Buddhism Mr. Knoblauch Social Studies Council Rock South

Basic Beliefs The world is in constant change Buddhists understand that there is no point in trying to change the world. BUT, we can change ourselves.

Basic Beliefs We are free to change ourselves, our attitude to the world and our part in it! Our actions become karma. The goal of Buddhism is to make yourself a perfect human being and to achieve nirvana.

History Started with the birth of Siddhartha Gautama, an Indian prince who was born in present day Nepal in 632 B.C. Siddhartha lived a lavish, princely life surrounded by his palace walls At the age of 29, he sees the Four Passing Sights for the first time in his life!

The Four Passing Sights Old Age Sickness Death Holy man

He leaves his house to become an ascetic– someone who wanders the countryside looking for enlightenment. Siddhartha travels for 6 years, depriving himself of everything At the age of 35, sitting under a tree Siddhartha achieved enlightenment- perfect understanding and peace.

Enlightenment You can achieve enlightenment by following the life of Buddha Someone who is enlightened is a Buddha, or has achieved Buddha hood The cycle of reincarnation will end when nirvana is reached— the want of nothing (elimination of all greed, hatred and ignorance) Anyone can become a Buddha but there is a certain way you must do it:

How to reach Enlightenment Follow the Four Noble Truths Life is suffering Suffering is caused by desire To end suffering you must end desire To end desire you must follow the Noble Eightfold Path

To follow the Eightfold path you must: 1.Right speech 2.Right action 3.Right livelihood 4.Right effort 5.Right mindfulness 6.Right concentration 7.Right thought 8.Right understanding Moral Conduct Concentration Wisdom

  The Spread of Buddhism, 500s B.C - A.D. 600 This map shows how Buddhism spread from India throughout Asia. Buddhism began in northeastern India, the birthplace of Buddha, and from there spread along trade routes. By the first century it had reached China. From there it traveled to Korea and on to Japan around A.D. 600. Buddhism also took hold in Tibet during the 600s.