1. Buddhism Beliefs & Practice

2. Buddhism’s Hindu Origins Buddha was born a Hindu. Today practicing Hindus believe the Buddha to be an incarnation of Vishnu. Buddhism grew from Hinduism but rejected: Caste System (especially power of Brahmin caste) Hindu Rituals Theories about Creation Hindu Language - Sanskrit Achieving Nirvana after thousands of Lifetimes. Buddhism retained the following Hindu elements: Reincarnation, Samsara, Karma, Dharma, Nirvana.

3. A central belief of Buddhism is that an individual has the right to find the truth for himself/herself, even if it means finding it outside of Buddhism. Very introspective faith tradition. Many sources used for finding spiritual truth.

4. Samsara,All teachings show a way to end the suffering of life and stop Samsara, the endless cycle of uncontrolled rebirths and reincarnation. NirvanaAttain absolute peace and joy, or Nirvana.

5. Three Characteristics of Existence Buddha came to a conclusion regarding the natural existence of things, that all things outside of Nirvana had three fundamental characteristics. -One of the most important concepts in Buddhism- 1. Anicca (impermanence) - The idea that the world is in constant flux & nothing stays the same for long (environment, bodies, cars, clothes). 2. Dukkha (dissatisfaction) - The idea that all humans & animals experience suffering. Happiness & pleasure only last a limited amount of time. 3. Anatta (no-self) - The idea that we cannot point to any one thing (eye, arm, foot) in ourselves that we can say is self. Only when all parts are together do we collectively call them a person.

6. The Five Precepts Rules which are followed by Buddhist common people to control improper or non- beneficial, physical and/or verbal behavior that might cause suffering. 1.Abstain from killing or harming living beings (ahimsa) 2.Abstain from stealing 3.Abstain from improper sexual conduct 4.Abstain from false speech, i.e., telling lies, gossiping 5.Abstain from taking alcohol and harmful drugs

7. Additional Precepts Ordained monks and nuns, who have taken the vows of poverty and chastity, observe additional precepts. *In some sanghas (communities) a monk may have as many as 200 precepts to follow. Abstain from eating after noon 1.Abstain from viewing dancing, singing, drama…etc. 2.Abstain from using perfumes & beauty products 3.Abstain from using comfortable beds 4.Abstain from accepting gold or silver

8. The Four Noble Truths Buddha observed that no one can escape death and unhappiness. If people expect only happiness in life, they will be disappointed. In searching for the cause of unhappiness and its treatment, Buddha founded the doctrine of the Four Noble Truths. These “truths,” which Buddha introduced to his early followers during his first sermon at Deer Park, are central to an understanding of Buddhism.

9. 1.The Noble Truth of Suffering: To live is to suffer. There are moments of happiness, but they don’t last forever. 2.The Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering: The cause of suffering is negative desire. Every kind of suffering has its origins in craving or selfish desire. 3.The Noble Truth of the Extinction of Suffering: To reach nirvana one must overcome the urge to possess more and more things. 4.The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Extinction of Suffering: To end suffering, one must adopt the “Middle Way” by following the Noble Eightfold Path.

10. The Noble Eightfold Path Symbolic eight-spoke wheel represents the 8 steps of the path to enlightenment. Centre of the wheel represents nirvana, which is the only fixed point. As the spokes of the wheel are needed to keep the wheel turning, Buddhists need to follow each step of the path to reach the end of suffering. Steps are not to be followed one after the other; they are to be used together as a way of life along a path of self-conquest, ultimately leading to happiness, peace, nirvana.

12. The Noble Eightfold Path 1.Right View: Know doctrine of four Noble Truths. 2.Right Thought: Nurture good thoughts. Our minds must be freed from sensuous desire, ill-will, and cruelty. 3.Right Speech: Use kind speech. Do not lie, criticize unjustly, use harsh language, or gossip. 4.Right Conduct: Observe the Five Precepts. 5.Right Livelihood: Earn a living through occupations that do not cause harm to living things. 6.Right Effort: Conquer all evil thoughts & strive to have good thoughts. Good will towards others at all times. 7.Right Mindfulness: Do not get lead astray by unwholesome acts or thoughts. Give full attention to proper thoughts. 8.Right concentration: Focus on one thought or object at a time. This leads to peace of mind and tranquility.

13. The Triple Jewel, or Three Refuges To make it easier to follow his teachings & take refuge from a difficult existence, Buddha established the three refuges. 1.The Buddha (the guide) 2.The Dharma (the path) 3.The Sangha (the companions & teachers)