Rev. Sugiyama, congregational leader of the Phoenix Buddhist Temple

1. Grand Canyon University
INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM
By
Rev. Lynn Sugiyama
March 11, 2021

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 Duhkha
2. Cause of Duhkha are Greed, Anger, Ignorance
3. There is a Way to Transcend Suffering
4. Practice of 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. Buddhist Teachings:
Anatta (Pali) or Anatman (Sanskrit)
Non-Ego (What does this mean???)
No permanent Ego
Whole universe is in transformation
Oneness in Life, we are all interconnected, interdependent

6. 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)
Humanistic Buddhism - Benefit others, Salvation
Vajrayana or Tantric Buddhism – Tibetan Buddhism

7. General Buddhist Practice
Practice of Awareness
Three Treasures - guidance from the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
Practice 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

8. Zen Buddhist Practice
Meditation to gain insight on self and nature of existence
Self Examination
“To Study the Buddhist Path is to Study the Self
To Study the Self is to forget the Self
To Forget the Self is to realize Myriads of Things ……”
Master Dogen (Founder of Soto Zen Buddhism in Japan)

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

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

11. 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

12. 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.
The Vision of Buddhism by Roger Corless, Paragon House, 1989.
The Heart of Buddha Dharma by Kenryu T. Tsuji, Ekoji Buddhist Temple, 2003.
Buddhism Plain and Simple by Steve Hagen, Broadway Books, 1997.
Shinran’s Gospel of Pure Grace by Alfred Bloom, U of A Press, Association of
Asian Studies, 1965.