Buddhism

Buddhism Basics Founder: Prince Siddhartha Gautama Year: around 550 BCE Origin Region: India God(s): none (some “worship” Buddha) Sacred Writing(s): Three Baskets Place of Worship: Temples

Buddha

History of Buddhism When Prince Siddhartha was born, a holy man prophesied the Prince would be either a great military leader or a great religious teacher His father wished him to be a leader, so Prince Siddhartha grew up in his palace protected from any kind of suffering As an adult, he ventured outside the palace gates and saw pain and suffering He saw a holy man meditating and trying to achieve enlightenment He realized his calling and left his wife and child to find a religious solution to human suffering and find true happiness

History of Buddhism Prince Siddhartha learns to meditate and then joins other religious men fasting and meditating After six years, Prince Siddhartha experiences Enlightenment; “Middle Way” -- moderation As Lord Buddha, he preaches his first sermon to other religious men and travels around northern India for years, spreading the Buddhist teachings Buddhism spreads throughout Asia and branches out into different forms A853165D36E0&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US

Main Teachings and Beliefs 4 Noble Truths 1)Life is full of pain and suffering 2)Suffering is caused by desire 3)Suffering can be overcome by emptying yourself of all desire 4)This can be achieved by following the “Middle Way”

Main Teachings and Beliefs Eight Fold Path – Middle Way 1)Right Understanding -- know the 4 Noble Truths 2)Right Thought -- think kindly of others and focus on the present 3)Right Speech -- speak kindly and truthfully 4)Right Action -- act kindly toward all living things 5)Right Work -- have a job that doesn’t harm others 6)Right Effort -- cleanse the mind; positive thoughts 7)Right Mindfulness -- have concern for others 8)Right Concentration -- concentrate during meditation 3B59AD522500&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US

Main Teachings and Beliefs Goal is to reach Nirvana -- total state of emptiness (no desire or suffering) 5 Precepts (Morals): 1) Do not kill 2) Do not steal 3) Abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence. 4) Do not lie 5) Do not consume alcohol or other drugs

Buddhist Celebrations Vesak - joyful celebration marking Buddha’s birth, Enlightenment and passing away; full moon in May; houses decorated in flags and flowers; people bring food, candles and flowers to the monks; and monks read the teachings of Buddha.

Buddhist Celebrations Asalha - commemorates Buddha’s first sermon to his first five disciples after attaining Enlightenment; full-moon of the 8th lunar month (July); festivities include a colourful procession, ceremonial food offerings, sports competitions, and musical & cultural performances.