Buddhism The “middle way of wisdom and compassion” A 2500 year old tradition that began in India and spread and diversified throughout the Far East A philosophy, religion, and spiritual practice followed by more than 300 million people Based on the teachings of the Buddha

Who was the Buddha? Born Siddhartha Gautama – of noble caste in India, 563 B.C.E. Raised in great luxury to be a king Empathy for the suffering of others; rejected the life of luxury to seek enlightenment & solution to suffering Followed a strict ascetic lifestyle for six years

Buddha continued… Rejected this extreme, sat in meditation, and achieved… Nirvana – an awakening to the truth about life, becoming a Buddha Spent the remaining 45 years of his life teaching others how to achieve this peace of mind the “Awakened One” at the age of 35 49 days of meditation = nirvana which means extinction = suffering gets blown out like a candle

Within two centuries after the Buddha died, Buddhism began to spread north and east into Asia By 13th century Buddhism had disappeared from India ** GOES WITH MAP ON BACK OF CHART – REVIEW QUESTIONS AT THIS POINT!

India Buddha – hand touching the ground – calling to the earth to witness enlightenment

The Four Noble Truths 1. All life is suffering, pain and misery. 2. Suffering is caused by selfish cravings and personal desire. 3. Desire can be overcome. 4. Overcome desire by following the Eightfold Path. Major Points: There is no self All things are impermanent and flowing (you cannot step into a stream twice) Karma Reject the caste system

The Eightfold Path Right Knowledge – what life is all about Right Aspiration – devotion to the path of enlightenment Right Speech – clarity and kindness Right Behavior – don’t kill, lie, cheat, steal, drink intoxicants, or commit sexual offenses

7. Right Mindfulness – self-examination and awareness 5. Right Livelihood – choose an occupation that promotes life and well-being 6. Right Effort – maintain the effort to stop selfish passion and desires 7. Right Mindfulness – self-examination and awareness 8. Right Concentration – be absorbed in a state of Nirvana

Buddhism and Hinduism Buddhism rejects… Authority of the ancient Vedic texts The Vedic caste system The Vedic and Hindu deities Vedic worship and ritual The concept of Brahman Hinduism greatly influences Buddhism = karma, dharma, rebirth, etc. But, Buddhism rejects some of the principles of Hinduism as demonstrated on the slide Buddhism spreads to the EAST rapidly – spreads into India…but Hindu’s prevent the spread some by claiming that Buddha was also a Hindu deity

Buddhist Beliefs Rebirth (reincarnation) results from karma Nirvana is a peaceful, detached state of mind Achieving Nirvana means escape from the cycle of rebirth Once Gautama Buddha died, after 80 years of life in this world, he ceased to exist as a distinct being… Buddhism is non-theistic: Buddha is not the Buddhist God – he is just a revered teacher

Dharma Wheel - Manadala's are often used for mediation and contemplation.  Mandala is Sanskrit for circle, polygon, community, connection. The Mandala is a symbol of man or woman in the world, a support for the meditating person.