from meditation as he taught the first Wheel of Dharma. It is these teachings that include the different steps the Noble Four Steps, and more discourses. Principal...
Words: 899 - Pages: 4
...Tamika Harrison Doug Dorman Comparative Religion March 20, 2013 Buddhism Buddhism, one of the fastest growing religions in the world, is also one of the oldest and has influenced many cultures of Asia and followers in the west (Alldritt 4). Buddhism is the fourth largest religion following Christianity, Islam, and Hinduism, and has over 376 million followers (Robinson). In Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Japan, Mongolia and Taiwan, Buddhism is the majority religion. China, which is primarily atheist, has many people that adhere to the Buddhist beliefs (Wangu, O’Brien, and Palmer 8). The percentage of Buddhism’s practice is quickly increasing in the United States population. Some estimate that up to 3 million are practicing in the US. But India, around 500 B.C.E., is where it all began and flourished (Alldritt 5). During this time, India was in a state of religious ferment which led people to experiment with meditation, deep breathing and to study with gurus (Molloy 125). Buddhism emphasizes on personal enlightenment as opposed to an eternal salvation from a higher being. The Buddha is not a god, but a human being that was acknowledged and respected for providing the knowledge on happiness within one self and concern for all living things (Robinson). In this report, I will discuss how Buddhism originated, its major forms, beliefs and teachings and the question of it being a true religion or philosophy of life. Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, or the awakened one,...
Words: 2716 - Pages: 11
...The appearance of sacred reality in human form is called incarnation The rare quality of personal magnetism often ascribed to founders of religion is charisma Those who claim they worship the only true deity are known as exclusivists The psychologist Carl Jung proposed that the reason there are similarities among symbols in different cultures is because humanity has a collective unconscious from which it draws symbols Scientific materialism asserts that only the material world exists The Gaia Theory proposes the earth is a complex, self-regulating organism The psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud argued that religion is a universal obsessional neurosis Symbolic stories which communities use to explain the universe and their place within it are known as myth The word religion probably means to tie back or tie again The belief that sacred reality is one underlying substance is known as monoism Approximately how old are shamanic methods estimated to be? 20,000-30,000 years When indigenous ways were threatened with repression, many of the traditions were practiced in secret In the eternal "Dream Time" there is no male female differentiation The religious term that means a model of the origins of the universe is cosmogony In most native cultures, spiritual ways are shared through rituals of altered consciousness Some West African groups recognize a great pantheon of deities known as the Orisa The Dahomey tradition from West Africa was carried to Haiti by thousands of African...
Words: 1218 - Pages: 5
...RLG100Y1 LECTURE NOTES Page February 7, 2011 Two major branches of Buddhism: Theravada (meaning "of the elders") and Mahayana (meaning "greater vehicle/path") After the death of the Buddha, 31 different schools of thought developed, which can be grouped into these two major branches Hinayana is a negative way of referring to the Theravada; Mahayana is the majority and were critical of the Theravada Theravada thrived in South/South East Asia (i.e. India, Sri Lanka, etc.); Mahayana thrived everywhere else (i.e. China, Japan, Korea, etc.) Major characteristics of the Theravada: • Saw themselves as practicing Buddhism closer to that practiced during the time of the Buddha himself • See the Buddha as an exceptional human being, who suffered with the rest of humanity; through his own struggle, insight, and practice, he became the Buddha • The concept of the Arhant is central to Theravada; Arhant = people who have achieved enlightenment; qualitatively the same enlightenment as the Buddha; Arhants seen as perfect beings; once you have achieved this level, you can't regress • Believe the truest version of Buddhism is monastic; you had to join the Sangha (order of the monks/nuns) • Theravada evolved a particular style of meditation based on a theoretical analysis of personality (I have no idea what this means); meditation style quite different from Mahayana Major characteristics of the Mahayana: • Early on, Mahayana became very popular, and ritual became more organized (ex. Pilgrimages)...
Words: 601 - Pages: 3
...recognizing the Buddhist worldviews using critical thinking. This way I will be able to perceive and have more of an understanding, to build that trust factor. Some practical steps: Not to be judgmental and focus on the good of Buddhism, because no-one is perfect and everyone have faults. Remember to smile it is a visual teaching. Be helpful, kind, and positive it shows’ gratitude. What barriers/hindrances would exist with presenting the Christian gospel to a person from this worldview? Some common objections and Evangelism of hindrances would be the fact of having different perspectives. Christians, for example, speak of a God who has emotions such as anger and love, but Buddhists see such emotions as indicating too much attachment to the ego (Tsering, P. 157). Most Buddhists believe that there are many paths to God. Buddhism believes Jesus is not unique and may see Jesus as being a spiritual Master on a par with Buddha (Theravada Buddhism) or as a bodhisattva (Mahayana Buddhism) (www.internationalstudents.org). In addition, Buddhism denies the existence of God, Buddhism worldview is monistic, there is no such thing to Buddhism as sin against a supreme being, according to the Buddhist belief man is worthless, having only temporary existence, and Buddhism takes on many forms that are contradicting. What personal challenges might you have with presenting the gospel? Al though, I was brought up in a church, attended Sunday school, and currently attends regularly it is sad to say...
Words: 326 - Pages: 2
... A. Pangu B. Vishnu C. Kali X D. Guanyin 5. Who is this and what is he doing? X A. Shiva, the destruction of the universe B. Buddha, the attainment of nirvana C. Vishnu, the creation of the universe D. Parusha, his sacrifice 6 Who is this figure? A. Lao Zi B. Shen Nong C. Huang-Di D. Confucius 7. What is this object called, and what is it associated with? X A. Pillar, the Emperor Ashoka B. The mandala, Brahman C. Atman, the Soul D. The linga, the creative principle 8. This symbol is associated with which of the following religions? A. Buddhism B. Shintoism X C. Daoism D. Confucianism 9. What is this object called, and what is it associated with? A. Pillar, the Emperor Ashoka B. The mandala, Brahman X C. Atman,...
Words: 1598 - Pages: 7
