1. The Origins of Buddhism
Key Terms:
-fasting
-meditation
-the Buddha
-Buddhism
-nirvana
-missionaries
Things to THINK
ABOUT:
Think about how Buddhism is similar to Hinduism.
Think about how Buddhism is different than Hinduism.
Come up with at least 7 questions to ask yourself, and place them in the column to the left of your notes.

2. How do you think “Sidd’s” fellow Hindus felt
Siddhartha Gautama
“Sidd” was a
member of the
Kshatriya varna.
He was also a
prince.
Siddhartha Gautama was a Hindu, born to a rich family.
He saw many of his fellow Hindus suffer and decided to do something about it.
When he was 30, he traveled all over India searching for the meaning of life.
How do you think “Sidd’s” fellow Hindus felt
about his search for a better life?

3. When “Sidd’s” ideas began to spread, he became known as the Buddha.
As “Sidd”
traveled, he
would
fast and
meditate.
What did the
Buddha decide
was causing
suffering?
The Buddha
“Sidd” wandered India for 6 years.
He finally realized the three things that cause suffering.
Wanting what we like but don’t have.
Wanting to keep what we like and already have.
Not wanting what we dislike but have.
When “Sidd’s” ideas began to spread,
he became known as the Buddha.

4. The Teachings of Buddha
Monks are
Buddhist men
who
devote their
lives to their
religion.
The Teachings of Buddha
Why was
“Sidd” popular
with merchants?
The Buddha became popular in India, especially amongst merchants and artisans.
Since the Buddha was raised Hindu, many of his teachings reflected Hindu ideas.
For example, Buddhists believe in reincarnation too!

5. The Four Noble Truths BASICALLY! Everyone suffers. It’s part of life.
Suffering comes from desiring things we don’t have.
3. People can overcome suffering by reaching nirvana, a perfect state of peace.
Nirvana is reached by following the Eightfold Path.

6. The Eightfold Path to Nirvana
Right Thought:
Believe in the Four Noble Truths
Right Intent:
Be kind and good
Right Speech:
Avoid lies and gossip
Right Action:
Don’t steal or harm others
Right Livelihood:
Reject work that hurts others
Right Effort:
Prevent evil and do good
Right Concentration:
Meditate
Right Mindfulness:
Control your thoughts and feelings

7. The Buddha Brings New Ideas
believed in
reincarnation and
that one would
be reincarnated until
they reach nirvana.
The Buddha was against the caste system in India.
The Buddha believed that everyone had a chance to reach nirvana, despite their varna as long as they followed the Eightfold Path.
Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism made people believe they had the power to change their lives.
What varnas do you think began to adopt Buddhism first? Why?

8. Buddhism Spreads Buddhism spread quickly throughout India.
Describe what you think the day in the life of a Buddhist missionary would look like.
Buddhism Spreads
Buddhism spread quickly throughout India.
Asoka, a powerful king in Indian history, converted and built Buddhist schools and temples throughout India.
Asoka also spread Buddhism throughout the rest of Asia through the use of missionaries.
Missionaries are
people who work
to spread a
religion.
Where else
did
Buddhism
spread?

9. Buddhism Changes Over the Years
Buddhism spread and began to change.
Eventually, Buddhism split into two main groups.
The Theravada branch tried to follow the teachings of the original Buddha.
The Mahayana Buddhists interpreted teachings to help reach nirvana.
MAHAYANA
Which branch
do you think
is most popular?