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Introduction to Buddhism

The main import that Buddhism brings to the cultures is a philosophy that one can use to interrogate the world, the human experience, and the nature of reality, and it brings a religious heritage that changes and branches off in each culture that it is planted in.**

Spread of Buddhism through Asia The Spread of Buddhism Video

Buddhism in India Established in 5th century B.C by Siddartha Gautama (Buddha) whom was born as a crown prince*, later left his born place to establish Buddhism. At the age of 35, on 8th of December he reached enlightenment, spent next four decades traveling India introducing Buddhism and it's philosophy, year by year gaining more disciplines and followers, in 483 B.C at the age of 80 Buddha entered Nirvana. In 477 B.C Buddha's disciplines and followers built a garden for Buddha, which was considered as the first Buddhist council. During this council Buddhist canon was written for the first time. The second council took place after almost a century later, from here Buddhism has traveled through Asia. In 252 B.C third council took place, producing three main sutras of Buddhism. Buddhism was the main religion in India between 5-6th century but from 10th century Buddhism lost its influence to Hinduism. But meanwhile Buddhism has widely spread in Asia.

Buddhism in Sri Lanka In the 3d cent. B.C., the Indian emperor Asoka greatly strengthened Buddhism by his support and sent Buddhist missionaries as far afield as Syria...In the meantime, however, its beliefs had spread widely. Sri Lanka was converted to Buddhism in the 3rd cent. B.C.*

Buddhism in China About the 1st cent. A.D. Buddhism entered China along trade routes from central Asia, initiating a four-century period of gradual assimilation.* During this period temples, monasteries, schools of Buddhism was built where many of the first Buddhist were trained. Buddhism is the 3rd main religion after Taoism and Confucius, Buddhism in China is highly influenced by those two religions.

Buddhism in Tibet In the 7th cent. Buddhism entered Tibet, where it has flourished, drawing its philosophical influences mainly from the Madhyamika, and its practices from the Tantra.* In 8th century first Buddhist monastery was built in Tibet. The Red Hat was established in 11th century. Red Hat has influenced development of philosophy, medicine and astrology. In 14th Century Zonhov Luvsandagva established Yellow Hat, established main sutras: Ganjuur and Danjuur. Zonhov Luvsandagva was considered as the first leader in Yellow Hat, his 3rd incarnation was given the name "Dalai Lama" by king of Mongolia in 1577. Since 1642, 5th Dalai Lama started to govern the country as well as Buddhism. Yellow hat Buddhism # Tsongkhapa started a reform that developed into the Gelug Tradition. He told his monk disciples to wear yellow hats. He explained that this would be an auspicious sign for them to be able to bring back pure ethical discipline to the monasteries of Tibet, just as Lumey had done in earlier times. In this way, the Gelug tradition also became known as the Yellow Hat Tradition. Red hat Buddhism# The red hat worn in the other, earlier Tibetan Buddhist traditions follows the custom of the red hat worn by pandits (learned masters) at the Indian Buddhist Monastery of Nalanda.

Buddhism in Korea and Japan Popular forms of Buddhism percolated down to the ordinary folk. A fully sinicized Buddhist religion and art emerged and spread into Korea by the end of the sixth century. From China and Korea, Buddhism came to Japan. Schools of philosophy and monastic discipline were transmitted first (6th cent.-8th cent.), but during the Heian period (794-1185) a conservative form of Tantric Buddhism became widely popular among the nobility. Zen and Pure Land grew to become popular movements after the 13th cent.*

