Religions of the World - Lesson 16 - Buddhism - part 2

 Lesson 16 - Buddhism - part 2

AI Content Summary: This video, presented by Dr. Jeffrey S. Wasserman, continues an educational series on Buddhism (part 2). It explores the foundational scriptures, doctrines, and core practices of the tradition as follows: Buddhist Scriptures (The Three Baskets / Tripitaka): (0:00 - 16:59) Vinaya Pitaka: Focuses on the rules of monastic life and community conduct for monks and nuns (1:59). Sutra Pitaka: A collection of the teachings and wise sayings of the Buddha (12:52). Abhidhamma Pitaka: Contains profound, mystical, and advanced teachings intended for trained practitioners (14:23). Core Doctrines: (17:01 - 35:05) The Buddha famously rejected the Hindu concept of Atman (an eternal, individual soul). Instead, he taught Anatman (non-self), explaining that what we perceive as the "self" is actually a series of shifting processes (skandas): body, feelings, conception, karmic dispositions, and consciousness (17:24 - 24:51). He used metaphors—like a lit candle (27:52) and a signet ring impression in wax (30:02)—to illustrate that there is no permanent "thing" at the core of existence. The Four Noble Truths: (35:08 - 48:38) Dukkha: The truth that all life involves suffering or struggle (38:19). Cause of Suffering: The root cause is identified as desire (40:06). Cure: To eliminate suffering, one must remove desire (44:57). Way to the End of Suffering: The path to achieving this is the Eightfold Path (46:18). The Eightfold Path (Progressive Stages): (48:39 - 1:02:26) Wisdom: Developing right views (adopting the Four Noble Truths) and right intentions (cultivating a dispassionate lifestyle) (52:33 - 54:53). Morality: Focusing on right speech, which emphasizes the creative power of words and the importance of avoiding harmful or frivolous communication (54:55 - 1:02:02).

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Visit my website https://ConfessionsofaWanderingJew.com for a link to my "Wanderings" and "Afterthoughts" blogs, to read my book, Messianic Jewish Congregations: Who Sold this Business to the Gentiles and for the growing catalog of video classes on World Religions.

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Religions of the World - Lesson 15 - Buddhism - part 1

 Lesson 15 - Buddhism - part 1

AI Content Summary: This video, presented by Dr. Jeffrey S. Wasserman, serves as an introductory lecture on Buddhism (0:07-0:16), marking the fifth week of a broader course on world religions. The professor contextualizes Buddhism within its Hindu foundations, explaining how it emerged in India as a new path to escape the cycle of life, death, and rebirth known as Samsara (2:22-2:51, 37:33-38:12). Key concepts covered so far include: The Life of Buddha: The professor discusses Siddhartha Gautama, emphasizing that while many stories about his life are mythical or pedagogical, they reflect his quest for enlightenment and his eventual "awakening" (11:00-13:08, 17:50-21:18). The Middle Path: A core tenet of Buddhism, this path rejects both the extreme of self-indulgence (represented by his royal upbringing) and extreme asceticism (self-denial), offering a balanced way to navigate life (22:18-25:52). The Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path: The lecture outlines these as the practical "program" the Buddha offered to anyone, regardless of caste, gender, or social status, to achieve liberation (Moksha) within a single lifetime (38:05-41:49). The Axial Age: The professor places the Buddha’s emergence within the Axial Age (c. 750–350 BCE), a pivotal period of intellectual and spiritual transformation across the globe, including the era of prophets in Israel, Greek philosophy in Europe, and thinkers like Confucius in China (43:32-52:27). Coming up later in the video: The professor hints at the historical trajectory of Buddhism, explaining why it struggled to gain dominance in India but flourished after moving to China, where it was "marinated" in Chinese culture, leading to the development of Mahayana Buddhism (3:05-4:43, 54:39-54:59).

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Visit my website https://ConfessionsofaWanderingJew.com for a link to my "Wanderings" and "Afterthoughts" blogs, to read my book, Messianic Jewish Congregations: Who Sold this Business to the Gentiles and for the growing catalog of video classes on World Religions.

