Theravada Buddhism, one of the world’s great religions, Schemes and Mind Maps of Religious studies

Download Theravada Buddhism, one of the world’s great religions and more Schemes and Mind Maps Religious studies in PDF only on Docsity! 1 Zamboanga Sibugay Division GIYA (Guided, Integrated, Yearning Activities) For SHS LEARNERS Introduction to World Religion and Belief Systems FIRST SEMESTER, Week 9, Day 1-4 MELC: Analyze the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices and related issues of Theravada Buddhism; Topic: Theravada Buddhism Objectives: At the end of the discussion, the learners are expected to: 1. Define and identify the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices and related issues of Theravada Buddhism ; 2. Describe basic tenets of Theravada Buddhism; 3. Reflect to the core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices and related issues Theravada Buddhism in one’s life experiences. Writer: Mark Anthony S. Ignacio Talusan National High School Talusan District Zamboanga Sibugay Division Zamboanga Sibugay 2 Day 1. I. Mini Lesson/Lecturette: Development of Theravada Buddhism Today, we will discuss Hinduism. Have you seen a picture of Buddha? Have you heard about Buddhism? Today, we will explore another topic which is all about Theravada Buddhism. Buddhism is one of the world’s great religions because its belief system intends to meet basic human needs and solve humankind’s spiritual problem without depending on supernatural forces (Brown 1975). It is in existence for over 2,500 years has never experienced any drastic or radical rifts in its evolution (Toula-Breysse 2001). It is a religion practiced by 500 million people or about 7% to 8% of the world’s population. Countries which practiced Buddhism are as follows: • China - around 244 million or 18% of its total population • Cambodia (97%) • Thailand (93%) • Myanmar (80%) • Bhutan (75%) • Sri Lanka (69%) • Laos (66%). Theravada Buddhism- is the older of two major Buddhist traditions that base their philosophies on the sutras, or teachings, of Siddhartha Gautama, better known as the Buddha. Theravada means ''Way of the Elders'' in Pali, the original language of these teachings. Also called “School of Elder Monks” or School of the Ancient. This school claims to have preserved the original teachings of Siddhartha with pristine purity (Clasper 1992). Theravada Buddhism has gained a considerable following in the West in modern times. Life of the Buddha The sage Siddhartha Gautama may have been born between 563 B.C.E. to 480 B.C.E. into the Sakya tribe in Lumbini (in present-day Nepal) near the town of Kapilavastu (the capital city of the Sakya state) in the foothills of the Nepalese Himalayas (Kulananda 2001). • The name ‘Siddhartha’ means “he who achieves his aim.” • The word “Buddha” means “the awakened one” or the “enlightened one.” 5 A. Four Disciples B. Four Dreams C. Four Signs D. Four Gods _____3. What country has the large number of Buddhism followers? A. China B. Cambodia C. Myanmar D. Thailand _____4. Why did Siddhartha sacrifice for 49 days in the forest away from luxurious life? A. To become God C. Look for disciples B. To achieve enlightenment D. Surrender himself to Mara _____5. Why does Theravada Buddhism considered as the “School of Ancient”? A. It follows the original teachings of Gautama B. It is considered to be the oldest subdivision of Mahayana C. It trains old people to become monks D. It survived and practiced for a very long time IV. Reflection The important things that I learn are: ________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________. I would like to ask more about ______________________________________. Day 2. I. Mini Lesson: Fundamental Beliefs and Practices A. Four Noble Truths. Siddhartha’s pursuit for enlightenment was due to the dissatisfaction he continually experienced despite living an opulent life in the palace. 1. The First Noble Truth. The origin of the problem, - the dukkha. Suffering can be experienced throughout the different stages of a person’s life—from birth, sickness, old age, to ultimate death. When one clings to one of the previously stated aggregates, this leads to suffering. When one unites with the unpleasant, it causes suffering. When one dissociates from the pleasant, it also results in suffering. 2. The Second Noble Truth. The cause of suffering or the samodaya– in craving or desire (or tanha), in the perpetual thirst of humans to consume things, experiences, or ideas (Parrinder 1971). People are never satisfied as they always want more or something else, want something new, or just want to discontinue something. People crave for existence or non-existence and seek sensual pleasures. 