Zen Buddhism While the practice of Zen Buddhism, like all forms of Buddhism, is to seek nirvana and free oneself from the cycle of rebirth, the methodology and tactics used to achieve nirvana differ from region to region, from different sect to different sect. One legend of the origin of this specific sect of Buddhism comes from what is known as the Buddha’s Flower Sermon. (Klavan). Siddhartha Gautama delivered an odd form of a sermon (Klavan). Surrounded by his followers, the founder of Buddhism held up a white lotus flower in his hand, and said nothing afterward (Klavan). The followers were confused, except for one, who smiled in acknowledgment, and this follower is the purported founder of Zen Buddhism (Klavan). This practice involves sitting down and focusing solely on one’s breath, a meditation practice known as zazen, clearing all thoughts away and seeking satori or enlightenment, without any inward reflection or interpretation to seek “pure consciousness” (Klavan). ** The musical origins of Zen Buddhism Video

Esoteric Buddhism Esoteric Buddhism also known as Tantric, Vajrayana or Shingon Buddhism is a form of Buddhist practice to enter Buddhahood. Traditionally it takes a long journey of life after life to enter nirvana but Esoteric Buddhism breaks the cycle and gives one an opportunity to enter Buddhahood in a shorter period in some cases during this lifetime through an extreme form of yoga (tantric) practice. Under instruction of guru (teacher) one learns the path to enter Buddhahood with the power of mantras and Buddhist practices. But such event can be harmful for the practitioner and his surrounding if one is not ready so therefore Esoteric Buddhism is for only certain practitioners who are practicing for the best of universe. One can achieve Buddhahood at any stage of life. There are few cases one entered Buddhahood at the edge of life and death or through sexual orientation but these two paths are considered the most dangerous form to enter nirvana therefore Dalai Lhama commented such event occurs so rarely that he can't remember a specific case. Introduction to Esoteric Buddhism Video

Exoteric VS Esoteric As an analogy, if one wishes to learn to play the flute it might be helpful to study flute music, listen to great performances, read the biographies of accomplished musicians, study the dynamics of how the flute produces sounds, and so forth; but if one only does these things one may know a great deal about the flute but will never master the technique of actually playing it. It would be far more beneficial to actually begin playing the flute under the guidance of a qualified teacher. Through engaging in training, and through diligent practice, one may eventually become skilled in flute playing. From the point of view of tantra, sutra practitioners are like people wishing to play the flute who only train in related activities. They have greater understanding than those who never begin instruction at all, but their progress is very slow because they fail to familiarize themselves with the effect they are trying to achieve. In the context of tantric practice, this goal is buddhahood, and although engagement in such concordant qualities as the six perfections, skill in means, and so on is very beneficial, it will not bring about the state of a fully awakened buddha without the special techniques of tantra, in which one actually cultivates the bodies of a buddha.****In this case Tantra is Esoteric Buddhism and Sutra is Exoteric Buddhism.

Esoteric Buddhism in Tibet 2 major Esoteric Buddhist places are Tibet and Japan Originally found in Early India (no information on when started) Esoteric Buddhism is highly developed in Tibet known as Vajrayanas. There are a few minor schools teach tantric materials in Daramsala. There are 4 main initiations in Vajrayana: - Action Tantra - Performance Tantra - Yoga Tantra - Highest Yoga Tantra Each one of them needs to be practiced but Highest Yoga Tanrta is the most important and influential form of them all. Desire is a human nature such as nicer home, better food, fancy clothes and so on and traditionally Buddhism teaches to give up on such desires but Tantric Buddhism practices to use desire in the path to awakening, one turns these natural desire to desire of Buddhahood. In Tantric Buddhism one vows to practice for the soul meaning of enlightenment therefore promises to give up on desires of this life and if one breaks the vow he is punished accordingly.

