Buddhism

Buddhism Vocabulary Reincarnation: Rebirth of the soul Karma: Actions in life; destiny Dharma: belief of fulfilling ones duty Four Noble Truths: Buddhists must know that all life is suffering and to end suffering one must reject worldly desires (wants). Eightfold Path: moral and ethical code of Buddhism. Nirvana: Ultimate goal of Buddhists; soul is released from the cycle of rebirth (reincarnation) and becomes one with the universe. Enlightenment: state of perfect knowledge or wisdom; attained through meditation. Meditation: Meditation is a practice where an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness. Ahimsa: Non-violence for all living things.

What do Buddhists believe about the caste system? Everyone in Buddhism is considered equal. The caste system creates inequities in society. Buddhists reject the caste system.

Who founded Buddhism? Siddhartha Gautama Born 563 B.C. Son of a wealthy king in the region Given every advantage Did not know of disease, poverty, death, or problems in life

Venturing Out At 29, Siddhartha decides to leave the palace Sees challenges and problems of everyday life Vows to discover the reasons for human suffering Great Renunciation = he leaves his family and lifestyle in search of truth and meaning

The Search Siddhartha searches for the truth for 6 years When he finally understands the truth of the basis of life he becomes the Buddha

Where did Buddhism develop? India Where did it spread and become more popular? Sri Lanka (island off the Southeast coast of India) China (Tibet) Japan

Deity/Deities Impermanence: Buddhist believe life is created by changing energies; nothing is permanent. No God/Gods: Since nothing is permanent, Buddhists believe there is no permanent God or soul. Buddhism is not a religion it is a philosophy. What is the Buddhist place of worship? Temple

Concepts/Beliefs/Practices What are the main beliefs of Buddhism? Desire causes suffering (Four Noble Truths) Importance of selflessness Good is rewarded, evil is punished Salvation comes from knowing the “Four Noble Truths” and following the “Eightfold Path” Belief in reincarnation Ultimate goal is reaching a state of Oneness with the world. (Nirvana)

Four Noble Truths (Concepts/Beliefs/Practices) All human life involves suffering and sorrow The desire for a life of pleasure and material gain causes suffering Renouncing desire frees people from suffering Eightfold path leads to the denial of desire

Concepts/Beliefs/Practices Eightfold Path (Moral and Ethical Code of Buddhism) Right views Right intentions Right speech Right action Right living Right effort Right mindfulness Right concentration

Concepts/Beliefs/Practices The Goal The goal of Buddhism is to reach Nirvana Nirvana = a state of freedom from the cycle of rebirth When a person has a state of oneness with the world Free of desire and selfishness

What do Buddhists reject (or don’t believe)? The Caste System Dharma (certain sects of Buddhism)

Basics of Buddhism Impermanence: Buddhist believe life is created by changing energies; nothing is permanent. God: Since nothing is permanent, Buddhists believe there is no permanent God or soul. Buddhism is not a religion it is a philosophy. Desire causes suffering Importance of selflessness Good is rewarded, evil is punished Salvation comes from knowing the “Four Noble Truths” and following the “Eightfold Path” Belief in reincarnation

Similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism Both belief systems began in India. Both Belief systems believe desire is the cause of suffering and prevents true wisdom Both belief systems believe in the law of Karma: One’s actions/deeds affect the future. Both belief systems practice meditation Both belief systems believe that reincarnation is a punishment for living with desire. Both belief systems stress the importance of nonviolent and compassionate behavior.

Differences between Hinduism and Buddhism With regard to … Hindu’s believe in a permanent being beyond us (Brahman) and a permanent soul with in us (atman). Hindus focus on connecting the mind to the true self. To become enlightened (truly wise and happy), Hindus must get rid of bad karma, and achieve good dharma in order to move up in the caste system, and reject all desires Buddhists believe in life is constantly changing. Because of constant changes, there cannot be a permanent soul. Buddhists focus on disconnecting the mind from the self. Buddhists believe anyone can become a Buddha (an enlightened one) by meditating and by following the Eightfold Path and knowing the Four Noble Truths. The Soul Meditation Seeking Enlightenment

Differences between Hinduism and Buddhism (Cont…) With regard to … When an Enlightened One dies, his soul is released from the cycle of reincarnation. The soul becomes part of Brahman. This state of perfect peace is called Moksha. The Caste System is rooted within Hinduism, they believe everyone has a place in society. A Buddha is one who discovers that everything is connected; nothing is separate, and therefore desire is pointless. When a Buddha dies, his energies reunite with the energies of the universe. This peaceful reunion of energy is called Nirvana. Buddhists reject the Caste System. Death after Enlightenment Caste System