JP 2700 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Butsudan, Bhaisajyaguru, Impermanence
Document Summary
Buddhism was introduced to japan in 552 a. d. The japanese emperor asked china for some military help. It was accepted for its technology from china. It brought literacy, a written language system developed in japan for first time. From china, through korea, architectural, and artistic technology came to japan via buddhist priests from korea coming to japan to build buddhist temples. Buddhism is involved in reincarnation, karma, and nirvana. Thus nothing has any self-identity or permanent value. Ultimately you should get away from the world as it"s. 3 characteristics of existence (trilaksana): impermanent: impermanence (anitya/anicca, no self-identity (anatman, suffering (dukkha) The historical buddha is more than just a person; buddha represents universal ideals/values through cosmic buddhas. The historical buddha lived from the 5-6th century b. c. We should all strive to be a bodhisattva (saints) They are very compassionate and reject nirvana in order to help people.
