1. WORLD RELIGIONS
BUDDHISM
B4,5

2. A Few Introductory Facts
Buddhism was founded in India about 2,500 years ago.
Most followers of Buddhism live in Sri Lanka, southern Asia, and Japan.

3. FOUNDER OF BUDDHISM
The founder of Buddhism was Prince Siddhartha Guatama.
Guatama’s followers called him The Buddha.
Buddha means “the enlightened one.” b7

5. FOLLOWERS OF BUDDHISM Followers of Buddhism are called Buddhists.
There are approximately 300 million followers of Buddhism.
There are two major forms of Buddhism:
Theravada
Mahayana
An assembly of Buddhist monks is called sangha.

6. GOD: 3 JEWELS OF BUDDHISM
Buddhists do not believe in a god or gods.
Buddhists do not believe in the existence of a human soul.
Buddhists have faith in the 3 Jewels:
Belief in Buddha
Dharma (Buddha’s teachings)
Sangha (religious community or order of monks Buddha founded) B2

7. SACRED BOOK OF BUDDHISM
Dhammapada
Written in Pali
Records the conversations of the Buddha
Also called the Pali canon
Tripitaka
Means “Three Baskets” because the manuscripts were kept in 3 woven baskets
Includes conversations the Buddha had when he was teaching

8. HOUSE OF WORSHIP The Buddhist house of worship is called a temple.
Meditation and chanting form an important part of Buddhist devotional practices.
Most followers recognize the existence of many different Buddhas.

9. CENTRAL BELIEFS OF BUDDHISM
The Central Beliefs of Buddhism stem directly from the mind, life, and personality of its founder.
In order to find enlightenment, Buddhists must recognize the Four Noble Truths:
All life is suffering.
Suffering stems from desire.
There can be an end to desire.
The way is the Eightfold Path.

11. Wheel of Life
Buddhists believe that existence is a continuing cycle of death and rebirth (reincarnation).
To break the cycle of death and rebirth, a person must lose all desire for worldly things. This will end a person’s pain and suffering.
When this happens, a person has reached nirvana (a place of perfect peace and happiness). b6