1. II. Buddhism

2. A. Origins and Beliefs 400 million followers today Started in India Majority of Buddhist today live in China and Southwest Asia

6. Siddhartha Gautama – Founder of Buddhism who became known as the Buddha Born into a noble family and his dad wanted him to be a great world leader Kept his son isolated within his palace

7. B. Buddhist Legend At age 29, Gautama ventured outside of his palace for the 1 st time 4 things that changed his life – 1) Saw an old man – 2) Saw a sick man – 3) Saw a dead man – 4) Saw a holy man

8. C. Result Gautama decided to spend his life in search of religious truth and end suffering Left his life of luxury and wandered around India for 6 years While meditating under a fig tree he reached enlightenment and understood the cause of suffering

9. Enlightenment – Complete wisdom After he reached enlightenment Gautama became known as Buddha or “the enlightened one” Started preaching his message

10. Buddha at Work

11. D. Four Noble Truths 1) All life is suffering 2) Suffering is caused by our own desires 3) End suffering by ending desires 4) Can be accomplished by following the Eightfold path

15. E. Buddhist Main Goal Also believe in karma and reincarnation There is no caste system in Buddhism Nirvana – “A state of nothingness,” where one is released from the endless cycle of pain and suffering Takes at least 547 reincarnations to reach nirvana

16. Thus, a Buddhist main goal in life is NOTHING Buddhist believe that during this last stage they rejoin with Brahma

17. His Holiness the 14 th Dalai Lama