Buddhism

Basics Symbol is the wheel of life Began in India Shares many beliefs with Hinduism

History Gautama lived life of luxury until left palace wall to find much human suffering Vowed to live a life of self denial Sit under tree until attain enlightenment On 7th day, awoke and achieved enlightenment

Beliefs Emphasis of religion is based on mediation and the observance of important moral beliefs: not to kill not to steal not to act in an unchaste manner not to speak falsely not to take intoxicants

Monks additional beliefs not to eat at times not appointed not to view entertainment deemed as “secular” not to wear perfumes or bodily ornaments not to sleep in beds that are too high or too wide not to accept money

Four Noble Truths Life is Suffering Suffering has a cause: craving and attachment Craving and attachment can be overcome The path toward cessation of craving and attachment is an Eightfold Path

Eight Fold Path Right View Right Intention Right Speech Right Action Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Concentration

Nirvana State of final liberation from a cycle of birth and death. This is basically part of the belief in reincarnation in that human beings are trapped in a cycle of birth and death under the law of karma until complete release is attained. Achieve nirvana through 4 noble truths

Gods There are familiar Hindu gods, but they are not the center of Buddhism More focus is put the on the individual’s path to achieve spiritual enlightenment Spiritual goals and enlightenment are not dependent on any god

Buddha’s Death After Buddha’s death, confusion about what road Buddhism would take 18 different schools of thought developed Two schools dominated – Theravada and Mahayana

Two Schools of Thought Theravada - Emphasis on detachment and seclusion, pursuit of a rigorous, purifying lifestyle for the sake of spiritual goals Mahayana - bodhisattva, a enlightened person who put off union with the Ultimate for the benefit of all beings (service to others)

Holy Days Nirvana Day – February 15th when Buddha’s death is observed Buddha Day – April 8th when Buddha’s birth is celebrated Bodhi Day – December 8th the day when Prince Gautama sat under a Bodhi Tree, not to leave until he received enlightenment