Life, the Universe, and the Buddha: Crash Course Religions #6

Getting stuck in a video game can be frustrating—especially when that game is the cycle of suffering. In this episode of Crash Course Religions, we’ll explore the ways Buddhists try to leave that suffering behind and reach enlightenment, using the teachings of the Buddha, the three jewels, the four noble truths, and the eightfold path.

Introduction: Game Over 00:00
Buddhist Beliefs 00:38
The Buddha 02:01
The Dharma 04:43
The Sangha 08:16
Review & Credits 10:14

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Want to find Crash Course elsewhere on the internet?

[robbiegarber]

We're getting out of Samsara with this one, boys.

[jaredwonnacott]

Gotta love the completely unbiased and in no way a shameless plug referrence to that great literary classic, Paper Towns.

[MerrikStryfe]

the fakeout at 1:22 made me actually laugh out loud XD well played to the crash course script writers and thank you for the additional knowledge!

[ojeilloh]

"There is suffering. Which is such a banger." Keep up the great work!

[gabrielmarciu]

As someone from a Christian-centric culture, it's very interesting to see and learn about religions like Buddhism where there's seemingly no need for a creation myth or a central God(s) figure and instead preaches attaining enlightenment for the self. It's a very different perspective from the way a Christian would see the path to enlightenment even if conceptually you're still getting rid of your desires.
I find this much more approachable than how we're taught/experience Christianity over here.

[galemartin]

Let me start off by saying I'm a novice in the world of Buddhism. After Afghanistan I was an alcoholic wreck. A Tibetan Buddhist monk help me with Buddhist teachings. I am no longer trapped by mistakes and horrors of the past and I no longer dread the future. I exist and that's all I need be. (At least this is my understanding for now) I am thankful to Gautama Buddha, I'm thankful to Thich Nhat Hanh, I am Grateful to Tina Turner and of I Am grateful to my teacher. I wish everyone well on their Journey. See you outer there😊

[ixfalia]

Yeah I feel the "desire" terminology trips people up, they think you need to not want anything, aspire to anything, as if that's "bad", but none of it is moralized quite that way. The "desire" bit is the word "trishna" is related to the English world "thirst" it's that you "thirst " and crave. It's not that you don't desire but that you don't crave the outcome, the specific outcome. In this way Buddhism reveals its similar principles with the philosophy of Stoicism. It's not about denying oneself of things, or not feeling things, but not holding too tightly to the feelings and gaining equanimity and evenness about how you respond. Understanding through karma that indulging in some things leads you and the world more likely to repeat behavior, and if that behavior isn't skillful, compassionate, or in line with your own aspirations and morality, you can lose yourself in it. The world becomes the actions we take, and in collective our actions make the universe, because we are fundamentally not separate from the universe, we are a part of it. That's what karma is about in Buddhism.

Many Buddhists use an analogy about the journey to enlightenment, nirvana, is like crossing a river, and that Buddhism is like a good boat. But you can cross the river on your own too, it's not exclusive to Buddhism, it's just that Buddhists believe their boat is pretty good. In fact, the yana in Mahayana refers to a 'vehicle' or boat, and the 'maha' shares ancestry with the word 'mega' as in megabyte, and means "greater" because they believe their branch focuses on saving a greater number of people. Tibetan Buddhism is sometimes called Vajrayana "the vehicle or way of the thunderbolt." Sometimes Theravada is described as 'hinayana' or 'little vehicle' for their focus on monks and the specific words of the Buddha, but they can consider that phrasing to be somewhat pejorative. Theravada is accurate, but sometimes it refers to schools as "nikaya" or gatherings.

[courseclarified]

Amazing series on Religion. Also the way that John Green speaks is so energetic.

[larka.sonder]

I haven't had a good cry watching John in a while, thanks. As a lay Buddhist it's the faith that speaks closest to my heart. Be moderate, help others, and do your best in all that you do. Thank you.

[patriciahughes]

So, I was uncertain how much new information I'd gather about Buddhism considering I'd read several texts as a way of increasing mental wellness for my own life. Turns out, QUITE A BIT! Crash Course always teaches me new and interesting things I'd never expect to have learned otherwise. In fact, I dedicate an hour or two in my daily routine to watch, take notes, and rewatch a video most days in the afternoon in order to continue educating myself for the pleasure, and wellness of simply learning. In the same way that cardio exercise, muscle building exercise, and meditation/mindfulness exercises are important, simply taking an hour or two to continue engaging your mind has multiple benefits for elongated brain health. I love this series!!!

[state_song_xprt]

For more info on Buddhism I highly recommend Religion for Breakfast's videos on the subject (Mahayana Buddhism has a lot more hells than you may expect) or Extra History's series on the history of Buddhism.

[unicorntamer]

You're still right on track with my community college online intro to World Religions class. What is Religion?, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Indigenous religions. Super cool!

[Crinklechip-s]

An excellent brief intro to Buddhism. Humour is a big part of teaching in Buddhism so this was perfect! Like so many paths there are a mind boggling amount of flavours within Buddhism. It would take a completely different course to explain them all. I practice Theravada Buddhism so this is my episode. This is a great course and I’m looking forward to more!

[pedrostormrage]

Now I don't necessarily believe in Buddhism (which is something I apply to all religions), but it is probably the one I most sympathize with regarding the goal (the end of suffering). The Middle Way reminds me of Aristotle's virtue ethics, which is also about balance and moderation. Buddhism really feels like something made to unite people, not divide them (which is not something you can say about all religions).

[DragonSageKaimus]

A way to remember the 8 noble truths is LIVECAMS:
Livelihood
Intention
View
Effort
Concentration
Action
Mindfulness
Speech

[wombat.]

THANK YOU. Enthusiastic respect and admiration and gratitude. Thank you for clarify so much about Buddhism, and the others you have covered so far.

Some that attracts me very strongly is I keep reading that the Buddha said approx:
"Don't take my word for these things. Go away, discuss it with people you know and trust, read more, find out if it really is right for you."
the Dalai Lama said/wrote similarly
"I don't want you to convert from your religion, that is working for you in your culture." and "Maybe use these practices to strengthen you in your own religion".

[supriadimarthaen]

Thank you Jon. As a Buddhist myself, your explanations are quite thorough and informative. Your religion contents have been consistently good. Look forward for the next one 😊

[gibtherockermusic]

Can't believe we're already at week 6!

[josephbohren]

You ended your U.S. History course in 2014. So much incomprehensible stuff has happened since then -- you really need to do second course, bringing it up to the present date.

[RenayEmond]

❤Well done ....if a tad BRIEF🙏
THANK YOU from an unlikely Theraveda Buddhist Canadian 🇨🇦😂
This is THE BEST CRASH COURSE SERIES YET❣
💯
Sending Great Gratitude & Appreciation, Big Blessings & Love, Many Mercies & Adventures,  All the Compassion & Luck🍀🙏✌🏽✊🏽❤
May All be free from Suffering
🖖💓🖖DFTBA