The Origins of Buddhism Section 8-1

Standards H-SS Know the life and moral teaching of the Buddha and how Buddhism spread in India, Ceylon, and Central Asia. E-LA Reading Connect and clarify main ideas by identifying their relationships to other sources and related topics.

Language of the Discipline Buddhism- a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhartha Gautama- an Indian spiritual leader. Salvation- escape Ascetic- people who practice extreme self-denial as part of their religious life. Mediate- to calm or empty the mind, often by focusing on a single object. Enlightenment- a state of perfect wisdom.

Anticipatory Set Have you ever thought about what happens to your body when you die? Have you ever wondered if your soul will continue to live? Does the afterlife exist? Well Buddhism is a religion that was based on these teachings from an Indian spiritual leader named Buddha.

The Life of Buddha (Input) Buddha was born as a prince named Siddhartha Gautama around 563 B.C. He ruled the kingdom now known as Nepal, a country north of India. According to the legend, a fortuneteller predicted two possible fortunes 1. He could become a mighty king a rule all of India 2. He could become a religious leader.

The Life of Buddha (Input) Siddhartha was raised in wealth and luxury. As he grew up his father protected him from everything unpleasant. He never saw anyone who was poor, sad, or sick. Guards always traveled ahead of him our of the palace and made sure there wasn’t anything unpleasant for him to see. Siddhartha married young and had a son

The Four Passing Sights (Input) One day when Siddhartha rode out of the palace with no guards he came upon “Four Passing Sights.” 1. An old man being sick. 2. A man shrunken by disease. 3. A man who had died and his family crying nearby. 4. A wandering holy man who was homeless but content. Siddhartha was shocked and horrified. “All the joy of life which was in life died within me.”

The Search for Truth (Input) Siddhartha decided to search for the truth about life, suffering, death. He studied with Hindu gurus who taught him that life was an endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. There was also a path of salvation from the endless cycle. Siddhartha then joined religious ascetics where he was to deny himself and his comforts.

Continued… (Input) He wore scratchy clothes, did not bathe, and meditated in the same spot for days. He also ate less until he was only living on a “single grain or rice” and “one jujube fruit.” After 5 years of this his body was very weak and he fainted. When he woke up he realized this was not the path to truth.

The Great Enlightenment (Input) Siddhartha renewed his search and meditated under a fig tree, later known as the Bodhi Tree (Tree of Knowledge). He meditated for 49 days and was visited by Mara, the god of desire and death. Mara tried to tempt him to give up his search by offering him wealth and other desired things. When that failed Mara attacked Siddhartha with rain and showers of rocks.

Continued… (Input) Siddhartha went back into a deep meditation and saw his past lives. He escaped that which tied him to the world and entered a new life free of desire and suffering. He achieved enlightenment and became Buddha, “the Enlightened One.” For 45 years he traveled across India preaching the message of truth and hope.

Checking for Understanding 1. By what means did Siddhartha Gautama find truth and hope? A. by waging war B. by trading goods C. through traveling D. through meditation Answer: D.

Checking for Understanding Buddhism was started by a man named A. Mara B. Bodhi C. Siddhartha Gautama D. Asoka Answer: C.

Checking for Understanding The Hindus told the Buddha about salvation, and A. a life of wealth, ease, and pleasure. B. escape from endless cycles of reincarnation. C. denying himself and physical comforts. D. a way to attract many followers t his ideas. Answer: B.

Checking for Understanding The first group that Buddha studied with in order to learn the truth about life was which of the following? A. ascetics B. monks C. gurus D. kings Answer: C.

Guided Practice and Independent Practice Students will work on the Reading Comprehension side of the 8-1 worksheet. Guided Practice: #1, 2 and 3 Independent Practice: #4 and 5.