Buddhism

Buddhism Buddhism is a tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development striving for a deep insight into the true nature of life but does not worship gods or deities.

Buddhism Origins: Founded in India around 500 BC Later spread to East Asia Founded by the Buddha

Buddhism Origins: Does not believe in a supreme being or god Venerate Buddha, believing that he embodies attributes of perfected man

Buddhism Buddha: Born named Siddartha Gautama Lived the secluded life of a prince until one day when he left the family compound Outside, he saw for the first time: An old man, a diseased man, & a corpse Learned that these are realities of life

Buddhism Buddha: Began to meditate & study Came to an abrupt realization: In human life good is always mixed with bad. The problem is that human beings naturally want only to embrace the comfortable or desirable parts of life and ignore the rest. Began to teach others how to escape suffering – took the name “Buddha” or “Enlightened One”

Buddhism Beliefs: Based on beliefs of Hinduism Accepted ideas of karma, dharma, reincarnation Rejected ideas of social hierarchy & a supreme god Overarching belief in morality, equality, reciprocity, mental development, & wisdom

Buddhism Beliefs: Live in harmony with events & course of life Live the “Middle Way” Ex: Joy & sorrow, Life & death Must cling to neither extreme Human problems stem from unnecessary mental attachments Ex: ego, other people, material objects

Buddhism Beliefs: Four Noble Truths All life is suffering; Suffering is caused by desire; There can be an end to desire; Follow the eightfold path

Buddhism Beliefs: Eightfold Path Right understanding Right resolve Right speech Right action Right livelihood Right effort Right contemplation Right meditation

Buddhism Beliefs: Through the Eightfold Path, the cycle of rebirth can end the state of nirvana - reaching enlightenment

Buddhism Practice: Very personal religion that can be practiced at home or in temples Meditation a way of taking control of the mind so that it becomes peaceful, focused and more aware done through body & mind, for example breathing

Buddhism Practice: Other Common practices: Venerating Buddha Exchanging gifts Pilgrimage Ordination Mandalas

Buddhism Practice: Ordination: Buddhist Monk

Buddhism Practice: Mandalas:

Buddhism Facts: Fourth largest religion Practiced mostly in E & SE Asia Theravada vs. Mahayana branches Dalai Lama