1. Buddhism

4. Basics Symbol is the wheel of life Began in India
Shares many beliefs with Hinduism

5. History
Gautama lived life of luxury until left palace wall to find much human suffering
Vowed to live a life of self denial
Sit under tree until attain enlightenment
On 7th day, awoke and achieved enlightenment

6. Beliefs
Emphasis of religion is based on mediation and the observance of important moral beliefs:
not to kill
not to steal
not to act in an unchaste manner
not to speak falsely
not to take intoxicants

7. Monks additional beliefs
not to eat at times not appointed
not to view entertainment deemed as “secular”
not to wear perfumes or bodily ornaments
not to sleep in beds that are too high or too wide
not to accept money

8. Four Noble Truths Life is Suffering
Suffering has a cause: craving and attachment
Craving and attachment can be overcome
The path toward cessation of craving and attachment is an Eightfold Path

9. Eight Fold Path Right View Right Intention Right Speech Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration

10. Nirvana State of final liberation from a cycle of birth and death.
This is basically part of the belief in reincarnation in that human beings are trapped in a cycle of birth and death under the law of karma until complete release is attained.
Achieve nirvana through 4 noble truths

11. Gods
There are familiar Hindu gods, but they are not the center of Buddhism
More focus is put the on the individual’s path to achieve spiritual enlightenment
Spiritual goals and enlightenment are not dependent on any god

12. Buddha’s Death
After Buddha’s death, confusion about what road Buddhism would take
18 different schools of thought developed
Two schools dominated – Theravada and Mahayana

13. Two Schools of Thought
Theravada - Emphasis on detachment and seclusion, pursuit of a rigorous, purifying lifestyle for the sake of spiritual goals
Mahayana - bodhisattva, a enlightened person who put off union with the Ultimate for the benefit of all beings (service to others)

14. Holy Days Nirvana Day – February 15th when Buddha’s death is observed
Buddha Day – April 8th when Buddha’s birth is celebrated
Bodhi Day – December 8th the day when Prince Gautama sat under a Bodhi Tree, not to leave until he received enlightenment