Religions of the World - Table of Contents

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Religions of the World - Lesson 14 - Hinduism - part 9

Lesson 14 - Hinduism - part 9

 AI Summary of Content:

This video, presented by Dr. Jeffrey S. Wasserman, is the ninth installment in a series exploring the history and development of Hinduism during its Modern Period (0:00 - 0:06). Key figures and movements discussed include: Early Modern Figures: The lecture begins by noting influential individuals and groups from the 16th to the 19th centuries, such as Kabir, Tulsi Das, and the Brahmo Samaj (0:06 - 0:30). Brahmo Samaj: The focus shifts to the Brahmo Samaj, founded by Ram Mohan Roy. The movement was later led by Keshab Chandra Sen, who sought to integrate elements of Christianity into a reformed Hindu faith (0:30:08 - 0:32:15). Later Reformers: The video introduces Swami Dayananda Saraswati, who founded the Arya Samaj in 1875. He advocated for returning to the original Vedas and rejected idol worship (0:32:28 - 0:34:15). Ramakrishna and Vivekananda: The latter half covers the life of Ramakrishna (1836–1886), a mystic who believed all religions lead to the same ultimate reality. His disciple, Swami Vivekananda, established the Ramakrishna Mission and is noted for his influential speech at the 1893 Parliament of the World's Religions in Chicago (0:34:23 - 0:40:15). Gandhi: The lecture touches on the contributions of Mohandas Gandhi (1869–1948), focusing on his synthesis of religious ideas, commitment to non-violence (ahimsa), and social reform efforts (0:40:22 - 0:41:40). Modern Movements: The video concludes by mentioning later influences, including the rise of Transcendental Meditation and the Hare Krishna movement in the West (0:41:45 - 0:44:18).

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Visit my website https://ConfessionsofaWanderingJew.com for a link to my "Wanderings" and "Afterthoughts" blogs, to read my book, Messianic Jewish Congregations: Who Sold this Business to the Gentiles and for the growing catalog of video classes on World Religions.

Religions of the World - Table of Contents

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Religions of the World - Lesson 13 - Hinduism - part 8

Lesson 13 - Hinduism - part 8

AI Content Summary:

This video (0:07 - 1:04:52), a lecture by Dr. Jeffrey S. Wasserman, provides an objective examination of the status and role of women in Hindu society throughout history.

The presentation explores how religious, social, and cultural frameworks have shaped the lives and perceived value of women within this tradition.

Historical and Cultural Context (0:07 - 38:05)

Marriage Traditions: Historically, as early as 200 B.C.E., marriages were arranged between families, often involving very young children (ages 5-10) to secure social or caste standing (10:34 - 16:50).

Dharma and Subservience: A woman's dharma (duty/destiny) was traditionally viewed as being entirely submerged within that of her husband or male family members. This concept contributed to women having limited independent agency (19:39 - 22:16).

The Practice of Sati: The lecture discusses the historical, though rare and outlawed, practice of sati, where a widow would cast herself on her husband's funeral pyre, driven by the belief that her purpose for existence ended with his death (27:16 - 31:38).

Social Dynamics and Perceptions (38:08 - 57:55)

Family Responsibility: Women are often viewed as the responsibility of their fathers, husbands, or sons throughout their lives (38:17 - 39:30).

Birth of a Female Child: The lecture notes that in some traditional viewpoints, the birth of a girl was not celebrated, reflecting a belief that there was "no joy" in the event because of her lack of an independent dharma and potential status as a financial burden (41:29 - 43:28).

Gender Imbalance and Modern Concerns: Dr. Wasserman highlights the prevalence of female infanticide and, in later years, the use of ultrasound for sex-selective abortion, leading to significant concerns about "missing" girls in population statistics (44:26 - 52:42).

Relationship Intensity Study: A study by sociologist Eileen Ross is cited, illustrating that in Indian society, intense family bonds were often found between mothers and sons, while relationships involving women or between sisters were historically rated with lower intensity (53:06 - 57:55).

Modern Evolution and Change (58:05 - 1:04:52)

Progress and Leadership: Despite these historical frameworks, the video notes a rapid modern evolution. It points to the significant presence of women in high-level leadership, such as former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, as evidence of a complex and changing landscape (58:05 - 1:00:28).

Home Reality vs. External Perspective: Dr. Wasserman observes that the traditional, patriarchal external perspective often contrasts with the reality inside the home, where women frequently hold substantial influence and responsibility (1:02:26 - 1:04:52).

