Buddhism Hindus wanted a simpler more spiritual religion and found it in Buddhism. Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhartha was born around 563 BC in what is known today as Nepal.

Buddhism Siddhartha was wealthy, handsome and happily married. As Siddhartha explained his kingdom he found that many people were begging, starving and ill which became a way of life and suffering.

Buddhism Siddhartha then asked… Why did people suffer and how could they be cured? Seeking an answer he left his family and riches searching, living like a hermit, fasting, sleeping on hard ground, nearly starving.

Buddhism Siddhartha then meditated for as long as it took to get an answer. He spent the rest of his life wandering and telling people what he discovered. Siddhartha ‘s lesson on life and nature became known as Buddhism.

Buddhism To his followers Siddhartha became known as the Buddha or the “Enlightened One.” Siddhartha believed the only way to find truth in the world was to give up all worldly desires.

What is Buddhism If a person gave up all desires according to Siddhartha that person would reach Nirvana. Nirvana is not a place but a state of wisdom. Nirvana comes from Sanskrit meaning blowing out a candle flame.

The 4 Noble truths of Buddhism The Four Noble Truths comprise the essence of Buddha's teachings, though they leave much left unexplained. They are the truth of suffering, the truth of the cause of suffering, the truth of the end of suffering, and the truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering.

The 4 Noble truths of Buddhism Life is full of suffering. People suffer because they desire worldly things and self-satisfaction. The way to end suffering is to stop desiring things. The way to stop desiring things is to follow the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path The Noble Eightfold Path is the fourth of the Buddha's Four Noble Truths; the first element of the Noble Eightfold Path is, in turn, an understanding of the Four Noble Truths. It is also known as the Middle Path or Middle Way. Its goal is Arhatship. Arhatship- is the attaining of Nirvana

The Eightfold Path. Know & understand the 4 noble truths. Give up worldly things & don’t harm others. Tell the truth, don’t gossip, Don’t speak ill of others. Don’t commit evil acts like killing, stealing or living an unclean life.

The Eightfold Path. 5. Do rewarding work. 6. Work for good and oppose evil. 7. Make sure your mind keeps your senses under control. 8. Practice meditition as a way of understanding reality.

What is Buddhism A reason his ideas became popular was the fact he did not defend his system. Buddha did believe in reincarnation, but believed if the person did not want to be reborn, he need only follow the Eightfold Path. Many people liked Buddha’s philosophy especially untouchables and lower caste people.

Buddha in SE Asia Buddha spread his ideas for more than 40 years and his disciples took his message throughout Asia after his death. As more people practiced Buddhism, disagreements arose and the philosophy split into 2 groups.

Buddha in SE Asia The Theravada was the first group, which saw Buddha as a great teacher not a god. Theravada became popular In South and East Asia and in countries like Thailand, Ceylon, Cambodia, and Laos.

Mahayana Buddhism Mahayana Buddhists have a special affection for bodhisattvas. Bodhisattvas are enlightened people who have postponed heaven to stay on earth to help others. Mahayana spread into China, Korea and Japan.

Mahayana Buddhism Mahayana Buddhism teaches that Buddha is a god who came to save people. They believe that following the eightfold path is too difficult. These Buddhists simply believe worshipping Buddha will get them to heaven.

Mahayana Buddhism A special kind of Mahayana Buddhism developed in Tibet and mixed with Tibetan religion and Hinduism. There the Buddhist leaders called lamas head the government. The Dalai Lama was the head of the government and the Panchen Lama was the head of the religion.