Buddhism Flashcards
(148 cards)
1
Q
What are the three types of Dukkha
A
- Dukka-dukkha (painful experience)
- Vaparinama-dukkha (changing nature of experience)=produces pain. suffering and unhappiness
- Sankhara-dukkha (the contingent nature of existence)=frustration at limitations of human existence-lack of knowledge (angst or anguish).
2
Q
What are the five aggregates?
A
- To end suffering we have to turn our attention to the aggregates:
1. Material form
2. Feelings
3. Perceptions
4. Mental formations
5. Consciousness
3
Q
What are the notions of tahna, nirodha and magga?
A
Thirst, cessation, the path
4
Q
What is the medical metaphor for the 4 noble truths?
A
- Dukkha exists
- Dukkha has an identfiable cause
- That cause may be terminated
- The means by which that cause may be terminated.
5
Q
What are the 3 lakshana’s?
A
Annica- Impermanence
Anatta- Non self
Dukkha- Unsatisfactoriness
6
Q
Outline the first noble truth
A
Dukkha; All life is dukkha:
-Also lakshana: unsatisfactoriness
-Buddhist description of human condition
-Diagnosis of illness we all suffer
Recognition that all life is Dukka=first step to overcoming it.
-To overcome Dukkha you must find the cause, attack it and overcome it (like a disease).
7
Q
Outline the second noble truth
A
- Samuyuda (arrising of dukkha)
- Cause of Dukkha=Tanha (thirst)-root cause of all suffering.
- Attachment or craving
- Causes us Dukka because our actions are dominated/motivated by Three Poisons.
8
Q
What is Samsara?
A
- The ‘cycle of rebirth’
- The cycle of rebecoming from moment to moment.
- Kamma (our actions) keeps this cycle in motion
9
Q
How can attachment cause suffering (dukkha)?
A
- Attachment to people: Unhelpful if defined by what you can get out of them. Giving relationships are positive. Taking relationships are negative: feed Dukkha.
- Attachment to particular beliefs: Middle Way is also about avoiding extreme views about nature of existence, nihilism or eternalism. Buddha classes these views as speculation- cannot prove them, do not help overcome Dukkha.
10
Q
How do we get past tanha?
A
Make these basic assertions:
- There is no such thing as self
- ‘I’, ‘me’, ‘self’ is an illusion
- This is the teaching of ‘Annata’.
11
Q
Outline the third noble truth
A
-Nirodha- cessation of dukkha
To do so one must:
-Liberate oneself from attachment
-Control craving or thirst for attachment
-Results in a state called nirvana-fires of craving cease to burn-no more suffering.
12
Q
Outline the fourth noble truth
A
-Magga (the way)
-Path to liberation from Dukkha
-Practical steps to take to root out tanha
-Creates basis from which Nirvana may arise
The middle way: avoids two extremes:
1. search for happiness from pleasures of senses-life of luxury=attachment-causes suffering in long run.
2. search for happiness through self mortification- ‘painful, unworthy and unprofitable’. Life of hardship causes us to crave & want those things that keep us alive-life of suffering.
13
Q
What are the threefold trainings?
A
- wisdom
- morality
- meditation
14
Q
Outline the Eightfold Path
A
- Right Understanding WISDOM (panna)
- Right Thought
- Right Speech MORALITY (sila)
- Right Action
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort MEDITATION (samadhi)
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Concentration
15
Q
Outline the parts of the eightfold path associated with wisdom
A
Right understanding: Understanding Buddhist doctrines of impermanence and no-self=life is changing all the time-cannot find happiness in things that change-should avoid becoming attached.
Right thought: Actions AND thinking have Karmic results
- Purification of our minds of hatred and desire-no negative actions or suffering can follow.
- Lead to results according to Karma: negative thoughts lead to negative actions, should be avoided.
16
Q
Outline the parts of the eightfold path associated with morailty
A
Right speech: Pure minds=pure speech
- Telling the truth, avoid gossiping.
- Be aware of consequences of things we say-everything is interconnected-all actions have consequences.
Right action: Follow the 5 moral precepts
- Closely linked to right thought
- Action can only be right if intended to be right
- Intention more important than action itself.
Right livelihood: No occupation that harms others
-Buddhists try to set up businesses that work on ethical principles.
17
Q
Outline the parts of the eightfold path associated with meditation
A
Right effort: Desire to have commitments or goals (like world peace)- not desire for oneself.
Right mindfulness: Awareness of consequences of thought, speech and actions, think, act and speek skkillfully. Be aware of ones inner motivations and intentions-trying to get rid of greed, hatred and ignorance.
Right concentration: Proper use of meditation to gain insight into true nature of things: selfr as a collection of skhandas constantly in flux, arising and ceasing of desires etc.
18
Q
How do Therevada Buddhists follow the eightfold path?
A
- Great deal of attention given to it.
- Key quality is wisdom-gained mainly by meditation and/or study (of the Pali canon).
19
Q
How do Mahayana Buddhists follow the eightfold path?
A
- Try to keep the lay precepts
- Try to cultivate the six paramitas (perfections)
- Key quality is compassion (leads to Bodhisattvas being reborn again and again in order to help all beings.
20
Q
What are the Six paramitas?
A
- Giving (dana)
- Morality (sila)
- Energy (virya)
- Patience (kshanti)
- Meditation (samadhi)
- Wisdom (prajna)
21
Q
Outline the Bodhisattva path
A
- Being in ten stages that are gone through over many lifetimes.
- Aim is to attain enlightenment for sake of others.
- A vow to that effect is made at beginning of Bodhisattva path.
22
Q
Outline the benefits of following the eightfold path
A
-Gives clear guidelines on what Buddha wanted people to do.
-Provides a path that, if followed shows the way to escaping samsara and reaching enlightenment.
-Helps you gain positive Kamma
-Helps you focus on positive actions rather than negative ones
-Morality steps improve how you behave
-Wisdom steps help you increase understanding/make mental progress.
Meditation steps help you control desires/undersrand teachings.
23
Q
Outline the difficulties in following the eightfold path
A
- Can be hard to follow without expert guidance
- Due to emphasis on wisdom and need to study scripture
- Not always easy to do the right thing e.g. right speech-sometimes we need to tell lies in order to save feelings.
- Meditation is difficult to master on its own-you will need a teacher to progress
- If you are a Buddhist in the western world- can be difficult to follow the path when it is not followed by those around you.
