"Namo"
- the meaning of "Namo" is to "take refuge into" or "pay respect to"
- before starting the class, everyone says "Namo Buddhaya", "Namo Dhammaya" and "Namo Sangyaha"
- the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha are all part of the "Triple Gem"
Universe
"We are a part of the universe, and the Universe is a part of us"
- this was said in one of the video that was played prior starting the class
- this just to say that the universe is constantly creating with a combination of resources, such as human beings.
"Thus" - 如是
- a word used in every sutras; "Thus have I heard..."
- 如 = Thus = The Teachings = Dharma = Truth
5 major religions:
- Christianity
- Hinduism
- Islam
- Buddhism
- Judaism
A game was played to learn these five major religions:
Christianity
- Hebrew was the founder of Christianity
- "Jesus" is a name for a Jewish boy who goes against his principles
- Christianity began about 2010 years ago
- Bible is Christianity's holy books
Judaism
- A religion for the Jews
- Christianity and Islam are the two religions that developed Judaism
- First 5 books of the Hebrew: Torah
- Talmud: The holiest book
- Synagogue is the Jewish house of workship
Hinduism
- Two third of the followers are in India
- Karma is the principle of effects derived from past actions
- Hinduism has many gods, of which the god, Brahma, being the creator of the universe
- Society based on the Caste system
- Vedas is the oldest sacred Hindu book
Islam
- Muhammad is an article about the Islamic prophet
- Followers live near the Mediterranean Sea
- Quran (Koran) is their holy book
- Allah is a word used in reference to the gods
- People in this religion is called "Muslim"
Buddhism
- The Triple Gem consists of: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha
- Samsara is a name given for the cycle of life and death
- Karma is also found in Buddhism, with the same system found in Hinduism
- Compassion is a philosophy that one must share a feeling of other's suffering
- The main teachings of Buddhism is to:
- To purifies one mind by oneself
- Abstain from doing all wrongs (5 precepts/10 good deeds)
- Take responsibility for you own actions
