Buddhism - Lesson 0

Definition of Buddhism and a description of how it began and its present status as a world religion.

Experiences in Siddhartha Gautama's life, and how they led the teachings that resulted in the formation of Buddhism.

The First Sermon of Buddha

Description of the five aggregates and the foundational doctrine of Buddhism.

Therevada emerged as the preserver of the Way of the Elders. The three jewels of the Therevada are the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.

The three insights of Mahayana Buddhism are that Buddha taught secret truths, the Buddha was a divine being and a dharmic concept, not just an earthly figure, and Gautama was not the only Buddha.

The Mahayana Sutras include the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras, Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, Vimalakirti Sutra and the Lankavatara Sutra.

A bodhisattva is an enlightened one who, out of compassion, forgoes nirvana in order to save others.

In Buddhism, actual objects of worship and adoration are ultimately illusory and superseded by true enlightenment. (This lecture begins in the outline, point IX. The Rise of Buddhist Philosophy, point D, #2. The lecture covering IX, points A, B, C and D #1 is not available, but Dr. Tennent is planning to record it.)

Two invocational Mahayana Buddhist Schools are Chinese “Pure Land” Buddhism and Japanese “Pure Land” Buddhism.

Chinese and Japanese Meditative Buddhism includes Zen Buddhism.

Buddhist mudras are hand gestures which have physical and spiritual significance. Family ties in a shame-based culture may often place significant social pressures on a person considering converting from Buddhism to Christianity.

The incarnation means that Jesus is both fully God and fully man and came to earth as God in the flesh.

The doctrines of transmigration and reincarnation are central to Buddhism and provide no assurance for Buddhists of their ultimate spiritual destination.

Buddhism and Christianity have fundamental theological differences.

Guest lecturer, Todd Johnson, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, founder of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity.