BUDDHISM "Behold, O monks, this is my last advice to you. All component things in the world are changeable. They are not lasting. Work hard to gain your own salvation." - The Buddha
Key Facts ●Arose in Northern India (Nepal) ●500 BCE; 6% of global religious followers ●Siddhartha Gautama is "The Buddha" or "the enlightened one"the enlightened one ● Based on Hindu culture: Believes in dharma, karma and reincarnation, but REJECTS all Hindu gods and the caste system.
Key Facts (Continued) ●Goal is to reach "NIRVANA" the "absence of want." ●Monastic Lifestyle: live simply, renounce material things. ●Meditation ●Martial Arts / Discipline ●Mind / Body Connection ●HOLY BOOK: Tripitaka ●Holidays - Buddha's Birthday, New Year
The 4 Noble Truths 1.Suffering Exists 2.Desire is the cause of suffering 3.Suffering ends when desire ends 4.To end suffering, follow the "8-Fold Path"
Dalai Lama ●Spiritual Leader of Tibetan Buddhists (Tenzin G.) ●In retirement politically; not spiritually. ●Forced into exile by Chinese communists. ●Symbol of anti-communist China. ●Predicts new Dalai Lama will be born in Tibet. ●Global symbol of enlightened living. enlightened living.