Abstract This paper explains that Cha'an Buddhism, also known as Zen Buddhism, emerged in China in the sixth century after Buddhism had been brought to China from India. The author points out that Zen Buddhism later was transferred to Japan and eventually reached America and other parts of the world. The paper relates that Cha'an Buddhism is only one of several major schools of Buddhist thought.
From the Paper "One of the prevailing schools of Buddhist thought in China has been known as Cha'an Buddhism, or Chan Buddhism, and is known in America as Zen Buddhism. While Zen Buddhism was adapted from the Chinese, it also became common in Japan. Zen means the discipline of enlightenment. Much remains uncertain about the early history of Chan Buddhism, but the general development of the school is understood, as is the way it spread through China and into other regions. A School of Buddhism Chan Buddhism is the religion of jiyu, or "self-reliance," and jizai, or "self-being" (Suzuki 6). "
Abstract This paper examines the differences between Chinese Buddhism and the Buddhism of any other Asian country. The author stresses that politics has played a role in determining the shape of Chinese Buddhism. The paper relates that the existence of Buddhist monasteries in China under the T'ang and Ming dynasties owes much to the political power of Buddhism in Chinese history.
From the Paper "Buddhism in Chinese History: The Example of Politics and Religious Conflict under the T'ang and Ming Dynasties Introduction Any study of Chinese Buddhism must address the degree to which Chinese social, political and cultural forces have shaped Buddhism in China in ways that make it different from the Buddhism of any other Asian country. In researching for this paper, I was surprised by the degree to which politics has played a role in determining the shape of Chinese Buddhism. Even the existence of Buddhist monasteries in China, as will be seen, owes much to the political power of Buddhism in Chinese history."
Abstract Through a study of Buddhism in Vietnam, and how this has been reflected in art and architecture, we can understand how a country-specific approach to the analysis of Buddhism and Buddhist art can illuminate features of both. This paper discusses Buddhism and Buddhist art in Vietnam.
Abstract This paper looks at the origins of Buddhism and how its popularity has spread in recent years. The roots of the religion are discussed in the context of how Buddhism has currently evolved in the United States. Includes a look at a story of a Buddhist girl as an example of Buddhism.
From the Paper "The year was 534 B.C. One morning, a young prince sat under a tree that would soon become known as the Tree of Enlightenment or the Bodhi Tree. He didn't sit there for pure enjoyment, but was seeking an end of suffering. Born around 563 B.C., Siddhartha Gautama would be the man who discovered Buddhism and become known as the Buddha."
Abstract An analysis of the rise and spread of Buddhism by retelling famous stories of creation and revelation which occurred to the prince Siddhartha and his followers. It then explains how the ideas Buddhism gained momentum and spread through Asia. It looks at how the Zen sect broke off and how they differ in their practices.
From the Paper "In Nepal, there lived a prince called Siddhartha. The prince was pampered and given all the riches he wanted from his father. His mother died shortly after he was born and he was raised by his aunt. He was told by old soothsayers that he would become a king if he stayed home, but if he traveled he would become something of a god. Siddhartha ended up marrying his cousin and one day he saw some things that made him think that he must go and seek the meaning of life and truth. He saw a monk begging, he saw an old person, he saw a sick person and he saw a funeral proceeding. So that inspired Siddhartha to go off and find the meaning of life. He realized, basically that people live a while, suffer a while and die. So what are we supposed to do spiritually in between? The world was destined to end in death. Siddhartha decided to leave home in his quest for solving man's problems. He left all of his riches behind as the prince and traveled with a small group of people. He felt that he if deprived his body of food, the truth would come to him. He lived on one seed a day as nourishment and literally became skin and bones. He became so malnourished that he passed out and almost died. He realized that he couldn"t become more enlightened that way. He"d end up dead. So he decided to go about his quest a little differently (Introduction to Buddhism http://www.san.beck.org/Buddha.html)"
Tags: buddha, buddhism, religion, revelation, practice, truth, zen
Abstract There are two primary parts to this brief discussion of Mahayana Buddhism. In Part I., the basic features of Indian Buddhism will be presented and addressed. In Part II the concept of the "One who is enlightened" is seen in the beliefs of the Mahayan as they are shown in relation to Hinduism. The comparison with Hinduism is limited to one area because Hinduism is a diverse set of beliefs which can not be all covered in such a short space.
Abstract This paper, which is a book review of "Introduction to Buddhism in Korea" about how Buddhism was spread through Central Asia and into Korea, follows a strict review format . The author points out that this format consists of very brief chapter summaries, a discussion of the major weakness of the book and finally its main values. The paper relates that, although the book is actually very well edited, its structure could be better.
From the Paper "In this book, Lewis R. Lancaster and C. S. Yu provides insight into how Buddhism was spread through Central Asia and into Korea and then flourished in Korea. The book offers a discussion of the issues that were involved in the interaction between Korea and various other Buddhist cultures. Each chapter is written by a different author and focuses on different issues, while also providing varying perspectives on Korea and Buddhism."
Abstract The paper gives an explanation of a mortal man called Buddha and tells us about his life and how he became a Buddhist. The paper also tells us that Buddhism shares many beliefs with Hinduism. In addition, the paper explains the four noble truths and the eight fold path which forms the basis of Buddhism.
From the Paper "The two commonly recognized divisions or schools in Buddhism are Mahayana Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. The Theravada School emphasizes detachment, seclusion, and a solitary life of personal religious discipline. It commonly recognized as the oldest school since it is the only one of the original 18 still practiced today. It is mostly practiced in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. The Mahayana school emerged later and emphasizes compassion and service to others and is commonly found in Vietnam, China, Korea, and Japan. "
Abstract This paper deals with the various reasons that Buddhism entered China. It talks about the help the religion received from the government and the hindrances it had to overcome to become the major force it is today in China.
