Buddhism a history Buddhism spread in all directions
Buddhism a history
Buddhism spread in all directions from India but nearly disappeared in India itself by the 13 th century CE.
Amida Jizo Hotei (avatar of Miroku)
Japan Tibet China Early Folk Traditions Classical Daoism Vajrayana Buddhism Daoism Early Folk Traditions Shinto Theravada Buddhism (from India) (and maybe Mahayana) Mahayana Buddhism Confucianism Mahayana Buddhism Pure Land Buddhism Chen (Chinese Zen) Buddhism Zen Buddhism Religions of China Religions of Japan
Questions I wish the Buddha had been asked (to now discuss) • To maximize your eating pleasure, is it better to order two 12” pizzas or one 18” pizza? AND/OR • Would your rather fight one horse-sized duck or 50 ducksized horses?
What we know about the historical Buddha, for sure • He was born somewhere between modern day India & Nepal in the Shakya “republic” of which his dad was a leader. – He was born in either the 6 th or 5 th centuries BCE. • He was of the Kshatriya caste and had at least one child • He left his privileged life and had some sort of unsatisfactory religious/spiritual experience • This caused him found the religion of Buddhism. He spread this, beginning at Sarnath, through teaching, gaining a few followers, for a number of years. • He died at an older age, somewhere in India and was cremated in accordance with the funeral rite of Indus Valley culture at the time.
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First & second Buddhist councils • First council (5 th century BCE): – With the death of Shakyamuni remaining Buddhist hold a council in India to try to codify Buddhism and make it a unique, separate religion from Hinduism • Last part is important—some evidence show that many people tried to roll Buddhism into Hinduism as some sort of offshoot/other marga – Objective of the council is to codify dharma and its key sutra • Much of the memory from Ananda and taken as fact; but much is still not written down, following an oral tradition. This eventually becomes the Pali Canon • Also establishes vinaya—rules and regulations of the Sangha – At this point, the Three Jewels are the foundation of Buddhism • Second council (4 th century BCE): – Very short council to deal with corruptions and relaxation of rules of the Sangha (kinda like issues with the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages) – Council reaffirms the necessity of Sangha rules and calls other ideas heretical
Questions I wish the Buddha had been asked (to now discuss) • At what point does one become famous enough for a murder to become an assassination? AND/OR • Is it easier to hit a big target with a small object or a small target with a big object?
Asoka (273 -232 BCE) & the 3 rd council • Mauyran king, generally considered greatest India king – First person to rule all of modern India • Began very warlike and unconcerned with religion, has revelation after seeing violence he perpetuated • Converted to Buddhism, – But allowed freedom of religion, as long as you were religious in some way • Tried to place Buddhism within the state: – Never fought a war again – Made any type of physical punishment illegal (branding, whipping, executions, etc. ) even applied this to animals – Created public schools, roads, free inns for travelers – Most famous series of pillars with Buddhist saying he erected throughout the land • Generally called for all his people to be faithful and care about humanity • Greatly spread Buddhism, and the simple idea of religion, within SE Asia • Convenes the third council (c. 250 BCE) to try and re-center the increasingly corrupt Sangha (purifies—i. e. kicks out); also begins the practice of spreading Buddhism through missionaries—first time it starts to make its way out of India and east & all the way west to Athens – By 13 th century CE Buddhism is all but gone from India thanks to the Mughal Empire (and attacks right before that)—make sense givens it pacifism
Questions I wish the Buddha had been asked (to now discuss) • Is a hot dog a sandwich? AND/OR • How many chickens would it take to kill an elephant?
• During his reign Asoka tried to influence dharma through his position and 33 edicts. To get the message out he erected pillars across India which stated the role of Buddhism, beliefs and practices.
Key Virtues and Sins as decided by the 3 rd council – Positive: charity, morality, mental cultivation, respect, service to others, sharing merits with others, preaching and teaching the dharma, reading or listening to the dharma, straightening ones views – Negative: 3 bodily actions: Killing, stealing, sexual immorality; 4 verbal actions: lying, slander, harsh speech, gossip; 3 mental actions: jealousy/covetousness, ill will, wrong thought
Questions I wish the Buddha had been asked (to now discuss) • If animals could talk, which one would be the rudest? AND/OR • Pineapple on pizza. Discuss.