Religions of the World - Lesson 12 - Hinduism - part 7

 Lesson 12 - Hinduism - part 7

AI Content Summary: This video, led by Dr. Jeffrey S. Wasserman, explores Yoga as a spiritual and philosophical system within the context of Hinduism. Rather than just physical exercise, yoga is presented as a disciplined path toward achieving union with the divine (Brahman) and attaining moksha (liberation). Key Concepts Covered: Definition of Yoga (0:40 - 1:49): The word comes from yuj, meaning "union." It is a systematic, ethical, and spiritual regimen to escape the cycle of existence and realize one's true self (Atman). Four Main Paths (3:30 - 8:00): Hatha Yoga: Focuses on the physical (postures/breathing). Karma Yoga: The path of action and producing good karma. Bhakti Yoga: The path of devotion. Jnana Yoga: The path of knowledge and self-realization. Yoga as a System (12:46 - 13:50): The video breaks down the stages of a meditative system: Asanas: Postures designed to neutralize the body as a distraction (20:11). Pranayama: Breath control to focus inward (23:48). Dharana: Concentration on a single point (25:04). Dhayana: Meditation to connect with the focal point (35:05). Samadhi: The final state of total awareness and union (35:33). Throughout the discussion, Dr. Wasserman emphasizes that the core goal of these practices is to strip away the layers of the body, mind, and ego to encounter the pure self (Atman), which is ultimately one with Brahman.

Religions of the World - Lesson 11 - Hinduism - part 6

 Lesson 11 - Hinduism - part 6

If you are wondering about my black-eye, I had cataract surgery the week before this was recorded. 15:00 - The Feminine in Hindu Deity - Devi-Shaktism 25:45 - Hindu Sacred Scriptures (What is religious "myth"?) 45:35 - The Bhakti Tradition AI Summary of Content: This video, presented by Dr. Jeffrey S. Wasserman, is the sixth part of a series on Hinduism. It provides a detailed overview of the Hindu concept of divinity and sacred scriptures. The Nature of Divinity (0:00 - 15:00): The video explains the distinction between Brahman (ultimate reality/being itself) and Lord Brahma (the creator god). It introduces the concept of henotheism—where an individual focuses their devotion on one chosen deity (such as Vishnu or Shiva) out of the many available, while still acknowledging the existence of others. The Feminine in Hindu Deity (15:00 - 25:45): The video explores the importance of the Great Goddess (Devi/Shaktism). It highlights how feminine deities are often seen as the active power (Shakti) that empowers male deities; without them, the male gods are considered passive or "corpses" (shava). Sacred Scriptures (25:45 - 45:35): An overview of Hindu scriptures categorized into Shruti ("hearing"/revelation, including the Vedas) and Smriti ("memory"/tradition, including epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana). The Bhakti Tradition (45:35 - 1:05:54): The video details the Bhakti tradition, which is the way of devotion. It uses the story of Yudhishthira and his loyal dog as a metaphor for the total surrender and devotion one can have toward a chosen deity to achieve moksha (liberation).

Religions of the World - Lesson 10 - Hinduism - part 5

 Lesson 10 - Hinduism - part 5

00:30 - Deities in Hinduism: Images and Info Links 29:02 - Henotheism and the Trimurti 46:25 - Intro to the Feminine in Divinity: Devi-Shaktism

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Religions of the World - Lesson 9 - Hinduism - part 4

 Lesson 9 - Hinduism - part 4

02:05 - The Three Debts of Life

09:30 - Four Aims of Life 26:40 - Darshana 37:44 - Darshana of Atman-Brahman 41:20 - Sankhya/Advaita Vedanta/Vishista Advaita

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Religions of the World - Lesson 8 - HInduism - part 3b

 Lesson 8 - Hinduism - part 3b

This video features a segment from the same course taught in 2021 at Harper College (Illinois) as a substitute for the 2022 lecture series lost due to a system error.

0:00:40 - Hindu Society - Castes 0:16:20 - Dharma 0:36:55 - The Stages of Life 0:51:54 - Excerpts from "330 Million Gods" video from the BBC's "The Long Search" series found at https://youtu.be/Y7OLjwEg5pQ?si=8GnhLlcqjJoknLQF

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Religions of the World - Lesson 7 - Hinduism - part 3a

 Lesson 7 - Hinduism - part 3a

This video features a segment from the same course taught in 2021 at Harper College (Illinois) as a substitute for the 2022 lecture series lost due to a system error.

This segment reviews Karma and Ahimsa.

0:12:40 - Brahman, Moksha and Samsara

0:27:05 - The Mysterious Brahman

0:41:51 - Karma and Self

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Religions of the World - Lesson 6 - Hinduism - part 2

 Lesson 6 - Hinduism - part 2

This video continues our discussion of Hinduism - pt 2.

