3. Buddhism

4. Developed in India – Spread to other parts of Asia Approx. 2,500 years old Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

6. Siddhartha Gautama Founder of Buddhism Born a Hindu prince in N.E. India – Nepal today – Approx. 500 BC Lived a sheltered life in great luxury At the age of 29 he became of aware of the hardships in life

7. Siddhartha Gautama Leaves his kingdom to seek enlightenment and source of suffering in the world Lives an ascetic life for 6 years – Rejected all material things; begged for food; lived in the forest – Studies with gurus and monks – Rejects this approach and goes on his own Sits under the Bodhi tree and meditates – Becomes enlightened – The Buddha “The Enlightened One”

8. The Four Noble Truths All Life is Suffering – Buddha discovered this when he left his sheltered world and saw death and suffering in others

9. The Four Noble Truths Suffering is caused by self centered desire and attachment for things that are illusions

10. The Four Noble Truths The way to eliminate suffering is to eliminate desire

11. The Four Noble Truths Desire can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path – “The Middle Way” – Moderation in all things

12. The Eightfold Path Series of steps that lead to enlightenment and Nirvana Nirvana – Union with the universe – Release from the cycle of reincarnation

14. The Eightfold Path Right Understanding – Accepting the reality of the four noble truths Right intention – Rid yourself of qualities you know are wrong or immoral Right speech – Avoiding lies, boasts, hurtful words Right Action – Treating others fairly Right livelihood – Avoiding jobs that bring harm to others Right effort – Try to abandon wrong and harmful thoughts, words, and actions Right mindfulness – Awareness of the world around you Right Concentration – Ignoring temptation and discomfort during meditation

15. Mandala

16. Types of Buddhism Theravada – The best way to achieve nirvana is to become a monk and devote your life to mediation – “The small vehicle” – Southern Asia Mahayana – Not necessary to be a monk or nun – Northern Asia and Japan – “The Great Vehicle” – Bodhisattvas People who have found enlightenment Tibetan Buddhism – Mix of Theravada and Mahayana – Led by the Dali Lama

19. Buddhism and Hinduism Similarities Karma Dharma Reincarnation Differences Buddhists don’t accept Hindu Gods, priests, and rituals Buddhism rejects the caste system – " Birth does not make one a priest or an outcaste. Behavior makes one either a priest or an outcaste". Goal of Buddhism is nirvana Goal of Hinduism is moksha

20. What is the series of steps that Buddhists believe lead to enlightenment? Why is the referred to as the “middle way”?