Origins of Buddhism

Origins of Buddhism

Introduction

         I.            The early Indian kingdoms was more widely known as the birthplace of the two major religions, Buddhism and Jainism, during the sixth century B.C.E. ("Indian Kingdoms (Ca. 600--322B.c.e.)" by John Middleton). The dot on the forehead or the Ajna Chakra is considered to be the place of the "third eye" where one applies the Bindi. The Ajna Chakra is the site where one finally loses their Ahamkara (ego or sense of individuality) when one achieves self-realization or reaches a higher level of spirituality.

Body

Main Point 1: Past

         i.            The Information has been revealed in the past supporting evidence of these religions.

A.      A discovery of a 2,600-year-old wooden shrine surrounding the ancient tree in Nepal to which the Siddhartha's mother clung as she gave birth to him had revolutionized understanding of the origins of one of the world's major religions (Jonathan B.).

B.      Because of these religions, Brahmanical Hinduism had been the dominant faith ("Indian Kingdoms (Ca. 600--322B.c.e.)").

Main Point 2: Somewhat Present

       ii.            More recent findings show Buddhist writings.

       II.            After World War II, Americans encountered Zen Buddhism through the writings of D.T. Suzuki (a Japanese Buddhist scholar and thinker who was the chief interpreter of Zen Buddhism to the Western world) ("Buddhism Today" by Karen Bellenir).

Main Point 3: Future

     iii.            In the future, people will be converting into Buddhism based on passed findings.

     III.            American Buddhism is the result of a social movement that was forged by Asian immigrants and teachers, American converts, and sympathizers who had found wisdom in the Dharma (the teachings of Buddhism's founder, Siddhartha Gautama, 563–483 B.C.E) ("Buddhism in America" by Immanuel Ness).

Conclusion: Fun Facts

There is a movie about Siddhartha and Buddhism starring Keanu Reeves called Little Buddha (1993).

Buddhism is not really about salvation or original sin. Buddhism exists to deal with suffering. Buddhism does not have a god, different schools of Buddhism have different views about who the Buddha was. In this religion, there is no savior.

Works Cited

“Are You Spiritual But Not Religious?” Lion’s Roar. Melvin Mcleod. January 13, 2016. Web. 25

Feb. 2016.

"Buddhism in America." Encyclopedia of American Social Movements. Ed. Immanuel Ness. London:   Routledge, 2013. Credo Reference. Web. 9 Feb. 2016.

"Buddhism Today." Religious Holidays & Calendars. Karen Bellenir. Detroit: Omni graphics, Inc., 2004.   Credo Reference. Web. 9 Feb. 2016.

"Indian Kingdoms (Ca. 600--322B.c.e.)." World Monarchies and Dynasties. Ed. John Middleton. London:            Routledge, 2013. Credo Reference. Web. 9 Feb. 2016.

JONATHAN B. Tree shrine 'resets the origins of Buddhism'. Independent (UK) [serial online]. November   26, 2013:Available from: Points of View Reference Center, Ipswich, MA. Accessed February 9, 2016.