00:23 - How does all of this work?

11:44 - Distinctive Marks of the Hindu Tradition (continued)

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Religions of the World - Lesson 5 - Hinduism - part 1

 Lesson 5 begins a multipart discussion of Hinduism:

Lesson 5 - Hinduism - part 1

330 Million Gods video mentioned at 20:40 can be viewed here:  

https://youtu.be/EALSAG2hngA?si=qfyHPekP_RArmJOL

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Religions of the World - Lesson 4 - God, gods or something else?

Lesson 4 discusses the subject of God

Lesson 4 - God, gods or something else?

330 Million Gods video mentioned at 20:40 can be viewed here:  

https://youtu.be/EALSAG2hngA?si=qfyHPekP_RArmJOL

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Religions of the World - Lesson 3 - What is faith and how does it work?

 Lesson 3 discusses the subject of "faith"

Lesson 3 - What is faith and how does it work?

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Religions of the World - Lesson 2 - What is religion?

Lesson 2 continues our discussion, "What is religion?"

Lesson 2 - What is religion? - part 2 of 2

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Religions of the World - Lesson 1 - What is religion?

Lesson 1 seeks to examine the subject of religion in general by asking the question, "What is religion?"

Lesson 1 - What is religion? - part 1 of 2 [This video was roughly edited to remove material that is specific to the administration and navigation of the coursework such as the syllabus and assignments required for college credit.] Link for Beatles 3000 video by Scott Gardiner found at 22:00: https://youtu.be/3Z2vU8M6CYI?si=6nhe0ZLAgDlJthEp

Lesson 1 - What is religion? - part 1 of 2

AI Summary of Content This lesson from Dr. Jeffrey S. Wasserman serves as an introduction to his course, Religions of the World, at the College of DuPage. The primary goal of the session is to grapple with the complex, academic question: "What is religion?" (1:12 - 1:30). Class Discussion and Initial Perspectives: Early in the video, students share their initial associations with the word "religion," which Dr. Wasserman charts on a whiteboard (2:01 - 8:56). Concepts mentioned include: Beliefs and Faith: Core internal experiences and convictions (2:36 - 2:44). Moral Frameworks: Concepts of reward, punishment, and judgment (3:11 - 5:06). Community and Culture: How religion exists within a social structure (4:12 - 4:27). Negative Aspects: The discussion also covers the role of doubt, sectarianism, and the historical link between religion and war (6:25 - 8:30). Defining Religion: Dr. Wasserman emphasizes that defining religion is notoriously difficult, noting that he once spent two weeks on this topic alone during his graduate studies (9:52 - 10:26). He introduces a "vanilla" working definition from professor Kent Richter: "Religion is a complex set of reasonably interwoven beliefs, behaviors, and experiences rooted in some notion of a : ultimate being" (12:57 - 13:16). He later explores the Latin root religare, meaning to bind or make loyal, suggesting that religion involves a voluntary commitment to something significant (16:24 - 17:48). Methodology and Scholarly Perspectives: Archaeology and History: Using a satirical video about the Beatles in the year 3000 (22:00 - 26:10), the instructor illustrates the challenges historians face when interpreting fragments of the past—a process similar to how we study ancient religious texts and traditions. Anthropological Views: Medford Spiro defines religion as an institution of "culturally patterned interaction" with "culturally postulated superhuman beings," noting that humans often create images of God based on their own cultural needs (31:23 - 35:32). Other Philosophical Frameworks: Friedrich Schleiermacher: The essence of religion is the "feeling of an absolute dependence" (39:24 - 40:08). Alfred North Whitehead: Religion is "what an individual does with his or her solitariness" (41:04 - 41:31). Immanuel Kant: Religion is the recognition of all our duties as "divine commands" (42:24 - 43:10).

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Video Classes: Lectures on World Religions

Between 1997 and 2023, I was a professor of World Religions at graduate and undergraduate institutions in Kentucky, Tennessee, Singapore and Illinois.  

The following videos are from a 3-credit undergraduate course, Religions of the World, taught online at College of DuPage (Illinois) in the Fall term of 2022 before retiring in May 2023 and moving to Jerusalem.   

As such, they represent the core of my understanding of the religious experiences of humankind.  Since I had finished recounting my own colorful and dizzying religious experience in the "Confessions" blog, I thought it would be valuable to pass this on to you.

