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Cha'an Buddhism, 2005.
This paper discusses the development, practice, and ideas of Cha'an Buddhism, also known as Zen Buddhism.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 10 sources, $ 133.95
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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). "
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Theravada Buddhism, 2007.
A comparison of Theravada Buddhism with Zen and Mahayana Buddhism.
1,743 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper reviews the precepts and philosophies put forward by those interpreting Theravada Buddhism and discusses why it has become the popular form of Buddhism practiced by Westerners. It then compares Theravada Buddhism with Zen and Mahayana Buddhism (and Shin Buddhism, a form of Mahayana), discussing how they relate differently to the precepts of Buddhism.
From the Paper
"And in fact, monks in America in Theravadan communities now do shake hands with women, and there is innovation and change on the way, Numrich writes. And in some cases, monks are married and living normal lives, because as Numrich points out on page 151, monasticism "is irrelevant to the practice of Buddhism" in America.
"The fact of normal family life for monks is certainly a good reason for Americans practicing Buddhism to heartily relate to the faith, in particular, given the widespread sexual molestation scandals that have rocked the Roman Catholic Church in America over the past few years. If celibacy appears to create carnal desires that result in little boys being sexually abused by clerics, then certainly a more normal life for monks would seem to be advisable, as Theravada Buddhism takes hold in the West."
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The History of Tantric Buddhism, 2006.
A general history of Buddhism with particular focus on Tantric Buddhism.
3,866 words (approx. 15.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 105.95
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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."
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Buddhism, 2006.
An examination of the religion of Buddhism.
1,740 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
The paper analyzes how Buddhism is both a religion and a philosophy. The paper discusses how Buddhism, one of the major world religions with 376 million followers worldwide, began in India and spread, via Asia, through the rest of the world. The paper analyzes how Buddhism, the only major religion that is not based on the existence of God, is a shramana, or wandering monk, religion. The paper examines the two branches of Buddhism, Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism, which are differentiated based on their belief in the Pali suttas scriptures.
The paper includes an interview with a practicing Buddhist.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Basic Tenets
Buddhist Temple
Interview
Compare and Contrast
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The beginning and the end of the Eightfold Path is the right view, because it starts and ends with an understanding of the Four Noble Truths. (Knierim, 2005). The right view consists of an awareness of suffering and of the fact that suffering can end. The second path on the Eightfold path is right intention, which involves an individual commitment to be free from ill will. (Wikipedia, 2005, "Noble Eightfold Path"). The third component is right speech, which means that one should only speak nurturing, worthy words and should abstain from false speech, slander, idle chatter, and harmful words. The fourth component is right action, which means that one must abstain from doing intentional harm, especially to sentient beings. (Wikipedia, 2005, "Noble Eightfold Path"). The fifth component is right livelihood, which means that one should earn one's living through means that are peaceful, non-harmful, and legal."
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Zen Buddhism, 2007.
This paper discuses Zen Buddhism as a form of Mahayana Buddhism, which is a tradition that has had much appeal to some westerners in the last generations.
3,015 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper relates the history of Zen Buddhism, explaining that it originated in China and later spread throughout much of Vietnam, Korea and Indo-China. The author points out that Zen Buddhism demands a great deal of the follower but its gift is a pure simplicity that brings the transformation of the person and all awareness. The paper relates that many North Americans, including Heidegger, Erich Fromm, and Aldous Huxley, value the 'in the moment' focus of Zen Buddhism as a solution to fast-paced societies that cause many people to feel overwhelmed by stress. The paper relates that the aesthetics of Zen appeal to Westerners as seen in sand or stone 'Japanese' gardens that reflect the influence of Zen Buddhism.
Table of Content:
Introduction
The Buddha's Emissaries
Zen's Appeal and its Spread
Zen's Appeal to Non-Asian Persons
Concluding Discussion
From the Paper
"Those leaving India for East Asia in the 6th century AD believed they carried a simple but very powerful message. The smile of the Buddha was a symbol that had spread through India by those known as the 28 Patriarchs, the symbol brought to China by Bodhidharma and later taken on to Japan. Part of the appeal of Zen Buddhism perhaps was its accessibility in societies where only the elite, indeed, only the philosophical or priestly classes, were literate. Zen's emphasis on personal consciousness, as aided by a learned teacher, appealed to people who were given simple - but extremely difficult meditative exercises to master."
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Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism, 2005.
Examines the origins and compares these two branches of Buddhism.
1,080 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 37.95
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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."
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The Five Aggregates of Buddhism, 2004.
This paper discusses the five aggregates of Buddhism, the main concepts and teachings relevant to the study of Buddhism.
805 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Buddhism is a religious philosophy aiming to promote a life of self-denial leading to a state of ?nirvana?; however, this state is not defined concretely, but rather an abstract concept experienced and felt by Buddhists. The author points out that the five aggregates of Buddhism, the components that make up human individuality existing within humans are rupa (aggregate of matter), vijnana (consciousness), vedana (aggregate of feeling and sensation), samjna (aggregate of perception), and samskara (aggregate of mental form and volition). The paper relates that the author is an individual, who, through Buddhism, is constantly in search of a personal philosophy that will give justice to the true essence and meaning of ?self?.
