Buddhism- The Search for Nirvana

Origins Began in India in 400 BCE Founded in the teachings of the leader, Buddha or “the enlightened one”- was once a Prince Prince Saddhatta lived a sheltered life inside his palace walls Emerged from palace to see four things An old man A sick man A funeral procession A holy man Decided to give up all his worldly possessions and his family to experience suffering

Origins- continued The Prince left his palace to seek the truth about human suffering and achieve the peace of mind like the holy man he had seen He wanted to escape the cycle of suffering, death and rebirth (reincarnation) He tried many things such as starving himself, cutting all his hair off (a sign of vanity in India), and slept outdoors – nothing worked Finally he meditated under the “Bodhi” tree at Bodh Gaya (NE India) and after 3 days and nights, he found ENLIGHTMENT ENLIGHTMENT means free from the fear of suffering and and the cycle of death and rebirth He meditated alone for several weeks and then left to teach others how to find enlightment

Buddha taught: Beliefs- The Four Noble Truths Suffering: all life is suffering The cause of suffering: desire and craving To end suffering: To stop craving and desires The way to end suffering: The Noble Eightfold Path.

Beliefs- Noble Eightfold Path 1.See the world as it really is 2.Have the right intentions 3.Speak kindly, warmly, respectfully 4.Do not kill, harm or steal 5.Avoid jobs that harm the environment and creatures 6.Control dangerous desires 7.Be aware of your thoughts and feelings 8.Achieve a state of inner calm through meditation

Beliefs- Bodhisattvas Bodhisattvas- deities are supernatural beings who provide rainfall, good crops, wealth, etc. These BODHISATTVAS are people who have achieved enlightment, but who have postponed nirvana to help others find enlightment Some Buddhists think that by praying to a deity their prayers will be answered

Beliefs- Karma Buddhists believe that a person’s actions give them good or bad karma If a Buddhist does not reach ENLIGHTMENT in their lifetime, they will be reborn into one of the six realms on the Wheel of Samsara You can be reborn into everything from a god to hell The best is to be reborn into a human so you have a chance to reach nirvana again

Scriptures There are many but best known is: Pali Canon Text is carved onto wooden blocks and paper is rubbed over them Three parts: Explains the rules, explanations and stories for nuns and monks 10,000 sayings from Buddha and his followers Info on Philosophy, science and religious beliefs

Temples Laughing Buddha in Richmond (there are lots of buddhas- those who have reached Nirvana are a Buddha Richmond

Prayer Wheels in Tibet Tibet Temple- watching you! Or meditation?