Life of the Buddha (563 - 483 BCE) PDF

LIFE OF THE BUDDHA LIFE OF THE BUDDHA  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA (563-483 BCE) 563 BCE Born : Siddhartha Gautama ‘He who achieves his aim’ Prince -> so which varna? Shakya clan a.k.a. ‘Shakyamuni Buddha’ ‘Sage of the Shakya Clan’  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA (563-483...

LIFE OF THE BUDDHA LIFE OF THE BUDDHA  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA (563-483 BCE) 563 BCE Born : Siddhartha Gautama ‘He who achieves his aim’ Prince -> so which varna? Shakya clan a.k.a. ‘Shakyamuni Buddha’ ‘Sage of the Shakya Clan’  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA (563-483 BCE) 563 BCE: Siddhartha Gautama Born a prince in the Lumbini garden in Kapilavasthu (Kingdom in modern day Southern Nepal) LIFE OF THE BUDDHA LIFE OF THE BUDDHA (563 - 483 BCE) How much do we actually know about his life? What sources do we have? LIFE OF THE BUDDHA (563 - 483 BCE) Debate about the exact dates he lived: estimates range fr. the 6th to 4th centuries BCE  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA (563 - 483 BCE) Challenges to reconstructing a fully "accurate" historical account of Buddha’s life, b/c of the nature of the sources themselves, the passage of time, & the blending of history w/ religious & mythological elements.  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA (563 - 483 BCE) Is the account ”accurate"? The sources available to us provide a rich & meaningful account of the Buddha’s life, but they are not "historically accurate" in the modern sense. They blend myth, history, philosophy, and religious teachings, w/ a focus on the Buddha’s spiritual journey & his role as a teacher rather than as a strict historical figure.  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA (563-483 BCE) Notice who is in attendance at his birth according to this image ->  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA (563-483 BCE) Notice who is in attendance according to this image -> Hindu gods & goddesses  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Member of the Shakya clan so often ref. to as Shakyamuni Buddha ↓ “Sage of the Shakya clan” (muni = ‘sage’)  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Siddartha Gautama Lived a charmed life as the member of which varna? -> Kshatriya (ruler/warrior caste)  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Stories of an extraordinary birth: Born w/ 32 distinguishing characteristic marks Stories of an extraordinary birth: - Born fr. Queen Maya’s side (not birth canal) - Walks & speaks after birth LIFE OF THE BUDDHA In DIGHA NIKAYA (text) Siddhartha exhibited 32 distinguishing characteristic (auspicious) marks of a great man  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA DIGHA NIKAYA (text): 32 distinguishing characteristic (auspicious) marks of a great man 1000 spoked wheel on feet Golden skin Nice smile Very blue eyes White ūrṇā curl that emits light between eyebrows Eyelashes like an ox Fleshy protuberance on the crown of the head (ushnisha) One more….  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA In DIGHA NIKAYA (text) 32 distinguishing characteristic (auspicious) marks: Large long tongue – Significance? -> foreshadows his future career as a spiritual leader/teacher  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA In DIGHA NIKAYA (text) 32 distinguishing characteristic (auspicious) marks: Let’s have a look at how these symbols are interpreted in artistic representations of the Buddha…  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA In DIGHA NIKAYA (text) 32 distinguishing characteristic (auspicious) marks of a great man: 1000 spoked wheel on feet  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Spoked wheel on Buddha's feet in images  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA In DIGHA NIKAYA (text) 32 distinguishing Golden skin  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA In DIGHA NIKAYA (text) 32 distinguishing characteristic (auspicious) marks: Nice smile  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA In DIGHA NIKAYA (text) 32 distinguishing characteristic (auspicious) marks: Very blue eyes  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA In DIGHA NIKAYA (text) 32 distinguishing characteristic (auspicious) marks: White ūrṇā curl that emits light between eyebrows  