...especially good lives. The essential practice in Pure Land Buddhism is the chanting of the name Amitabha Buddha with total concentration, trusting that one will reborn in Pure Land, where it is much easier for a being to work towards enlightenment. Pure Land Buddhism is particularly popular in China and Japan. Pure Land Buddhism as a school of Buddhist thinking began in India around the 2nd century BCE. Tan Luan was the first master of Pure Land lineage. He had his religious calling while recovering from a serious illness. He said he saw a vision of a heavenly gate opening to him. The Bodhi taught T’an Luan the Amitabha texts. The Amitabha texts consists of writings about the Buddha Amitabha (known in Japan as Amida) who achieved Buddhahood on condition that he would receive all those who sincerely called upon him with faith and then he would admit them to a western paradise, a very pleasant place where they could continue their spiritual pursuits. Buddha can be earthly; Nirmanakaya; heavenly; sambhogakaya; and teachings; dharmakaya which together make the trikaya (three bodies). In Pure Land, Buddha is seen as a God but there is no God in Buddhism. By this, we can see that there have been influences from both Islam and Christianity as they both worship a ‘God’. The distinctive feature of having the promise of Sutavati heaven is very appealing. There is no self discipline as Amitabha will save everyone by showing faith, and again, this is what T’an Luan said. Pure Land...
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...My Buddhism Essay DeVry University I chose to do my essay on Buddhism since reading about it in my religion class it grabbed my attention and I wanted to know more about it. My husband and I are born and raised Catholics but for the past 2-3 years we have shied away from the church because we feel they are more commercialized and are not concerned with how their followers feel about the church. Doing my research, there were no Buddhist temples in my area so the closest one I found was about 30 minutes away in New York City. When I called to find out if they offer tours they didn’t but I was welcomed to come and sit in on one of their temple meetings. This is about that experience. I found a Buddhist Church online called “The New York Buddhist Church.” The woman I spoke to was not very friendly and when I started to ask some questions, she gave me their website and said I could find the answers I was looking for. I went online to their website and started looking around to see when they would have meetings that I could attend. From what I gathered it looked like there was a temple meeting that I could attend on a Wednesday evening for chanting and meditation, this sounded like something I may enjoy! I left straight from work to attend this meeting in New York City and was planning on taking public transportation because I did not know how the traffic or the parking would be and taking public transportation I would be less stressed with both. I had dressed causal...
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...Nanzan UniversityJichihan and the Restoration and Innovation of Buddhist PracticeAuthor(s): Marc BuijnstersReviewed work(s):Source: Japanese Journal of Religious Studies, Vol. 26, No. 1/2 (Spring, 1999), pp. 39-82Published by: Nanzan UniversityStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/30233608 .Accessed: 19/10/2012 12:43Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at .http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp .JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range ofcontent in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new formsof scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org. .Nanzan University is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Japanese Journal ofReligious Studies.http://www.jstor.org Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 1999 26/1-2 Jichihan and the Restoration and Innovation of Buddhist Practice Marc BUIJNSTERS The various developmentsin doctrinalt houghta nd practiced uring the Insei and Kamakurap eriodsr emaino ne of the mosti ntensivelyr esearched fields in the study ofJapaneseB uddhism.T wo of thesed evelopmentsco n-cern the attemptst o restoret he observance of traditionalB uddhiste thics, and thep roblemo f howP ureL and tenetsc ouldb ei nsertedin to thee soteric teaching.A pivotal role in bothd evelopments...
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...could not be destroyed. There was life after death. (Chan 1957, 110) The Chinese supported this idea at that time. Moreover, there were no special restrictions on practice. The believers only gathered and gave incense before the picture of Amitabha. (Andrews 1993, 21) Huiyuan was not only the founder but he facilitated the further spread of Pure Land. For instance he formed the White Lotus Society and this inspired the spread of Pure Land teachings to other countries in East Asia. Also, this facilitated the introduction of Sutra on the Samadhi of Seeing All Buddhas, to East Asia. Besides, Huiyuan formed the foundation of Pure Land practice, which was to fully devote in meditation for a long time, with traditional Pure Land teaching in mind. 2.2 Development Under the Leading of Tanluan...
