Siddhartha and Origins of Buddhism

Siddhartha “What could I say to you that would be of value, except that perhaps you seek too much, that as a result of your seeking you cannot find.”

Hermann Hesse 1877-1962 German-born Swiss novelist, won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1946 Called his books “biographies of the soul” Hesse grew up in a Catholic family, but rejected everything he had been taught.

Hermann Hesse Parents were missionaries. Hesse attended a seminary but ran away from school in 1892. In 1911, he visited India and learned about Eastern religions.

Origins of Buddhism The Big Idea Buddhism began in India and became a major religion. Main Ideas Siddhartha Gautama searched for wisdom in many ways. The teachings of Buddhism deal with finding peace. Buddhism spread far from where it began in India. Origins of Buddhism

Siddhartha Quest for Answers Siddhartha was born a prince, but he questioned the meaning of life. Determined to find answers using: Meditation Fasting Learning from different teachers Enlightenment Found it under the Tree of Wisdom while meditating Called the Buddha (Enlightened One) Spent the rest of his life traveling and teaching his ideas

Siddhartha and the Buddha Hesse’s Siddhartha shares his name with the Buddha, and the novel’s story is similar to what is known about Siddhartha Gautama (pronounced “Gaught-um”). Like Siddhartha, Siddhartha Gautama was born an upper-class Hindu in India. Like Siddhartha, Siddhartha Guatama left home to seek a religious goal and searched for years.

Siddhartha – The Story About the spiritual journey of Hindu man in India who abandons a life of privilege to seek enlightenment (around 500 BC) The million dollar questions: How do you achieve enlightenment? How do you live a happy, fulfilled life?

Teachings of Buddhism Four Noble Truths Suffering and unhappiness are a part of human life. No one can escape sorrow. 1. Suffering comes from our desires for pleasure and material goods. 2. People can overcome desire and ignorance and reach nirvana, a state of perfect peace. 3. People can overcome ignorance and desire by following an eightfold path that leads to wisdom, enlightenment, and salvation. 4.

The Eightfold Path

Siddhartha and The Buddha Like Siddhartha, Siddhartha Gautama studied with famous gurus of the day, but found their doctrines lacking. Both practiced the austerities and self-mortifications of the ascetics for many years.

Siddhartha and The Buddha From there, Hesse’s Siddhartha takes a divergent path from Siddhartha Guatama. Note: The name “Siddhartha” means “one who has reached his goal” or “one who has found meaning” (in existence).

Siddhartha Gautama He sat under a fig tree (the Bodhi tree) and meditated for days until he found answers for suffering. Once he understood the answer, he became the Buddha (the “enlightened one”).

Challenging Hindu Ideas Ancient Ways The Buddha taught that following the Vedic texts was unnecessary. Challenged the authority of Hindu priests Changing Society A more individualistic approach to enlightenment Rebirth as a means to evolve Caste System Opposed caste system The Eightfold Path could lead any individual to nirvana. The Buddha’s teachings reached all classes.

Buddhism began in India and then became a major religion. Buddhism branches out Asoka, one of the most powerful kings in India, became a Buddhist and spread Buddhism in India and foreign lands. Buddhist missionaries traveled the world to teach enlightenment. Buddhism splits Buddhism split into two main sects: Theravada and Mahayana. Members of the Theravada followed the Buddha’s teachings exactly. Members of the Mahayana believed that individual interpretation was important.

Early Spread of Buddhism

Iconography of the Buddha

Mudras

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