2. Buddhism

3. Buddha’s Teachings People go through lifetimes in a cycle of birth and death, creating situation which create consequences. People must free themselves from this cycle of birth and death. The only way to free oneself is to be free of desire.

4. Cycle of Birth and Death

6. The Four Noble Truths The Noble Truth of Suffering The Noble Truth of the Cause of Suffering The Noble Truth of the End of Suffering The Noble Truth of the Path

7. The Noble Truth of Suffering Life is full of suffering, full of sickness and unhappiness. Although there are passing pleasures, they vanish in time.

8. The Noble Truth of the Cause of Suffering People suffer for one simple reason: they desire things. It is greed and self-centeredness which bring about suffering. Desire is never satisfied.

9. The Noble Truth of the End of Suffering It is possible to end suffering if one is aware of his or her own desires and puts an end to them. This awareness will open the door to lasting peace.

10. The Noble Truth of the Path By changing one’s thinking and behavior, a new awakening can be reached. This is called the Middle Way and be followed in the Eightfold Path.

11. The Eightfold Path The Eightfold Path, also called the Wheel of Law, contains eight steps for eliminating suffering. By following this path, one can bring an end to his or her own karma and be released from continuous rebirth.

12. Karma

15. The Eightfold Path 1. Right Understanding 2. Right Thought 3. Right Speech 4. Right Action 5. Right Work 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Concentration

16. Right Understanding Strive to clearly understand the Four Noble Truths. Strive to understand the workings of your own mind.

17. Right Thought Think kindly of others and avoid dwelling on the past or future.

18. Right Thought

19. Right Speech Speak kindly and truthfully.

20. Right Action Act kindly toward all living things. Do not be attached to the results of actions.

22. Right Work Have a vocation that does not harm others.

23. Right Effort Be determined to cleanse the mind.

24. Right Mindfulness Be fully aware of what you are doing, always with concern for others.

25. Right Concentration Intensely concentrate during meditation to focus on being one with any situation.