Buddhism

World History Prompt #1

        After careful review of the history of Buddhism in China, it is clear that while common people embraced Buddhism, whether it was accepted, depended upon who was ruler at the time.

        In Documents 1 and 2, each author discusses the effect and benefits of the Buddhist lifestyle to overcome personal gratification and greed living more of a peaceful life. In document 1, “The Four Noble Truths,” this was the first sermon ever preached by Buddha (563 – 483 BCE). The sermon is about suffering, the effect of suffering, and how one can stop suffering and sorrow.         After the Han dynasty fell in 220 CE, there was great turmoil in China from a political and economic standpoint. There were a series of earthquakes, plagues, and floods that decimated food supplies and caused a huge peasant uprising. It was thought by these peasants that the hardships they encountered were because of anger and punishment from heaven from the rulers. Buddhism during this time grew because the philosophy appealed to so many people. The peasants wanted to end their suffering and for the rulers to embrace Buddhism and stop craving power and pleasure. The belief that accepting Buddhism as a way to stop all the greed and craving for personal satisfaction and selfishness was prevalent. Buddhism helps people control those emotions that cause anxiety and worry. Buddhism is a means through meditation to escape into emotional withdrawal and not feel the suffering of normal life around you. Buddhist influence increased during the next years of economic and political instability and continued to grow through the period of restored imperialism by the common man and the desire to live at peace.

        In comparison and affirming the first sermon by Buddha, document 2 was written by Zhi Dun, a Chinese scholar and author who was a friend of the wealthy aristocrats and high officials during a time when northern China was invaded by central Asian steppe nomads around 350 C.E.

        Buddhism is essentially reaffirmed in this article as an attractive means for life. Zhi Dun in his writing lifts up anyone who serves the “Buddha and correctly observes the commandments, who recites the Buddhist Scriptures, and who furthermore makes a vow to be reborn without ever abandoning his sincere intention, will at the end of his life, when his soul passes away, be miraculously transported thither. He will behold the Buddha and be enlightened in his spirit, and then he will enter Nirvana”. This path would help someone be able to live a peaceful life.

        While Buddhism is seen as a way to live peacefully within yourself and not get too involved with political discourse, documents 3 and 4 follow a Confucius perspective. In document 3, written by an anonymous Chinese scholar,, “The Disposition of Error,” China, circa 500 C.E., the author argues questions that challenge Buddhism from a Confucian viewpoint. The author claims in the document the “The Way of Buddha” can be followed alongside Confucian perspectives. Chinese Buddhist in the timeframe of 500 C.E. modified their Buddhism and called it Zen. Zen is from the Sanskrit (Hindu) word ‘dhyana,’ which is translated to meditation. This type of Buddhism has its focus on meditation and personal experience instead of someone telling or discussing something for a person to learn. If it can be experienced, then it can be learned easier as in watching a butterfly land and take off and seeing this happen rather than just be told about the beauty of the scene. The Zen believed if an experience is taken in this way, it will create deep peace and calm, therefore being in harmony with the Buddhist Way.