The beginning of Mahayana and Two Fourth Councils • No one knows for sure exactly when, how, and why Mahayana Buddhism began – This makes that theory that it is closer to the original teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha all the more important – Also there were as many as 18 different schools of Theravada, all but one of which died out, which it may also have come from • But we have no primary sources on that; all written record is hearsay – Most Buddhologists see it as a group of people trying to emulate and follow the ideas of Shakyamuni that just grew • Most evidence notes it started in South India – Earliest sutra were probably written 1 st century BCE • First 4 th council: – Convened near the end of Asoka’s reign—Pali Canon written down for the first time; ensures teachings of this T school will not be lost (becomes modern day T) • Second 4 th council: – Convened around 100 CE—leads to the split between T & M—and T rejects this council as not being authoritative – Also leads to translating the entire works of the dharma in Sanskrit (from Pali); this was used heavily by M, but then translated into the vernacular, resulting in a major translations issue within Buddhism
Questions I wish the Buddha had been asked (to now discuss) • Why is phonic not spelled the way it sounds? AND/OR • Why does Donald Duck wear a towel around his waist when getting out of the shower?
Buddhism comes to China and Japan • Arrives sometime between 250 BCE-250 CE via traders on the silk road – Japanese tradition says it was later (552 or 538 CE) but evidence says otherwise • Went to China first and then Japan • Unsure whether Mahayana was founded in India and then migrated or if Theravada mixed with indigenous religions to form Mahayana – Evidence suggest latter is more likely correction, this may be changing as of the last few years; more evidence is beginning to suggest the former • By 200 CE accounts of Chinese and Japanese scholars going to India to learn emerge – Around this time it begins to become integral to the popular religions of both countries • By 500 CE at the latest Buddhism is integrating itself into the workings of both states
Buddhism Socratic Seminar I • Texts: The Shibi Jataka (pp. 782 -791); The Rhinoceros Horn Sutra (pp. 910 -913); from The Lotus Sutra (pp. 964 -972); Discourse on the Land of Bliss (pp. 998 -1007): some of this gets real unnecessary and repetitive, so skim if you want, but know the importance of the Western Pure Land by the end); Lives of the Eight-Four Siddhas (pp. 1160 -1168) — you will have to research Tantric Buddhism for a bit to fully understand this; The Record of Linji (pp. 1223 -1227 — this is a Zen text, beware ); and “Neuroscience and Buddhism, ” which can be found on my website • Discussion on the ideas and beliefs of Buddhism, understanding and critiquing the religious texts of Buddhism, interactions between different sects and society, and Buddhism’s understanding of life, time, and human nature. • You will receive talking points for HW the night before. • This is a (50 point) culminating grade.
How do we get there? The Sangha • Examine how the Ten Precepts are necessary for the goals of a Buddhist monk. Tie in all the lists, including the stages of the path. • Outline the process of ordination and the subsequent jobs of a monk. • Explain some of the rules, aside from the Ten Precepts of monastic life. • How does the Sangha varies from place to place. Also do some quick research on the difference between the Theravada and Mahayana Sangha. • Explain the role and importance of Buddhist nuns.
Folk religions of China & Japan • What do you remember about the early folk religions of China and later Folk Daoism? To what extent did/does that blend with Buddhism? • Ancient folk religions of Japan eventually become codified and turned into Shinto; Chinese religion becomes folk & classical Daoism and we’ve covered those, a lot • Shinto is: – The “Spirit Way” (shin-do) – Ancient, indigenous, mythical, religion of Japan • Based strongly in nature and the natural word – Most traditional haiku writers are Shinto – Roots begin around 3500 years ago, first remaining codified records date back 1500 years – No founder – An “ethnic” religion of the Japanese people involves itself in the state – Intertwined into the culture like Hinduism in India (stays this way even with Buddhism popularity) • Shinto permeates Japanese birth and life with a series of ceremonies: newborn, 7 -5 -3, adulthood, marriage, etc. • Most Japanese use Buddhism for funeral rights
Kami, Gods, and Mythology • The Kami/Megami is the main, overarching supreme being God much like Brahman – kami just means god or spirit • Polytheistic after the Kami—each shrine has it own dedicated animal • Other, main deities based in nature or natural forces – Ex: Amaterasu is Sun goddess and supposedly mother of first emperor of Japan – Leads to a series of festivals based around seasons and nature ex: water purification rights, etc. • Creation myth – Japan as the center of the world • Man then taught the Four Affirmations to live by: – Tradition and Family – Love of Nature – Physical cleanliness – Matsuri: festivals that worship and honor the Kami