24
Q
Outline the Five Precepts (Panca Sila)
A
For the Sangha (both lay and monk)
- Make up right action in the noble eightfold path.
- Areas which Buddhists feel should be avoided when on path to enlightenment.
1. Abstain from harming
2. Abstain from taking anything that is not given
3. Abstain from sex/ of the senses
4. Abstain from misuse of speech
5. Abstain from taking any substance that clouds the mind.
25
Outline the Monastic Precepts (Dasa Sila)
Aim is to be freed from all sensual entanglements
- Abstain from eating after midday
- Abstain from dancing or singing
- Abstain from using perfume or garlands
- Abstain from sleeping on comfortable beds
- Abstain from handling money
26
What are the eight precepts for?
| What are they?
-Lay followers who wish to practice Buddhism more strictly.
Follow the Panca Sila and three more:
-Abstain from eating at wrong time (right time=after sunrise, before noon).
-Abstain from singing dancing, playing music, attending entertainment perfomances, wearing perfume, and using cosmetics and garlands
-Abstain from luxurious places for sitting or sleeping, and overindulging in sleep.
27
When might the precepts be applied and by whom?
- 10 precepts taken by novice monks or nuns
- 10 precepts taken by laypeople on uposatha days or on retreat
- Usually, yogis who come to do a retreat in a mediation centre are requested to follow these eight precepts.
- Female nuns follow rhe 8.
28
Outline the sangha
- Third Jewel (refuge) of Buddhism
- The community of Buddhist monks
- Sometimes means both monks and lay people
- Helps preserve teachings and traditions of Buddhism
29
Who are the ordained sangha?
- Live in monasteries
- Some have little contact with outside world
- Others work in local community
- Monks and nuns take on special rules (five extra precepts)
- Often dress in robes, shave off hair-detach themselves from how they appear.
30
Who are the laity?
- Buddhists who live normal lives
- Often provide food for monks and nuns- in return Moks & nuns pass on Dhamma
- Both accumulate good kamma with selfless deeds.
- Many lay Buddhist families encourage children to join monastic community for period of time-gain good kamma for themselves and whole family.
31
What are the benefits of belonging to the sangha?
- People with similar aspirations live together, worship together, worship together and make progress towards enlightenment together.
- Each day organised in same way to help people develop Buddhist qualities.
- Monks also benefit from peace and quiet whereas lay Buddhist family life can involve noise, argument and even confrontation.
- In monasteries there are also advanced meditators who can help and teach less experienced monks and nuns.
32
What do the rules of the Vinaya state?
- A monk cannot handle money
- Not eat food that he has not received from somone else
- Should not dig the ground nor have it dug (prohibiting farming)
- Not store food unless sick (and then only for 7 days).
- If called to preach then they should go
33
What are the duties of the monks (Bikkhu)
- Preserve and practice the Teaching of the Buddha
- Buddha himself indicated survival of teaching dependent opon existence of monastic community
- Having accommplished this, they can use learning and wisdom to hep society as a whole.
- Help to provide various social services for lay community.
34
What are the four parajikas?
Rules entailing expulsion from monastic order.
1. Sexual intercourse, any voluntary sexual interaction between a bhikku or bikkhuni and a living being.
2. Stealing
3. Intentionally bringing about the death of a human being
4. Deliberately lying to another person that one has attained a superior spiritual state.
35
What are the three jewels?
Remedies for the three poisons
-The Buddha- doctor
-The Dharma- medicine
-The Sangha- nurse
Cure= taking medicine, meaning practising the methods.
-Help Buddhists free themselves from attachment to 'false refuges'.
36
Outline the chanting practice for refuge
- Chanting called- "Going for Refuge"
- Important part of Buddhist ritual
- Chanted three times, so that each refuge is brought fully to mind.
- In chanting the formula Buddhists orientate themselves away from wordly things like money, ambition and romance towards the three Jewels.
37
Outline Buddha as a refuge
- Will not help Buddhists escape life and its difficulities
- Examples of teaching represent practical and reliable responses to life.
- Buddha means enlightened, awakened One.
- A person who has purified all defilements/developed all good qualities.
- Started as ordinary person-generated infinite compassion to arrive at state of highest bliss.
- Can refer to Buddha-nature, or other enlightened beings, or to principle of enlightenment itself.
- Siddhartha-not first or only Buddha to exist
- Some believe there are infinite number of Buddhas right now in other solar systems
- Buddhists go for refuge, pray for refuge and prays fro blessings and inspiration.
38
Outline the meaning of the Buddha for Therevada Buddhists
- Buddha= historical figure of Guatama- became perfect example of Dhamma.
- Warned against devotion to himself
- Compared himself to a raft built for crossing a river.
39
Outline the meaning of the Buddha for Mahayana Buddhists
- Just the originator of the traditon
- Every other being who reaches enlightenment
- So when they take refuge in Buddha, they honour all beings who have taken that path and reached ultimate goal.
- Believe Buddha has not passed into final nivana- exists in 3 dimensions- where he can intervene to help others.
- To take refuge in Buddha also means the desire to achieve bliss and ultimate truth.
- Historical Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha.
- "Buddha-nature"-absolute unconditioned nature of all.
- May be a person awakened to enlightenment.
40
Outline the meaning of the Dharma
- Means doctrine, law or truth.
- "Holds back the mind from suffering".
- Ultimate medicine against all suffering.
- Buddha's first teaching known as 'Turning of the Wheel of Dharma'.
- 'Outer' and 'inner' Dharma jewel- outer=spoken or written word of Buddha, Inner=Buddhists understanding of those words.
- When Buddhists met with a problem, they use understanding of Dharma to solve it.
- To take refuge means more than just trust and acceptance of teachings, also trusting your practice of Buddhism.
41
Outline the meaning of the Dharma for Theravada Buddhists
- Body of the Buddha's teachings.
- Timeless truth.
- Eternal path to nibbana.
- Laws governing the universe-same word used for both indicates how Buddhists believe that Buddhist teachings are objectively true.
- Pali scripture & stories of Buddha's life and previous lives (Jataka tales).
42
Outline the meaning of the Dharma for Mahayana Buddhists
- Include wider variety of texts and teachings.
- Much more literature added to traditional texts (Dhammapada, diamond sutra, Tibetan Book of the Dead).
- Make sharper distinction between eternal Dharma and Buddha's Dharma.
- The law of karma and rebirth.