Esoteric Buddhism in Japan Known as Shingon in Japan. Kukai (774-835), popularly known by the name of Kobo Daishi iestablished Esoteric (Shingon) Buddhism in Japan. After a journey to China he brought the idea of Esoteric Buddism to Japan and named it Shingon. There are 8 patriarchs in Shingon Buddhism. First 5 are the originals from China: Subhakarasimha, Amoghavajra, Vajrabodhi, I-hsing, Huokuo (Teacher to Kukai), Nagubodhi and Nagarjuna are added by Kukai afterwards, finally Kukai himself. Doctorines, emotions, cosmologies and virtues are the main aspects therefore their overall relationship is represented by Mandalas (circle of deity) of numerous types. Kukai's life and Shingon in Japan can be seen through art works kept at temples all around Japan. Shingon Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism Map

Buddhist Travel

Attractions in China

Leshan Giant Buddha The Giant Buddha of Leshan is carved on Lingyun Hill, east of Leshan City, Sichuan Province, at the confluence of three rivers, namely, Min River, Qingyi River, and Dadu River which is not far away from Mount Emei. The statue depicts a seated Maitreya Buddha with his hands resting on his knees. Mount Emei Mount Emei rises in the southwestern part of the Chengdu Plain in Emeishan City, Sichuan Province. There are four scenic regions within the area: Baoguo Temple, Wannian Temple, Qingyin Pavilion and Golden Summit. Its main peak, the Golden Summit, is 3079.3 meters (10,103 feet) above the sea level. In 1996 Mount Emei was enlisted in the world natural and cultural heritage by the UNESCO. Yungang Grottoes The Yungang Grottoes are one of the three major cave clusters in China, punctuate the north cliff of Wuzhou Mountain, Datong. The area was excavated along the mountain, extending 1 km (0.62 miles) from east to west, revealing 53 caves and over 51,000 stone statues. Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves are found on the cliffs, 50km (31 miles) east of Turpan. The bizaklik Thousand-buddha Caves became an important cultural unit protected by the state in 1961. Mastisi - Zhangye Zhangye is located in the middle of the Hexi Corridor bordering Wuwei and Jinchang on the east and Jiuquan on the west. It was first established as a prefecture in Gansu after Emperor Wudi of the Han Dynasty sent General Huo Cubing on a victorious expedition against the Xiongnu (Hun) in 121 B.C. On of the four ancient prefectures west of the Yellow River in Gansu, Zhangye served as a political, economic, and cultural center, as well as a center for diplomatic activities in Northwest China through the ages. Zhangye is rich in tourism resources, the best-known tourist attractions being Dafo: (Giant Buddha Temple), Mutasi (Wooden Pagoda Temple), and Gulou (Drum Tower). Maijishan Grottoes Maijishan ("Wheatstack Mountain"), located on the northern side of the Qinling Mountain Range and at a height of 1742m above sea level, gets it's name from its giant, haystack-like shape. Jietai Temple Located 35 kilometres west of Beijing, Jietaisi, or Temple of the Odination Altar, takes its name from its ornate Ming marble altar. Built some 1,300 years ago, this altar is nearly five metres high and is decorated with delicate and exquisite carvings. Dajue Temple Dajue Temple (Temple of Enlightenment) stands at the foot of Yangtai Hill, in Beijing's western suburbs. The rolling hills here are sometimes said to resemble a sleeping lion.

Attractions in Japan

Sennyu-ji Sennyu-ji (temple of flowing fountain) is located at the foot of Mt. Tsukinowa in the Higashiyama area in Kyoto. It is the main temple of the Sennyu-ji School, Shingon section. Shinnyo-do Temple Founded in 984 by the priest Kaisan during he Heian period, Shinnyo-do is located just north of Kyoto on Mount Yoshida. This Tendai temple is famous for fall colours, and their wooden Amida statue is only open to the public on November 15th, so autumn is the best season to visit. Senbon Shakado (Daihoonji) Temple Established in the Kamakura period, this temple is the oldest building in Kyoto. Many come here to eat their 'daikon' radish on December 7-8th, which is believed to ward off evil. Kenninji Temple This Zen temple was the first Zen temple to be founded in Kyoto. It is also known as Marishiten-do. It is the head temple of the Soto school of Zen. The temple contains zen gardens, and is known for being the place where Zen Master Dogen set out on the path, and where his remains are buried.