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA In DIGHA NIKAYA (text) 32 distinguishing characteristic (auspicious) marks: Eyelashes like an ox  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA In DIGHA NIKAYA (text) 32 distinguishing characteristic (auspicious) marks: Fleshy protuberance on the crown of the head (ushnisha)  LIFE InOF THE BUDDHA DIGHA NIKAYA (text) 32 distinguishing characteristic (auspicious) marks: Fleshy protuberance on the crown of the head (ushnisha) 32 Characteristics of a Great Man The Digha Nikaya, in the "Discourse of the 17. Soles, palms, shoulders, and crown Marks” (DN 30) enumerates & explains the 32 of head well-rounded characteristics: 18. Area below armpits well-filled 1. Level feet 19. Lion-shaped body 2. Thousand-spoked wheel sign on feet 20. Body erect and upright 3. Long, slender fingers 21. Full, round shoulders 4. Pliant hands and feet 22. Forty teeth 5. Toes and fingers finely webbed 23. Teeth white, even, and close 6. Full-sized heels 24. Four canine teeth pure white 7. Arched insteps 25. Jaw like a lion 8. Thighs like a royal stag 26. Saliva that improves the taste of all 9. Hands reaching below the knees food 10. Well-retracted male organ 27. Tongue long and broad 11. Height and stretch of arms equal 28. Voice deep and resonant 12. Every hair-root dark colored 29. Eyes dark brown or deep blue 13. Body hair graceful and curly 30. Eyelashes like a royal bull 14. Golden-hued body 31. White ūrṇā curl that emits light 15. Ten-foot aura around him between eyebrows 16. Soft, smooth skin 32. Fleshy protuberance on the crown of the head  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Father (King Suddhodana) was told that his newborn son would either be: A universal monarch (great king) or An enlightened one (great spiritual leader)  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA -> Which option does dad prefer? A universal monarch (great king)  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA So, father ensures Siddhartha learns art of war.  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA So, father ensures Siddhartha learns art of war & lives extravagant life of prince  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA So, father ensures Siddhartha learns art of war & lives extravagant life of prince  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA - Atage of 16, father arranges marriage to cousin Princess Yashodhara - Son born LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Siddhartha ventures out into world & sees sights he has never before seen now known as the 4 SIGHTS LIFE OF THE BUDDHA What are these 4 sights?  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Siddhartha ventures out into world and sees sights he has never before seen now known as the 4 SIGHTS 1) Old man -> old age 2) Sick man -> sickness 3) Dead man -> death 4) Holy man (ascetic) -> asceticism (contentment) LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Siddhartha ventures out into world and sees sights he has never before seen now known as the 4 SIGHTS These sights are disturbing to Siddhartha.  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Siddhartha ventures out into world & sees sights he has never before seen: Prince Sid. realizes true cycle of life: birth old age illness & death  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Age 29, in middle of night Siddhartha leaves palace, wife & newborn son behind to embark on a spiritual quest  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA At dawn, Prince Sid. & charioteer leave city of Kapilavastu, cross a river & begin a homeless life. LIFE OF THE BUDDHA What is happening here? Symbolism? LIFE OF THE BUDDHA  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Notice the way his ears are depicted in images... BUDDHA's EARLOBES  BUDDHA’S EARLOBES Why are they so long/stretched? -> long ear lobes symbolize life of opulence/excess he has left behind, as his ear lobes would have been bejewelled w/ heavy ornaments/earrings. LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Keep in mind that Siddartha was born a Hindu.  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Sid. travels fr. place to place in search of teachers to guide him. Studies w/ 2 meditation teachers fr. trad. of yoga, but determines that is not way to salvation. LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Sid. joins 5 other wandering ascetics in search of salvation, following Severe austere/ascetic practices (for 6 yrs).  