Buddhism - Lesson 4
The First Two Sermons (Part 2)
Description of the five aggregates and the foundational doctrine of Buddhism.
The First Two Sermons (Part 2)
The Voice of Dissent
Part 4
II. The First Two Sermons (part 2)
A. The First Sermon
B. The Second Sermon
1. The Three Characteristics
LECTURE BEGINS HERE:
2. The Five Aggregates
a. RUPA - Material form (body)
b. VEDANĂ - Sensations of body (feelings)
c. SAMJNA - perceptions
d. SAMSKARA - mental life (attitudes / dispositions)
e. VIJNĂNA – consciousness (awareness)
3. One Foundational Doctrine: Pratītya-samutpāda
The Buddha’s theory of causality: The term refers to a chain of dependent causalities used to describe the process by which something is given apparent existence. All existence is causally conditioned and there is no first cause. The doctrine is often illustrated with twelve links called nidānas.
when this is, that is
this arising, that arises
when this is not, that is not
this ceases, that ceases
Samyutta-nikāya II, 28
C. How Classical Buddhism is Distinctive from Hinduism
1. Hinduism seeks Moksa as the final end.
Buddhism refuses moksa out of compassion for others.
2. Hinduism has a non-ethical base.
Buddhism is ethical and compassionate (at a certain level).
3. Hinduism affirms ultimate reality in atman and Brahman.
Buddhism denies any ultimate reality, including atman or Brahman.
4. Hinduism (in part) affirms self-mortification and extreme asceticism.
Buddhism portrays itself as a “middle way” between the two extremes of self-indulgence and self-denial.
5. Hinduism (in its classical form) embraces the superior role and knowledge of the Brahmin caste in mediating the terms of liberation.
Buddhism is, at its root, an anti-Brahminical dissent movement, challenging the stranglehold of the Brahmin caste on the terms of liberation.
6. Hinduism accepts many paths or margas to liberation from samsara.
Buddhism develops a specific 8-fold “path” or “prescription” to follow if one is to achieve enlightenment.
Terms to Know from this Lecture:
Pratītya-samutpā
Buddhist Wheel of Life
Anatman
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Definition of Buddhism and a description of how it began and its present status as a world religion.
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Experiences in Siddhartha Gautama's life, and how they led the teachings that resulted in the formation of Buddhism.
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The First Sermon of Buddha
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Description of the five aggregates and the foundational doctrine of Buddhism.
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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.
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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.
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The Mahayana Sutras include the Perfection of Wisdom Sutras, Lotus Sutra, Heart Sutra, Vimalakirti Sutra and the Lankavatara Sutra.
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A bodhisattva is an enlightened one who, out of compassion, forgoes nirvana in order to save others.
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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.)
% Complete Two invocational Mahayana Buddhist Schools are Chinese “Pure Land” Buddhism and Japanese “Pure Land” Buddhism.
% CompleteChinese and Japanese Meditative Buddhism includes Zen Buddhism.
% CompleteBuddhist 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.
% CompleteThe incarnation means that Jesus is both fully God and fully man and came to earth as God in the flesh.
% CompleteThe doctrines of transmigration and reincarnation are central to Buddhism and provide no assurance for Buddhists of their ultimate spiritual destination.
% CompleteBuddhism and Christianity have fundamental theological differences.
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Guest lecturer, Todd Johnson, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, founder of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity.
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This course is an overview of the religion of Buddhism. We are missing four lectures which cover the points in the outline: the rise of Buddhist philosophy, Vajranyana Buddhism, Korean Buddhism and Buddhism in America. Dr. Tennent will record these lessons the next time he lectures on Buddhism.