Shakyamuni, Jizo, Miroku trinity
Schools of Japanese Buddhism • Early schools: Nara and Kyoto were the big centers of Buddhism in early Japan, Kamakura later – Six schools, none of which hold much weight today (but which become derivatives for today’s major schools develop) – All based in and around China • Japanese Buddhism is at first seen as corrupt since it didn’t come from India, so it always looks to China, monks study in China, come back to Japan, etc. lasts that way for nearly 1, 000 years – One of the first schools to stick and last till modernity (though now in decline) is Tendai • Tendai: a tantric school of Buddhism brought to Japan around 800 • Very similar to Shingon (see below), but less popular and more antiquated – Tantric: generally thought of as Vajrayana Buddhism, but has some place in Mahayana schools • Involves superstition, fortunetelling ritual, prophecy, esoteric (only a few people can know) and gnostic (secretive) knowledge, texts that are hard to discern, emphasis on elements (like Folk Daoism) and their properties, alchemy, bosatsu reverence – In this case the syncretism with Shinto and the Kami pretty much make it flat out polytheistic – Tends to focus around the arts (esp. given the esoteric nature of poems, etc. ) • Modern schools – Officially there are 13 major schools of Japanese Buddhism; but in practice they have splintered and sub-splintered to create around 56 branches and lots more variations – Most popular, in order are: Pure Land, Zen, Shingon (& Tendai), Nichiren
Seishi Yakushi Dainichi (Vairocana in Sanskrit— principal Bosatsu of veneration in Tendai and Shingon)
Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet • Comes to Tibetan Plateau around 400 s CE from mountains of India, mixes with Chinese Mahayana and Tibetan folk religions – Becomes known as a tantric religion—it has more Gods, superstition, ritual, festivals, etc. ; also believes in tradition, magic/supernatural etc. – Also involves a traditional class system – Involves ritualizes war when Tibet is powerful • When Mongolians war machine clashes with Tibet (and fights them to a draw) they gain respect, share cultures and create a codified theocracy – Monks run all walks of life; all boys enter the monastery, hierarchical system of religious lamas emerges • Rest of the population remains hunters/gathers, for the large part • Dalai Lama (incarnation of Kannon (Avalokitesvara), bodhisattva of compassion) becomes head of state and religion • By 1500 s Tibetans become peaceful and integrate all parts of Vajrayana into the state
Kannon
Map showing the approximate distribution of Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism in the world today. About 60% of the world’s Buddhist are Mahayana.
Buddhism & The Lotus Sutra (pp. 979 -982) • Between and 147 CE-1253, 4 key types of Buddhism emerge with variations in both China and Japan based around the Lotus Sutra: Pure Land, Esoteric, Zen, Nichiren. • Outline the greater vehicle/higher path Shakyamuni Buddha lays out for Shariputra in this passage • Compare and contrast the core ideas of Theravada with the new ideas laid out in the Lotus Sutra • Analyze Tathagata’s attitude towards Shariputra. • Examine what the Buddha warns Shariputra against.
Buddhism Socratic Seminar II • Texts: from “Buddhism and the West” by Lopez (pp. 754 -757) The Rhinoceros Horn Sutra (pp. 910 -913); from The Lotus Sutra (pp. 964 -972); The Heart Sutra (pp. 1044 -1047); from The Tibetan Book of the Dead (pp. 1393 -1401); The Record of Linji (pp. 1223 -1227 — this is a Zen text, beware ); Buddha or Karl Marx (pp. 1438 -1443); Smokey the Bear Sutra (pp. 1459 -1462); from Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind (pp. 1452 -1459); The Dalai Lama’s Nobel Peace Prize Address (pp. 1463 -1469); and “Buddha Rising” from my website. • Discussion on the current beliefs, role, doctrines and use of Buddhism today; the festivals, rituals, and iconography; sacred texts and their meaning, development, and importance; ethics and moral conduct; and the religious experience of Buddhism. • You will receive talking points/pictures for HW the night before. • This is a (75 point) culminating grade.
Buddhism and the Japanese state • Japan has a love-hate relationship with Buddhism • Some emperors have declared it a state treasure, others a state parasite • Has often relied on support of population – Mahayana monasteries are dead in the center of town, some towns built around them • In middle ages, many emperors ran out all forms of the practice except Pure Land Zen • Eventually Japan militarizes Buddhism – Samurai eventually become an offshoot of Zen – Not the only state to do it; but does so the most and for the longest • During early Meiji period (1860 s-1920 s) all religions except Zen, Pure Land, and Shinto (used to promote nationalism) are kicked out of Japan, violently if necessary • Today many Japanese use aspects of both caring more for Shinto earlier in life, Buddhism later (born Shinto, die Buddhist)
Tamonten or Monju? ? Koumokuten or Fugen? ?
