Seven Dimension of Religion

1
From Daoism to Buddhism
Encounter with Chinese Hermits in Zhongnan
Mountain (South of Changan)
2

• Much of Daoist world view and human value is
  similar to that of Buddhism, at least in general
  terms
• Nature/universe is so vast/infinite that human
  knowledge cannot fathom
• Life and death is within the larger process of
  natural and cosmic transformation there are
  ceaseless cycles
• Humans can live better lives if they cut their
  desires to the minimum

3

• Plant/herb are good regimens for longer,
  healthier life
• Concentration/meditation conserves/nurtures vital
  force
• Abstention from using weapons/violence
• Follow the path (way) and become a better being

4
Buddhism General Remarks

• A more structured/systematic religious system
  than Daoism
• Doctrines run counter with traditional Chinese
  thought and values, particularly with Confucian
  values
• Underwent change, adaptation, adjustment, and
  transformation after its transposition from India
  to China

5

• Became a predominant religious form that
  assimilated Daoism and Confucianism
• Sinification/sinicization of Buddhism
• Growth of it in China made China the center of
  Buddhism in historical times

6

• The Hinayana School is considered a closer
  representation of the original Buddhas
  teachings, whereas the Mahayana School represents
  a more ideal, altruistic, egalitarian, and
  practicable form of the religion.
• The Mahayana School divided into sub-schools in
  China, with Tiantai, Huayan, Chan, Pure Land
  being most well-known

7
Is Buddhism a Religion?

• A question often asked when an Asian religion
  is mentioned
• Is Daoism a religion?
• Is Confucianism a religion?
• What does the word religion mean?
• Definition of religion?

8
Seven Dimensions of Religion

• Practical and Ritual
• Experiential and Emotional
• Narrative and Mythic
• Doctrinal and Philosophical
• Ethical and Legal
• Social and Institutional
• Material

9
Practical and Ritual

• Rites and ceremonies
• Ritual of initiation (head is shaved)
• Annual summer retreat
• Festivals

10
Experiential and Emotional

• Personal experience highly valued
• Meditation
• Accelerate spiritual development
• Compassion
• For the suffering of mankind

11
Narrative and Mythic

• Creation myth
• Jataka stories
• 547 in a Pali collection

12
Doctrinal and Philosophical

• Dharma
• Scriptures and canons
• Entire Philosophical system

13
Ethical and Legal

• Principle of non-harming
• Rejection of violence
• pacifism
• Respect for life
• Vegetarianism
• Precepts
• Monastic rules

14
Social and Institutional

• Sangha Buddhist order
• The Four Orders
• Monks
• Nuns
• Male lay disciples
• Female disciples
• Assemblies

15
Material

• Sacred spaces
• Buddhist sites
• Sacred objects
• Images
• Relics
• Scriptures

The Buddhas of Bamiyan and destruction of them