Historical Development of Buddhism Flashcards
AO3: What does Williams say about the linguistic nature of Buddhist schools uniqueness?
In ‘Mahayana Buddhism: The Doctrinal Foundation’, Williams presents an ‘essentialist fallacy’ giving rise to the idea that because we use the same word there must be ‘a core, an essence, identified by relevant definition’.
AO3: What historical evidence is there of Buddhist belief diversifying?
The Enryaku-ji monastery was influential on Eisai, Dogen, Honen, Shinran and Nichiren yet they all founded their own sects.
AO3: How did Buddhism initially diversify?
Monks travelling within Japan, China and Korea absorbed new beliefs, modifying their practices.
AO3: What core Buddhist beliefs unify the religion?
TFNT, TEP, The Refuges, The Three Lakshanas and enlightenment and meditation.
AO3: What forces shaped Japanese Buddhism?
Social, political and cultural forces.
AO3: What about the Japanese schools of Buddhism makes them similar to each other?
They are a linear development of Cha’an Buddhism found in China.
AO3: How is Zen Buddhism not unique?
What the teacher passes on is a way to achieve enlightenment just as Gautama did for six years after the renunciation.
AO3: How does Pure Land lack uniqueness?
Concerned with how the least moral will achieve rebirth anywhere else than the hell realm. Enforces virtue of metta and karuna.
AO3: What vow is Pure Land Buddhism similar to?
The Bodhisattva vow which helps other sentient beings achieve enlightenment.
AO3: How does Nichiren Buddhism lack uniqueness?
Focus on upaya - skilful means - and devotion towards the Gohonzon is no different from other Buddhist Rupas ie. Kamakura Daibutsu.
AO3: How may Zen Buddhism be seen as unique?
Its close link to social status - Rinzai Zen for the ruling class and Soto for the general populace.
Rinzai Zen also strongly linked to martial arts and Samurai tradition.
AO3: How is Pure Land Buddhism unique?
Reliance is removed from Jiriki (own power) to Tariki (other power), provided by the Amida Buddha.
AO3: How is Nichiren Buddhism unique?
There is an entirety of focus on the Lotus Sutra and the devotional practice of chanting the Daimoku.
AO3: How may Japanese Buddhism be seen as unique overall?
The lineage between student and teacher is held in such a high esteem ie. Pure Land focus on Honen.
AO3: How may Japanese Buddhism be seen as unique overall?
The lineage between student and teacher is held in such a high esteem ie. Pure Land focus on Honen.