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1. Grand Canyon University
Prof. Stan Meyer
INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM
By
Rev. Lynn Sugiyama
Arizona Buddhist Temple
4142 W. Clarendon Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85302
November 4, 2022

2. Buddhist Teachings:
The Three Universal Truths
Nothing is lost in the Universe (Emptiness)
Matter Turns into Energy, Energy to Matter
Everything Changes
All Things are Impermanent
Laws of Cause, Condition and Effect
Karma (Action) and Its constant workings
Nirvana (Extinguish) is Calming

3. Buddhist Teachings:
The Four Noble Truths
1. Life is a Bumpy Road (Duhkha)
2. Causes of Duhkha are Greed, Anger, Ignorance
3. There is a Way to Transcend Suffering
4. To Transcend One Practices the Eightfold Path
Right View
Right Purpose/Intention
Right Speech
Right Conduct
Right Livelihood
Right Endeavor
Right Mindfulness
Right Meditation

4. Buddhist Teachings:
Six Paramitas (Six Perfections)
1. Dana (Charity and Kindness)
2. Sila (Discipline)
3. Khsanti (Patience, Forbearance)
4. Virya (Effort, Endeavor)
5. Dhyana (Meditation)
6. Prajna (Wisdom)

5. Theravada, Mahayana & Vajrayana:
84,000 Ways to Enlightenment
Theravada – Teaching of the Elders
Mahayana – Big Message to Broader Audience
Zen Buddhism - Meditation
Pure Land Buddhism - Jodo Shinshu ( Shin Buddhism), Amida Buddha
Humanistic Buddhism - Tzu Chi, Benefit others, Salvation
Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhism – Tibetan Buddhism, Mental/Physical Energy

6. General Buddhist Practice
Practice of Awareness
Three Treasures - guidance from the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
Daily Practice of the Eightfold Paths
Apply the Six Paramitas to perfect the practice the Eightfold Paths
Listen to teachings and consult with Teachers and Sangha
Understand the meaning of Impermanence and Interdependence

7. What is Pure Land Buddhism?
Amida Buddha’s name means Infinite Light and Infinite Life
Amida Buddha represents True Reality
Through Amida Buddha’s wisdom and compassion he created the Great Vow
that he accepts all of us as we are
Amida Buddha created Pure Land for all Sentient Beings
Pure Land is the Realm where there is peace, bliss & enlightenment
Pure means no defilements, no evil, no suffering, no delusions or hatred
The Pure Land is Indescribable, Infinite and Mystical

8. Pure Land Buddhism Practice
We have one Life to Live. How do you live it?
Live Your Life in Gratitude
Through Amida Buddha, The Entrusting Heart and Mind is Realized within the Follower
Faith is the true cause of birth in the Pure Land
To break the bonds of self-attachment and become truly settled

9. Service at the Arizona Buddhist Temple
Vandana Ti-Sarana – Three Refuges and Adoration
Chanting Sutras
Dharma Talk - Sermon
Gatha (Songs and Hymns)
Closing Reading
Dharma School Classes or Adult Discussion Group

10. Suggested Books:
The Teaching of Buddha by Bukkyo Dendo Kyokai, various editions.
What the Buddha Taught by Wahpola Rahula, Grove Press, 1974.
Ocean by Kenneth Tanaka, Wisdom Ocean Publications, 1997.
River of Fire River of Water by Taitetsu Unno, Doubleday, 1998.
Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen, Broadway Books, 1997.
The Vision of Buddhism by Roger Corless, Paragon House, 1989.
The Heart of Buddha Dharma by Kenryu T. Tsuji, Ekoji Buddhist Temple, 2003.
Shinran’s Gospel of Pure Grace by Alfred Bloom, U of A Press, Association of
Asian Studies, 1965.