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...Healthcare Support Services Communities who were dealing with individuals suffering from illness imposed a threat due to death. Groups and families gathered together for an individual by providing assisted care if they were wounded or ill. One person was given the title role to become the administer of medicine or the healer of all sick through spirituality (Amitabha Hospice Service Offering Kindness & Clarity, 2000). Death rates for mother and children's were tremendously high, fewer people lived over the age of 40, and most of every resource was devoted to survival. Christianity began to spread in Europe and churches or monasteries which lead to the intake of sick and the disabled. Women who were well off or lost their husbands volunteered to work in the monasteries as care takers. During Medieval times during crusades, travelers discovered places of refuge with the nunneries as well as the monasteries. During the development of medicine and hospitals, the ill patients found treatment at these facilities but as diseases formed and the fear of outbreaks developed family members preferred for the care to take place in the home. The community would then prepare food and provide clothing for the individuals families who were taking care of them. The aftermath of WWII helped healthcare services provide better medicine for the ill which saved a lot of lives. The name hospice originated from the care of the terminally ill patients by Mme Jeanne Garnier and founded...
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...change the teachings but they have changed the depiction of the Buddha himself. Many different cultures have made their own depiction of the Buddha to fit their culture. This is shown in the different figures of “The Head of Buddha Image" in Thailand of the Ayutthaya style, late fourteenth century to around the early fifteenth century, made with bronze. Another figure is the "Seated Buddha" of China of the Zhou dynasty, dated 338, made of gilt bronze. In addition to these works of art Korea has made a Buddha figure of their own called the "Standing Buddha" of Korea in the unified Sill period, eighth century, gilt bronze. Finally the last piece of art work that will be compared is the "Amida Buddha" also known as the “Standing Buddha of Amitabha" made in Japan of the Heian period, twelfth century, made with wood with traces of lacquer, pigment and gilding. All these different art pieces are all different and similar but were...
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...Buddhism Religion and Afterlife The idea of death and the afterlife is a topic that everyone can relate to. Whether one has a bigger belief towards western religion, eastern religion, or no religion at all (atheism), the idea of life after death exists in the minds of many. All the major world religions teach that life continues after death. As for my religion, Christianity; the beliefs can be generally classified as a linear, whereas the faith traditions such as Buddhism and a few others can be classified as mainly cyclical. Cyclical is the opposite of linear, People do not just live and die once, but can be reborn a number of times (and live a series of lives) before reaching their final end-state. After death, the soul (or the essence of a person) is reborn in this world to live a new life. The process of being re-born into the world is also known as reincarnation. This continuous cycle of life is known as samsara, and it is the aim of every Buddhist to achieve freedom from it so that they will no longer be reborn into the world. Buddhists believe people are continually reborn into this world, unless they have achieved liberation (freedom) from samsara (the continual process of birth, death and rebirth). The Buddha experienced samsara when he saw the effects of old age and sickness, leading to death. Freedom from samsara occurs when a person has reached nirvana. Buddhism began as a way to address the suffering that exists in the world, and was not overly-focused on ultimate...
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...Discuss a creation myth of either China or Tibet, pointing out similarities with those you have studied earlier in the course. The Chinese creation myth starts off with a huge primordial egg containing Pan Gu, the offspring of Yin and Yang. This egg is also seen in both the Vedic Hymns of India as well as the old myths of Tibet and Mongolia. From there Pan Gu grows for eighteen thousand years until the egg splits into the earth and the sky. This splitting and separation of earth and sky is seen in practically every myth studied so far. After another eighteen thousand years has passed the earth and sky solidify in their current positions and Pan Gu wearily lays down and dies. The story goes on to describe the division of his body parts to form the earth, wind thunder, moon, sun, etc., which is also seen in Babylonian myth where Marduk defeats Tiamat and uses one half of her body to form the sky and the other half to form the earth. The final element linking all of these creation myths is chaos. Whether its in the form of a chaotic sea (as seen in Indian Vedic hymns) or a great serpent (like Egyptian mythology portrays) the creation of the world is always linked to creating order out of chaos. Chinese mythology describes this portion of its story with the death of Hun Dun who was the emperor of the center of both the northern and southern seas. Describe the state of Nirvana and explain the difference between the early and later paths needed to reach it. What conclusions do...
