Buddhism
Monks, teachings
Myths
Creation Stories
Rituals
ideologies
Symbolism
Non-human world
Four Noble Truths
Suffering
Origin
Cessation
Path
Life is suffering
Living life naturally leads to suffering
Desire, hate, and greed all lead to suffering
humanity cannot naturally remove desire
In order to remove desire, need to follow new path
achieve nirvana
Path is eight fold, different steps of commitment
Path to nirvana, enlightenment
Removing oneself from desire
Powerful clergy and institutions
Monks serve many different roles spiritually
Strong principles of morality
Teacher
Spiritual Guide
Caretakers
Sets vision for Buddhists
Sets examples
Right/Wrong
Karma
stemming from death of Buddha
After monks sat down and created texts, gained power*
*not inherently bad
Monks adopt Buddhist teachings, rituals, and leadership
Buddhist canon has many texts
common variations
verbal recitations
Two "main" complete versions
Different languages
Impossible to know how true to source
Dependent on sect of Buddhism (three main sects)
Major focus on philosophy
Meaning of life
Meaning of humanity
Purpose
Tripitaka
"The Three Baskets"
Earliest set of scriptures
Contains texts closely associated with Buddha
Except the third basket, which was probably added after his death
Different students gathered, recited knowledge and learnings
Most famous is Tripitaka
Depending on variations, can include Gods, or barely mention them
One part believes that Gods exist in a different dimension, no role in humanity
Others believe Gods play major role, similar to Western religions
Popular myths, legends
Death of Buddha
Deities
Transcendence
About achieving enlightenment
Ending of attachments
Nirvana
Spiritual happiness
Purpose
Release from cycle of rebirth
Samsara
Philosophical religion
Focus inward
Focus on self
Focus on PERSONAL impact
Nirvana
Enlightenment
Buddha
State Buddha achieved
State of Mind
Deities (depending on branches)
Other realms, with Gods
Current realm, with Gods
No role in humanity
Death/Life
Not the end of LIFE
Leads to rebirth
Karma
Karmic balance
Good/Evil put into world
Scripture
Read as one dies
On deathbed
Goal is to die with no regrets
Supposed to be the last thing a Buddhist hears
Relics
Buddha's Death
Buddha died from food poisoning, presumably
Legend that it was intentional
Body believed to be sacred
sacred power
Remains became enshrined
Stupas
Stupas became relics, symbolic power
Different sects treat symbols differently