Vajrayana

“…The socially constructed limitations and sufferings of women led to the belief that women were inherently spiritually inferior to men “(Appleton, 2011) Women being lesser in Buddhism is a theme across almost all schools of Buddhism. In my studies I have come to the same conclusion that most others have, that women are definitely seen as lesser in Buddhist institutions but that the spirit of Buddhism is not sexist. Throughout many different countries and different schools of Buddhism women…

In general, Buddhism can be divided into two streams, namely: (1) "Theravada", which put greater respect to the Bhikhu and clinging to the understanding of the doctrine / teachings of Buddha literally. Attainment of Buddhahood consciousness to arrive at a more directed to the self; and (2) "Mahayana", which appeared approximately at the end of the first century BC, more emphasis on the achievement of Buddha consciousness for oneself and for others, as done by the bodhisattvas. The fundamental…

Midterm Assignment – Dojoji (Noh) For my assignment I have chosen to analyse the second act of the Noh play Dojoji, author unknown, translated by Donald Keane. The common and recurring themes of Noh, gender and religion, are hugely prevalent in this piece, and my selected section of the play illustrates this well. Noh, derived from the Sino-Japanese word for “skill” or “talent” is the oldest form of major theatre art still regularly performed today. Popular performance modes of the 10th and…

Buddhism is next, Historians believe Buddhism was formed in northern India around the 5th century B.C.E. This custom hints that the beginning to Siddhartha Gautama, who is known as Buddha. Siddhartha saw the sorrow in the world and went to find a solution. Through meditation and study, he reached an “enlightened state” of being that marked the end of accessories, and ultimately, upon his death, issue after the “cycle of rebirth”. The Buddha's wisdoms are often condensed in the “Four Noble…

Noble truths and more specifically The Eightfold Path which are simple guidelines to achieve enlightenment and The Five Precepts which are Core Ethical Teachings for right living. (Cambridge, p.98, 2011). The different Buddhist schools of thought Vajrayana, Mahayana and Theravada and the Sacred Texts and Writings including the Tripitaka (Pali Canon), Tibetan Book of the Dead and Lotus of the Good Law must be examined in order to achieve a greater understanding of how the core ethical teachings…

Buddhist teachings and worship are at the centre of Buddhism, creating the foundation of faith. This can be shown through the way that adherents use the teachings as a guidance in the area of bioethics, the way that the Dalai Lama embodies these teachings to provide a model for Buddhist living and in the ultimate expression of these teachings, worship through temple puja. Consequently, adherents are guided in the journey of self and community toward the path of enlightenment. The interrelation…

The worship and teachings of Buddhism has had a significant impact on individuals and the wider Buddhist community. Buddhism claims to be a way of life that avoids the extremes of denial and indulgence and proposes a middle way. This is a key tenet that all adherents must follow, in order to achieve nirvana, the ultimate goal for all Buddhists. Subsequently, there are many teachings and practices which guide Buddhist followers on how to live a life in attaining nirvana, that affect people…

his holiness has played a significant role on the development and expression of Buddhism, laying a path for new and future adherents to move upon. An important cultural aspect of his development can be seen where the Dalai Lama preserved ‘Tibetan/Vajrayana Buddhism’. As a result of the People 's Republic of China’s occupation of Tibet “The General public’s practice of Buddha Dharma declined; although there was a great deal of devotion, there was little education” as an attribute to this, the…

Humans from all corners of the Earth believe (or do not believe) in a multitude of faiths. There are several major religions and thousands of minor religions that have a following. Most religions can be categorized as either a Western religion or an Eastern religion. Examples of religions from the West include Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; examples from the East include Hinduism, Buddhism, and Daoism. While “every religion is different … all religions share certain core values” (R. Steckel…

There is approximately five thousand different religions, belief systems and ritual practices throughout the world. From that number there is about twenty that are more popular throughout the world. According to Stephan Juan, “Christianity is the number one religion practiced in the world while Buddhism is number six” (Juan). However, Buddhism has become the fastest growing religion of the world. The earliest recorded date of Buddhism was the year 563 B.C.E, two thousand and five hundred…