- Ethical rules, mental objects or thoughts.
- "Manifestation of reality" or "phenomenon".
43
Outline the meaning of the Sangha
- 'Assembly'-group of people.
- All those who follow the Buddha and his teachings.
- Provide guidance and support for people trying to be good.
- Going for refuge in sangha jewel=spending time with people whose aim is to follow the Buddha's teachings because you want to think and behave like them.
- Importance cannot be overestimated.
- Opening yourself to others, supporting and being supported, is crucial to loosening fetters of ego and selfishness.
- Might mean monastic sangha, or a Buddhist's own group or community of all Buddhists.
44
Outline the meaning of the Sangha for Theravada Buddhists
- Order of Buddhists monks and nuns.
- All those holy disciples-exemplary conduct.
- Either achieved nibbana, glimpsed it or are on brink of seeing it.
- In practice refers to ordained monks and who try to live lives of holy disciples.
- Original teaching and in current Theravada communities, sangha refers only to monks, nuns and other ordained teachers.
45
Outline the meaning of the Sangha for Mahayana Buddhists
- Includes all those who embrace the Dharma as a community.
- Taking refuge=making vows to become more like a Bodhisattva, by bringing loving kindness into the world through whatever means are appropriate to a particular person or culture.
- Doesn't make same kind of sharp distinction between ordained and non ordained people and adopts a greater flexibility in interpreting monastic rules.
46
How do Buddhists take refuge?
- Inner commitment: public ceremony of initiation, continuing practice of repetition and recollection.
- Subdue the body, speech and mind, instead of letting our senses rule us, do not speak harsh, sceptical and avoid being judgemental.
- Practice ethics and vows.
- Be kind and considerate to any living being.
- Make special offerings on two special days of the year: 15th of 4th lunar month (around may), to celebrate birth, enlightenment and passing away of Buddha, 4th of 6th of lunar month (around July) to celebrate first turning of the wheel.
47
How do Buddhists take refuge in the Buddha?
- Commit yourself to one master, the Buddha.
- Do not follow other, lower beings as ultimate spiritual guides.
- Respect all images of the Buddha, treat these as if they are Buddha's.
48
How do Buddhists take refuge in the Dharma?
- Listen, study and practice Dharma to overcome your own delusions: respect sangha.
- Do not harm or upset humans or animals.
- Respect texts, treat them with utmost care.
49
How do Buddhists take refuge in the Sangha?
- Accordance with their example.
- Do not be negatively influenced by any extremists or others opposing our beliefs.
- Respect even piece of robes and all whose wear robes (despite behaviour).
50
How do the 4 noble truths link to taking refuge?
First noble truth: Second type of Dukkha-suffering as a result of change-happy feeling in life is not permanent-when it changes it brings suffering and unhappiness-Annica-cannot take refuge i something that is not permanent - material objects.
Second noble truth: tanha (thirst)-craving, wanting and attachment-to material objects + political beliefs-one cannot seek refuge in something that is not permanent.
-Help Buddhists free themselves from attachment to 'false refuges'.
51
Outline the importance of meditation in Buddhism
- Part of path toward enlightenment and nirvana.
- Reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, effective in working with depression, anxiety and anger.
- Used to realise our true nature-beyond self-identity with ots self-imposed limitations.
- Only antidote to personal sorrows, and anxieties, fears, hatreds, and general confusions that beset human condition.
- Techniques that encourage and develop concentration, clarity, emotional positivity, and a calm seeing of the true nature of things.
- Involves one-third of noble eightfold.
- One of the threefold trainings of eightfold path.
- Buddha identified two paramount mental qualities that arise from wholesome meditative practice: "insight"-enables one to see, explore and discern "formations". "serenity" or "tranquillity"-steadies, composes, unifies and concentrates the mind.
- Want to avoid 'duality'-meditation must involve the body and the mind as a single entity.
52
What do Pure Land Buddhists believe about mediation?
- You run the risk of reinforcing your sense of self.
- May end up thinking 'I've done a lot of meditation today, so I must be nearer my goal of enlightenment'.
- Say we should face up to reality of inability to achieve enlightenment through own efforts and rely on merit and grace of Amitabha.
53
Outline Vipassana as a type of meditation
Theravada:
- Seeing things as they really are.
- Increased awareness, non-delusion, self-control and peace.
- Pali for insight.
- Intellectual-insight into lakshanas.
- Damien Keown='generation of penetrating and crucial insight'.
- Taught by Sidddartha as universal remedy for universal ills.
- Self transformation through self-observation.
- Focuses on deep interconnection between mind and body.
54
Outline Samatha as a type of meditation
Theravada:
- Calmness.
- based on mindfulness of the breath.
- develop inner strength+freedom from turmoil>to clarity+understanding.
- Mindful of body, feelings, mind and mental state-be aware of current state of 5 skhandas (body sensations, perceptions, impulses and consciousness).
- Chattering, unruly mind gradually becomes calmer and develops clarity-working of mind becomes less confusing.
- Path from calm to insight followed by Buddha himself-central tradition of Buddhist meditation.
- Develops levels of jhanas.
55
Outline Metta bhavana as a type of meditation
Theravada:
-Metta, loving-kindness-feeling of universal love that wishes all beings experience happiness, both worldly and ultimate.
-State of mind-developed through loving-kindness meditation.
-Development or cultivation=Bhavana.
-Most commonly in 5 stages:
Ourselves, a good friend, a neutral person (no strong feelings for), a difficult person (have conflicts with or feel ill will towards), all sentient beings.
-Meta=attitude of recognising all sentient beings can feel good/bad, and that all, given the choice, will choose the former over the latter.
56
Outline Zazen as a type of meditation
- Zazen.
- "seated meditation".
- Developed by Dogen.
- Being awake but letting go, experiencing present moment.
- Central form of mediation in Zen Buddhism.
- Particular attention paid to sitting posture-lotus position with straight back and palms together.
- Stare at wall and eyes are open-not rejecting the material world.
- Breathe and observe thoughts, don't ignore them.
- Recognising true state of things you can detach from them and see how things really are-realise attachments and cravings>enlightenment.
57
Outline the role and importance of selfless generosity/giving or sharing of time/money/possessions.
Dana- 'Giving'-lay offer dana to sangha-gain merit.
-Can be translated as generosity.
-Any act performed with unselfish attitude and positive view of giving.
Importance:
-Outlines relationship between laity and monastic community (Sangha).
