Recent Changes

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Holidays and Custom:
Buddhist Birthday Celebration: This is the biggest celebration in buddhism history, it falls on the 8th day in the fourth month on the lunar calendar. After morning meditation everyone in the service has the oppurtunity to bath the baby buddha while chanting Shakamuni. This signifies honoring all children in the future of buddhism. This celebration ends with the lotus lantern lighting and chanting service. this is an old traditional buddhist customs. this is showing for their renewal to enlighten themselves, or to gain spirtual being,
Buddha's Enlightenment Day: this celebrates the three days that Gautama sat under the bodhi tree in india and gained enlightenment, after the third day of unbroked sitting he opened his eyes and saw the world. He attained enlightenment, and began to teach other about his findings. thus this made him become the buddha. This sitting celebrates quietness and calmness.
Buddhas Parinirvana's Day: This is the day dedicated to buddhas passing into the perfect nirvana. This is represented by the second full moon day. this day usually falls in March.
Ullambana Day: This is the Buddhist holiday for the deceased, This day is to pray for the peace and happiness for all that came before us. Its the eighth full moon day of the lunar calendar. This also is simultaneous with The end of summer 3 month rain retreat.
General Rules: No Killing of any sentient being, nor the use of any animal products. oddly the dietary of all buddhist variations contain meat.
- Alcohol or any other intoxicants are forbidden because it might go against any moral teachings of the buddhism religions. Also intoxicants cloud the mind and may interfer with meditation or clear thinking.
- Onions, Garlic, Scallions, Chives, and Leeks are all forbidden. They are believed too power feelings of anger and passion in the mind. thier odors are believed to repel gods and attract hungry demons and ghosts.
Bibliographies:
Buddhist Holidays." Welcome to the Zen Buddhist Temples in Ann Arbor, Chicago, Toronto, New York City, and Mexico City. 자혜불교회 선련사. Buddha Customs and Holidays Association. Web. 28 Mar. 2011. http://www.zenbuddhisttemple.org/holidays.html.
"Buddhism: An Introduction." Mindbird Maps & Books: Exploring the World Around & Within. Web. 22 Mar. 2011. http://www.mindbird.com/buddhism__an_introduction.htm.
Nivedita, and Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy. Myths of the Hindus and Buddhists. Dehli: Low Price Publications, 1997. Print.
This source is very valuable, and has a lot of good information and details on a lot of different things. It talks a lot about how many of the art forms started, and where they got their beliefs from. Dates are a key thing when it comes to past moments in history, and they do a really good job in here saying the dates and referring to how long ago certain time periods were. It also gives good information as to where and which empires took control of many of these places and how these empires brought their beliefs into it.
This source applies to the usefulness of my part of the project because it killed two birds with one stone. The architecture and the art forms are very similar, because the art forms were just mere statues. They were statues of people who each of the empires believed in, and or possible ones of their leader themselves. It would also guide me through the different eras and when each of the empires brought their ideas from India to different places about Southern Buddhism. Each empire had a central belief which they demonstrated a different way. And this website shows that and shows each empires creativity.
Buddhist Dietary Customs. CloveGarden. Southern East Spiritual Teachings. Web. 28 Mar. 2011. <http://clovegarden.com/diet/buddha.html>.
This is a great website to find out about the diet of people who practice buddhisms. I found alot of valuable information and it seems to be accurate. Also The website was easy to navigate and find more information. All the information on this was about customs and diet of monks and buddhist followers. I now know more about the life of monks. It also had very good sectional organization. Overall this website was very useful and helped me create this website. This also showed me how peaceful and how much concentration goes into practicing buddhism. I reccomend this website to anybody looking for buddhist information.