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Sid. joins 5 other wandering ascetics in search of salvation, following severe austere/ascetic practices (for 6 yrs), incl. fasting.  FASTING BUDDHA (Museum in Lahore, India) FASTING BUDDHA (THAILAND) FASTING BUDDHA (CHINA) FASTING BUDDHA (PAKISTAN) STAMPS PRODUCED BY PAKISTAN POST 1999  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Sid. abandons severe ascetic practice after nearly being carried away by current, b/c of weakness, while bathing in river. He accepts bowl of rice fr. 2 benevolent women.  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Sid. abandons life of severe asceticism after nearly being carried away by current, b/c of weakness, while bathing in river. Since he did not attain liberation through severe ascetic practice, he abandons such practices & concludes: -> severe asceticism not the path to salvation.  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Sid. abandons life of severe asceticism after nearly being carried away by current, b/c of weakness, while bathing in river. Since he did not attain liberation through severe ascetic practice, he abandons such practices & concludes: -> severe asceticism not the path to salvation.  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Sid. realizes : Only in state of calm mental absorption would enlightenment be found. This state could not be reached when the body was weak through extreme fasting.  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA The path to true happiness (enlightenment/salvation) requires balance: a MIDDLE WAY, rather than extremes of self-indulgence or of self-denial.  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA MIDDLE WAY between extremes self-indulgence self-denial  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA When Siddhartha abandoned practices of extreme self-denial, 5 brahmin ascetics abandoned him (thinking that he has renounced the correct path) & they headed for the deer park near Benares. LIFE OF THE BUDDHA LIFE OF THE BUDDHA  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA That night Siddhartha meditated under a tree until dawn.  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA That tree came to be known as 'bodhi tree' => 'tree of enlightenment' 'enlightenment tree'  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Sid. meditating under Bodhi tree Siddhartha is determined to find, through deep meditation: the cause & solution to the universal human problem of suffering. LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Temptation during meditation  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Supernatural being named Mara tempted him in various ways to give up his meditation, but was unsuccessful.  In order to prevent Siddhartha from achieving his goal, the “three daughters of Mara” attempt to distract him fr. his meditation. These 3 “daughters” represent the 3 defiling passions: craving, anger, & ignorance. Monks & nuns also experience distractions in their meditations.  As he meditates, demons try to distract him. Temptation fr. demons of defilement, attachment, jealousy & doubt. Notice that in these images, the ‘temptations’ are portrayed as female, which frequently happens in patriarchal religious structures.  Siddhartha is determined now to find, through deep meditation, the cause & solution to the universal human problem of suffering.  Monks & nuns imitate the Buddha in various ways in their own practices & lives.  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA WHILE MEDITATING: 1st, Siddhartha remembered his past lives. Then, he saw how beings die & are reborn through the power of their karma (‘action’). Toward dawn, he purified his mind of all cravings, attachments, & defilements, & finally of all intentions. With that, he attained nirvana thus earning the title Buddha, or "Awakened One" at age 35. The Enlightenment & Discovery of 4 Noble Truths During the night when Siddhartha became the Buddha (Awakened One) he discovered the Four Noble Truths.  