Identity of Buddhism
Guatama Buddha, founder
Sangha
Non-self and emptiness
Goal = nirvana
3 Periods of Development
Theravada and Sarvastivada schools
Madhyamika schoole (ultimate emptiness)
Vinjnanavada/Yogacara school
3 Vehicles
Hinayana (lesser vehicle)
Mahayana
Vajrayana (diamond vehicle) or Mantrayana
Buddhism = Sectarian Religion
Source of Authority
Gautama Buddha - based on teachings, experience of enlightenment, formulation of Four Noble Truths
Early Buddhism moved towards Civiliational involvement
Asoka
Better balance between Sangha and lay supporters
Adoption of teachings as philosophies to live by
Creation of stupas
Emphasis on meritorious giving
Theravada Definitions
500 arhats who completed first recitation (First Council)
School of elders
Pali = Buddhist canonical text
Buddhist Councils = Communal Recitations
Vinaya Pitaka - Discipline - Upali
Sutra Pitaka - Religious Discourses - Ananda
Abhidhamma - scholastic elaborations