Buddhism: 4 th largest religion in the World: 350 million people; 6% of world Founded in Northern India by Siddhartha Gautama Currently practiced primarily in various parts of Asia-particularly China

Who is Siddhartha Gautama? Prince of the aristocratic warrior caste near the Himalayas Raised to be Hindu Married young and had everything Left his palace and saw suffering- inspired him to find a spiritual solution Left his family to find this solution

Seeking a solution… First tried meditation- couldn’t last forever Practiced breath control and fasting Still sought a better way to achieve Nirvana: a state of liberation and freedom from suffering

Attaining Enlightenment Spiritual breakthroughs at 35- underwent a series of understandings: Recall his previous reincarnations See the effects of good and bad deeds on reincarnation Officially attained nirvana- he would never again be reincarnated into a future life Became a “savior” and assumed the title “Lord Buddha” meaning one who has been awakened and achieved enlightenment

After Enlightenment Taught all who would listen - died 45 years later After he died a collection of his works was created called the Tripitaka or Sutras

Core beliefs of Buddhism Reincarnation: people are reborn after dying and go through cycles in life from birth to death Rebirth is separate each time - an individual comes back but in a completely different form; no rebirth is the same If a person releases their attachment to desire and self they can then attain Nirvana

Buddha’s 4 Noble Truths Life is full of suffering People suffer because of worldly things and desires Way to end suffering is to stop those desires Only way to stop desires is to follow the Eightfold Path

8 Fold Path: 1.Understand the 4 noble truths 2.Give up worldly things and do no harm 3.Tell the truth, do not gossip, and do not speak badly of others 4.Do not commit evil acts- killing, stealing, or living unclean life 5.Do rewarding work 6.Work for good and oppose evil 7.Make sure your mind keeps your senses under control 8.Meditate

Buddhism v. Hinduism Both stress non-violence and believe in karma, dharma, moksha, and the cycle of rebirth Buddhists reject priests, some rituals, the caste system, and many gods of Hinduism Buddhism applies to all regardless of birth and emphasizes enlightenment.