1. Buddhism
In the sixth century B.C., a new doctrine called Buddhism appeared in northern India and rivaled Hinduism. 
Its founder was Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha (“Enlightened One”). 
Siddhartha lived a privileged, sheltered life among great wealth. 
Then he became aware of life’s sufferings–death, disease, and old age. 
He gave up his rich life to find the meaning of life and the cure for human suffering.
(pages 78–79)
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Section 1-39

2. Buddhism (cont.)
At first he was an ascetic and practiced self-denial. 
Abusing his body did not bring Siddhartha enlightenment, however. 
He entered a period of intense meditation and one evening reached enlightenment. 
He spent the rest of his life teaching what he learned.
(pages 78–79)
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Section 1-40

3. Buddhism (cont.) These teachings are the basis of Buddhism. 
The physical realm is illusion. 
Desire’s attachments to the physical cause suffering. 
Giving up these attachments leads to wisdom, or bodhi. 
Achieving wisdom is a key step in achieving nirvana, or ultimate reality, in a reunion with the Great World Soul.
(pages 78–79)
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Section 1-41

4. Buddhism (cont.)
The essential Buddhist teachings concern the Four Noble Truths and the way to achieve these truths by taking the Middle, or Eightfold, Path. 
Siddhartha accepted reincarnation but rejected the Hindu caste system. 
For this reason Buddhism appealed to those in the lower castes. 
After Siddhartha’s death in 480 B.C., his followers spread the message throughout India. 
Monasteries were established to promote Buddhism.
(pages 78–79)
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Section 1-42

5. Click the mouse button or press the Space Bar to display the answer.
Buddhism (cont.)
Buddhism teaches that humans suffer due to desire’s attachments. What do you think this means?
Possible answers: According to Buddhists, people create a false idea of their reality by identifying themselves with the objects of their desires. Living with a false idea of human reality causes people suffering.
(pages 78–79)
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Section 1-43

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Checking for Understanding
Define Match each definition in the left column with the appropriate term in the right column.
__ 1. an Aryan leader or prince
__ 2. a method of training developed by the Hindus that is supposed to lead to oneness with God
__ 3. a person who practices self-denial to achieve an understanding of ultimate reality
__ 4. in Hinduism, the force generated by a person’s actions that determines how the person will be reborn in the next life
__ 5. one of the five major divisions of Indian classes in ancient times: Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Sudras, and Untouchables B D E A C
A. karma
B. raja
C. caste
D. yoga
E. ascetic
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Section 1-44

7. Daily Focus Skills Transparency 1
not carrying out harsh or mean thoughts
Siddhartha Gautama’s
eight
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Daily Focus Skills Transparency 1