Militarizing Japanese Buddhism • Buddhism, like all other religions, has a history of violence that dates to Buddha and early trappings of the sangha – Partially due to the lack of unifying canonical scripture • Samurai saw as an opportunity to do their duty—kill people often and quickly—and carry some type of religion – Worked with Zen because some schools of Zen & Pure Land allow Buddahood in epiphanies can fight and become Buddhist at the end • Meiji Period (1868 -1920 s) committed religiocide – Used Shinto to promote nationalism and kill all non zen/warlike Buddhists —saw others as drain on the state, which was rapidly modernizing – Starts on a global level during Russo-Japanese War (1904 -1905) • “[If ordered to] march: tramp, or shoot: bang, bang. This is the manifestation of the highest Wisdom [of Enlightenment]. The unity of Zen and war of which I speak extends to the farthest reaches of the holy war [now under way]” – Zen Buddhist monk – Promoted self sacrifice (i. e. kamikaze) to help state • Buddhism/Shinto eventually make a very strong comeback after WWII, and stay somewhat nationalist (kinda a don’t ask/don’t tell situation)
Meiji Japan • Feudal Japanese society is based in and around clans going back generations with a hereditary, hierarchical nobility and a very, very rigid class system with zero upward mobility – Very militaristic (and lots of might = right) • All this had led to the rise of samurai, etc. , eventually resulting it too much power for the military and the beginning of power for the Shogun • Before 1868 Japan was basically a two-tiered government with a hereditary Emperor and a hereditary Shogun – The Emperor lived in Kyoto and had pretty much no official power, but he still did ceremonial stuff because he’s the progeny of a God – The Shogun lived in Edo and controlled everything, in essentially a military dictatorship; largest dynasty was Tokugawa • was based on merit (i. e. biggest army) but with Ieyasu it became hereditary – Many disputes based in and around clans going back generations (i. e. Ōnin War); no sharing of power upsets those out of it • 1868 a few clans help overthrow the Shogun (with the tacit support of the Emperor); they take the Emperor and move him to Edo, renaming it “eastern capital” or Tokyo – Massive modernization occurs: Here they try to make the government more Western, and create the modern legislative body in Asia – But they also play to increased nationalism (outlawing most religions) and using the self sacrifice in Buddhism to the military – Most notable example is WWII, but started with the Russo-Japanese War where a number of key things aligned to make Japanese Buddhism violent
Zen at War • Historians and Buddhologists have identified 12 key reasons for the militarization of (usually Zen) Buddhism on a large scale leading to global war: 1. 2. Subservience of Buddhism to the state. Buddhist views on humanity and society. Though “Buddhism emphasizes the equality of human beings based on their possession of a Buddha nature”; the doctrine of karma has also been used as a “moral justification for social inequality. ” 3. Protection of the state and the hierarchical social structures. (Un)official structuring within sangha and to laity based on hierarchy 4. Emphasis on anatta and selflessness, “leaving no room for the independence of the individual. ” 5. Lack of Buddhist dogma, doctrine, deity, etc. , which left no “compelling basic dogma a believer would fight to preserve, ” thus allowing perversion of teachings 6. The Japanese concept of on, “the teaching that a debt of gratitude is owed to those from whom favors are received. ” In the case of Japanese Zen—with Shinto syncretism—this gratitude was also owed to the Emperor, as “the head of the entire Japanese family. ” 7. The belief in mutual dependency between social sectors, which “led in modern Japan to an organic view of the state coupled with a feeling of intimacy towards it. ” 8. The doctrine of the Middle Way, which “took the form of a constant search for compromise with the aim of avoiding confrontation before it occurred. ” 9. The tradition of ancestor veneration, in which “the entire nation came to be regarded as one large family in which loyalty between subject and sovereign was the chief virtue. ” 10. The value given to “old and mature things. ” Since society was based “on a set of ancient and immutable laws, ” opposition to this was unacceptable. 11. Emphasis on inner peace and samadhi, which “contributed to its failure to encourage and justify the will to reorganize society” away from tradition 12. The Buddhist logic of soku (just as it is) which leads to “a static, aescetic perspective, a detached, subjective harmony with things. ”
Monks copying sutras during Hanamatsuri
Buddhism and the West • Buddhism first makes it way to the West during the missionary period under the reign of Asoka. • After the end of the Hellenistic age, there is tangential mention of Buddhism in the west but nothing major – One account on the silk road points out the Buddhism and Christianity were so similar a merchant thought he was dealing with slightly weird Christians, not Buddhists • The Mongolian Horde (which was originally Buddhist then it became Muslim) brought it to the outskirts of Europe – Some members of the far reaches of the Russian Empire adopted Buddhism to the point Russia had, at one point (1600 s) a Buddhist based regiment • These regiment lasted long enough that it even brought the ideas of Buddhism to Paris at the end of the Napoleonic Wars • Real western interest in Buddhism began during the Age of Colonialism and Imperialism – Opening of Japan (1853) and Tibet (mid 1930 s) to Westerns helped – Westerns considered Buddhism to be the only “true” Eastern religion and treated it with respect—considering it just below Christianity on the pecking order • While Americans come in contact with Buddhism when forming their late 19 th century empire; real interest begins after the US fights two wars (Korea and Vietnam) in Asia – Troops come back with Buddhist wives; US lets in refuges who are Buddhist – This will only continue to grow as we turn our foreign policy to Asia
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