By Jenna M Henkel ECE 7513 Fall 2013 Buddhism By Jenna M Henkel ECE 7513 Fall 2013

Contents What is Buddhism? What does Buddhism teach? Buddhist Families Buddhist Students References

What is Buddhism? Buddhism is a religion to about 350-550 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gautama (known as the Buddha) was awakened or enlightened at the age of 35. There are two main branches of Buddhism: Theravada ("The School of the Elders") and Mahayana ("The Great Vehicle"). Buddhism is one of the fastest growing religions in the world, however, to many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life.’ The Buddhist path can be summed up as: (1) to lead a moral life, (2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and (3) to develop wisdom and understanding.

What does Buddhism teach? Buddhism can be summed up by the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. Four Noble Truths Noble Eightfold Path 1. Life is dukkha (suffering) i.e., life includes pain, getting old, disease, and ultimately death. The Noble Eightfold Path is being moral (through what we say, do and our livelihood), focusing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths and by developing compassion for others. 2. Dukkha is caused by craving and aversion. 3. Dukkha can be overcome and happiness can be attained; that true happiness and contentment are possible. 4. The Noble Eightfold Path is the path which leads to the end of dukkha.

What does Buddhism teach? The moral code within Buddhism is the precepts, of which the main five are: 1.) not to take the life of anything living 2.) not to take anything not freely given, 3.) to abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence, 4.) to refrain from untrue speech, and 5.) to avoid intoxication, that is, losing mindfulness (through alcohol or drugs) Buddhists also believe in karma (the law that every cause has an effect) and reincarnation .

Buddhist Families Traditional Buddhists view families as a group of people living under the same roof. Typically, a family will consist of a married couple, their children, and sometimes one or more grandparents. Buddhists regard the family unit as the core of the community and society. If, at the family level, there is adherence to the Buddhist beliefs and teachings, then the community and society will also adhere to them. Family life can lead to happiness and blessings by: - Respecting and supporting one’s father and mother; - Loving one’s spouse and children; - Developing generosity and a sense of duty; - Selflessly helping relatives and acting blamelessly; and - Developing reverence, humility, contentment, gratitude and listening to the Dharma.

Buddhist Families Buddhists support their children to become generous, compassionate, virtuous, responsible, skilled and self-sufficient beings. The most important thing Buddhists feel that they can do for their children is help them to understand that every action has consequences. This is the basic teaching of karma.

Buddhist Students Characteristics of Buddhist students: Formal Structured Cautious Reserved Conservative Other considerations: Some may be vegetarians or vegans

Buddhist Students Accommodations, Support, & Tips: Have a mix of formal and informal learning opportunities Provide structure Challenge them Find ways to encourage them to be outgoing Make sure that snacks or treats are animal product free

References A Basic Buddhism Guide: A Five Minute Introduction. (1993). In BuddhaNet’s Buddhist Studies. Retrieved from http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm Buddha on Family. (2013). In Family Buddhism. Retrieved from http://www.familybuddhism.com/buddha_on_family.php Buddhism. (2013). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Buddhism&oldid=584058257