Buddhism Study Guide Spring 2015
Globalizing Buddhism Study Guide
Class notes:
General/Early: I will have a few questions from the initial reading and discussions about globalization, on topics such as swastikas, bio-diversity, McDonaldization
Buddhism in General:
Where founded/grew and when?
Who founded?
Why, what were motivations and teachings?
Key Terms / Ideas:
+ 4 Noble Truths
+ Middle Path
+ 5 Moral Precepts
+ anatman
+ karma
+ samsara
+ nirvana
+ non-theistic
+ upaya
Theravada Buddhism
Meaning “ “ :
Dominant where?:
Key Features / Characteristics:
Foci/terms:
+ Pali Canon/Tripitaka
+ Three Jewels (triratna)
+ dana (giving)
Mahayana Buddhism
Meaning:
Dominant where?:
Key Features / Characteristics:
Foci/terms:
+buddhaS (plural) (related to buddha-nature and universality of nirvana)
+ bodhisattvas & bodhichitta
+ emptiness/impermanence
+ karuna (compassion)
Remember that most individually named schools from the readings, like Zen or Nichiren, are Mahayana schools
Vajrayana Buddhism
Dominant where?:
Characteristics:
Origins, connected with Mahayana or Theravada?:
Monasticism
Did the Buddha support monasticism (the practice of leaving regular life to live on of celibacy, study, and spiritual seeking)?
How have monks and nuns fared in the different schools and in the West: where are they most important or supported (and least supported) which school or schools still allow “real” nuns what kinds of challenges and changes have monastics made over time or depending on culture?
What types of monastics are there in terms of lifestyle and primary occupation?
What are some commonly-held expectations, both formal and in public perception, are there for monks and nuns?
What role have the martial arts played in Mahayana monasticism, both in Asia and in spreading Buddhism to new cultures? (Think about physical and political survival, attracting followers, questions of authenticity)
Buddhism in West
Does Buddhism receive substantial political or
Class notes:
General/Early: I will have a few questions from the initial reading and discussions about globalization, on topics such as swastikas, bio-diversity, McDonaldization
Buddhism in General:
Where founded/grew and when?
Who founded?
Why, what were motivations and teachings?
Key Terms / Ideas:
+ 4 Noble Truths
+ Middle Path
+ 5 Moral Precepts
+ anatman
+ karma
+ samsara
+ nirvana
+ non-theistic
+ upaya
Theravada Buddhism
Meaning “ “ :
Dominant where?:
Key Features / Characteristics:
Foci/terms:
+ Pali Canon/Tripitaka
+ Three Jewels (triratna)
+ dana (giving)
Mahayana Buddhism
Meaning:
Dominant where?:
Key Features / Characteristics:
Foci/terms:
+buddhaS (plural) (related to buddha-nature and universality of nirvana)
+ bodhisattvas & bodhichitta
+ emptiness/impermanence
+ karuna (compassion)
Remember that most individually named schools from the readings, like Zen or Nichiren, are Mahayana schools
Vajrayana Buddhism
Dominant where?:
Characteristics:
Origins, connected with Mahayana or Theravada?:
Monasticism
Did the Buddha support monasticism (the practice of leaving regular life to live on of celibacy, study, and spiritual seeking)?
How have monks and nuns fared in the different schools and in the West: where are they most important or supported (and least supported) which school or schools still allow “real” nuns what kinds of challenges and changes have monastics made over time or depending on culture?
What types of monastics are there in terms of lifestyle and primary occupation?
What are some commonly-held expectations, both formal and in public perception, are there for monks and nuns?
What role have the martial arts played in Mahayana monasticism, both in Asia and in spreading Buddhism to new cultures? (Think about physical and political survival, attracting followers, questions of authenticity)
Buddhism in West
Does Buddhism receive substantial political or