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Buddhism

Introduction
Origins:
The Buddha
Dharma:
Basic Teachings
Metaphysics
The Self
Nirvana
The Sangha:
Early History
Theravada
Mahayana
Zen and Other Buddhist Sects in China & Japan
Tibetan Buddhism

PowerPoint Presentation: An Overview of Buddhism

Buddhism in a Minute:

Buddhism is called the "Middle Way" of compassion and wisdom.

It began in India some 2500 years ago, spread to East Asia and ultimately disappeared from India by 1000 CE 

A number of recent commercial movies have focused on Buddhism, most notably: Little Buddha and Kundun (you might want to view these videos as you learn about this religion)

There are three basic components to Buddhism known as the "Three Refuges" (or the "Three Jewels"):

  • Buddha (teacher): like the doctor who diagnoses the problem and prescribes the cure (medicine)

  • Dharma (teaching): like the medicine which cures the problem (most important - more so than the "doctor" himself)

  • Sangha (community): like the nurses who assist us in using the medicine correctly for the greatest benefit (includes monks and heavenly beings)

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Created by Laura Ellen Shulman 

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Last updated: April 02, 2011