Abstract
The premise of VICTOR H. MAIR's wide-ranging article is that written Chinese emerged not as transcribed speech, but rather as a special, radically shortened cipher with its own grammatical and expressive conventions. He calls this written form Literary Sinitic (LS) and finds the disparity between it and any form of spoken Chinese, which he refers to under the general heading of Vernacular Sinitic (VS), is of
a wholly different nature than the contrast between written Latin and any modern written or spoken Romance language. Indeed, he argues, Literary Sinitic remained incapable of serving as a means of recording spoken Chinese or any other language. Thus, for Mair, the question becomes: How did vernacular written forms emerge in a milieu in which Literary Sinitic dominated intellectual life? He finds the earliest instances of written Vernacular Sinitic occur typically in Buddhist texts. He believes
the Buddhist emphasis on the principle of teaching through the local dialect (desa-bhasa) was a major impetus for the development of written vernacular, but concludes it is difficult to determine exactly which aspects of Buddhism had the greatest influence on the slow maturation of written Vernacular Sinitic. Mair's article broadens the consideration of written Chinese that Daniel Gardner (50.3 [August 1991]:574-603); Chad Hansen (52.2 [May 1993]:373-99), (52.4 [November 1993]:954-57); and
Marshall Unger (52.4 [November 1993]:949-54) have explored in recent issues.
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3.5: Development of Portable Belief Systems
Historically, belief systems have been shared along trade routes and at times, have been transformed once they’ve entered a new region. This was certainly the case with Buddhism.
Created by World History Project.
3.5: Development of Portable Belief Systems
Use of statues and picturesCommon. Statues are used as meditation objects, and revered as they reflect the qualities of the Buddha.
In Catholic & Orthodox Churches.
Place of originIndian subcontinent
Roman province of Judea.
Belief of GodThe idea of an omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent creator is rejected by Buddhists. The Buddha himself refuted the theistic argument that the universe was created by a self-conscious, personal God.
One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity.
Place of worshipBuddhist monasteries, temples, shrines.
Church, chapel, cathedral, basilica, home bible study, personal dwellings.
FounderThe Buddha (born as Prince Siddhartha Gautama).
The Lord Jesus Christ.
PracticesMeditation, the Eightfold Path; right view, right aspiration, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration
Prayer, sacraments (some branches), worship in church, reading of the Bible, acts of charity, communion.
ClergyThe Buddhist Sangha, composed of bhikkhus (male monks) and bhikkhunis (female nuns). The sangha is supported by lay Buddhists.
Priests, bishops, ministers, monks, and nuns.
Literal MeaningBuddhists are those who follow the teachings of the Buddha.
Follower Of Christ.
Life after deathRebirth is one of the central beliefs of Buddhism. We are in an endless cycle of birth, death and re-birth, which can only be broken by attaining nirvana. Attaining nirvana is the only way to escape suffering permanently.
Eternity in Heaven or Hell, in some cases temporal Purgatory.
FollowersBuddhists
Christian (followers of Christ)
View of the BuddhaThe highest teacher and the founder of Buddhism, the all-transcending sage.
N/A.
Goal of religionTo attain enlightenment and be released from the cycle of rebirth and death, thus attaining Nirvana.
To love God and obey his commandments while creating a relationship with Jesus Christ and spreading the Gospel so that others may also be saved.
Population500-600 million
Over two billion adherents worldwide.
Means of salvationReaching Enlightenment or Nirvana, following the Noble Eightfold Path.
Through Christ's Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
MarriageIt is not a religious duty to marry. Monks and nuns do not marry and are celibate. Advice in the Discourses on how to maintain a happy and harmonious marriage.
A Holy Sacrament.
Geographical distribution and predominance(Majority or strong influence) Mainly in Thailand, Cambodia, Sri lanka, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, Japan, Myanmar (Burma), Laos, Vietnam, China, Mongolia, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. Other small minorities exist in other countries.
As the largest religion in the world, Christianity has adherents are all over the world. As a % of local population, Christians are in a majority in Europe, North and South America, and Australia and New Zealand.
ScripturesTripitaka - a vast canon composed of 3 sections: the Discourses, the Discipline and the Commentaries, and some early scriptures, such as the Gandhara texts.
The Holy Bible
Human NatureIgnorance, as all sentient beings. In the Buddhist texts, it is seen that when Gautama, after his awakening, was asked whether he was a normal human being, he replied, "No".
Man has inherited "original sin" from Adam. Mankind then is inherently evil and is in need of forgiveness of sin. By knowing right and wrong Christians choose their actions. Humans are a fallen, broken race in need of salvation and repair by God.
Original Language(s)Pali(Theravada tradition) and Sanskrit(Mahayana and Vajrayana tradition)
Aramaic, Greek, and Latin.
SymbolsThe conch, endless knot, fish, lotus, parasol, vase, dharmachakra (Wheel of Dharma), and victory banner.