58
What are the three bases of merit?
1. Generosity-dana.
2. Ethical Conduct-sila.
3. Cultivation/Meditation-bhavana.
59
Outline the role of the Buddhist community in supporting those inside and outside the community
- For laity dana=support of sangha.
- Laity supports sangha by providing material support-alms, donations of robes and eight requisites, and money to support monastery.
- Sangha receive gifts from laity-act as a 'field of merit'-monk must live by monastic rules of vinaya.
- The more spiritually advanced the monk is the bigger their field of merit is-not based on ordination.
- Sangha also expected to act with generosity- in return for material support from laity, sangha must provide spiritual support support-avoiding through teaching Dharma to lay community-when invited to give blessing, chant at funeral, or attend housewarming-sangha should send a representative.
60
What are the eight requisites?
-Outer robe, inner robe, thick robe for winter, alms bowl, razor, belt, water strainer.
61
Outline the role and importance of punya
-'Merit'-store of good karma accruing from good deeds/generosity/religious practice.
-To build up better karma>favourable future rebirth.
Acquired through:
-dana-giving.
-sila.
-bhavana
-Can also be transferred from one being to another-central feature of bodhisattva.
-Accumulated through good and wholesome deeds.
Importance:
- can have positive effects on lives of individuals
- generate desirable rebirths
- allow one to access higher levels of spiritual attainment.
62
Outline the role of karma
- Transferred as 'action'.
- Causative nature-Well-intentioned good deeds-result in pleasant and favourable karmic results-malicious and hurtful misdeeds result in poor, unfavourable karmic result.
63
Outline the role of sila
- A way of acting in a considered ethical manner.
- Causes individual to ensure they act, think and speak in positive ways and conducive to positive mental attitudes.
- Explored within eightfold path-right speech, right action, and right livelihood=all forms of acting ethically.
64
Outline sila and the laity
Further ethical rules for Buddhists set out in five precepts-advised to refrain from:
1. Harming living creatures.
2. Stealing.
3. Sexual misconduct.
4. False speech.
5. Intoxicants that cause heedlessness.
For laity who want to-additional precepts can be followed-usually undertaken during special occasions:
6. Eating after midday.
7. Attending entertainments and using perfume.
8. Sleeping on luxurious beds.
65
Outline the ten precepts as an extension of the five or eight precepts that are followed by the laity
1. Refrain from harming living creatures.
2. Refrain from taking what is not given.
3. Refrain from sexual activity.
4. Refrain from false speech.
5. Refrain from intoxicants that cause heedlessness.
6. Refrain from eating at the forbidden time.
7. Refrain from attending entertainments, singing and dancing.
8. Refrain from wearing perfumes, cosmetics and garlands.
9. Refrain from sleeping in a high or luxurious bed.
10. Refrain from accepting gold or silver.
66
Outline the Bhavana and the laity
Act focus on devotional acts>religious states of mind, covers:
- Worship (puja)-prostrations, circumambulation and offering of flowers, lamps or incense.
- Pilgrimage to holy sites (Bodh Gaya, Sarnath and Lumbini.
- Visit any stupas and relics.
- Creation of images of the Buddha.
- Listening to a sermon or Dharma talk.
67
Outline Bhavana and the sangha
- Devotional practices like those of laity, including puja, pilgrimage and creation of art and Buddha images.
- Preservation of texts and scriptures can also fall under this category.
- Meditation is perhaps the most recognised form of cultivation employed by sangha-e.g. recollections of Buddha, Sangha and Dharma-seen as basis of calm meditation-stills the mind-vital tool in developing concentration.
68
State other methods of gaining merit
1. Generosity (dana)
2. Morality (sila)
3. Meditation (bhavana)
4. Reverence
5. Service
6. Transference
7. Rejoicing in (other's) merit
8. Hearing the Doctrine
9. Teaching the Doctrine
10. Straightening one's views
69
Outline the Theravada school and their sangha
- Monastic sangha
- Monks and nuns live in monasteries-supported by lay believers.
- Lay sangha supports monastic sangha-provides bhikkus with alms (food)
- Vihara acts as community centre and school where bikkhus teach children how to read and write-teaches adults how to build, farm and dig wells.
- Lay happy to contribute to it's upkeep as it brings benefits to all those who live around it.
70
Outline the Mahayana school their sangha
- Don't believe becoming a monk or nun gives them unique opportunity to work towards enlightenment-equal access to Buddhahood.
- Bhikshu's do not cut themselves off from all attachment-some are married with children-Monastic sangha has different function than in Theravada tradition.
- Relationship between monastic and lay communities still one of mutual dependence: serve each other.
- Bhikshus preserve Buddhist treasures, make sure Buddhist teachings not corrupted.
- Don't travel to teach dharma.
71
Outline the role of the shaman pre Bon
- Healed and guided dead.
- Maintained direct communication between humanity and heaven worlds.
- First of all humans to speak with and walk with the Gods.
- Teach to live in harmony with natural environment.
- Through ritual magic and clairvoyant knowledge-could ensure success in the hunt for the tribe.
- Illness or disease seen as arising from disharmony or break in natural order and in normal order of the world.
72
Outline the Pre Buddhist Bon religion
- Zhangzhung- ancient culture and kingdom of western and north-western Tibet.
- Predates culture of Tibetan Buddhism.
- Associated with Bon religion-influenced philosophies and practices of Tibetan Buddhism.
- In order to stay in good graces of native supernatural beings-Tibetans give them offerings, perform rituals to propitiate them, refrain from going to particular places to avoid more dangerous forces.
- Practices believed to give people control over unpredictable/hazardous surroundings.
- Unlikely they had clear sense of practising a religion, or a name for practices-therefore official 'Bon' religion probably appeared as a result of distinguishing itself from Buddhism.
73
Outline the emergence of Bon
- Said to be founded by Buddha-like figure-Shenrab-Shen practice transmitted through families, especially in Tibet- then known as area of Zhangzhung.
- Lived 18,000yrs ago in mythical land of Zhangzhung.
- Aged 39-renounced life-became a monk.
- Smoke offerings, prayer flags.
- Stopped animal sacrifice and encouraged food offerings.
- Ceremonies and rituals present in Tibetan Buddhism.
74
What is a bonpo?
- Expert in use of mantra and magical evolution.
| - Still name for a shaman in many tribal regions of the Himalayas.
