Y10 Rel Yearly PDF

Lesson One: Understanding Hinduism to Understand Buddhism Origins of Buddhism Began in India about 2,500 years ago. Over 535 million followers worldwide today. In Australia, around 500,000 Buddhists (2.4% of the population). Nature of Buddhism Buddhism is more of a philoso...

Lesson One: Understanding Hinduism to Understand Buddhism Origins of Buddhism Began in India about 2,500 years ago. Over 535 million followers worldwide today. In Australia, around 500,000 Buddhists (2.4% of the population). Nature of Buddhism Buddhism is more of a philosophical system than a religion. No God in Buddhism, but belief in reincarnation and Nirvana. Main branches: Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana. Hinduism Overview Polytheistic religion, but can also be seen as monotheistic with all gods being manifestations of Brahman. Beliefs: Reincarnation, karma, moksha (heaven), and practices like yoga and meditation. Caste system plays a central role, influencing social status, marriage, and occupation. The Indian Caste System Caste system: A hierarchical social structure. 3,000 years old, connected to the god Brahma. Banned in 1950, but still prevalent due to cultural and religious ties. Consists of four main varnas: (groups) ○ Brahmins: Priests and teachers (head of Brahma). ○ Kshatriyas: Warriors and rulers (arms of Brahma). ○ Vaishyas: Farmers, traders, and merchants (thighs of Brahma). ○ Shudras: Laborers (feet of Brahma). ○ Dalits: Historically marginalized, considered "untouchables."  ○ Differences Between Hinduism and Buddhism Hinduism: Only Brahmins can achieve moksha (release from reincarnation). Buddhism: Anyone can attain enlightenment, regardless of caste or status. In Buddhism, self-determination shapes one's destiny, not divine intervention. Hindu Gods There are millions of gods in Hinduism, but all represent different aspects of the supreme God, Brahman. Forms: Hindu gods can take the form of humans or animals, often having multiple arms or heads to symbolize power and divine attributes. Worship: Hindus offer prayers, rituals, and offerings (such as food and flowers) to the gods at temples or home shrines. Choosing a God: Hindus often choose a god to worship based on personal needs or qualities the god represents (e.g., Ganesha for removing obstacles, Lakshmi for wealth). Lesson Two: Prince Siddhartha Gautama Introduction to Siddhartha Gautama Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, was born around 563 BCE in Lumbini, Nepal. His birth was marked by prophecies that foretold he would become a great leader or a spiritual teacher. Early Life  Raised in luxury by his father, King Suddhodana, who wanted to shield him from suffering to encourage a life of power. Siddhartha was sheltered and kept within the palace, experiencing a life devoid of hardship. The Four Sights Upon venturing outside the palace for the first time, he encountered four significant sights that transformed his perspective: 1. An old man: Realization of aging. 2. A sick man: Awareness of illness. 3. A dead man: Confrontation with death. 4. A wandering ascetic: Inspiration from someone who sought spiritual fulfillment. - monk in meditation Renunciation and Search for Enlightenment Deeply affected by the Four Sights, Siddhartha renounced his royal life at the age of 29 to seek the truth about suffering and highest state of enlightenment (Nirvana). Practiced severe asceticism, which included extreme fasting, but found it unfulfilling and nearly starved himself to death. Enlightenment Siddhartha realized that the path to enlightenment lay in a Middle Way—a balance between indulgence and extreme asceticism; to live in moderation Meditated under the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya, achieving enlightenment and becoming the Buddha ("Awakened One"). Key insights during meditation: ○ Attachment is the root of suffering. ○ Wisdom is a habit not a intellectual realization. ○ The Buddha's teachings emphasize the importance of self-awareness and the ability to change one's perception Led to Eightfold Path and Four Noble Truths ○ This path is the liberation to cease suffering. Significance of the Buddha The Buddha taught that wisdom and enlightenment are attainable for everyone, regardless of social status or background. His teachings and sayings (known as sutras) spread across Asia, shaping Buddhist beliefs and practices. King Ashoka played a significant role in promoting Buddhism after the Buddha's death by spreading the teachings throughout India and beyond.  