3. The Third Noble Truth. There is a cessation or nirodha to suffering and bondage by eliminating craving and desire. By dropping the bonds of craving, one gets to be released from the fundamental nature of reality. 4. The Fourth Noble Truth. This directs an individual to the path or magga leading to the termination of craving and desire, and to eventual cessation of pain. Likewise, one must 6 avoid self-indulgence and self-torture since both are pointless. This is the path toward moderation or the “Middle Way” aimed at ending suffering. Known as the “Noble Eightfold Path” which is an entirely practical path—and each described as “right” or samma — it is divided into three aspects, namely, wisdom, morality, and meditation. For path of wisdom, this includes Right View and Right Intention. For path of morality, this includes Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood. For path of meditation, it consists of Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. The mastery of the various truths and observance of the path would lead a person to break the bond that binds him or her to life and obtain release from the eternal cycle of death and rebirth or samsara. This cycle is influenced by karma which is a law of cause and effect. A. Sacred Scriptures The early schools of Buddhism developed their own unique body of sacred texts. Of these, however, only the Pali Canon or the Tipitaka/Tripitaka (“three baskets”) of Theravada Buddhism survives (Coogan 2005). Table 1. The Tipitika Tipitika Contents Sutta Pitaka/teachings of the Buddha (Discourse) Buddha’s doctrinal discourses; short poems to long prose narratives about Siddhartha’s previous lives This contains the whole of Buddhist philosophy and ethics. It includes the Dhammapada which contains the essence of Buddha's teaching. Vinaya Pitaka/the code for monastic life (Discipline) Rules of discipline; stories that illustrate Buddhist moral principles These rules are followed by Buddhist monks and nuns, who recite the 227 rules twice a month. AbhidhammaPitaka/supplementary philosophy and religious teaching (Ultimate Doctrine) Systematic analysis of the categories of Buddhist thought The texts have remained unaltered since they were written down. Buddhist monks in the Theravada tradition consider it important to learn sections of these texts by heart. Table 2. The Essence of the “Noble Eightfold Path” Eightfold Path What is it? Why is it Important? What One Must Do 1. Right View Understanding life as it really is. Therefore, understanding the dhamma (the Buddha's teachings) By having right view, you will understand the dhamma enabling you to increase your chances of enlightenment. Understand the “Four Noble Truths” 2. Right Intention This is the motivation behind your actions. Actions should be motivated by unselfish love for all beings. Free one’s self from ill-will, cruelty, and untruthfulness 3. Right Speech You should not speak in ways to hurt others e.g.: Generates good karma Helps to follow the 5 precepts Abstain from untruthfulness, tale- bearing, harsh 7 lies, gossip, idle chatter, swearing. language, and vain talk 4. Right Action Not acting in a way to harm others or yourself. This includes all of the 5 precepts. Generates good karma •Helps to follow the 5 precepts Abstain from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct 5. Right Livelihood Buddhists should only get a job that does not harm others but benefits others. E.g. a butcher or soldier would be against the right livelihood Generates good karma Earn a living in a way not harmful to any living thing 6. Right Effort Buddhists should make an effort to put aside negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones. Without effort, the other parts of the path cannot be achieved. Enables Buddhists to complete other aspects of the path. Without effort, meditation would be impossible Avoid evil thoughts and overcome them, arouse good thoughts and maintain them 7. Right Mindfulness This is being mindful or aware of yourself and everything around you. You cannot be in control of your life if you are not aware of these things. By being mindful this will enable a Buddhist to understand how their actions affect others. Pay vigilant attention to every state of the body, feeling, and mind 8. Right Concentration Right concentration is needed for meditation. Through meditation the mind can become calm and gain insight, hopefully leading to enlightenment. This is vital for meditation which will hopefully lead to enlightenment. Concentrate on a single object to induce certain special states of consciousness in deep meditation II. Facilitating Activities Task. Insightful Discussion Directions: Discuss the insights presented in Theravada in a form of summary consisting of fifty words, then, compare it to what your beliefs. Your answer/s should not be less than 25 words. words. ___________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ 10 II. Facilitating Activities Task. Insightful Discussion Directions: Identify one observance which Theravada believed by writing it. Then, compare it to the beliefs of your religion. You must have two similarities and two differences. Your output should be in a minimum of fifty words. 