From the Paper
"Rupa is perhaps the most basic and tangible aggregate in Buddhism. This aggregate represents the physical manifestation of the human being?s existence here on earth. Santina categorizes rupa as not only composed of the human being?s body, ?but also the material objects that surround us? (126). Specifically, rupa is best represented by the five sense organs of the human body. The inclusion of the sense organs of the body illustrate how the concept of rupa is not only perceived as a physical manifestation, but also the coordination of the elements composed within and outside the human body."
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Buddhism, 2007.
This paper discusses the history and influences of Buddhism in China.
1,965 words (approx. 7.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the study of Buddhism is crucial to the understanding of Chinese history because, for almost two thousand years, Buddhism has influenced Chinese culture, politics, philosophy and literature. The author points out that the spread of Buddhism was unique for China for the reason that, when it was introduced, China was already a very old civilization with very sacred traditions and was felt by the population to be the only truly civilized society in the world. The paper relates that the most important reason for the success of Buddhism in China is Buddhism's willingness to recognize and take in certain elements of preexisting religions.
From the Paper
"It is hard to tell exactly how Buddhism made its way into China, but it is assumed though, that this first contact was with Buddhist icons worshiped by Central Asians coming into China. Back then, the Chinese accepted the Buddha into their lives as a religious figure because of their own mythical Yellow Emperor and the philosopher Loazi, who was believed to have reached the Buddhist level of immortality. However, the turning point for Chinese Buddhism was when the original texts started being translated into Chinese."
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Shinto and Buddhism, 2006.
An analysis of the significance of Shinto and Buddhism in Japanese history and culture prior to 1850 AD.
2,864 words (approx. 11.5 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 85.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the early history of Shinto and its basic philosophy, the advent of Buddhism in Japan and its consolidation, and the significance of the two religions in Japanese history and culture. It focuses on how Shinto and Buddhism have effected history, culture, society and even politics in Japanese society.
Table of Contents:
Shinto
Origin
The Shinto Philosophy
Early Shinto History
Buddhism in Japan
Origin and Early Development of Buddhism
Adapting to Local Cultures
Introduction of Buddhism in Japan
Consolidation of Buddhism in Japan
Influence of Buddhism and Shinto on Japanese Culture
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Perhaps the most telling contribution of Buddhism on Japanese society was that it provided an intellectual stimulus to the Japanese people who were forced to think more profoundly about the problems of life. This stimulus also helped to lift Japan's native religion, Shinto, from the level of an animistic cult to a proper religion. For example, it was only in reaction to the sophistication of the Buddhism and its scriptures that the existing Japanese myths and legends were compiled into written record."
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Buddhism, 2002.
This paper concentrates on the influences of Buddhism on Greek and Roman philosophy while focusing heavily on different principles of Buddhism.
1,546 words (approx. 6.2 pages), 11 sources, MLA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper provides a background to the start and rise of Buddhism. It then looks at how this Eastern religion influenced ancient Greek and Roman philosophy, even though at first glance these religions and thoughts seem extremely different. Examines different aspects of Buddhism in terms of their relation to Greek and Roman culture.
From the Paper
"Self-educated writer Elbert Hubbard once said, ?He who influences the thought of his times influences the times that follow.? This quote applies perfectly to one of the most influential figureheads in world religion: Sidd?rtha Gautama, better known as the Buddha. The story of Buddhism first began in the Kapilavastu region of the country of Nepal, which is seated on the border of India and China. In 563 BCE, Gautama was born to the royal family of that region and raised to follow in his father?s footsteps as emperor. Throughout his youth, he excelled at academics, athletics, and his princely duties. He eventually took a woman named Yasodhara for his wife and they lived peacefully for ten years until the birth of their son. Traditionally, since Gautama had produced an heir, his father was expected to step down from the throne and pass it along to him. However, Gautama rejected this constraining social custom after encountering the sobering horrors of poverty, illness, and death. He was dissatisfied with his inability to relieve his people?s sufferings and so left his easy lifestyle to search for an answer to ease their misery. For several years he roamed the countryside seeking enlightenment until he came to rest beneath the leaves of a bodhi tree. He remained there until he finally awakened to enlightenment, hence becoming the Buddha, or ?enlightened one.? According to Robert Thurman, from that point on, the Buddha continued to teach his followers how to avoid the earthly sufferings of this world through constant discipline and meditation. Although the Buddha died in 484 BCE, his teachings have lived on to influence many aspects of Western culture. Shades of Buddhism can be found in the philosophies of ancient Greek and Roman culture, but a more detailed explanation of Buddhism is required to adequately compare the three."
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Two Schools of Buddhism, 2004.
