1. Buddhism

2. So…what is Buddhism?  Goes beyond religion as more as philosophy, or “way of life”  Originated 2,500 years ago  Main goals:  Lead a moral life  Be mindful/aware of thoughts and actions  Develop wisdom and understanding  Believes in:  Middle Way  Eightfold Path  Four Noble Truths  Karma  Rebirth http://www.buddhane t.net/lineart/symbols/i mages/knot01.jpg

3. Who was the Buddha? SSiddhartha Gautama born as prince 563 to King Shuddhodhana PProphecy that he would be great warrior/religious leader  shielded from religion and world suffering KKapilvastu was were he was born CConsidered holy pilgrimage by Buddhists to visit there

4. The Buddha  At age 29, Sickened by sight of old man, sick man, and a corpse  Shaved his head, disguised as a beggar, and searched for enlightenment  Sat under sacred fig tree ( Bodhi Tree ) and meditated  Realized enlightenment and became Buddha  Found happiness in the “middle way” (I COULD NOT FIND A DECECENT PICTURE OF THE TREE) so imagine this one 5000 times huger.

5. Teachings of the Buddha  Siddhartha Gautama began teaching people about his enlightenment until he was 80 years old  Wheel of Life  Four Noble Truths  Eight Fold Path  Dharma

6. First Noble Truth  Truth of Suffering  Portrays physical suffering such as pain, getting old, disease, and death as realistic parts of life  It also states psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger as part of life  Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy

7. Second Noble Truth  Suffering is caused by craving and aversion  Getting what you want does not guarantee happiness  Craving to continue to exist creates a powerful energy which causes the individual to be born.  Causes us to be reborn

8. Third Noble Truth  Suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained  lf we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a time  Nirvana can be attained  Nirvana is the supreme state free from suffering and individual existence

9. Fourth Noble Truth  Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering.  THE 8-FOLD PATH :  being moral (through what we say, do and our livelihood)  focusing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions  developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble  Having compassion towards others

10. Dharma  Differs on branch of Buddhism  2 main meanings  Universal Law of Nature  Teachings of Buddha that lead to enlightenment  Understanding the characterizes of elements

11. Idols  sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, but do not worship images or ask for favors  Statues of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile are to remind people of peace and love within themselves.  Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching

12. Other Symbols/Idols  Mantra  words or phrases that are chanted out loud or internally as objects of meditation  Buddhists memorize these chants and say them mediation  Wheel of Life  symbolizes the Buddhist perspective on life and contains numerous symbols of Buddhist themes and teachings  Six realms

13. A Growing Religion  Stupas were constructed in early days of Buddhism.  mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship.  represent the enlightened mind of the Buddha Birth EnlightenmentTurning of the Wheel Miracles

14. Today there are about 350 million Buddhists This would be 6% of the world’s population, making Buddhism the fourth most popular religion

15. News Articles Buddhist offering honors those affected by 9/11  Melanie Foerschler, who's organizing the event, will perform a Tsock (powerful ritual) to bless Americans on 9/11  Link Link Some Texas inmates learn from meditation  inmates at Beaumont's Mark Stiles state prison practice meditation weekly  Link 2 Link 2

16. Other Current Happenings  Indonesian government's "panchashila" policy says all religions must assert belief in God  “Adibuddha” is the omniscient creator of all appearances, beyond time, words and other limitations  Buddhism is accepted  Buddhism is still considered the enemy of the statein Vietnam  Many monks still put in jail there  Some Buddhist Funerals in Nepal spread ashes down Ganges River  Ganges River is considered sacred by some buddhists

17.  http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm  http://www.netplaces.com/world-religions/buddhism/the- four-noble-truths-buddhas-moral-doctrine.htm