3. The Sangha The Pali word sangha literally means “sharer” that refers to monks who share in the general fund of alms provided by a community. Translated as “association” or “assembly,” sangha pertains to the Buddhist order and monastic community as founded by Siddhartha during the same year that he attained his enlightenment. Kondanna, is one of the so-called “Five Ascetics,” he was the Ordained Buddhist monk and is called bhikkus while nuns are called bhikkunis. Bhikkus were dressed in rags, lived at the foot of the tree, and begged for alms. They abstained from sexual pleasures, stealing, and killing. They constantly meditate and study the teachings of Siddhartha and follow the codified rules as contained in the Vinaya Pitaka Within the Vinaya Pitaka is a list of around 250 items of conduct that must be avoided or suffer the consequences of expulsion, suspension, or reproach depending on the severity of the offense;confession is required once a transgression is committed (Parrinder 1971). lay people also have duties to perform to the sangha. They must provide the monastic community with food and robes, and maintain monasteries and nunneries as needed. In turn, monks provide valuable services to the community, such as giving education to young boys and girls in villages. members of the sangha must ensure that Buddhist teachings are to be preserved and transmitted, whether orally or in written form (Parrinder 1971). The so-called “Three Jewels” or triratna summarize the Buddhist faith: I take refuge in the Buddha, in the teaching, and the sangha (Bowker 1997). 1. Observances/Practices _________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ 11 SCORING RUBRIC Indicators 15-20 Excellent 10-14 Very Good 5-9 Good Relevance Information written in the output is very relevant to the topic Information written in the output is somewhat relevant to the topic Information written in the output has no relevance to the topic Organization Very organized. Sentences and ideas are well-arranged. It is easy to understand and follow. Quite organized. Sentences and ideas are not properly arranged. It is quite easy to understand and follow. No organization at all. Completeness All points for the output discussed are meet with complete parts. All points for the output discussed are meet but lacking three to five details. All points for the output discussed are not meet with incomplete parts. Mechanics The definition is free from errors of spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. The definition has two to three errors in spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. Many errors are evident in the given definition. Neatness Very neat Quite neat Partly neat III. Evaluation Directions: Read the statements carefully then choose the letter of your choice by writing it on the space provided for each number. _____1. What is the equivalent of a bhikkunis that we popularly know? A. Nun B. Priest C. Pastor D. Monk _____2. What is considered as Sangha in the Catholic faith whom they respect, followed and looked up? A. Monk B. Imam C. Pastor D. Priest _____3. What is NOT an uncontrollable element in life? A. Beauty B. Sickness C. Decay D. Death _____4. What is the idea contained in the “Law of Dependent Origination”? A. Sequence of Events C. Origin of Ideas B. Law of Karma D. Cause and Effect Pattern _____5. What explains the concept of suffering and rebirth? A. Law of Universality C. Law of Impermanence of Things B. Law of Karma D. Law of Dependent Origination IV. Reflection The part that is difficult for me to understand is...