1. Buddhism
In this lesson, students will be able to identify significant beliefs of the Buddhist religion.
Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms:
The Four Noble Truths
The Noble Eightfold Path
Nirvana
Two Schools of Buddhism

2. Around 563 B.C.,
a prince named
Siddhartha
Gautama
was born in
India.

3. Siddhartha Gautama Siddhartha was an Indian prince.
He lived in a luxurious household. However, he longed to see the world beyond the palace.
Upon leaving the palace, he saw a sick man, an old man, and a corpse.

4. Upon leaving the
palace, Siddhartha
discovered the
existence of
suffering. He
discovered that
we are born only
to age and die.

5. Siddhartha’s Decision
Upon learning of the existence of suffering, Siddhartha decided to leave the palace and find the cause and cessation of suffering.
Siddhartha lived among the Hindu ascetics and endured many hardships.
However, he did not discover the cause or cessation of suffering among the Hindus.

6. After leaving the Hindu ascetics, Siddhartha sat under the
Bodhi tree and
meditated until
he became
enlightened.
E. Napp

7. When Siddhartha achieved enlightenment, he became the Buddha or
the Enlightened
One.
E. Napp

8. The Four Noble Truths
Siddhartha’s answer to the cause and cessation of suffering can be found in his Four Noble Truths.
The Four Noble Truths
Life is suffering.
Desire and attachment cause suffering.
Suffering can end.
Follow the Noble Eightfold Path
E. Napp

9. Life is suffering but suffering can end.

10. The Noble Eightfold Path
The Buddha encouraged his followers to follow the middle path or to avoid extremes such as eating too much or eating too little.
The Noble Eightfold Path are eight actions designed to help followers achieve enlightenment. They are right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.

11. Eight-Fold Path

12. Nirvana Nirvana is the end of suffering.
By achieving nirvana, a person escapes samsara or the cycle of reincarnation.
Siddhartha achieved nirvana when he became enlightened.

13. Nirvana is the end of suffering.

14. Religious Changes Post-Mauryan centuries=decline of Buddhism in India
Resurgence in Hinduism
Arrival of Judaism and Christianity
Division of Buddhism into two schools
Theravada
Mahayana
In India, Buddhism becomes absorbed into Hinduism

15. Division in Buddhism Theravada Mahayana “the Greater Vehicle”
“Teachings of the Elders”
Closer to original ideas of Buddhism
Buddha not a god but rather a human teacher
Each believer responsible for acquiring merit through- meditation, devotion, good works
Only way to end rebirth and attain nirvana=become monk or support temple
Strict monastic rules
“the Greater Vehicle”
Popularized and less demanding
Many sects, some saw Buddha as a god
Devotion to Buddha and charity
Bodhisattva (boe-dih-SUT-vuh)
Saint who postponed salvation to help others achieve it

16. Questions for Reflection:
Who was Siddhartha Gautama?
Why did Siddhartha leave his palace?
Explain the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
What is samsara?
Define nirvana.
How does Buddhism differ from Hinduism?