75
Outline the 1st phase of the development of Bon
-Primitive Bon=old shamanism and paganism.
76
Outline the 2nd phase of the development of Bon
- Yungdrung Bon- high religious culture of ancient kingdom of Zhangzhung .
- Own culture, language and writing.
- Incorporated into newly expanding Tibetan empire.
- Yungdrung Bon contained higher teachings and practices of Sutra, Tantra, and Dzogchen.
- Shenrab Miwoche portrayed as perfectly enlightened Buddha-source of sutra, methods of Tantra, and ultimate mystical enlightenment of Dzogchen.
77
Outline the third phase of the development of Bon
- New Bon (practised now).
- Amalgamation of Bon of Zhangzhung with Buddhism of Indian origin.
- Monastic system, colleges, and scholastic tradition.
- Many ancient Bonpo rituals and practices accepted into Buddhist school in Tibet-guardian spirits, old pagan pre-Buddhist deities of Tibet-protectors of the Dharma.
78
Summarise the first wave of Buddhism in Tibet
-Introduced in two waves- 'first; and 'second diffusion of the dharma'.
1st:
-Bon given choice-convert, leave or die>hid, lost texts-known as 'hidden treasures'.
-8th C first Buddhist temple built-faced resistance from Bon & earthquakes.
-Mahayana leader blessed Tibet-said tantric Buddhism=best suited for Tibet due to elements of magic- in 779 Buddhism recognised as state religion.
-9th C- Bon king persecuted Buddhists-Buddhist killed king.
-8th C- emperor killed by Tibetan king and Zhangzhung assimilated into Tibet.
-End of first wave/diffusion.
79
Summarise the second wave of Buddhism in Tibet
- 10th and 11th C- Buddhist revival in Tibet.
- Regional king invited monk professor from India to come on missionary work.
- Purified sangha-emphasised celibacy and improved clarity on teachings.
80
What is Vajrayana Buddhism also known as?
"Thunderbolt vehicle" or "Diamond vehicle"-form of tantric Buddhism-developed in India and neighbouring countries-Tibet.
81
What does tantra mean?
To 'weave'-central notion behind Tantric Buddhism- focuses on dualistic notions of opposites and unites them into 'non-dual' meditative realisations of 'Shunyata'/emptiness and sometimes voidness.
82
Outline the emergence of Vajrayana Buddhism
- Developed in India in 5th century C.E.
- Understands itself as the final "turning" of Dharma.
- Generally accepted that Vajrayana Buddhism emerged out of Mahayana in India (6-7th century).
- Quickly spread and became dominant form of Buddhism in Tibet.
83
What do Tibetans believe were the 'three turnings of the wheel of dharma'?
- Theravada (Arhat Vehicle).
- Mahayana (Bodhisattva Vehicle).
- Vajrayana (Adamantine Vehicle).
84
Outline the Theravada vows
Pratimoksha vows- basic rules of monastic discipline-36 vows for novice monks and nuns- rules for fully ordained male and female sangha contained in Vinaya.
85
Outline the Mahayana vows
Bodhisattva vows- to become enlightened for sake of others-vows vary from school to school.
86
Outline the Vajrayana vows
Many and various 'secret' vows determined by your guru.
87
Outline the Vajrayana rituals and devotions
- Mantras- esoteric verbal formulas, sacred sounds, usually contains name of an enlightened being-in repeating mantra-meditator manifests qualities of that being.
- Mandalas- cosmic diagrams and paintings used in visualization practices.
- Mudra- Ritual body movements-often hand gestures with particular meanings-often used in rituals in Tibetan Buddhism.
88
Outline the role and importance of the guru in Vajrayana Buddhism
- Religious teachers who have mastered philosophical and ritual tradition.
- Translated into "lama".
- Tibetan schools of Vajrayana trace long lineages of gurus who serve both as religious and political leaders (Dalai Lama is most well know of Tibet's Lamas).
- Role is important when selecting yidams and perfecting practice.
89
Outline the shared beliefs of Tibetan Buddhists with Bon
-Reincarnation, deities and Bardo.
Bardo= period between birth and rebirth-deceased presented with series of opportunities for recognition of true nature of reality. At conclusion of bardo, person either enters nirvana or returns to Earth for rebirth.
90
What is a yidam?
-figures, whose origins and qualities are derived from Buddhist scripture and from legends told about their activity-means of support for enlightenment of all sentient beings.
91
Define Mindfulness
-The adaptation of Buddhist meditation recommended by Jon Kabat-Zinn and schematized into various therapeutic.
92
Define meditation
- The practice of training the mind to become calm and to experience reality as it really is.
- Zen see ordinary everyday life as a meditation.
93
Outline Jon Kabat-Zinn's research into medicinal benefits of mindfulness
-Introduced first eight week structured mindfulness skills training programme- gave considerable psychological, and some physical, relief, to patients experiencing intractable severe pain and distress from wider range of chronic physical health conditions.
94
State some potential benefits of mindfulness
- Greater connection with body.
- Improved personal relationships.
- Greater acceptance of troublesome thoughts and emotions.
- Growing medical evidence-positive improvements to way brain works.
- Improvements to memory, concentration and cognitive ability.
- Dramatic reduction in levels of stress and anxiety.
- Improved ability to fall asleep at night.
- Improved relationship with pain-learning how to accept it-become more at peace with it.
- General feeling of wellbeing.
- Rise in productivity.
- Increased creativity.
95
Outline the evidence from neuroscience of the benefits of mindfulness
- Greater activity in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC)- associated with self regulation.
- Thicker cortical walls of people who meditate 40mins a day>slower aging of brain.
- Hippocampus-increased grey matter in brains of mindfulness program pps.
- Better resilience.
96
Outline the use of mindfulness in schools
- Reduction in stress and recurrent negative thoughts and ruminations, anxiety, and sleep difficulties, increased reflection, emotional self awareness and compassion.
- More able to create positive changes both in and out of classroom-able to focus more on key ideas.
- Contributes directly to development of cognitive and performance skills in the young.
- More focused, less anxiety and greater ability to pay attention.
97
Why are businesses supporting mindfulness?
- Employees experience longer working hours and increasingly heavy workloads.
- Mindfulness relieves stress; helps us navigate through difficult and stressful situations with more ease, comfort, and grace.
- Contributes to ability to manage conflict and communicate more effectively.
