Buddhism

Founder Siddhartha Gautama was born a prince in 563 BCE into a wealthy Indian high caste family He lived a sheltered life, and never left the palace

Siddhartha Gautama ☸He saw four men: Old man Sick man Dead man At age 25 he became curious about life outside the palace went on a journey ☸He saw four men: Old man Sick man Dead man Poor man

Siddhartha had not seen human suffering before and became deeply concerned. He rejected his luxurious lifestyle and looked for an answer to the cause of human suffering. He became an ascetic and practiced extreme spiritual discipline.

Although Siddhartha gave up food and other basic necessities, (he nearly starved to death) he did not become enlightened. He then meditated. After 40 days, he “awakened” or reached enlightenment and became the Buddha which means, “the Awakened one.” Enlightenment or Nirvana is an end to suffering, a release from the cycle of reincarnation and a spiritual awakening.

Buddha The Buddha then began to teach others that the causes of human suffering are their desires for material things The Buddha taught that there are four noble truths and an eightfold path which will lead to enlightenment or Nirvana.

The Four Noble Truths Everyone has suffering or sorrow Suffering is caused by desires for material things Overcoming desires ends suffering One can overcome desires by following the Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path (Middle Way) Right view: Understand the four noble truths. 2. Right intention: Know what you really want. 3. Right speech: Always speak truthfully and speak well of others. 4. Right action: Do not steal, lie, kill, be unchaste, or take drugs or alcohol. 5. Right livelihood: Do not have a job that harms others. 6. Right effort: Always give your best effort. 7. Right mindfulness: Maintain self-control. 8. Right concentration: Meditation brings an understanding of the world.

Reincarnation Buddhists believe in reincarnation but they reject the caste system. They believe that reincarnation ends with Nirvana. Nirvana is attainable within one lifetime.

Buddhism later split into two branches as it spread eastward Buddhism later split into two branches as it spread eastward. Mahayana Buddhism is the primary religion of China today. Theravada Buddhism is a stricter form that closely follows the teachings of the Buddha. Most followers of Theravada Buddhism are monks.

The Bodhi Tree Siddhartha Gautama reached enlightenment under this tree. This is the holiest site for Buddhists.

Buddhists do not believe in any gods, also known as atheism. The Buddha is not considered a god. But any item that belonged to the Buddha are kept in Stupas, or Buddhist shrines. Sanchi Stupa in India

Dalai Lama means “Ocean of Wisdom” Who is the Dalai Lama? Spiritual leader of Tibet Buddhist monk and scholar Postponed his own enlightenment to serve humanity Strong human rights and peace advocate Dalai Lama means “Ocean of Wisdom” Facebook picture – he has over 4 million “likes”