Mahayana

intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. So it’s not surprising that all faiths have strong views on euthanasia. Particularly, Roman Catholicism and Buddhism have similar and opposing stances on euthanasia. Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism share the same core beliefs and the basic teachings of Four Noble Truths and Eightfold path, that’s why I am comparing the religion of Buddhism as a whole, rather than using a specific branch. Despite bearing a few comparable…

Theravada Buddhism uses Pali as its scriptural language and is the most popular form of Buddhism in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Burma. Having the goal of reaching a repetitive cycle of life and death known as Samara . Mahayana Buddhism in China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Vietnam use Chinese scriptures and teachings in addition to the Dharma. With the ultimate goal of fulfilling the destiny of enlightenment, Bodhisattva and becoming a Buddha. Tibetan Buddhism, practiced…

Buddhist communities, regardless of denomination, uphold specific ideals of social and political justice. Arguably, the most prominent of these principles, one which is commonly recognized by the Western world, is non-violence. In the present day, Buddhism continues to hold the moral precept of non-violence to a great extent; however, if this principle is so central, why then, have Buddhists in Myanmar and Sri Lanka contradicted the crucial teaching of the Buddha and the virtue of ahimsa, or…

China where it is known as Ch’an. Zen was brought by a South Indian monk who arrived in China around 520 CE. The philosophical development of Zen is found in the Lankavatara Sutra which was composed in India in the fourth century. It is a sutra of Mahayana Buddhism, the sutra is a narration of the Buddha and the bodhisattva known as Mahamati. Through Zen’s evolution in China it was impacted by Taoist beliefs which are shown in Ch’an’s significant importance surrounding the instability and…

class. There are many different forms of Buddhism, but this particular temple focused on Zen. Zen Buddhism focuses on the meditation aspects. They strive to be at upmost peace with themselves and others. This type of Buddhism has grown from Mahayana Buddhism where the monks work to refine all the rituals of Buddhism. Part of meditation in Zen Buddhism is the enlightenment process which is called Satori. The Great Heartland Temple did not practice meditation for the aspect of…

“We have to learn to see ourselves in things that we thought were outside of ourselves in order to dissolve false boundaries” (Nhat Hanh, 1998). Buddhism is a well-known term used to define a way of life in which meditation plays an important role. This intellectual belief focuses on positive traits as wisdom, love and compassion; also, it helps to overpass the negativity and transform it into positivity. The movie Written and directed by Kim Ki Duk, emphasizes the four seasons (Spring, Summer,…

The social and political structure of an era greatly influences the arts and cultural products of the time. The relationship a government has with the governed, its interactions with neighboring states and people, as well as the social and economic values of the time, shapes and molds the way the people in that area artistically express themselves. This holds true for the artistic products of ancient Japan, specifically from the Kofun period to the end of the Muromachi period, spanning from…

Big History has produced many themes within in context, with the most prominent being complexity. However, expansion can also be seen as the most important theme that traverses through the Big History story. Expansion can be seen in at the very beginning with the Big Bang, through the increasing expanding universe that we live in today, it can also be seen in the creation and development of our stars and planets. Furthermore, expansion allows for the many diverse and different organism alive on…

Buddhism, a serene and peaceful religion inspired by the teachings of Siddhartha, preaches non-violence and pushes the ultimate goal of both internal and external happiness for all. After introduction in the nineteenth century, many of their beliefs have been integrated in society and can be seen in aspects of animal rights, and peace views. One is able to adopt this religion freely, without having to convert which interesting enough, has truly shaped and allowed Buddhist ideas to become…

Ancient Rome and China, specifically that of the Han dynasty, share some interesting comparisons, although they were miles apart. Rome can be characterized as a militaristic, artistic, and grand in not only its stature but its accomplishments. We take influence from this culture today in many areas such as government, art, and philosophy. Ancient China can be described, similarly, as militaristic, inventive, and spiritual; not to mention, with many of its success still alive today in the forms…