Theravada Buddhism spread to Southeast Asia Mahayana Buddhism spread to Northeast Asia Lesson Three: Buddhist Beliefs The 3 Jewels (triratna) The Buddha - the teacher; Siddhartha Gautama and the concept of enlightenment Dharma - the teachings of Buddha, found in sacred texts like Tripitaka Sangha - the community of monks and nuns; other Buddhists Four Noble Truths 1. Dukkha - Truth of suffering a. Suffering is an inherent part of life 2. Samudaya - Truth of Origin of suffering a. Suffering arises from attachment and craving (desires) 3. Nirodha - Truth of end of suffering a. It is possible to end suffering by removing or managing these desires 4. Magga - The truth of the path to the end of suffering a. Eightfold path b. Achieve the middle way and achieve nirvana Eightfold Path Wisdom: Right understanding, right intent Morality: right speech, right action, right livelihood Concentration: right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration Samsara Reincarnation; life after death; continuous cycle of death and rebirth without beginning or end Lesson Four: Buddhist Beliefs Karma Karma is the law of moral causation, where every action has consequences Law of karma: karma is a cosmic tool made to help us evolve Anicca Means “impermanence” The idea that everything is constantly changing At the root of all Buddhist belief Nirvana Ultimate goal in Buddhism, representing liberation from cycle of samsara and the end of suffering State of being where the mind is free from attachments and cravings Possible through eightfold path Lesson Five: Buddhist Sacred Texts Tripitaka (Pali Canon) The Tripitaka is the primary scripture of Buddhism, known as the Three Baskets: 1. Vinaya Pitaka: Rules and guidelines for monastic discipline. 2. Sutta Pitaka: Discourses of the Buddha, containing sermons and teachings. 3. Abhidhamma Pitaka: Philosophical and doctrinal analyses of the Buddha's teachings Dharma and Tripitaka 227 precept or rules for monk to follow, found in Tripitaka Approximately 3000 precepts for monks to follow, but some are minor rules ○ E.g. close the door when taking nap Other Significant Sacred Texts Lotus Sutra: A key text in Mahayana Buddhism, emphasizing the idea of universal enlightenment and the concept of the Buddha nature inherent in all beings. Diamond Sutra: A famous Mahayana text focusing on the practice of non-attachment and the nature of reality. First Buddhist Council Held about three months after the Buddha’s death to preserve and organize his teachings. Involved 500 disciples, with Ananda and Upali as key figures in recalling the Buddha’s teachings. Sutras Written teachings that provide insight into Buddhist philosophy and practice Dhammapada Sayings of buddha Commonly referred to text today Lesson Six: Buddhist Symbols Key Buddhist Symbols 1. Suvastika (The Swastika): ○ An ancient symbol of good fortune and auspiciousness. ○ Represents the interconnectedness of life and the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. 2. Dharma Wheel (Dharmachakra): ○ Represents the teachings of the Buddha and the path to enlightenment. ○ The wheel has eight spokes, symbolizing the Noble Eightfold Path. 3. Lotus Flower: ○ Symbolizes purity and enlightenment, as it rises beautifully from muddy waters. ○ Represents the potential for all beings to achieve enlightenment despite difficult circumstances. 4. Bodhi Tree: ○ The tree under which Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. ○ Symbolizes wisdom and the importance of meditation. 5. Stupa: ○ A mound-like structure containing relics, used as a place of meditation and worship. ○ Represents the Buddha and his teachings. 6. Mala Beads: ○ Used in meditation and prayer, typically consisting of 108 beads. ○ Helps to keep track of prayers or mantras recited during meditation. 7. Prayer Wheel ○ A cylindrical wheel containing prayers and mantras. ○ Spinning the wheel is believed to have the same effect as reciting the prayers aloud. 8. Mandala: ○ A geometric figure representing the universe in Buddhist symbolism. ○ Often used in meditation to represent wholeness and unity. 9. Buddhist Flag: ○ Symbolizes the teachings of the Buddha and is used to promote peace and harmony. ○ Each color represents different aspects of Buddhism; i. Blue = spirit of universal compassion ii. Yellow = middle way iii. Red = blessings of practice iv. White = dharma v. Orange = wisdom 10. Triratna (3 jewels) ○ Buddha, Dharma, Sangha 11. Deer ○ Harmony, happiness, peace, longevity 12. Alms Bowl ○ humility and nonattachment, avoid extreme practices 13. Elongated Ears: ○ Represents wisdom and the ability to listen. ○ Symbolizes the Buddha's renunciation of material wealth. Cultural Variations As Buddhism spread across different cultures, symbols were adapted and incorporated into local traditions. Differing representations of the Buddha: ○ Buddha Maitreya: Represents the future Buddha, symbolizing hope and the potential for future enlightenment. ○ Buddha Shakyamuni: Represents the historical Buddha, emphasizing his teachings and enlightenment. Lesson Seven: Buddhist Practice - Meditation and Mindfulness Introduction to Meditation Meditation is a central practice in Buddhism, encouraged by the Buddha as a means to achieve enlightenment. It is one of the key components of the Noble Eightfold Path. Purpose of Meditation To cultivate mindfulness, awareness, and concentration. Aids in understanding the nature of Dukkha (suffering) and the path to overcoming it. Helps practitioners gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Buddhists might use Mala beads of other strategies to purify mind Vajrayana Buddhist Monks are known to create Mandalas out of sand as part of their meditations Lesson Eight: Buddhist Festivals / Wesak Wesak Marks three major events in Buddha’s life ○ His birth ○ His enlightenment ○ His achievement of Nirvana Commemoration begins at dawn at Buddhist temples, with devotees gathering to meditate and chant sutras Rituals to Celebrate Wesak Prayers and quiet contemplation ○ Commemorate the day and devotees go to nearest temple  Wear white ○ Reflects purity Observe the five precepts ○ Abstain from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and taking intoxicants Light oil lamps/candles ○ Chases away darkness, symbolises lighting up someone’s life Bodhi Tree ○ Praying to it, believe there are devas (good spiritual beings) that surround the trees Be Vegetarian ○ Good to start day on a note of purification Candlelight procession ○ Carry candles and flowers to Kuala Lumpur (in Malaysia) to join the floats Raise the Buddhist flag ○ Distribute the flag for free to devotees Offering dana ○ Offering alms to monk can come in form of food or basic necessities Main Ritual Bathing of Buddha 1. Join palms to pay respect to Buddha. Pick up and fill ladle with fragrant water and carefully pour water over shoulder of Buddha 2. At each pour, chant the following a. 1st wash - “May I eliminate all evil thoughts” b. 2nd wash - “May I cultivate good deeds” c. 3rd wash - “May I help save all living beings” Birth of Buddha Born in Kapilavastu city, now in Nepal At birth ○ Buddha walked 7 steps immediately Every step he looked at a different direction ○ Lotus grew out of the ground under each of his steps ○ It rained to bathe him Nine dragons pouring fragrant water to bathe the infant prince Devas offered fragrance and flowers to welcome Birth of prince Celebration Now, monks will offer incense, pray to the Three Jewels and Devas Buddhists bathe the Buddha to show joy and respect that disciples show towards his birth Without his birth, there would not be Dharma or Sangha to teach us Buddha’s teachings or Three Jewels for us to rely on Lesson Nine: Buddhist Ethics Buddhist draw ethical guidelines from teachings of Buddha, Five precepts ○ Refrain from taking life ○ Refrain from stealing ○ Refrain from misuse of senses or sexual misconduct ○ Refrain from wrong speech ○ Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind Discussion of Right Action (fourth step of eightfold path) Related to generation of one’s Karma Monks and Nuns (sangha) Guided by another 5 precepts ○ Abstaining from: Taking untimely meals Dancing, singing The use of garlands, perfumes and personal adornments The use of high seats Accepting gold or silver Vegetarianism Important to Buddhas because they do not wish to harm living beings ○ Therefore do not want to eat animals Buddhists spread compassion by being a vegetarian, able to show their goodwill Lesson Ten: The Sangha - The Community of Monks and Nuns Sangha Refers to the community of monks and nuns who have committed their lives to following the Buddha’s teachings One of the Three Jewels of Buddhism Other rules Theravada tradition make it compulsory for young boys to spend a period of time as a monk Rules for nuns and monks are called vinaya, meaning ‘discipline’ Monks and nuns can be referred to as bhikkhu, meaning ‘beggar’ ○ This was because Buddha and followers owned nothing and asked for food, having renounced the world completely ○ Buddhist community is happy to give them food and clothes Ceremony to become Monk White garments ○ Symbolise rebirth Hair removal ○ Letting go of martial law ○ Renunciation of vanity, ego and attachment to physical appearance 3 Saffron Robes ○ Culture relevance ○ Novice’s full entry into Sangha Offerings: ○ Gratitude and inspiration, generosity Symbol of the Son ○ Values of Buddhist faith ○ Reborn into a life dedicated to Dharma ○ Leaving behind familial responsibilies Renouncing ○ Give up position of sovereign power ○ Reject worldly possessions Reasons to Join Monastery Moral education Acquire valuable traits Learn key principle for life, honour parents Alms Respect given by lay Buddhist to Buddhist monk Monk processes in monastery Study scriptures Clean and pray FILM STUDY Kundun Sarnath - where buddha gave his first sermon Shakyamuni - founder of buddhism TULKU - what is the name given to a person who decides to continually be reborn 14th dalai lama exiled to india in 1959 Current dalai lama tenzin gyatso Tripitaka is written in pali Kundun (1997), directed by Martin Scorsese, is a biographical drama that tells the story of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, focusing on his life from childhood to his eventual exile from Tibet. The film begins with the discovery of a young boy in a remote village, believed to be the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. At the age of two, he is identified and taken to Lhasa to be trained and prepared for his role as the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. The boy, known as Kundun ("The Presence"), grows up in a time of political upheaval as China asserts its control over Tibet. As Kundun matures, he faces increasing pressure from the Chinese government to surrender Tibet’s independence. Despite attempts at peaceful negotiations, Tibet is invaded, and the Dalai Lama witnesses the brutal suppression of his people. Ultimately, he is forced to flee to India in 1959 to seek asylum, leaving behind his homeland and people, but vowing to continue his peaceful struggle for Tibetan autonomy. The film is visually stunning, emphasizing Tibetan culture, Buddhist rituals, and the inner turmoil of the Dalai Lama as he navigates the challenges of leadership, compassion, and loss. It's a powerful meditation on identity, spirituality, and resistance against oppression.