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Essentials of Buddhism

This course explores Siddhartha Gautama's emergence as the Buddha and the formation of Buddhism. It traces the evolution into Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana branches, examining Mahayana's various lineages and the significance of Vajrayana Buddhism.
Number of lessons: 4
Total length: 2 hours and 35 minutes
format: Audio
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About This Class

This course covers the emergence of Siddhartha Gautama as the Buddha, marking the beginning of Buddhism. It examines how Buddhism evolved into a formal religion, expanding into three main branches: Therevada, Mahayana, and Vajranyana. The class reviews how Mahayana Buddhism has facilitated the development of various schools of thought or lineages within the tradition. Additionally, it discusses Vajranyana Buddhism, also known as Tibetan Buddhism, highlighting its unique characteristics and significance.

 

Recommended Reading:

Buddhist Priests Choose Christ, John R. Terry, published by Dawn Press, 1989

Christianity at the Religious Roundtable, Dr. Timothy Tennent 

The Unexpected Way, Paul...

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About the Professor

Timothy Tennent

Dr. Timothy C. Tennent is the President of Asbury Theological Seminary and a Professor of World Christianity. With extensive experience in academia, he previously taught at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Toccoa Falls College. An adjunct professor in India and an ordained United Methodist pastor, Dr. Tennent's global engagements include China, Thailand, Nigeria, and Eastern Europe. He has authored several books on Christianity, theological education, and missiology, further solidifying his expertise in the field.
Timothy Tennent

Lessons

  • 1. Introduction to Buddhism

    Discussion of the events surrounding the emergence of Siddhartha Gautama as the Buddha.

  • 2. Buddhism Becomes a Religion

    Description of how Buddhism became a religion. It expanded into 3 branches, Therevada, Mahayana, and Vajranyana.

  • 3. Mahayana Buddhism

    Discussion of how Mahayana Buddhism has opened the door to different schools of thought or lineages of Buddhism.

  • 4. Vajranyana Buddhism

    Discussion of Vajranyana Buddhism, which is also known as Tibetan Buddhism.

Class Resources

Recommended Books

Essentials of Buddhism - Student Guide

Essentials of Buddhism - Student Guide

This course serves as a summary of the beliefs and practices of Buddhism by Dr. Timothy Tennent. There are four lessons that will introduce readers to a summary of the...

Essentials of Buddhism - Student Guide

Downloads

Recommended Readings

About Biblical Training

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