98
Outline the benefits of mindfulness for cancer patients
Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR)
Reduce anxiety and stress, may also help control problems such as:
-Pain, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, feeling sick, high blood pressure, boost immune system.
99
Is mindfulness Buddhist?
- One fold path vs 8 fold path.
- No ethics, wisdom- only one form of meditation-not even whole part of the three fold training of eightfold path.
- Become mainstream-millions of people receiving benefits from mindfulness practice-important development to be welcomed-BUT-none of claims have been empirically tested.
- Stripping mindfulness from (Buddhist) ethical foundations may allow it to be used to reinforce greed, aversion, and delusion (three roots of suffering Buddhist seek to eliminate).
- Watering down of the transmission of the Dharma to the west.
- Seth Seagal- mindfulness reduces stress but doesn't lead to enlightenment + that's okay.
100
Outline Zizek's response to the use of mindfulness
- By encouraging stress-release, mindfulness serves capitalism rather than challenges.
- "enables you to fully participate in the frantic pace of the capitalist game".
- Allows experience of stress caused by life under capitalism, suggesting it requires treatment to cure this "thinking disease"-patient can continue in service of capitalist society without breaking.
101
What is socially engaged Buddhism?
- Any type of Buddhism which argues action to alleviate suffering should be undertaken by Buddhists.
- Rooted in Vietnam-Zen Buddhist teacher Tich Nhat Hanh helped raise its popularity in the west.
102
Outline the reasons for the development of socially engaged Buddhism
- Primary drive to combat suffering: need to uproot greed, anger and delusion in personal lives.
- Support of high profile individuals such as Dalai Lama: "not enough to be compassionate. You must act" "One needs to be engaged, involved."
- Struggle of Tibetan people has been heavily covered by the media- Dalai Lama voiced need for Buddhists to be more involved in social and political realm.
103
Outline Tich Nhat Hanh's fourteen guidelines for Engaged Buddhism
4. Awareness of suffering: Helps develop understanding and compassion. Do not avoid contact with suffering.
104
Outline the work of Sakyadita and their objectives
| -Use to support socially engaged Buddhism
Working to benefit Buddhist women around the world.
- 2,000 members in 45 countries worldwide.
- Work at grass route level-provides communication network among Buddhist women internationally.
- Create equal opportunities for women in all Buddhist tradition.
- Work to empower the worlds 300 million Buddhist women to work for peace and social justice through local branches.
105
Outline the work of the Buddhist Peace Fellowship and their aims
Community of people passionate about living, breathing intersections between Buddhadharma and social justice.
106
Outline the views of Joanna Macy and deep ecology
- Long time Buddhist peace and environmental activist, scholar and supporter of deep ecology.
- DE-supports efforts to protect wilderness and wildlife-promotes ecological agriculture and opposes destructive mega-technologies-speeding up extinction process.
- A philosophy that asserts inherent worth of all living beings.
- She says we are at a point of the Great Turning-we become increasingly able to take collective responsibility and vision-move to act for the benefit of all human beings.
107
Outline the work and views of Damien Keown
- Negative utilitarian-reducing pain.
- Environmental issues=great importance to engaged Buddhists, yet many such issues are barely mentioned in ancient scriptures.
- Critics suggest Buddhism owes more to western than Buddhist values.
- Many Buddhists argue Buddhism should develop its own response to contemporary problems rather than adopting western ones.
108
Outline Kalama Sutta 9 and 10
-Don't have blind faith.
-Avoid intolerance and dogmatism.
-Be tolerant and open-minded.
-Question and investigate.
-Observe, analyse and test it for yourself.
-Does it agree with reason?
-will it lead to harm or good for yourself and others?
-Will a wise person praise it or disapprove it?
If yes, then accept and live up to it.
109
Outline Majjhima Nikaya
Don't just blindly follow>contemplate/period of deliberation.
110
Who was Ashoka?
How did he convert people?
Why is he important?
- Indian Emperor.
- One of main people responsible for worldwide spread of Buddhism.
- Used violence to conquer enemies.
- After one campaign, had a religious conversion-gave up warfare/became Buddhist.
- Ruled empire according to Buddhist teachings.
- 1st Buddhist ruler.
- Didn't force subjects to adopt faith-inspired them.
- Sent missionaries to actively convert people outside kingdom.
- Posted edicts engraved on pillars exhorting his people to lead an ethical life.
111
What did the edicts of Ashoka say?
- Described in detail Ashoka's view about dharma-attempt to solve some of problems that complex society faced.
- Believed all religions shared a common, positive essence-encouraged tolerance and understanding of other religions.
112
What are the two different uses of the word pluralism?
1. Using the word to acknowledge that there are plural beliefs set out there.
2. Using the word to argue that all religions are correct.
113
What does Haye think about religious pluralism?
Pluralism= diversity and benefits of diversity, not just coexistence but a symbiotic relationship-religions enhance each other.
114
What does Murti believe about pluralism?
-Disliked strict dogmas for being too unspiritual-should remove institutional religions and focus on spiritual.
115
State some possible reasons for the popularity of Buddhism in the UK
- Was attractive to growing amount of travellers and merchants who were very important in spreading teachings in their travels.
- Buddhism attracted support of leading members of society (kings)-supported spread-Ashoka.
- Celebrity endorsement= Orlando Bloom, Richard Gere.
- Decreasing influence of Christianity in the west>impact of science and humanism.
116
Summarise how Buddhism developed in Britain?
- 1st came to Britain through Edward Arnold and his translation of Buddha's life-New concept in Christian Britain-focused on self rather than afterlife.
- 1st Buddhist society of Britain embraced Buddhism along with other eastern religions.
- Almost all Buddhist traditions are now represented in UK.
117
Outline the difference between convert and heritage Buddhists in the UK
Similarities
```
Convert= practised mostly by Caucasians-don't have ancestry from Asia- emphasise meditation-adopted Buddhism without being brought up within tradition-festivals don't have same function as in heritage communities-more likely to practice 'nominal' Buddhism-follow 1 fold path not 8.
Heritage= connected with countries where Buddhism has a dominant presence-practises generosity, chanting, meditation etc. more likely to read scriptures-donate to temples, support sangha, attend temples.
```
Similarities:
- Both attend places of worship.
- 80% of all Buddhists meditate.
- Both have religious experiences.
118
Outline 2 groups responsible for the spread of Buddhism in Britain
The Buddhist Society: aimed to publish and make known the principles of Buddhism and to encourage the study and practice of those principles.
