1. Buddhism Basics

2. Founding Sometime between 500-400 BC Modern day Nepal/Tibet
Prince named Siddhartha Gautama

3. Buddha Title given to Siddhartha Means “Awakened” or “Enlightened One”
Some Buddhists believe there have been and will be many Buddhas

4. Relationship to Hinduism
Share many beliefs: Reincarnation, Karma
Rejects others: Caste System, gods
Some Hindus see Siddhartha as an incarnation of Vishnu
Popular alternative for lower Caste Hindus

5. Basic Beliefs Four Noble Truths All life is suffering
Desire is the cause of suffering
To end your suffering you must destroy desire
To destroy desire you must follow the Middle Way

6. Basic Beliefs Middle Way: Eightfold Path:
Avoid the two extremes of self-mortification (harming yourself) and self-indulgence (passions)
Eightfold Path:
Right Views (Understanding): seeing life as it is
Right Aspirations (thoughts): purity of thoughts
Right Speech: tolerances, truth, no gossip or loudness

7. Basic Beliefs Eightfold Path
Right Conduct of Action: behavior and abstinence
Right Livelihood: avoid businesses/activities that compromise your Conduct of Action
Right Effort: try to have noble qualities
Right Mindfulness: intellectual awareness
Right Meditation: concentration on tranquility

8. Basic Beliefs The Five Precepts Buddhists must refrain from
harming living things
taking what is not given
sexual misconduct
lying or gossip
taking intoxicating substances

9. Basic Beliefs Nirvana Means “to extinguish”
Extinguish or conquer your desires: perfect bliss
Goal is antaman: no self
Ends your reincarnation cycle
"Nirvana is the ultimate happiness“
NOT a release into Brahman

10. Literature
Dhammapada: collections of Buddha's oral teachings, written by his followers (monks & nuns)
Tripitaka: “Three Baskets”, other teachings and philosophies