1. Six Trait Model for Understanding World Religions: BUDDHISM

2. Religious Experience: Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) Buddha means “The Awakened One” Their main focus is moderation. They don’t worship a god. Samsara – the endless cycle of uncontrolled births

3. Sacred Stories: The Jatakas are one of the most often translated elements of the Sutta-Pitaka. It is a collection of the 347 birth stories about previous lives of the Buddha. The purpose is to illustrate morality. Dhammapada + Tripitaka – words of Buddha

4. Symbols and Rituals: Buddha images: focus of devotion Mudras – symbolize different states of the mind Stupa – built to house the relics of the Buddha Lotus Flower – symbolizes all people have the ability to develop their potential and rise from the undesirable life

5. Community of Faith: Theravada + Mahayana are the main sects of Buddhism Monks are the leaders of Buddhism. Lay people, nuns, and Buddhists are the believers/followers House of worship is Temple

6. Teaching and Doctrine: 5 precepts: – Abstain from wrong speech – “ from improper sexual conducts – “ from killing – “ from stealing – “ from drinking alcohol the ultimate goal is to reach enlightenment (Nirvana) and end human suffering

7. Ethics: Compassion and non violence(ahimsa) 4 Noble Truths: – Noble truth of suffering – “ “ of origin of suffering (i.e. attachment/desire) – “ “ of the extinction of suffering – “ “ of the path leading to the extinction of suffering The Eightfold Path – Buddhists need to follow each step of the path to reach the end of suffering.