BUDDHISM

David Chun, Steven Turlington, Jeremy Pupillo University of Phoenix-Atlanta Campus REL/133 September 30, 2012 Dr. Sheray Gaffney

BUDDHISM
Buddhism began in India in the Fifth century B.C.E

Siddhartha Guatama is the Prince of India at that time.

Found his way toward enlightenment.

THE FOUR TYPES OF BUDDHISM

Theravada: Known as southern Buddhism its dominant the Southeast part of Asia country like Cambodia, Laos, Thai, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. Theravada means "The Way of the Elders" in Pali, reflecting the Theravadins' belief that they most closely follow the original beliefs and practices of the Buddha and the early monastic Elders ("Mahayana Buddhism: The "greater Vehicle"", 2012). Mahanya: Mahayana Buddhism is the primary form of Buddhism in North Asia and the Far East, including China, Japan, Korea, Tibet and Mongolia, and is thus sometimes known as Northern Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhists accept the Pali Canon as sacred scripture with the Theravadans, but also many other works, the Sutras, which were written later and in Sanskrit ("Mahayana Buddhism: The "greater Vehicle"", 2012).

Vajrayana: known as Diamond or Thunderbolt vehicle, it spread out in India and became established in Tibet ("Mahayana Buddhism: The "greater Vehicle"", 2012).

Zen: began in the 6 th century in China and arrived at Japan in the 7 th century. They believe that all Buddha nature have been clouded with ignorance. So they rejects the study of scriptures, religious rites, devotional practices, and good works in favor of meditation leading to a sudden breakthrough of insight and awareness of ultimate reality ("Mahayana Buddhism: The "greater Vehicle"", 2012).

BELIEFS SHARED BY SOME BUDDHIST TRADITIONS AND CHRISTIANITY:

Deity: In its original forms, Buddhism did not teach of the existence of transcendent, immanent, or any other type of God, Gods, Goddess, and/or Goddesses. However, many Buddhists -- particularly in Japan where is it often merged with the Shinto religion -- do believe in a pantheon of superatural entities. Prayer: Some traditions within Buddhism believe in the power of prayer; others do not (Robinson, 2010).

BUDDHISM IN THE MODERN WORLD

Like many other religions, Buddhism has changed over the years Modern Buddhist followers enjoy many of today's modern conveniences Globalization of the planet Modern life geared more towards single economic system (Norberg-Hodge, H. 2012).

BUDDHISM IN THE MODERN WORLD

Modern Buddhist leaders challenged with regaining original principles Reaching out to those still engaged Find new ways to reach the more western culture

(Norberg-Hodge, H. 2012).

BUDDHISM EFFECTS IN THE MODERN WORLD

Karma and the gap between rich and poor Old way is to think past life virtues lead to wealth and or pain New way to think is that economic system does not allow for growth $450billion advertising dollars vs compassion and nonviolent ways

(Norberg-Hodge, H. 2012).

BUDDHISM EFFECTS IN THE MODERN WORLD

Religion (Buddhism) vs Science Many Buddhist leaders working hand in hand with scientists Dalai Lama openly encourages modern science Says that he will change Buddhist rules if there is discrepencies Wants to avoid any confusion regarding Buddhist beliefs This way of dealing with this issue is very appealing to western way of thinking

(Alexander, B., & Thubten, C. 1999).

BUDDHISM EFFECTS IN THE MODERN WORLD

Buddhas teachings geared to appeal to many Food analogy and Modern Buddhism Major strategy to keep traditional engaged As well as to appeal to new followers

(Alexander, B., & Thubten, C. 1999).

CONCLUSION
This history is worth remembering as Buddhism faces its biggest transition yet. To influence the modern world, Buddhism must adapt to it. The threat today is not Western religions but rather psychology and consumerism. Is the dharma becoming another form of psychotherapy? Another commodity to be bought and sold? Will Western Buddhism become comfortable with our individualistic consumption patterns, emphasizing expensive retreats and initiations catering to overstressed converts pursuing their own enlightenment? Or will Western psychotherapy a relatively new, rapidly evolving field be transformed by the dharma. Can a more socially engaged Buddhism demonstrate a more attractive alternative to consumerism? We are familiar with examples of how Buddhist teachings can illuminate our situation. Yet influence is a two-way street. The exotic names, robes, and rituals of Asian Buddhism are attractive to many of us, but sooner or later we must begin to distinguish the imported forms that we appreciate from the essential dharma that we need.

REFERENCES
Lewis, G.R. (2006). Buddhist Beliefs, Practices and Experiences . Retrieved from http://buddhistfaith.tripod.com/beliefs/id33.html Mahayana Buddhism: The "Greater Vehicle". (2012). Retrieved from http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/sects/mahayana.htm Molloy, M. and T.L. Hilgers (2012). Chapter 1: Understanding Religion . Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content/eReader.aspx?assetMetaId=f9d1ca89 -97e94bc2-a371-b0bc0b895c36&assetDataId=86ef3fd4-10d1-45bb-b2fc-06366a69579d&assetpdfdataid=8d64bd78-67924415-bcd6-eeb225e4667c Robinson, B.A. (2010). Comparison of Buddhism and Christianity . Retrieved from http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism4.htm Siddhartha Gautama: The Buddha. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/edens/thailand/buddhism.htm Alexander, B., & Thubten, C. (1999). The Appeal of Buddhism in the Modern World. Glimpse of Reality, (), . Retrieved from http://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/archives/approaching_buddhism/introduction/appeal_buddhis m_modern_world.html

Norberg-Hodge, H. (2012). International Society for Ecology & Culture . Retrieved from http://www.localfutures.org/publications/online-articles/buddhism-in-the-global-economy