-Offers courses that offer introductions to basic Buddhism and interested members can progress to first steps in Buddhist practice.
-Mainly school of lay people interested in Buddhism and appreciate value of Buddhist teachings.
Friends of the Western Buddhist Order: founded in London-dedicated to practising timeless principles of Buddhism in ways appropriate to the modern world.
119
Outline the unequal rules for nuns
Vinaya-pitaka- a woman is subordinate to monks; most senior nuns considered "junior" to a monk of one day.
-Before Buddha allowed Pajapati into the sangha she had to agree to eight Garudhammas-not required of men.
120
Outline western Buddhist beliefs about women
- Generally consider institutionalism sexism to be inherited elements of Asian culture that can be removed from dharma.
- Some western monastic orders are mixed with men and women following same rules.
- Centuries of discrimination will not be undone overnight.
- Equality will be more of a struggle in some schools and cultures than in others.
121
Outline how women are depicted in the Nikayas
Apart from therigatha and bhikkunisamyutta, women mainly spoken about by male characters.
-Often referred to as an impersonal collective: women, wives, daughters, mothers.
Female characters of Nikayas: Snare of the temptress (women from perspective of male renunciates)-plunge you into samsara, The Good Wife (women from perspective of laity)-best of mans possessions, not to be given away, Women as Renunciates (Bhikkuni Ordination, Therigatha).
122
Discuss whether Buddhism is feminist or not
- Lotus sutra- parable of dragon kings daughter- females can achieve enlightenment.
- Rita Gross-Buddha taught feminism-society has changed it.
- Tantric Buddhism- unitive and equal.
- Nikaya- Pajapati.
- Jewel Brocade- women is challenged by a man who says that women cannot become enlightened- says enlightenment is neither male nor female, "the dharma is neither male nor female".
- Androcentrism and misogyny continued to mark much of Mahayana.
- Buddha said if Buddhism was only open to men it would last 1000yrs, but if opened up to women it would only last 500yrs.
123
Outline the Pali canon and its role in Buddhism
Also known as the tipitaka=collection of Buddhist teachings originally written in Pali.
- Includes dialogues, stoires, commentaries and monastic rules- passed down by oral tradition.
- After 3 councils attempting to compile teachings-written down 1st century CE on palm leaf manuscripts-placed in 3 baskets-tipitaka.
- Therevada's main religious text- Mahayana view as incomplete.
124
Outline the Vinaya Pitaka
- Code of discipline for the sangha.
- Sangha followed + developed rules established by Buddha- written down in Vinaya Pitaka.
- Includes Patimoksha- 227 rules for monks and nuns- parajikas- expulsion from order- other rules for organisation of sangha- uposatha-recitation of rules fortnightly-and what monks wear and eat etc.
125
State the importance of the Vinaya Pitaka
- Patimokkha recited fortnightly.
- Helps maintain wellbeing of community.
- Helps control ill-behaved monks + comfort well-behaved monks.
- Helps restrain bad habits.
- Helps maintain dharma.
- Ensure harmony of sangha,
- Generates atmosphere conducive of spiritual development.
- Buddha called his religion Dhamma-Vinaya- vital rules found in vinaya make minks aware of 3 poisons.
126
Outline the Sutta Pitaka
- Second section of the tipitaka.
- Contains teachings/disclosures of Buddha and his close companions.
- Split into 5 sections-different lengths of discourse.
- Contains some of foundational teachings of Buddhism (four noble truths, eightfold path and three refuges- vital in pursuit for enlightenment)- Also contains other teachings such as dhammapada- details of practice of alms gathering, instructions about meditation- and 5 moral precepts/dasa sila.
127
State the significance of the Sutta Pitaka
- Includes key Buddhist teachings- aiding Buddhists to enlightenment.
- More universal than other two baskets- others of more use to monks- whereas sutta pitaka useful to lay people as well.
- Studied mostly by Theravada Buddhists- although also historically important to Mahayana- just seen as incomplete.
- Contains dhammapada- mostly used by western Buddhist- teaches how to live their life.
128
Outline the Abidhamma Pitaka
- Not direct word of Buddha-but more philosophical treatment of dharma.
- Analysis of basis of natural principles that govern mental and physical processes- been described as philosophy and metaphysics.
- Buddha supposed to have thought out Abhidhamma straight after enlightenment, then repeated it to Sariputta-handed it to his disciples.
- Split into 7 sections incl. manual of ethics for monks.
129
State the significance of the Abidhamma Pitaka
-Important for deep thinkers.
-Different from other baskets as uses ultimate terms such as mind, matter and aggregates to individual.
Helps scholars develop knowledge of dharma so can lead a peaceful, noble + respectful life.
-Only basket that explains how to create good and bad karmic thoughts-greater detail into dharma.
-Concepts of mind and matter, birth and death + freedom all explained in detail.
-Helped develop Buddhists tradition of adding commentary to texts to try to further understand them- provides scholars w/ starting point for own commentaries on dharma.
130
Outline the symbolism of Maya's conception
White elephant: Considered pure, rare- glorious and happy sign- links to Indian mythology- Hindu God Indra rides mythical white elephant- also symbol of mental strength- Buddhists start off as grey elephant then after practising dharma-mind is more controlled and likened to a white elephant.
Lotus flower: symbol of enlightenment- purity of body/mind-white lotus rooted in mind-flowers float above muddy waters of attachment and desire- also symbolic of detachment as drops of water easily slide off its petals.
Entering through side: vagina/birth=considered impure. In northern India- birth and menstruation=polluting events symbolically disempower woman while requiring ritual enlightenment by male bhramans.
131
Discuss how some people view Maya's conception
- Birth considered as hagiographical= religious biography reflecting religious interests of the writers-prove he was a great man etc- point Buddhists to authenticity of Buddha's teachings.
- Others see it as purely mythological- Buddhism developed through oral tradition-natural that these elaborate stories emerged-many Buddhists not concerned with life of historical Buddha-he is peripheral in many Mahayana traditions.
132
Outline the four sights and there significance
Siddhartha's 1st experience of suffering.
- Ill man, old man, dead man, ascetic.
- Made him wonder what the point of living is if all you do is suffer, grow old and die within samsara.
- Influenced him greatly as all teachings and path to enlightenment focused on escaping samsara.
- Upon seeing these- Siddhartha awoke to true nature of being in this world- samsara.
