BUDDHISM Origin: northern India 360 million followers Founder: Siddhartha Gautama (aka the Buddha)
Buddhism, continued Buddha: literally means “one who has awakened”; the enlightened one. Purpose: to find the middle way, rejecting the extremes in an effort to achieve nirvana.
Buddhism, cont. Believe in … Reincarnation (cycle of birth, death, and rebirth) Nirvana (achieving peace of one’s mind and body, union with the universe, release from the cycle of rebirth)
Buddhism, cont. Do NOT believe in… Prayer, Eternal life in a heaven or hell God/God’s The need for a personal savior Formal rituals
Buddhism cont’d Believe the FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS All life is suffering Suffering is caused by desire To eliminate suffering, eliminate desire To eliminate desire follow the eightfold path
Buddhism, cont. Follow the Eightfold Path to achieve the middle way: Right understanding Right thinking Right speech Conduct Livelihood Effort Mindfulness Concentration
Buddhism, cont. Teach that DESIRE causes suffering. NIRVANA can be achieved if desire can be overcome and one can lead a life without pain and suffering.