{http://www.charlesdittell.com/images/buddha2.jpg}
-This quota by Buddha questions a lot of ideas that people do on a everyday basis http://www.charlesdittell.com/images/buddha2.jpg
Artforms: The orthodox form of Buddhism, is known as Southern Buddishm. To this day it is still practiced in the same places that it was started: Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Each of these places has different types of art forms. The Sri Lanka is known for its creations of Buddhist sculptures made of stone and and cast in Bronze alloy. In the neighboring country of Myanmar, it was strongly influenced by Indian Art of the Gupta and post-Gupta periods. Thailand was influenced by direct contact Indian traders and people expanding from the Mon empire. Again the Thailand was was inspired by the Gupta period as well.
Architecture: Very similar to the Artforms of Southern Buddhism, they based a majority of their architecture on Indian style. They had direct contact with the Indian traders, causing their style to be very similar to those of the Indians. This can be traced back to B.C. 255. Indian art and architecture was influenced by Asoka after he made a large extent through Asia and India. The stupa was the first main architecture created during this large extent. He created stone pillars sybolizing his creed. The most famous of these is at Sarnath. After Asoka died, his work was regained and recreated, doubling its size and adding a gate to it, created by the Sungas.(http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/Culture/Archit/BudhArch.html)
Architecture
(http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Buddhist_Art#Southern_Buddhist_art) (Artforms and Architecture)
{http://www.dalailamajuly2008.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Theravada-Buddhism.jpg} Myanmar {http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/16/CambodianBuddha.JPG/170px-CambodianBuddha.JPG} Cambodia
Statues:
The Buddha Statue represents Siddhartha Guatama. He was the creator of the Buddhist faith. There are 4 different categories of Buddhist Statues.
Deva, Hindu deities who became buddhist.
Most Buddha statues are single fat men. Everything about a Buddha statue has a representation. Buddha's eyes are half closed to represent a meditative and relaxed state of mind. Different gestures of the Buddha mean different things. Buddha has long arms for generosity and long ears for the ability to listen.
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Symbols:
Eight spoked wheel, the bodhi tree, and empty throne, a begging bowl, a lion, triple gems, the deer, the stupas, the eight auspicious symbols, and the swastika are some of the many symbols of Southern Buddhism.
White- Purity and liberation.
Saffron- Wisdom.
{http://viewonbuddhism.org/images/3_three_jewels.gif} {http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1081/1137713156_5050d73e3f.jpg}
Artforms: The orthodox form of Buddhism, is known as Southern Buddishm. To this day it is still practiced in the same places that it was started: Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Each of these places has different types of art forms. The Sri Lanka is known for its creations of Buddhist sculptures made of stone and and cast in Bronze alloy. In the neighboring country of Myanmar, it was strongly influenced by Indian Art of the Gupta and post-Gupta periods. Thailand was influenced by direct contact Indian traders and people expanding from the Mon empire. Again the Thailand was was inspired by the Gupta period as well.
Architecture: Very similar to the Artforms of Southern Buddhism, they based a majority of their architecture on Indian style. They had direct contact with the Indian traders, causing their style to be very similar to those of the Indians. This can be traced back to B.C. 255. Indian art and architecture was influenced by Asoka after he made a large extent through Asia and India. The stupa was the first main architecture created during this large extent. He created stone pillars sybolizing his creed. The most famous of these is at Sarnath. After Asoka died, his work was regained and recreated, doubling its size and adding a gate to it, created by the Sungas.(http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/Culture/Archit/BudhArch.html)
Architecture
(http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Buddhist_Art#Southern_Buddhist_art) (Artforms and Architecture)
{http://www.dalailamajuly2008.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Theravada-Buddhism.jpg} Myanmar {http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/16/CambodianBuddha.JPG/170px-CambodianBuddha.JPG} Cambodia
Deities: In Buddhism The dieties help the practicioner partake in something, usually this can help meditation and many other things. These help focus, concentration, and meditation in Buddhism, In this case these are called yidams. Dieties also may function as a protector of dharma or an entire class of meaning or being. Dietie is originally a synonym for god but budhist do not refer to them as gods. Thier are many gods from the hindu religion that show up in buddhism, they are usually poytrayed in an act of humilation.
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Introduction:
parts of the Himalayas, Nepal,
By:Virkash Patel and Gina Girimont
(Tibetan Flag) ----------->
Festivals
{http://en.kunming.cn/subject/image/attachement/jpg/site162/20100208/00215a70c91c0cd9eeb838.jpg} Gutor: Day before New Year’s Eve (29th day of the 12th lunar month)
chose. After they the family
Losar:
(Buddhist dances) are performed.performe. (Kotan Publishing)
Chunga Choepa: Memorial Service on the 15th Also called
Saka Dawa Festival:This is the most important festival for Tibetan Buddhism. This particular festival admires Shakyamuni's Buddhahood and his mortal death. Sutras are recited and 'Cham' dances are performed.
These are just a few of the many exciting festivals that the Tibetan Buddhist celebrate.
The Office of His Holiness the Dalai Lama http://www.dalailama.com/biography/a-brief-biography
Global Tolerance. "Fait and Food." Faith and Food - the Way to Your Heart. 2009. Web. 23 Mar. 2011. http://www.faithandfood.com/Buddhism.php.
Mar. 2011. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/mar/11/dalai-lama-retirement-tibetans>.http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/mar/11/dalai-lama-retirement-tibetans.
By: Gina Girimont


Painted silk (used for funeral banners, clothes)
Statues: (Jason) One major Taoist statue is the Lao Zu. Lao Zu is the father of Taoism. Taoist immortal statue features Lao Zu sitting on a lion with his hands in the gesture of meditation and his legs crossed in the lotus position.
Architecture: (Jason)
The The various forms
Ba Xian An Monastery (Temple of the Eight Immortals)
{http://image.cnwest.com/attachement/jpg/site1/20080522/001372d8a0e0099f6ef608.jpg}

Map: (Grant)
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Taoist S
Art Forms: (Grant)
Earthenware, stoneware and porcelain (pottery)

Taoism
{http://www.energyenhancement.org/taoism/taoism.jpg}
What is Taoism?(kristen)Taoism?(Kristen)
Taoism is a Chinese philosophy that teaches conformity to the Tao by unassertive action and simplicity. In English, Tao translates to "The Way". There are approximately 200 million followers of Taoism but it's hard to give an exact number because Taoism is often associated with Buddhism and Confucianism.
History:(kristen)History:(Kristen) Taoism originated Tao Te Ching?(kristen)Ching?(Kristen)
The Tao Te Ching is a classic Chinese text written by Lao Tzu, which teaches that there is a dynamic, cosmic structure underlying everything that happens in the world, in a very poetic form. The Tao Te Ching basically says that we need to let life take its course and to not exert ourselves in opposition to it by trying to bend things to our will.
Deities: (Jason) Taoist believe
Influential people: Taoism was founded by a man named Lao Zu. Lao Zu is the most important person in Taoist history, some people even believe him to be a God. He is most known for the Daodejing which means “Way of Virtue." It is the most important manuscript in Taoism.
Zhuangzi is another influential person in Taosim. Zhuangzi was a Chinese philosopher and author, but is most known for his writing. His writing style consists of using parables, and paradoxical stories to convey Taoist beliefs. His most famous book is called the Zhuangzi. The Zhuangzi contains many stories and Koans all relating to Taoism.
Relationship with Nature: Taoism is viewed as the way of the universe; the norm, the rhythm, and the force behind and in all nature. Taoist followers believe that we cannot approach nature as a thing to be mastered but as a partner in a relationship. Early Taoist philosophers hoped to eventually bring human civilization into the natural order. Nature is taken to be infinitely wise, infinitely complex, and infinitely irrational. Nature does not need to be perfected or improved, we are the ones who need to change and come into accord. The only way to discover the original source is to observe nature.

Customs and Holidays:SomeHolidays: Some of the
Religious Ceremonies: (Grant) Food may be set out as a sacrifice to the spirits of the deceased and/or the gods, such as during the Qingming Festival. This includes slaughtered animals, like pigs and ducks, or fruit. Another form of sacrifice involves the burning of the Hell Bank Notes (made of joss paper), on the assumption that images burned by the fire will reappear as the actual item in the spirit world, making them available for revered ancestors and departed loved ones. Also on particular holidays, street parades take place. These are lively affairs which involve firecrackers and flower-covered floats playing traditional music. They also include lion dances and dragon dances. The participants are not considered performers, but rather possessed by the gods and spirits in question. Fortune-telling including astrology, I Ching, and other forms of divination are considered a traditional Taoist pursuit.
Literature: (Grant)
The Shen ("divine") grotto. Includes texts predating the Maoshan revelations.
Daoshi generally do not consult published versions of the Daozang, but individually inherit texts included in the Daozang. These texts have been passed down for generations from teacher to student. The Shangqing School has a tradition of approaching Taoism through scriptural study. It’s believed that if you recite certain texts often enough, you will be rewarded with immortality.

Symbols: (tracy)Yin-YangSymbols: (Tracy)Yin-Yang Symbol –
(masculine/feminine, light/dark)
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Map: (Grant)
{http://www.wadsworth.com/religion_d/special_features/popups/maps/matthews_world/images/w091.jpg}
Taoist Statues: (Jason) One major Taoist statue is the Lao Zu. Lao Zu is the father of Taoism. Taoist immortal statue features Lao Zu sitting on a lion with his hands in the gesture of meditation and his legs crossed in the lotus position.S
Art Forms: (Grant)
Earthenware, stoneware and porcelain (pottery)
Woodblock prints
Painted silk (used for funeral banners, clothes)
Statues: (Jason) One major Taoist statue is the Lao Zu. Lao Zu is the father of Taoism. Taoist immortal statue features Lao Zu sitting on a lion with his hands in the gesture of meditation and his legs crossed in the lotus position.
Taoist Architecture: (Jason)
The various forms of Taoist architecture include temples, palaces, nunneries, altars and huts where religious activities are performed. The structure of Taoist architecture consists of holy halls for sacrifice, altars to pray at, and rooms to chant in. Taoist temple buildings try to reflect Taoists' beliefs in happiness, longevity and immortality.
"Religious Taoism." Chebucto Community Net Home Page. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. <http://www.chebucto.ns.ca/Philosophy/Taichi/religious-tao.html>.
"What is Taoism?" http://users.ntplx.net/~bbarrett/intro-tao.htmlBooks
Watts, Alan, and Al Chungliang. Huang. Tao The Watercourse Way. Toronto, CA: Pantheon, 1975. Print.
"Chinese Philosophy:Taoism" http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/CHPHIL/TAOISM.HTM
Mar. 2011. <http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/zhuangzi/>.http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/zhuangzi/
Books
Huange, Alfred. The Complete J Ching. Web.
Lao Tzu. Tao Te Ching
Watts, Alan, and Al Chungliang. Huang. Tao The Watercourse Way. Toronto, CA: Pantheon, 1975. Print.