Buddhism is a spiritual tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development and the attainment of a deep insight into the true nature of life. There are 376 million followers worldwide. There are 150,00 Buddhists in Great Britain.

He left the royal palace one day and encountered… Born into Nepal over 2,500 years ago. Embraced a life of poverty. Lived a life of luxury and prestige. SIDDHARTHA GAUTAMA = THE BUDDHA OR THE ENGLIGHTENED ONE

Neither way of life satisfied the Buddha SO he decided to look for a middle way of life

ULTIMATE AIM OF BUDDHISM: to reach enlightenment. "I teach suffering, its origin, cessation and path. That's all I teach", declared the Buddha. 4 Noble Truths Dukkha- the truth of suffering Samudāya- the truth of the origin of suffering Nirodha- the truth of the cessation of suffering Magga- the truth of the path to the cessation of suffering ULTIMATE AIM OF BUDDHISM: to reach enlightenment. If a person reaches enlightenment is filled with compassion for all living things and then they are freed from the cycle of rebirth.

ACTIONS MOULD THE FUTURE! CONTROLS WHEN AND WHERE A PERSON IS REBORN! Karma ACTIONS MOULD THE FUTURE! SELF DETERMINED! GOES BEYOND THIS LIFE! CONTROLS WHEN AND WHERE A PERSON IS REBORN! Our past actions effect us either positively or negatively now, and our current actions will effect us in our future.

The realm of the Heavens, the home of the gods. The realm of humanity. The realm of the Titans or angry gods. The realm of the hungry ghosts. The animal realm. The Hell realm.

The Buddhist Community is split into four main parts Monks Nuns Laymen Laywomen The laymen/women perform the day today tasks in society much like any other person, i.e. work, marriage, raising families etc. They also provide support for the monastic community by raising money, donating food, this allows the monasteries to concentrate on their pursuit of Nirvana. This way of life has existed for centuries and continues to evolve today. An example of this generosity by the laypeople can be observed daily as the monks go into the towns and villages to beg for alms which will aid them in their spiritual quest. This can take the form of necessary items such as food. The giving action is an opportunity to practice generosity, one of the strands of the ‘Noble Eightfold Path’. The Noble path is one of the ways in which Buddhists live their lives and is represented by a wheel with eight spokes. By living by this code Buddhists believe that they can influence a better rebirth in the next life.

Typical day for a Tibetan Buddhist Monk 5.00 am: Puja (gathering prayers for offering). This takes two hours, and in this time, breakfast if offered. It consists of butter tea and bread. 7.00 am: Memorization (the monks memorize the Buddhist texts) 8.00 am: Debate Class (debating is how the monks learn Buddhist Philosophy and Analytical Meditation) 11.00 am: Gathering, prayers, and lunch 12.00 noon: Monks then have an opportunity to go and see their individual teachers for more Buddhist philosophical studies 5.00 pm: Gathering, prayers and dinner 6.00 pm: Debating Class 9.00 pm: Memorization and recitation (whatever prayers and texts they have memorized they then recite to enable them to keep it in their mind). This is sometimes done in the street by l\the only available lights…..pale street lamps. They continue this until 10 or 11 o’clock…then bed!!! For some monks though, in higher grades, they continue until midnight or 1am!!!!!

General Rules for being a Buddhist No killing of any sentient being (similar to Jainism) nor using animal products (milk, eggs, leather, feathers, etc. - similar to vegan). Oddly, the cuisines of all the predominantly Buddhist populations feature meat. Alcohol and other intoxicants are forbidden because they may result in violations of others of the "Five Moral Precepts": no killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying or partaking of intoxicants. Also intoxicants cloud the mind and interfere with the concentration needed to achieve enlightenment. Onions, Garlic, Scallions, Chives and Leeks, "the five pungent spices" are forbidden for some sects (China, Vietnam) for pretty much the same reason as in Hinduism, they're said to lead to anger (raw) and passion (cooked), but the Buddhists add that their odours repel gods and attract hungry ghosts and demons.

Worship For the Layperson worship normally takes place at home daily, this is done in front of a shrine. A shrine normally consists of: An image of the Buddha – reminds us that we too can reach enlightenment Candles – represent the light of Buddha's teachings Incense – remind us that small things can make a big difference Flowers “puja” - an offering to Buddha reminds us nothing is permanent Seven bowls of water - for washing hands and face, flowers, incense, drinking water, food and music.

Food Facts Despite the fact Buddhists cannot harm other living creatures they are allowed to eat meat. Only the Priests, Monks and Nuns adhere to a strictly vegetarian diet. The Buddha himself is reported to have died from eating tainted pork.

The Triple Gem The Buddha (blue), The Dharma (yellow), The Sangha (Red)

Until the 20th century, the swastika was the symbol of good fortune, prosperity, and longevity in many Far Eastern countries. The word swastika comes from the Sanskrit svasti, which means good fortune, luck, and well-being. In Buddhism, the swastika represents the turning of the “Dharma wheel”, and thereby promotes goodwill, compassion, and generosity to all sentient beings.

Festivals Wesak- May (full moon day) Magha Puja- February (full moon day) Wesak- May (full moon day) Sangha Day- November (full moon day)

Quiz 1. What is Wessak also Known as? 2. Name the ‘Three Gems’ 3 What does Buddah represent?