- Reaction exemplified Buddhist starting point-seeing to heart of the matter.
- Once the problem has been identified, one is immediately committed to doing something about it.
133
Outline the Symbolism and importance of the first sight
- Represents dukkha-lackshana.
| - Al life is suffering- Buddhists aim to escape it through cessation of craving.
134
Outline the symbolism and importance of the second sight
- Anicca and anatta- everything changes-no permanent sense of self- impermanent aspects of human existence.
- 5 skandas constantly in flux.
- Body=just one of skhandas that changes as we get old and ultimately die.
135
Outline the symbolism and importance of the third sight
- Also represents anicca.
- In Buddhists thought, death is, just another change-corpse made Buddha aware of this-leading him to fully realise it in his enlightenment.
- Also made him question of purpose of life.
136
Outline the symbolism and importance of the fourth sight
- Showed Siddhartha a possible solution to dukkha- rich and unhappy, while ascetic was poor and happy.
- Also alerted him to inescapable nature of suffering/samsara.
- Afterwards, Siddhartha renounced his possessions and fasted, before accepting the Middle Way/becoming enlightened.
- Furthermore, some ascetic practices incorporated into 8 fold path- Buddha's solution to suffering.
137
Outline the origins of the Mahayana scriptures
- Around 1st Century BCE- new texts appeared in India among the Mahayana followers.
- Written in Sanskrit.
- Written in Sutras-said to be word of Buddha but not old teachings.
- Written anonymously + origins are mysterious.
- Among earlier Mahayana scriptures=prajnaparamita or perfection of wisdom sutras= written down as early as 100 BCE- include diamond sutra-mental attachments + heart sutra-bodhisattva path + emptiness.
138
Outline the Heart Sutra as a Mahayana scripture
- Teaching by Bodhisattva of compassion.
- Regularly chanted by Buddhists at meetings + meditation.
- Everything is empty (sunya) of inherent existence.
- All phenomena is devoid of any unchanging reality.
- Universe=other side of pratityasamutpada
- All things interrelated.
139
Outline the Lotus Sutra
- One of most important Sutras.
- Puts forward central concepts of Mahayana Buddhism.
- All beings are called to be Buddha's.
- Took form of sermon given by Buddha to disciples.
- Contrary to Theravada, bodhisattva path idealised.
- Mahayana believe all other teachings are provisional. but sutras are ultimate.
140
Outline the parable of the Burning house as part of the Lotus sutra
-Very rich house holder whose house falling apart.
-One day caught fire + old man ran out but sons still inside.
Realised children didn't realise danger so called out but they ignored him.
-Desperate to save them-promised whatever they wanted-to some goat carts, to others deer carts + to rest bullock carts.
-Children ran out and were saved- old man gave them best type of cart-pulled by white bullocks.
-Burning house=life suffering/samsara-fire represents urgency of human condition.
-Man=Buddha-uses skilful means to deliver our condition, children=followers-distracted from state of life.
-Carts= teachings, vehicles to nirvana, lesser teachings that culminate in ultimate teaching.
141
Outline the Buddha's enlightenment
- After seeing four sights- Buddha faced dilemma- to pursue ascetic life- must give up everything.
- Resulted to live life of ascetic to break out of cycle of rebirth.
- Cut hair, swapped clothes for ascetic's traditional robes, returned his horse and charioteer to father as symbol of renunciation.
- Referred to Siddhartha's 'going fourth'.
- Sought teachers who taught him meditative practices, but failed to bring him greater insight.
- Joined group of ascetics and mastered all they knew but was greatly weakened from living off one sesame seed a day.
- One day a woman offered him some rice, seeing he was near starvation, he ate, resolving to follow 'middle way', between asceticism and indulgence.
- Sat under Bodhi tree-resolved 'not to rise from this spot until I am enlightened'.
- Remembered meditative state he happened to fall into as child-sat under apple tree- fell into first jhana (fine hinderances disappear and bliss remains).
142
Outline the role of mara in Buddha's enlightenment
- Tried to tempt him, ordered three daughters-thirst, passion and desire to seduce him.
- Claimed throne of enlightenment for himself but Siddhartha performed earth touching mudra and the earth roared 'I bear you the witness' and mara disappeared.
143
Outline the meaning of enlightenment
- Ineffable.
- Only the enlightenment person can understand it-knowledge about it is provisional + incomplete.
- Generally means when someone finds the truth about life and steps being reborn.
- Only way to do so is through 8 fold path (magga).
- Nirvana- escape from samsara and extinction and extinction of the 3 fires.
144
Outline the Patimokkha
- Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis must follow the rules laid down in the Vinaya Pitaka.
- Vinaya begins with code of conduct or Pattimokkha-source of wisdom and authority for Theravada Monastic sangha.
- Contains 227 rules for fully ordained monks and 311 for nuns.
145
Outline the importance of the fortnightly recitation of the Pattimokkha
- Unites sangha.
- Preserves Dharma for future generations.
- Ananda explained unity in sangha is required- created by taking refuge in the dharma in form of reciting patimokkha.
- Buddha said to his disciples it was essential that the sangha should come together for the purpose of collectively reciting the dharma.
146
Outline the work of Tich Nhat Hanh
Key teachings
Impact on west
Key teachings/beliefs:
-Interbeing-emptiness.
-Emphasis on simple practices + non-harming- compassion born from understanding.
-'Engaged Buddhism'- peaceful activism or social reform.
Impact on West:
-Spent over 40yrs making Buddhist practices accessible to everyone, irrespective of religious views.
-Focus on mindfulness.
-Plum village- meditation centre in south of france- home to over 200 monks + 10,000 visitors annually.
-Focus on simple mindful acts-smiling, walking, eating, etc- more accessible to westerners.
147
Outline the work of Dalai Lama
Key teachings
Impact on west
Key Teachings:
-Acts of kindness- develop metta-bhavana + gain punya.
-Compassion.
-Non-harming.
Impact on west:
-1st Dalai Lama to travel to west + charismatic manner helped to draw much support for Buddhism + Tibetan resistance movement.
-travelled to more than 67 countries over 6 continents, received many awards + prizes in recognition of message of peace = nonviolence.
-Held discussions with heads of different religions-promoting interreligious harmony + understanding.
148
What are the different schools view of feminism
Theravada: conservative view on feminism but some gender equality texts contradict this.
Tantric Buddhism: have many female leaders, but men and women not be equal over time.
