Nō Dramas

Two examples of nō plays that were based on Genji monogatari are Matsukaze and Nonomiya. After reading Matsukaze and Nonomiya, it is interesting that both plays share a similar plot even though they are written by different authors. Matsukaze, or also known as Pining Wind, was written by Zeami Motokiyo (1363 – 1443) around 1412 and according to Tyler, “[t]he background of Pining Wind includes a play which is now lost, Shiokumi (‘Gathering Brine’)” by Kiami (Tyler 183). The nō play Nonomiya, or also known as The Wildwood Shrine, is believed by most people to have been written by Komparu Zenchiku (1405 – 1468), who is the son - in - law and apprentice to Zeami. Both Matsukaze and Nonomiya share a similar story line and literary sources, but differ in how they were applied to contribute to the play’s plot, setting, characters, and relaying the emotion of the characters.

Masashi Kishimoto 's Naruto was not only created for entertainment purposes, but also to teach whoever consumed the manga/anime about basic Buddhist values and characteristics. Kishimoto 's goal was to change how Japanese society did not value religion as it did in the past. The youth-oriented audience was the main target for Kishimoto to influence, and he did well in accomplishing that. Kishimoto through Naruto was able to base its creation on Buddhism, target his youth-oriented audience and teach them subconsciously about Buddhism. Since Naruto is well known and popular, it is safe to say that Kishimoto in some sense was able to accomplish his goal.

Buddhism is also like Christianity in that it has separate division or paths its followers chose to practice. One called Theravada and the other Mahayana. As well as leaning many new things about Buddhism, after reading this chapter it has changed my opinion on what Buddhism really is. I now have a greater respect for Buddhism and its philosophies. So in the end I am glad that I have read the chapter on Buddhism in Huston Smith’s book The World’s Religions.

In order to eradicate the Duhkha in Peter’s life, he must recognize all these notions within the Buddhist doctrine along with that of Dependent Arising. This further explains the source of Anatman, offers a passage to eradicate the Duhkha, and further cease the existence of Samsara. With the dharma of the Buddha, it is evident that Peter’s ignorance towards life will become replaced by wisdom and comprehension, allowing him a lifestyle liberated from Duhkha. The method, in which Peter desperately attempts to decipher who he is, represents the flaws that the Buddha recognized in most sentient beings. These flaws are epitomized by the three marks of existence.

Buddhists also believe in hell just like Christians. They fear that if they do not follow their precepts, Buddhists stand the chance of being reborn in hell (Van Voorst 126). Both Christians and Buddhists also pray on a regular basis. While the Christians pray to an almighty god, the Buddhists pray to the Buddha for blessings (Van Voorst 130). While Buddhists do not consider Buddha to be a god, they still treat the idea of the Buddha as a divine image (Van Voorst 130).

Buddhism also tell us to seek an end of sufferings by an end of maya (illusion) . The decline of buddhism took place due to the atheistic nature of buddhism .Buddhism has survived due to a deification of buddha . God buddha is different from historical buddha .

Once we reach Nirvana, instead of ending the cycle of rebirth, we answer the prayers of those who need our help; we are compassionate even in death. The family of a deceased one must also pray for an extensive time to help the process of rebirth. We accept the Pal Canon as our sacred scripture, but we have many additions such as the Sanskrit, and the Sutras. We may not believe we have to be monastic like our Theravada elders, so we are considered the “liberal” Buddhists. The Buddha has unselfishly delayed Nirvana in perfection to help those seek enlightenment in their life and throughout it.

Dynamic Doctrinal Values: Buddhist Revolution and Protestant Reformation Despite being born more than two millennia apart, Martin Luther and Buddha Shakyamuni share many religious ideals. Their revolutionary actions to separate from the long held beliefs of those around them took many forms, specifically a shift in views of doctrine and scripture. Luther challenged the practices he saw in the Catholic Church after being a part of the monastic community by nailing his 95 Theses to the Wittenberg Church (Christianity IV, 3). Buddha rebelled against the longstanding Hindu practices in India, eventually living an ascetic lifestyle and sharing his wisdom with a select few followers. Both men significantly challenged the social order through their

For instance, in both religions it is a common belief that being materialistic is a surefire way to be unhappy. Buddhist teach that the only way to end human suffering, is to stop wanting what they do not have (book 124). Christianity teaches a similar lesson, not be tempted by materialistic spoils but to be faithful to the lord. Both religions put emphasis on preparing for the next life, or afterlife, instead of living up their current one carelessly. Buddhists also believe in hell just like Christians.

By not going with their instincts and ending all desire for the illusion of this world, one is able to reach enlightenment and finally rest from his suffering. The Buddhists worship the Buddha and follow the four noble truths in order to reach salvation. The four noble truths are: life is suffering, all suffering is caused by ignorance of the nature of reality and the craving, attachment and grasping that result from such ignorance, suffering can be ended by overcoming ignorance, and the path to the suppression of suffering is the Eightfold Noble Path. The Eightfold Noble Path is divided into three categories: morality, wisdom, and concentration. In contrast, Hindus say, “…that thou art.” This statement means that Brahman is the same as one true self, or his Atman.