Attractions in South Korea

Hongbeopsa Temple Hongbeopsa is located in the suburbs of Busan, near the heart of the city. It is a practicing ground amidst everyday life, which guides the body and soul of busy and exhausted city dwellers into the Buddha’s embrace. The temple aspires to be a center for ‘Buddhism for Everyday Life’ (Saenghwal Bulgyo). Golgul-sa Temple Golgul-sa (rock cave temple) is the Buddhist complex built around Golgul-am Maae Yeorae Chwasang (Rock Cave Hermitage of the Maae Yeorae Seated Buddha), designated Treasure #581. The large Buddha relief was cut into the mountain, and represents Buddhas of the late Shilla Kingdom. Built in 6th century by Saint Kwang Yoo and his companion monks from India, it remains Korea's only cave temple. Jagwangsa Temple The International Meditation Center at Jagwangsa was built to educate global leaders of Buddhism, following the last wishes of the Venerable Tanheo Sunim. He inherited the spirit of the Venerable Hanam Sunim, who was a great teacher of modern Korean Buddhism. Bulguk-sa Temple Originally built in 528, Bulguk-sa provides an excellent example of architecture from the Shilla Dynasty. Literally meaning "Buddha Land," it remained intact for more than 1,000 years before the Japanese destroyed it in 1593. Only a few of the buildings were rebuilt until the 1970s when it was completely reconstructed. It is designated Historic and Scenic Place #1. UNESCO recognized it as an international cultural property in 1995.

Attractions in Tibet

Shalu Monastery The Shalu Monastery is located 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Shigatse. The monastery was founded in 1040 by Chetsun Sherab Jungnay in the region of Nyangro near the present day town of Shigatse. In the early fourteenth century it became the most important centre of learning under Butön Rinpoche (1290-1364 ), one of Tibet's greatest scholars. Sera Monastery The Sera Monastery at the foot of Tatipu Hill is located in the northern suburb of Lhasa City. It is one of three famous monasteries in Lhasa along with the Drepung Monastery and the Ganden Monastery. The Sera Monastery is dedicated to the Gelugpa or Yellow Hat Sect, a branch of Tibetan Buddhism, founded by Tsong Khapa. Jamchen Chojey, one of Tsong Khapa's disciples built the monastery in 1419 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The monastery was named Sera which means wild rose in the Tibetan language, because the hill behind it was covered with wild roses in bloom when the monastery was built. Ganden Monastery Prophesied by the historic Buddha approximately about 2,000 years before his birth, Tsongkhapa (1357-1419) was a child prodigy who went on to establish and inspire Tibet's most powerful monastic sect. Dissatisfied by the ill discipline - intellectual, religious and monastic - of contemporary orders, he reined his disciples and followers into a strict new order. The Gelug sect re-established the austerity of monastic life and emphasized the primacy of philosophical study within it. Ganden Monastery was founded near Lhasa in Tibet by Tsongkhapa in 1409 as the first and main Gelug monastery. Drepung Monastery Situated at the foot of the Mountain Gambo Utse, 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from the western suburb of Lhasa, the Drepung Monastery is known as the most important monastery of Gelugpa in Tibetan Buddhism. It is considered one of the 'Three Great Monasteries' (the other two are the Ganden Monastery and the Sera Monastery.

Attractions in India

Guru Ghantal Monastery The Guru Ghantal Monastery is one of the most revered Buddhist monasteries in Himachal Pradesh. Ajanta Caves Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, India are rock-cut cave monuments dating from the second century BCE, containing paintings and sculpture considered to be masterpieces of both "Buddhist religious art" and "universal pictorial art". The caves are located just outside the village of Ajintha in Aurangabad District, just 40kms from Jalgaon city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The Ajanta Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. Bomdila Monastery Bomdila Monastery, located in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, goes back to the year 1965. It owes its beginning to the 12th reincarnation of Tsona Gontse Rinpoche, who had this monastery built before his death in the 1966. For more information on traveling and destination on Buddhist Travel