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...Comparison of two religions | Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism | Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism constitute the essence of the traditional Chinese culture. The relationship among the three has been marked by both contention and complementation in history, with Confucianism playing a more dominant role. | | Buddhism religion and philosophy was founded in India c.525 B.C. by Siddhartha Gautama, called the Buddha. There are over 300 million Buddhists worldwide. One of the great world religions, it is divided into two main schools: the Theravada or Hinayana in Sri Lanka and SE Asia, and the Mahayana in China, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan. A third school, the Vajrayana, has a long tradition in Tibet and Japan. Buddhism has largely disappeared from its country of origin, India, except for the presence there of many refugees from the Tibet region of China and a small number of converts from the lower castes of Hinduism. Daoism and Confucianism grew largely in China and later spread to Korea and Japan. Daoism was founded by Lao Tzu. It is more than 1800 years history originating in the c.550 B.C time period. Confucianism has a worldwide influence and obtained it’s stable position under the reign of Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty (202BC- 220AD). Some of Buddhism’s foundational paths are within The Four Noble Truths which is what the Buddha set forth during his first sermon at sarnath. This foundation leading to all his later teachings are, 1. Life inevitably involves suffering...
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...Obtaining a University Degree is Extremely Important In my essay, I argue that in my world view obtaining a university degree is extremely important. I will define the term “World View” according to Hobson, Samovar and Porter. I will also discuss the factors that have influenced my world view of education and learning such as a vast experience of financial services experience in the UK and Australia, and more recent journey into the social business media space. I will also touch on what is important to me in my worldview and why these factors have ignited my ambition in acquiring a university degree. Samovar and Porterribing, describe as Worldview as being an “overarching philosophy or conception of the world” (2004, 1) and Hobson supports this by defining it as “a set of beliefs that we hold through which we organise our understanding of ourselves and our understanding of others” (1996, 2). Both agree that it influences a person's perceptions, beliefs, and values. We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. Gautama Siddharta A worldview is the paradigm of how people translate their meaning of their world; in other words, what we make of the world is our worldview. It is something taken for granted without having proof. A worldview is like a pair of reading glasses in that if you get the right prescription, your vision will be clear. However if the prescription is wrong; it could make your eyes worse...
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...second grade alone. [...] 15 In the beginning, we tried to leave her alone at home after school. I had no one in this country, relative or neighbour, to look after her and we could not spare a moment from the work at the factory. It’s only for a few hours, I told myself, and she knows not to play with the stove and such, but I could not stand coming home to see her little face in the window of the dark apartment. “I count the headlights passing until you come home,” 20 she said. “Today there were twenty-eight. And when you don’t come fast, I beat on Fat Boy until you come.” Fat Boy was the stuffed dog her father had given her, one of the few toys we’d brought for her from China. [...] After that, I brought her to the factory with us. Ah, Amitabha, Buddha of great...
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...Jainism Mahavira- the 24th teacher and the last Tirthankara Tirthankara- a person who has concourd discipline, samsara, and helps provide a path for others Digambara- one of the two major schools in Jainism (for males) Svetambara- a member of the two principle sects of Jainism (for Females) Samsara- the cycle of death and rebirth Moksha- overcoming the cycle of death and rebirth (the ultimate goal) Nirvana- same as moksha Kalpas- book containing biography’s of the tirthankaras Jina- councord temptation and moral discipline Jiva- the spiritual part of something Ajiva- the physical part of something Ahimsa- symbol meaning do no harm Aparigraha- being non-greedy (it’s a virtue) Anekantwad- the idea of mutual respect between others Sallekhana- practice of facing death voluntarily Swastika symbol meaning peace Kevala- the supreme knowledge Questions: 1.What is the central concept in Jainism? 2.How is time understood in Jainism? Time is cyclical 3.What is the difference between Hindu and Jain views of karma? Jains can escape the cycle of karma where as hindus can not 4.What are the two monastic orders in Jainism? Name one difference between the two. There is the Svetambara and the digambara. The digambaba is for males and the svetambara is for females Sikhism: Adi Granth (Guru Granth Sahib): received authority from guru gobind singh when he died. Guro granth sahib means living guru. Adi granth= kritan raga. Also is a holy scripture. Amrit: Amrit...