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Siddhartha realizes these 4 noble truths about the nature of human existence:  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA 4 noble truths about the nature of human existence: 1. Life/mundane existence is unsatisfactory/suffering 2. Unsatisfactoriness/Suffering is caused by desire/craving/attachment 3. There can be a cessation to unsatisfactoriness/suffering (Nirvana = 'extinguishing') 4. The way to this cessation of unsatisfactoriness/suffering/ : Eightfold Path  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA 4 noble truths about the nature of human existence: 1. Life/mundane existence is unsatisfactory/suffering 2. Unsatisfactoriness/Suffering is caused by desire/craving/attachment 3. There can be a cessation to unsatisfactoriness/suffering (Nirvana = 'extinguishing') 4. The way to this cessation of unsatisfactoriness/suffering/ : Eightfold Path  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA 4th noble truth: The way to cessation of unsatisfactoriness/suffering: -> Eightfold Path 4 Noble Truth: th The way to cessation of suffering -> Eightfold Path 1. Right view/understanding 1&2 2. Right intention wisdom 3. Right speech 3, 4 & 5 4. Right action ethics 5. Right livelihood 6. Right effort 6, 7 & 8 7. Right mindfulness mental 8. Right concentration discipline/ meditation  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Eightfold Path often referred to in Buddhist rhetoric as an eight-spoked wheel  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Images of worship of the eight-spoked wheel in Buddhist tradition, which becomes assoc. w/ Buddhist dharma  LIFE OF THE BUDDHA Images of worship of the eight-spoked wheel in Buddhist tradition, which becomes assoc. w/ Buddhist dharma. Reinterpretation of term dharma in Buddhism to mean Buddha’s teachings. In Hinduism, dharma = the behaviour (duties) that behove human beings depending on their caste, stage of life & gender. Before embarking on his career as a spiritual teacher, the Buddha meditates & realizes that people are like lotus flowers. Some are in full bloom —i.e., ready to hear the Four Noble Truths, or the teaching that leads to nirvana, or enlightenment. Others are like lotus buds —they are not yet ready to hear the Four Noble Truths, but they can learn to be devout & virtuous (esp. to be generous) & thereby generate good karma & attain a better rebirth. The First Sermon was given in a deer park (Sarnath) to the 5 brahmin ascetics who left him when he gave up the practice of extreme fasting. Tam Bao Son Monastery (Harrington, Qc) The First Sermon, was given to the 5 brahmin ascetics who left him when he gave up the practice of extreme fasting. In this sermon the Buddha explains the Middle Path & the Four Noble Truths. The 5 ascetics become 1st followers of the Buddha, in effect beginning the sangha, or the order of monks.  The First Sermon, was given to the 5 brahmin ascetics who left him when he gave up the practice of extreme fasting. In this sermon the Buddha explains the Middle Path & the Four Noble Truths. The 5 ascetics become followers of the Buddha, in effect beginning the sangha, or the order of monks. Notice the position of the Buddha's hands... What do you see? Teaching mudra hand gesture Teaching mudra (hand gesture) Tam Bao Son Monastery (Harrington, Qc) Teaching mudra (hand gesture) Dharmachakra Mudra (Chakra = wheel) Buddha referred to as: Dharma Chakravartin “Turner of the Wheel of Dharma”  Buddha referred to as Dharma Chakravartin “Turner of the Wheel of Dharma” Reinterpretation of dharma = Buddha's teachings Teaching mudra (hand gesture) Buddha is setting the wheel of teachings in motion. Wheel represents the dharma (his teachings) incl. the eightfold path. Teaching mudra You'll also recall he was born w/ a very long tongue, also connotes speech & teaching. Monks & nuns also teach the dharma to others. Over time the order of monks grew & grew. Here the Buddha is shown delivering a sermon to 1250 monks. Here the Buddha is shown preaching the dharma to his father & his aunt. Acc. to Buddhist texts, at first, Buddha did not permit women to be monastics. Then, accepted after his aunt shaved her head, wore monastic robes & proved that she could also be dedicated to the pursuit of nirvana. 483 B.C.E. The death, or parinirvana, of the Buddha. Parinirvana= Final passing into nirvana PARINIRVANA PARINIRVANA BUDDHIST SANGHA (a.k.a 'samgha’) Community of Monks & Nuns Sangha was founded in Sarnath when Buddha preached to 5 brahmin ascetics, who became his followers. They were the 1st members of the sangha (community of monks) He attracted many more followers & sangha grew. BUDDHIST SANGHA (a.k.a 'samgha') BUDDHIST SANGHA (a.k.a 'samgha')  BUDDHIST SANGHA (a.k.a 'samgha') Initially: Followers were all male (monks). Eventually: Term sangha also included nuns.  