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Religion final
Buddhism
4
Religious Studies
Undergraduate 1
12/11/2011
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Term
Theravada Buddhism
 Definition

"The teaching of the elders of the order" Founded by Moggaliputta Tissa and brought to Ceylon in 250 BCE. Today it is widespread in the countries of Southeast Asia. Only surviving school of the Hinayana, closest to original form of Buddhism. Consists of 4 noble truths, eightfoldpath, doctrine of conditioned arising, and doctrine of anatman. Emphasis on individual through one's efforts in meditation, moral discipline and leading monastic life.

 
Term
Mahayana Buddhism
 Definition
"Great Vehicle", One of the two great schools of Buddhism. Rose in first century CE, called Great vehicle b/c it opened the way of liberation to many people and expresses the intention to liberate all beings. Developed from Hinayana schools of Mahasanghikas and Sarvastviadins. Taught the transcendent nature of a buddha and the bodhisattva ideal and notion of emptiness. Places less value on monsticism and promotes attaining nirvana. Teaches taht ones nature is liverated and inseperable from the absolue.
Term
Zen Buddhism
 Definition
Religion in which teachings and practices are directed toward self realization and lead finally to complete awakening/enlightenment. Stresses prime importance of the enlightenment experience and uselessness of ritual relgious practices and intellectual analysis of doctrine for the attainment of liberation. Teacheds practice of zazen or sitting in meditative absoption as a way to awakening. Nature of zen: 1.special transmission/outside teaching 2. nondependence on writings 3. direct pointing to human heart 4. realization of one's own nature and becoming a buddha.
Term
Pure Land Buddhism
 Definition
buddha-realms/paradises ruled over by a buddha. countless buddhas means countless lands. The most important is Sukahavati, the pure land of the west ruled by Amitabha. Eastern land is Bhaishajya-guru Buddha/ Medicine buddha. Pure lands are trascendent in nature and are the hope of believers who wish to be reborn in them. Decisive factor is the aid of a given buddha who has taken the vow to help all those to rebirth to his pure land and who turn to him in faith. places of blish but stand for aspects of the awakened state of mind and the directions or west east etc have iconographical meanings the final stage on the way to nirvana.
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