My intention here was to objectively survey the main streams of religion without sectarian emphases or doctrinal/dogmatic authority claims.  I focused on the common elements of how historical religious movements work for adherents and how they understand their own relationship to their place in the universe.  I am not pushing an agenda here.  This is not about me--that is found in in my Confessions blogs.  This is about the general religious experiences of the human race.  I hope you find this helpful.

[These videos were roughly edited in 2026 to remove material that is specific to the administration and navigation of the coursework such as the syllabus and assignments required for college credit.]

As I finish editing this material, it will likely be about 35-45 hours divided into about 25 lessons.

You can also find these videos on my website ConfessionsofaWanderingJew.com and my YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/@JeffreyWasserman-PhD

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The textbook used for this course is edited by John Esposito: Title: World Religions Today Author: Esposito, Fasching, Lewis and Feldmeirer ISBN: 9780197537657 [paperback] Digital ISBN: 9780197537725 [ebook] Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2022/7th Edition 4th, 5th or 6th editions are less expensive and plentiful as used books. Reading the textbook isn't required, but I encourage you to get a basic religions textbook to help you absorb this material. We will follow this basic outline of study: 1. What is religion? 2. Hinduism/Sikhism/Jainism 3. Buddhism 4. Taoism, Confucianism 5. Judaism 6. Christianity 7. Islam

Messianic Jewish Congregations - BIBLIOGRAPHY

The following is a reproduction of my 1997 doctoral dissertation demonstrating that modern “Messianic Jewish Congregations” are actually evangelical Christian congregations, not Jewish. 

As such it represents my perspective in 1997 before my return to a Jewish way of life in 1999. Please see my Wanderings 1967-2025 for context. 

Both the 2000 print version and 2012 ePub are available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Messianic-Jewish-Congregations-Business-Gentiles-ebook/dp/B0097GFOTK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

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Bibliography

Books

Aviad, J.  Return to Judaism.  Chicago:  Univ. of Chicago Press, 1983.

Bellah, R.  The Broken Covenant.  New York:  Seabury Press, 1975.

Bellah, R., R. Madsen, W. M. Sullivan, A. Swidler, and S. M. Tipton.  Habits of the Heart.  New York:  Harper and Row, 1985.

Biale, D.  Power and Powerlessness in Jewish History.  New York:  Schocken Books, 1986.

Berger, Peter.  The Sacred Canopy:  Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion.  New York:  Doubleday, 1967.

Berkowitz, Ariel, and D’vorah Berkowitz.  Torah Rediscovered:  Challenging Centuries of Misinterpretation and Neglect.  Lakewood, CO:  First Fruits of Zion, 1996.

Birnbaum, Philip.  Encyclopedia of Jewish Concepts.  Brooklyn, NY:  Hebrew Publishing, 1979.

Brickner, David.  Mishpochah Matters:  Speaking Frankly to God’s Family.  San Francisco:  Purple Pomegranate Productions, 1996.

Chazan, Robert.  Daggers of Faith:  Thirteenth Century Christian Missionizing and Jewish Response.  Berkeley:  Univ. of California Press, 1989.

Chernoff, D.  Introduction to Messianic Judaism.  Havertown, PA:  MMI Publishing, 1990.

________.  Yeshua the Messiah.  Havertown, PA:  MMI Publishing, 1989.

Chosen People Ministry.  How to Introduce Your Jewish Friends to the Messiah.  Charlotte:  Chosen People Ministries, 1991.

. . . CONTINUE READING BIBLIOGRAPHY

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Messianic Jewish Congregations - APPENDIX - Survey Sample

The following is a reproduction of my 1997 doctoral dissertation demonstrating that modern “Messianic Jewish Congregations” are actually evangelical Christian congregations, not Jewish. 

As such it represents my perspective in 1997 before my return to a Jewish way of life in 1999. Please see my Wanderings 1967-2025 for context. 

Both the 2000 print version and 2012 ePub are available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Messianic-Jewish-Congregations-Business-Gentiles-ebook/dp/B0097GFOTK/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0

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Appendix

Messianic Congregation Survey

Congregation Name  ______________________________________

Address   _______________________________________________

                _______________________________________________

Survey Participant name?   _________________________________

Position in congregation?   _________________________________

How did your congregation get started?

• Mission of another church
• Denominational mission
• Agency mission
• Group of individuals
• Self
• Other  _____________________________

When?  ___________________

. . . CONTINUE READING SURVEY SAMPLE

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