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...Buddhism Teachings of the Buddha -denies the existence of a personal creator God -denies the existence of an individual soul. The belief is central to the Buddhist concept of impermanence. -the self is made up of the five skandas which are constantly changing: -the body -feelings -perceptions -Desires (dispositions) -consciousness Scriptures: -the Tripitaka : the earliest of collection of Buddhist teachings Tripitaka means three baskets. Mahayans Sutras: reveres the tripikata as a sacred text. Sutras reflect distinctively Mahayana concepts. Lotus Sutra and Heart Sutra: most important to Mahayana. TIBETAN BOOK OF THE DEAD The Tibetan Book of the Dead is most well known to the West. Written by a Tibetan Monk. If chronicles the experiences and religious opportunities a person encounters at various stages” while dying, at the moment of death, during the 49-day interval between death and rebirth, and at rebirth! THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS 1. Life is Suffering – Dukkha * Physical, emotional, and spiritual pain are a part of all human existence * This includes the experience of sometimes feeling alienated or out of place in the world * Buddhism begins with acknowledging this fundamental human reality * Enjoyment is understood in relation to its opposite * Annica – impermanence, everything in the universe is in a state of decay THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS The Cause of Suffering is Attachment –Tanha We get attached to people, things...
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...10/28/2012 Religion: Buddhism Specific Name of the Religious Place: Pao Fa Temple Type of Religious Ritual/Service: Water Repentance Service 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Time/Date of Observation: 10/28/2012 from: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm Address of Religious Center: : 2692 Beckman Avenue, Irvine, CA 92606 A. Background before Religious Center: Originally I had planned on visiting a different Buddhist temple in Irvine to view their Sunday service. But when I arrived, it was in an office building with no obvious religious symbols. I had also researched Pao Fa Temple, and knew they were holding the Water Repentance Service for most of the day, so decided to pursue that option. I used my map feature to get directions and very easily found the temple. It was a in a gated lot, and the temple was visible from a distance. B. Draw a Social Map: The Temple was on Beckman Avenue in Irvine. The major cross streets are Jamboree and Alton Pkwy. The gated parking lot entrance is on Noyes St. and the front entrance to the Temple faces Beckman Ave. and the West. The entrance to the Temple is very ornate with columns and sculptures at the corners and entrance. one standing and one sitting. The first thing you see when you walk into the entrance hall is a shrine to Namo Shakyamuni Buddha with flowers in front of it. To the right of this shrine is a door leading to a reception room. A short distance further is a shrine with two un-named bhodisattva/buddhas. There are plants in front of it and...
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...Buddhism “We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world” - Buddha Buddhism began in India about 2,500 years ago. It is practiced worldwide by approximately 350-500 million followers. It is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama who is commonly referred to as the Buddha. It is classified as a religion that is practiced as a way of life. The Buddhist path encourages its followers to lead a moral life, to be mindful and aware of thought and actions, and to develop wisdom and understanding. The ultimate goal in Buddhism is to become “awakened” or to reach “enlightenment”; a place referred to as Nirvana (White, 1993). Two major branches of Buddhism are recognized. Theravada is the “School of Elders” and Mahayana is the “Great Vehicle”. The foundation of Buddhist practice is The Three Jewels: The Buddha, The Dharma (the teachings), and The Sangha (the community). Accepting the Three Jewels is committing oneself to the path of enlightenment (Hardy, n.d.). The basic beliefs of Buddhism are The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path. The First Noble Truth teaches that in life one will experience suffering and explains how suffering can be avoided to achieve happiness. The Second Noble Truth explains that suffering is created by human cravings and aversion that causes an individual to be born and reborn resulting in continued suffering. The Third Noble Truth teaches that suffering can be defeated and...
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