BUDDHIST SANGHA (a.k.a 'samgha') At least, one account states that Buddha was resistant to idea at 1st, but was convinced by his attendant, Ananda, to let women join the sangha. BUDDHIST TEACHINGS Buddha based his analysis of the human condition on 3 basic assumptions he termed '3 MARKS OF EXISTENCE':  BUDDHIST TEACHINGS Buddha based his analysis of the human condition on 3 basic assumptions he termed '3 MARKS OF EXISTENCE': 1) Impermanence (anitya)  BUDDHIST TEACHINGS Buddha based his analysis of the human condition on 3 basic assumptions he termed '3 MARKS OF EXISTENCE': 1) Impermanence (anitya) 2) Unsatisfactoriness/suffering (dukkha)  BUDDHIST TEACHINGS Buddha based his analysis of the human condition on 3 basic assumptions he termed '3 MARKS OF EXISTENCE': 1) Impermanence (anitya) 2) Unsatisfactoriness/suffering (dukkha) 3) No soul (anatman)  BUDDHIST TEACHINGS 3rd MARK OF EXISTENCE: 3) No soul (anatman): contradicts Hindu belief in an eternal soul/self (atman) BUDDHIST TEACHINGS 3 MARKS OF EXISTENCE BUDDHIST TEACHINGS 3 MARKS OF EXISTENCE: 1) IMPERMANENCE (Anitya)  BUDDHIST TEACHINGS 3 MARKS OF EXISTENCE: 1) Impermanence (anitya) Characteristic of the nature of human existence & foundation of entire Buddhist religious system. Everything -> state of flux/change Though things may appear to be perm., they are not (only an illusion). All things change & will cease to be at one pt. Does this remind you of anything fr. beginning of course? What religious artform represents impermanence?  BUDDHIST TEACHINGS 3 MARKS OF EXISTENCE: 1) Impermanence (anitya) Does this remind you of anything fr. beginning of course? What religiousartform represents impermanence? BUDDHIST TEACHINGS 3 MARKS OF EXISTENCE: 1) IMPERMANENCE  BUDDHIST TEACHINGS 3 MARKS OF EXISTENCE 2) Unsatisfactoriness/suffering (dukkha) arose fr. this impermanence. All things not perm. => unsatisfactoriness/ suffering  BUDDHIST TEACHINGS 3 MARKS OF EXISTENCE 3) No soul (anatman) Negation of, or disbelief in, a permanent self/soul/essence. So, nothing persists after death. -> Huge departure fr. Hinduism (Upanishadic/Vedic teaching: atman soul/self = Brahman)  BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS DEPARTURES FROM HINDUISM 1) Rejects authority of the Vedas 2) Rejects practice of sacrifice 3) Rejects belief in atman -> no soul/no self (anatman), which goes against the belief in a permanent soul/self developed at the time of the Upanishads (identity of atman = Brahman). 4) Term dharma reinterpreted to refer to Buddha's teachings. In Hinduism, it referred to proper behaviour. 5) Vernacular language (like Pali, language of the common ppl) used, as opposed to Sanskrit (less accessible). Helped Bud. spread.  BUDDHA'S LIFE (563 - 483 BCE) For Buddhists, Buddha's life is seen as “supreme example of how meditative realization should be put into practice in daily life.” HOWEVER: - Little known of Buddha’s early yrs - We do know that sangha (order of monks & nuns) did survive after his parinirvana.  TRIRATNA: 3 Jewels in which Buddhist take refuge Something akin to a Buddhist creed. Buddhists take refuge in: 1) the Buddha (as the ideal teacher) 2) the Dharma (Buddha's teachings) 3) the Sangha (Community of Buddhists, incl. laity & monastics)  BUDDHA'S LIFE (563 - 483 BCE) For Buddhists, Buddha's life is seen as “supreme example of how meditative realization should be put into practice in daily life.” HOWEVER: - Little known of Buddha’s early yrs - We do know that sangha (order of monks & nuns) did survive after his parinirvana.  BUDDHIST PRECEPTS What to refrain from 5 Precepts for LAITY 5 Extra Precepts for MONASTICS & MONASTICS 6. Taking food at 1. Injuring living beings inappropriate times (after noon) (ahimsa) 7. Dancing, singing, playing 2. Stealing music, watching entertainment 3. Lying, slandering, 8. Using perfumes, cosmetics, gossiping & spreading adornment (garlands) rumours 9. Using high chairs & sleeping 4. Sexual misconduct on luxurious beds 5. Taking intoxicants 10. Accepting gold & silver (prohibition against accepting or handling money)  Spread of Buddhism Missionary monastics translated scriptures into local languages when Buddhism spread across Asia. SPREAD OF BUDDHISM Iconography of the Buddha BUDDHA’S MUDRAS in depictions BUDDHA’S MUDRAS in depictions BUDDHA’S MUDRAS in depictions BUDDHA’S MUDRAS in depictions BUDDHA’S MUDRAS in depictions BUDDHA’S MUDRAS in depictions  AFTER BUDDHA'S PASSING At his death, Buddha told his disciples to follow no leader, but to follow his teachings (dharma). 