From the Paper "For most of history, China has been described as an extremely unified country, in both culture and political aspects. This was furthered by the fact that China was isolated and insulated from "alien" thoughts and beliefs, even though there was minimal contact by way of the Silk Road and from India. When Buddhism made its appearance in China, it brought with it a view of the outside world that was foreign, inviting, and challenging. While bringing new ideas, it at the same time brought up cultural, social, political, and religious challenges that had to be addressed and changed to fit Chinese life in order to be accepted."
Tags:buddhism, china, religion, culture, tradition, population, society
Abstract The spread of Buddhism to East Asia and it's division into discrete sects (ten principle schools, separated into: Being and Non-being), which had its origin in the tendency to concentrate on studying one particular scripture or group of scriptures as holding the most essential truths. The sects were essentially different systems of thought rather than contending denominations of religious practice.
Abstract This paper begins by examining basic Christianity and the philosophical doctrines of Jesus Christ. Examples from the New Testament that fortify Christian theological beliefs are provided . The major concepts of Buddhism are then examined, namely, self-worth, personal value, human fellowship, and the doctrines of hope. These beliefs are then compared and contrasted.
From the Paper "Since the beginning of recorded history, man has attempted to discover ways in which he could transform his primal instincts into manageable emotions which would benefit his fellow human beings. In most cases, this transformation has been accomplished through various religious systems based on polytheistic and monotheistic beliefs, philosophies and practices. Of all the major religious faiths in the world today, Christianity and Buddhism appear to have served this transformation very well, especially in regard to the ways that human beings treat themselves and their fellow men and women. Four specific aspects of these religions, based on philosophical and moral doctrines, are of great importance?first, personal worth, being how a person views his/her societal value in relation to others; second, the fellowship of man through which human beings of diverse racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds can find common bonds; third, the freedom to be a creative person which hopefully will not only increase one's personal growth but also that of others, and lastly, the role which hope plays in the lives of believers while living in a world filled with suffering and disillusionment."
Abstract Although different human cultures have established and practiced different relationships with their conception of the divine, the existence of scriptures appears to be a common element in all religions. This being said it must be noted that just as religions and religious practices differ widely across cultures, so too does the form, number, function, and nature of scriptures. This essay compares and contrasts the role of scripture in Hinduism and Buddhism.
Abstract Buddhism is a major world religion which was founded in northeastern India and is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama - more commonly known as the Buddha or the Enlightened One. The worldwide followers of Buddhism number between 150 to 300 million, most of who belong to the two major branches of Buddhism--the Theravada (the "Way of the Elders") and Mahayana (the "Great Vehicle") Buddhism. This paper briefly traces the origins of the two branches of Buddhism, compares and contrasts the major theological differences between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism and explains how these differences are manifested in practice.
Paper Outline
Abstract
Theravada Buddhism: Origins and Basic Doctrine
Mahayana Buddhism: Origins and Basic Doctrine
The Main Differences: Theory and Practice
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper "Theravada monks have also been criticized by followers of Mahayana for being selfishly concerned only with their own salvation and for indifference to the lay community. According to the Mahayana doctrine, the bodhisattvas, out of a sense of compassion, delay their final passage to the transcendent state of nirvana in order to labor on behalf of others and help them in attaining salvation. They are, therefore, considered superior to the Theravadin arhat, who is mainly concerned with his own salvation but cannot help others in achieving salvation."
Abstract This paper begins with a general discussion of the history of Buddhism in and then goes on to discuss the specific history of Tantric Buddhism. The paper briefly discusses the life of Buddha and how, after his death, several different sects within Buddhism arose, including Tantric Buddhism. The paper explains that Tantric (esoteric) Buddhism arose in the seventh and eighth centuries in India and the Himalayas and still survives today, in the twentieth century, as a living tradition of the Buddhism found in Nepal and Tibet. The paper also discusses early Tantric scriptures, Tantric practices and beliefs and its spread to other countries. In addition, the paper examines Western acceptance of Tantric Buddhism and the modern expression of this ancient religion and philosophy.
From the Paper "The historical Buddha spoke a language of Sanskrit, the classical language of ancient India, although it is not clear which specific dialect he spoke. Sanskrit was a formal literary language used almost exclusively by the elite of society. There is an extensive record of the Buddha's teaching that survives today; it is written in an ancient Indian dialect known as Pali. This record forms the scriptural basis for one of two forms of contemporary Buddhism, the Theravada; this is practiced in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia."
Abstract This paper describes the Asian immigrant Buddhism and the American convert Buddhism, which are the two main kinds of Buddhism being practiced in the United States today. Americanized Buddhism is different from the conservative forces that shape Asian Buddhists. The author points out that Buddhism encourages Americans to be true to themselves and to be at ease in every situation in order to successfully engender peace in all respects. The paper explores the relationship of men and women to American style Buddhism.
Table of Contents:
The American Buddhist
American Style Buddhism American Adaptation to Buddhism
From the Paper "Many feminist American women believe that Buddhism and feminism are allies in that Buddhism's teachings are gender-free and gender-neutral. Dharma is all-inclusive and beyond gender. Only the practices demanded more equality with reference to the American culture, and the karmic task of bringing more equality into the practices is being diligently performed by the American Buddhist women. In order to perform this task, however, they have had to recognize that they must give some importance to study and philosophy."