Cross, ichthys ("Jesus fish"), Mary and baby Jesus.
Confessing sinsSin is not a Buddhist concept.
Protestants confess straight to God, Catholic confess mortal sins to a Priest, and venial sins straight to God (Orthodox have similar practice) Anglicans confess to Priests but considered optional. God always forgives sins in Jesus.
Religious LawThe Dharma.
Varies among denominations. Has existed among Catholics in the form of canon law.
View of other Dharmic religionsSince the word Dharma means doctrine, law, way, teaching, or discipline, other Dharmas are rejected.
N/A
Holy days/Official HolidaysVesak day in which the birth, the awakening, and the parinirvana of the Buddha is celebrated.
The Lord's Day; Advent, Christmas; New Year, Lent, Easter, Pentecost, every day is dedicated to a Saint.
Status of VedasThe Buddha rejected the 5 Vedas, according to the dialogues seen in the nikayas.
N/A.
Authority of Dalai LamaDalai Lamas are tulkus of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. They are cultural figures and are independent of the doctrinal basis of Buddhism.
N/A.
Goal of PhilosophyTo eliminate mental suffering.
Objective reality. Worship of God who created life, the universe, and is eternal. Christianity has its own philosophy, found in the Bible. That philosophy is Salvation from sin, through the Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ.
Religion which atheists may still be adherents ofYes.
No.
Place and Time of originThe origin of Buddhism points to one man, Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, who was born in Lumbini (in present-day Nepal). He became enlightened at Bodhgaya, India and delivered his first set of teachings at a deer park in Sarnath, India.
Jerusalem, approx. 33 AD.
Concept of Deityn/a. According to some interpretations, there are beings in heaven realms but they are also bound by "samsara". They may have less suffering but have not yet achieved salvation (nibbana)
1 God, in 3 Divine Persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
No. of Gods and GodessesNumerous deities. No supreme creator.
1 God
View of other Abrahamic religionsN/A.
Judaism is regarded as a True religion but incomplete (without Gospel, and Messiah) Islam is regarded as a false religion, Christianity does not accept the Qur'an as true.
Belief of deitiesNumerous non-creator deities.
One God three forms: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Authority of PopeN/A.
Leader and overseer of the Catholic Church. his authority is completely rejected by Protestants, and is viewed by Orthodox as first among equals. Orthodox and Protestants reject Papal infallibility and Papal supremacy.
Most Common SectsMahayana, Theravada, Vajyana. Zen is the most well-known Mahayana sect. Tibetan is the most well-known Vajyana sect.
Catholics, Protestants, Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Mormons (LDS).
Spiritual BeingsBuddhas, Bodhisattvas, Devas, & gods & goddesses.
Angels, demons, spirits.
Founders and Early LeadersBuddha & his disciples.
Jesus, Peter, Paul, and the Apostles.
Views about other religionsSee no contradiction in following more than 1 religion.
No other religion leads to God. Judaism being a unique exception, Jews viewed as ignorant of the Messiah.
Virtues in which religion is based uponCompassion.
Love, charity, and mercy.
Three Jewels/TrinityThe Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
The Blessed Trinity: In the name of the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit
What is it?Buddhism is the religion founded by Buddha, to which he is central to.
Christianity is the religion founded by Christ, to which He is central to.
On AtheismVaries. It is possible for a Buddhist to be atheist.
Varies. Some believe atheists will go to hell because they do not believe in God; others believe God does not operate that way. "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, their deeds are vile..." —Psalm 14:1
On Other ReligionsBuddhists usually see no contradiction in following more than 1 religion.
Many Christians believe all other religions are false. Moderates may or may not believe this. "Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips." —Exodus 23:13
On AfterlifeReincarnation, Hell, or ultimate Nirvana.
Eternal life in heaven (paradise) or hell (torment). Some Catholics believe in purgatory (limbo, temporary punishment).
Which of the following contributed most to the diffusion of Buddhism throughout Asia?
Which of the following contributed MOST to the diffusion of Buddhism throughout Asia from circa 600-1450 C.E.? Peaceful contact by missionaries and merchants along Asian trade routes.
Which of the following historical examples demonstrates centralized rule during the classical era?
Examples of centralized states in the classical age are Han China, Mauryan India, and the Byzantine Empire. More decentralized states were Gupta India and the Zhou Dynasty of China.
Which of the following was diffused in a similar pattern to Buddhism's spread in the 600
C- Mahayana Buddhism emerged, leading to Buddhism's first theological dichotomy from its origins. Based on your knowledge of world history, which of the following was diffused in a similar pattern to Buddhism's spread in the 600-1450 C.E. period? A- Neoconfucianism in China.
How was the role of religion in Empire and state building similar or different throughout Afro Eurasia?
How was the role of religion in empire and state building similar or different throughout Afro-Eurasia? Religion was a vital part of state-building in much of the world because it helped to unite a diverse population and strengthen political control over territories.