3 months following his death: First Buddhist Council (483 B.C.E.) is convened w/ 500 monastics in attendance.  1ST BUDDHIST COUNCIL Purpose of the council: 1) To record the Buddha's sayings (in sutras) & 2) To codify monastic rules (vinaya)  1ST BUDDHIST COUNCIL Ananda (Bud.'s cousin & one of his main disciples) was called upon to recite the Discourses of the Buddha, & Upali (another disciple) recited the rules of the Vinaya (rules for monastics). Main Texts in Buddhism: PALI CANON – TRIPITAKA (3 BASKETS)  PALI CANON - TRIPITAKA (3 BASKETS) Pali Canon: Orthodox text of reference throughout the history of Buddhism. Not written in Sanskrit but in Pali language (vernacular language) spoken by the early disciples of the Buddha  PALI CANON - TRIPITAKA (3 BASKETS) The Buddha's Teachings & the "Language of the People": While Sanskrit was the language of the Vedic texts and more formal religious discourse, Pali was more accessible and widely spoken among the common people in the early Buddhist era. The early Buddhists chose Pali as a language that would be understood by a broader audience, rather than Sanskrit, which was reserved for the elite or scholarly circles.  PALI CANON - TRIPITAKA (3 BASKETS) The Buddha's Teachings and the "Language of the People": The Buddha emphasized the importance of teaching the Dharma (the Buddha's teachings) in a way that was understandable to ordinary people. Pali was not only the language of the region but was also seen as the language of the common folk, making it the ideal medium for spreading the teachings. By using Pali, the early Buddhist texts were accessible to the laypeople as well as to monks.  PALI CANON - TRIPITAKA (3 BASKETS) The Buddha's Teachings and the "Language of the People": In sum, the Pali Canon was written in Pali b/c it was the language spoken by the early Buddhist communities, it was more accessible to the general pop. compared to Sanskrit, & it reflected the Buddha’s emphasis on simplicity & communication of his teachings to all people, not just the elite or scholars.  PALI CANON- TRIPITAKA (3 BASKETS) Pali Canon, a.k.a. Tripitaka (3 baskets): 1. Vinaya -> ‘ Discipline’ Rules for monastics 2. Sutras -> Discourses of the Buddha Talks to his disciplines explaining his teachings 3. Abhidharma Philosophical texts  PALI CANON- TRIPITAKA (3 BASKETS)  BUDDHIST PRECEPTS 1. VINAYA 'Discipline'  BUDDHIST PRECEPTS 1. VINAYA 'Discipline' Set of rules of monastic discipline -> MONKS (bhikshus) = 227 rules -> NUNS (bhikshunis) = 311 rules Numbers can vary fr. place to place, but always more rules for nuns for their protection & to account for biological differences, like menstruation, etc. 2nd BUDDHIST COUNCIL (ca. 380 BCE) 2nd Buddhist Council meets  2nd BUDDHIST COUNCIL(ca. 380 BCE) 2nd Buddhist Council meets b/c a dispute arose over interpretations of Buddhist scriptures. Disagreements over interpretation of monastic rules in Vinaya (= 'discipline', rules for monks & nuns)  2nd Buddhist Council convened following conflicts between: Traditional schools A more liberal of Buddhism & interpretational movement called the Mahasanghikas.  BUDDHIST SCHISM So, approx. a century after death of its founder, Bud. began to split into dif. grps.  BUDDHIST SCHISM So, approx. a century after death of its founder, Bud. began to split into dif. grps. Eventually 2 main schools developed Theravada & Mahayana  BUDDHIST SCHISM So, approx. a century after death of its founder, Bud. began to split into dif. Grps. Eventually 2 main schools developed Theravada & Mahayana “Way of the Elders” “Great Vehicle” * Mahayana school refers to Theravada as 'Hinayana' (-> derogatory term: 'Little Vehicle')  Spread of Buddhism Buddhist monastic missionaries translated scriptures into local languages when Buddhism spread across Asia. SPREAD OF BUDDHISM SPREAD OF BUDDHISM THERAVADA MAHAYANA (Southern (Northern transmission) transmission) Sri Lanka Tibet Thailand China Burma Taiwan Laos Japan Cambodia Korea Mongolia & parts of S.E. Asia & parts of S.E. Asia