Explores the two main schools of Buddhism known as Zen and Hua-yen.
3,828 words (approx. 15.3 pages), 9 sources, APA, $ 105.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the parallels between Hua-Yen Buddhism and Zen Buddhism and explains the general principals, concept, and philosophy of Buddhism. The paper also provides some historical information concerning the origins of Buddhism and some of its major, influential thinkers.
From the Paper
"There are two schools of Buddhism which interest me: Zen and Hua-yen. The scholastic name for Zen is the Doctrine of the Buddha-heart. Its goal is to attain Satori (enlightenment) through meditation, and through a permanent contemplative lifestyle. The Chinese word Hua-Yen means ?the Flower decoration,? as translated from the Sanskrit Avatamsaka, which is a doctrine concerned with one thing: reaching an understanding of Totality through the great many teachings of Mahayana."
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Zen (Chan) Buddhism & Daoism (Taoism), 2006.
A comparison between the philosophy of Zen (Chan) Buddhism and Daoism (Taoism).
2,596 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper takes a look at Zen (Chan) Buddhism and Daoism (Taoism). The paper reviews these respective philosophies and draws attention to the differences and similarities between the two. The paper further explores how Zen Buddhism differs from Taoism in the focus and trajectory of its emphasis on radical non-dualism.
Outline:
Introduction
Discussion: emptiness in Taoism and Zen Buddhism
Zen Buddhism, non-dualism and Satori
From the Paper
"However, while there are more similarities than dissimilarities in the foundational views of Taoism and Zen, yet there is a difference in emphasis. On the one hand, as can be seen in the first Taoist painting, the human figure still exists in nature and the world of opposites. Another aspect of Taoism is the theory of continual change and non - stasis. The opposites of the Yin and Yang remain as an important part of the ethos of Taoism. These opposites are completely and more radically denied in Zen Buddhism."
"Nevertheless it is equally important to realize that both philosophies are based on the basic principle that true reality cannot be grasped or 'pinned down' by human conceptuality and rational thought. The second Zen painting makes this point sharply clear in that there is only the circle - a symbol itself of the denial of opposites - depicted against a an essentially blank background which represents the true nature of reality. Here there is no reference at all to nature or man and the origin of the Origin is suggested in its obvious and non-dual entirety. "
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Enlightenment and Buddhism, 2007.
An analysis of the relevance of Buddhism and enlightenment to Western society today.
1,475 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Buddhism and enlightenment in Western society. It begins by defining the term "Buddhism" and then argues that Buddhism, although Eastern in origin and ancient, remains relevant in Western society today. More specifically, the paper looks at Buddhism's relevance to today with regard to the concept of enlightenment and discusses the reasons why it is still relevant today.
From the Paper
"Another indication that enlightenment is still relevant today comes from the fact that "Sakyamuni's enlightenment experiences, or 'Great Awakening' ... represents the human experience around which the religion would develop its practices and ideals." (Eliade, 355) Indeed, Sakyamuni's disciples saw this enlightenment as central to their religion, in that it enables people to break free from passion, suffering, and rebirth. This freedom is referred to as nirvana. Nirvana may be thought of as a kind of heaven. Achieving it frees people from all worries and suffering, and stops them from having to endlessly repeat the cycle of life. (Eliade) This concept is surely just as appealing in modern times as it was hundreds of years ago. In fact, it may be more appealing now, as there are so many more worries and pressures, such as global warming, and the possibility of total climate collapse."
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Chinese Buddhism, 2005.
This paper discusses the degree to which Chinese social political and cultural forces have shaped Buddhism in China.
2,250 words (approx. 9.0 pages), 2 sources, $ 89.95
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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."
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"An Introduction to Buddhism", 2008.
A review of "An Introduction to Buddhism" by Paul Harvey.
1,477 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 5 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at "An Introduction to Buddhism" by Paul Harvey, published in 1990 which was written as a text book with the intention of introducing either high school or college students to some of the concepts of Buddhism. Because Buddhism is such a broad subject, much of which is covered by this book, this paper compares how the concept of "suffering" is addressed in the book and in other different texts. The language that is used to discuss suffering is also examined, in terms of how the term is conceptualized by its inclusion--or its lack of inclusion--in the First Noble Truth and in terms of accessibility.
Outline:
Concepts and Comparisons
Successes
Failures
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Harvey (1990) does spend a great deal of time in discussion on the topic of suffering, since that is a major aspect of Buddhist teachings. However, Harvey describes the concept of suffering as an isolated event, in a somewhat clinical fashion. The basic concept of "suffering" actually tends to get lost in his discussion of "self" and "not-self," (Harvey, 1990, pp. 50-52), until he actually begins to discuss what he calls "the Second Holy Truth" (Harvey, 1990, p. 53). In part, the difficulty in this discussion comes with the use of unfamiliar words in Harvey's text; the reader spends more time translating and organizing concepts than he or she does in processing and un understanding them. "
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