Blog Entry #3: Telling the Story of Buddhism

 

Shakyamuni Buddha

In the text Awakening; An Introduction to the History of Eastern Thought, it goes over the division in Buddhism such as the Buddhist traditions Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism and their differences. Theravada Buddhism being defined by the Pali Canon was important as its sutras were "the fundamental teachings and practices of Buddhism" that were written down and preserved for centuries (Bresnan 244). Mahayana Buddhism on the other hand orally passed down their sutras that is fundamental "with the spirit of Buddha's teaching" eventually incorporating it into the Prajnaparamita (Bresnan 266).   

The two traditions are different in the way they interpret the path of enlightenment. Theravada notions that, "the only person willing to dedicate his or her life" is the only "realistic hope of achieving Nirvana" which were usually monks (Bresnan 252). Contrarily, Mahayana Buddhism rejects this idea as they think it is, "too rule-bound, too elitist, and too narrow in scope" believing that Buddha's teaching should be available for all sector of society (Bresnan 296).  

Aum or also spelled Om symbol, Hinduism Symbol

In chapter 11, question 8 asks "What was happening to Theravada Buddhism that opened the way for a revolutionary new movement, ultimately to be known as Mahayana?".      

After the rule of Ashoka, Theravada Buddhism had started to decline in popularity as now the Indian population was mostly filled with poor families who were still holding onto traditional beliefs and traditions. Although Buddha intended that his teachings were for everyone it was clear that Buddhist were only being people from better educated upper classes. In effect, the hardworking rural people "were not attracted to a philosophy that must have seemed lofty and esoteric to them..." (Bresnan 260).  

The rural people saw Theravada Buddhism as a way that, "turned its back on traditional beliefs and ceremonies" which shows that, "Hinduism was giving new life to the traditional way and beliefs" (Bresnan 260). This led to the revolutionary movement within the Buddhist community in India with a new interpretation of Buddhism which would soon be known as Mahayana Buddhism (Bresnan 260). 

Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism 

In chapter 12, question 5 asks "How does the nature of Shakyamuni Buddha change from Theravada to Mahayana? How do you make sense of that enormous transformation?". 

The nature of Shakyamuni Buddha changed from Theravada to Mahayana by turning Buddha into "a godlike being whose feet are far removed from the dusty earth" (Bresnan 269). The nature of Buddha is stated in The Doctrine of Trikaya which taught that Shakyamuni was just the incarnation of "Buddha" who is a "transcendent being, the embodiment of wisdom and compassion" (Bresnan 271). In addition Buddha is an embodiment of enlightenment and there exists a paradise known as the "Buddha-realm" where there are multiple Buddhas and devotees present throughout time (Bresnan 272).  

I believe that parts of Hinduism was incorporated in Mahayana Buddhism as we can see similarities between Buddha with Krishna and Vishnu. They were both embodiment of an eternal being that came to provide teachings of achieving enlightenment and even many Hindus see Buddha as the incarnation of Vishnu. The reveal of Buddha's true identity was also that of similarity with Krishna's as Buddha appeared to be millions of light rays and Krishna as millions of figures.

 It seems like there has been a full cycle in beliefs and traditions throughout time as we see aspects of Hinduism being integrated in Buddhism. Hinduism as a religion definitely played a role in the culture of peoples daily lives.

Works Cited 

Hawley, Jack. The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners. New World Library, 2011. 

says:, Charles, et al. “Hindu Symbols, Meaning, Tattoos, Iconography, Signs.” Hinduism Facts, 31 July 2021, www.hinduismfacts.org/hindu-symbols/. 

Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism | World History - Youtube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCA6ioTLw-Q. 

Blog Entry #2 Telling the Story of the Bhagavad Gita

Bhagavad Gita ; A Walkthrough for Westerner
In the story of the Bhagavad Gita by Jack Hawley it brings spiritual wisdom and inspiration through an event of which a man known as Arjuna is cornered in making an important decision. Through the help of a close friend, Krishna is able to guide him through this difficult stage in Arjuna's life making him "aware of his true reality" (Hawley 167). With series of spiritual knowledge given to Arjuna he is now able to  proceed with confidence unlike before.

                                        The Four Paths of Yoga, ways to be one with God                              

The story contains complex spiritual teachings that can pass as both religious and philosophical content. My first impression on the Bhagavad Gita was attention grabbing as it "is the bases, the source, the reservoir of practical spiritual knowledge from which others rise" (Hawley xii). This brings an important topic to the role of religion and how it shapes human society as it has been around for centuries.

As the Bhagavad Gita not only provide the teachings of spirituality but it also implement ranks and divisions amongst people in society. The people are divided into four groups called the Seers, Leaders, Providers, and Servers. As the text states "No particular group of people is superior to any other..." but the early civilization of the Indus shows differently (Hawley 159). 

It is evident that there was a caste system during the Vedic Age with similar ranks in correlation to the Bhagavad Gita but with the Seers at the top. Ranked at the top, the Seers are the gifted ones who can connect with God and this plays a crucial part in how important religion is during this time period. The Bhagavad Gita is impactful as people can not only use it for spiritual development but as a guide to social construction as well.

        

Bhagavad Gita, Krishna

 The Bhagavad Gita may appeal to readers as it brings multiple eye opening spiritual advices that can help benefit ones own spiritual journey. In the text it provides 4 pathways to obtain  unity with God which are known as Raja, Jnana, Karma, and Bhakti Yoga. 

 As all paths will lead you to unity with god it will teach one to   let go of their desires and worldly attachments. The text in depth   teaches one to how find true joy and peace by getting rid of desire, anger, and greed as those are the components that block us from reaching our True Self (Hawley 55). Achieving inner peace is anyones goal and can be beneficial to ones daily life. Overall, anyone can benefit from this book whether it be religiously or philosophically.

Works Cited

Blossom. (2020, August 2). Yotube . Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3dbMlo971k.

Hawley, J. (2011). The bhagavad gita: A walkthrough for Westerners. New World Library.

Indus Valley Civilization Caste System. (n.d.). Retrieved October 5, 2021, from http://world-history-education-resources.com/indus-valley-civilization/system-civilization-indus-caste.html.

The four paths of yoga. Trinetra Yoga. (n.d.). Retrieved October 5, 2021, from https://trinetra.yoga/the-four-paths-of-yoga/#:~:text=There%20are%20four%20main%20paths%20of%20Yoga%20%E2%80%93,integrated%20if%20true%20wisdom%20is%20to%20be%20attained.