______________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 12 DAY 4 I. Mini Lesson: Beliefs, Doctrines and Selected Issues 1. Beliefs Siddhartha never intended to start a new religion. His teachings are focused primarily on ethics and self-understanding as people work for their salvation on their own without needing the assistance of any supreme being (Hopfe 1983). Main difference of Buddhism with other religions it has no place for God or savior, as salvation entirely lies within anyone’s control (Brown 1975). Siddhartha did not claim to be a savior but a guide and teacher as he pointed the way for others to follow and gain spiritual bliss in doing so. the soul or the Hindu atman does not exist as people live in a state of nonsoulness or anatman/ anatta Buddhism does not preach that humans have an eternal and indestructible soul (Brown 1975). Nothing is permanent in this world; hence, all things change and are impermanent. all conditioned things are transitory and passing; they all have beginning and end to their existence (Skilton 1994). Human existence, or what we actually call soul, is a composite of five mental or physical aggregates or khandas In effect, no soul is being reborn because there is no permanence in anything (Bowker 1997). Kinds of Aggregates 1. physical form or corporeality 2. feelings or sensations 3. understanding or perception 4. will or mental formation, and 5. consciousness 2. Worship and Observances Attainment of salvation for any Buddhist is by way of one’s own action without the assistance of any supreme or supernatural being. Followers are guided by the teachings of Siddhartha as lay people offer gifts to Siddhartha and the sangha during days of worship and observance. stupas are commemorative monuments that contain sacred relics associated with Siddhartha himself, and the venerable monks and nuns. These burial mounds predate Buddhism as ancient Indian kings and heroes were housed in stupas. With the death of Siddhartha, his body was cremated and his ashes were divided among eight followers and preserved in eight stupas (Toula-Breysse 2001). 15 Task 2. My Point, On Point! Directions: Using the salient points you have written, summarize your understanding on Theravada Buddhism through a creative output (poem, song, collage, or using your own understanding). You may contact your teacher if you will decide to make a film/video for your guidelines where to submit it. 16 SCORING RUBRIC Indicators Weight 5 Excellent 3 Very Good 2 Good Tot al Relevance X4 Information written in the output is very relevant to the topic Information written in the output is somewhat relevant to the topic Information written in the output has no relevance to the topic 20 Organization X3 Very organized. Sentences and ideas are well- arranged. It is easy to understand and follow. Quite organized. Sentences and ideas are not properly arranged. It is quite easy to understand and follow. No organization at all. 15 Completeness X2 All points for the output discussed are meet with complete parts. All points for the output discussed are meet but lacking three to five details. All points for the output discussed are not meet with incomplete parts. 10 Creativity X2 Very creative Quite creative No creativity at all 10 Mechanics X1 The definition is free from errors of spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. The definition has two to three errors in spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. Many errors are evident in the given definition. 5 Neatness X1 Very neat Quite neat Partly neat 5 65 pts. Task 3. Looking into deeper Details! Reflect on Theravada Buddhism as a Religion. Prepare a reflection paper evaluating Theravada Buddhism, including positive and negative points and your recommendations of this religion to other people. The introduction must have an overview of the religion consisting of five sentences. In your body, discuss the points of your reflection (positive and negative points and your recommendations of this religion to other people) with a minimum of ten sentences and your conclusion which is a summary of your reflection consisting of three sentences. 17 SCORING RUBRIC Indicators Weight 5 Excellent 3 Very Good 2 Good Total Relevance X4 Information written in the output is very relevant to the topic Information written in the output is somewhat relevant to the topic Information written in the output has no relevance to the topic 20 Organization X3 Very organized. Sentences and ideas are well- arranged. It is easy to understand and follow. Quite organized. Sentences and ideas are not properly arranged. It is quite easy to understand and follow. No organization at all. 15 Completene ss X2 All points for the output discussed are meet with complete parts. All points for the output discussed are meet but lacking three to five details. All points for the output discussed are not meet with incomplete parts. 10 Mechanics X1 The definition is free from errors of spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. The definition has two to three errors in spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. Many errors are evident in the given definition. 5 Neatness X1 Very neat Quite neat Partly neat 5 55 pts.