Social Studies – Ancient India Please open up your iPad to my web page & click the SS link. Thursday,

Directions 1. Read Ms. Golub’s PPT presentation on the caste system. If it helps, consider using the body parts to help you remember the various levels of the caste system.

Buddhism An old man, a sick man, a dead man, and a holy man led to the start of a new religion in India – Buddhism. A king in northern India had a son named Siddhartha Gautama. It was predicted this child would become a spiritual, not a worldly leader. When Siddhartha saw old age, sickness, death and suffering, it would grieve him greatly. In the dark of night, he left his palace & went in search of truth that would erase suffering from the world… More tomorrow…

The Holy Man Siddhartha encountered a wandering holy man whose only possession was a simple bowl. He was old. He was poor, but somehow, he was CALM & CONTENT. Siddhartha began to question his own way of living. How could this old, sick, poor man be filled with such peace while Siddhartha, a wealthy prince, was filled with such anxiety? His decision – leave his wealth, his palace & his family behind. Siddhartha left the palace in the dark of night in search of a truth that would erase suffering and sorrow in the world.

Legend The story about Siddhartha’s birth & childhood – it’s a legend. The facts about his life may be hyped up in order to teach a lesson. Siddhartha lived from 563 – 483 BC. This man really DID seek new ways to live better and he founded BUDDHISM, one of the world’s major religions.

Here’s What He Did He deeply meditated for 49 days. Nature noises and other wanderers could not break his concentration. He found a way to escape suffering. From that moment on, he was called Buddha, a word which means “enlightened one”. Buddha began to teach – He initially had five followers, but in just a few days, 60 more joined him. He sent these disciples / students to spread the Buddhist dharma (the law or teachings). He lived in this way until his death at age 80.

The Four Noble Truths Please note the Cause-Effect Nature 1.People experience suffering & sorrow.  2.Suffering and sorrow are caused by greed, hatred & ignorance.  3.We can be freed from suffering by overcoming its cause.  4.People can overcome greed, hatred & ignorance by practicing the Eightfold Path, a path with eight steps for living a correct, right life.

Eight “Groups” – Your Job Is… Step 1Beckett & Natalie Step 2Amer & Ava Step 3Ellie & Colin Step 4Erika, Daniel & Patrick Step 5Anya & Brad Step 6Max & Bella Step 7Connor & Lilli Step 8Devon, Emily & Casey