Introduction to Buddhism Aim: To know and understand the key beliefs of Buddhism

Where? Buddhist teachings are about 2500 years old. Today there are estimated to be about 327 milling Buddhists most of whom live in Asia. There are approximately about 130,000 Buddhists living in Britain.

What? Buddhists follow the teachings of a man called Siddattha Gotama, the BUDDHA. He lived in India in the 6th century BCE. Buddha is not his name but a special title as he has gained enlightenment. . ENLIGHTENMENT is a special understanding, realising the truth about how things are. Buddhists believe that the world is imperfect but the Buddha found the answer to why this is and so can over come it.

Buddhists believe that by following the teachings of the Buddha they to can gain enlightenment. Buddhists do not believe in an all powerful God, they do not believe that Buddha himself was more important than a normal human being. He was important because he had reached enlightenment.

Samsara Buddhists believe that when they die they will be reborn unless they reach enlightenment. This is called SAMSARA. Buddhists try to break this cycle and reach NIRVANA. This is the end of imperfection and the state of perfect peace. They try to reach Nirvana by meditating and following the Buddha’s teachings.

Symbols The wheel The Lotus Flower

Tasks Explain why the wheel is one of the symbols of Buddhism. Explain the idea of Samsara. Homework: Create an information page on Buddhist beliefs