BUDDHISM

ORIGINS Originated in India Includes some of the beliefs of Hinduism.

FOUNDER OF BUDDHISM: Siddhartha Gautama He grew up as a rich Hindu prince never experiencing sickness and death. Began questioning the meaning of life after he was exposed to misery and suffering of the poor. He thought there had to be a better way so he gave up his wealth and became a monk in search of the truth.

He left his city and wandered through the land where he experienced the pain, suffering, grief and sickness experienced by all mankind. He wanted to rid the world of hardships. He concluded that the cause of suffering was desire. Through meditation, he became enlightened (free from desire and suffering). He then became Buddha, the enlightened one.

FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS Desire is the cause of suffering and the way to end suffering is to end desire.   Not Monotheism or Polytheism. –No belief in a deity It is a philosophy or "way to live your life." Places great emphasis on man’s actions, his ability to think properly and his co-existence in harmony with the forces of the universe.

Four Noble Truths 1. Life is made up of pain and suffering. 2. All suffering is caused by one's desires. 3. The way to end suffering is to stop desiring things. 4. The only way to stop desiring things is to follow the Eightfold Path. Eightfold Path-the eight basic laws that all people must follow if they wish to end suffering

Reach Nirvana when you are free of all earthly concerns A feeling of perfect peace and happiness Believe in Reincarnation- could end the cycle of rebirth by following the Eightfold Path

DIFFUSION Location of Religion: India, central and southeastern Asia, China, Korea, and Japan Spread from Southeast Asia to East Asia during the Mauryan and Gupta Empires in India Tries to convert others. Never widely accepted in India-much of the teaching was incorporated into Islam