Buddhism In this lesson, students will be able to identify significant beliefs of the Buddhist religion. Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms: The Four Noble Truths The Noble Eightfold Path Nirvana Two Schools of Buddhism

Around 563 B.C., a prince named Siddhartha Gautama was born in India.

Siddhartha Gautama Siddhartha was an Indian prince. He lived in a luxurious household. However, he longed to see the world beyond the palace. Upon leaving the palace, he saw a sick man, an old man, and a corpse.

Upon leaving the palace, Siddhartha discovered the existence of suffering. He discovered that we are born only to age and die.

Siddhartha’s Decision Upon learning of the existence of suffering, Siddhartha decided to leave the palace and find the cause and cessation of suffering. Siddhartha lived among the Hindu ascetics and endured many hardships. However, he did not discover the cause or cessation of suffering among the Hindus.

After leaving the Hindu ascetics, Siddhartha sat under the Bodhi tree and meditated until he became enlightened. E. Napp

When Siddhartha achieved enlightenment, he became the Buddha or the Enlightened One. E. Napp

The Four Noble Truths Siddhartha’s answer to the cause and cessation of suffering can be found in his Four Noble Truths. The Four Noble Truths Life is suffering. Desire and attachment cause suffering. Suffering can end. Follow the Noble Eightfold Path E. Napp

Life is suffering but suffering can end.

The Noble Eightfold Path The Buddha encouraged his followers to follow the middle path or to avoid extremes such as eating too much or eating too little. The Noble Eightfold Path are eight actions designed to help followers achieve enlightenment. They are right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.

Eight-Fold Path

Nirvana Nirvana is the end of suffering. By achieving nirvana, a person escapes samsara or the cycle of reincarnation. Siddhartha achieved nirvana when he became enlightened.

Nirvana is the end of suffering.

Religious Changes Post-Mauryan centuries=decline of Buddhism in India Resurgence in Hinduism Arrival of Judaism and Christianity Division of Buddhism into two schools Theravada Mahayana In India, Buddhism becomes absorbed into Hinduism

Division in Buddhism Theravada Mahayana “the Greater Vehicle” “Teachings of the Elders” Closer to original ideas of Buddhism Buddha not a god but rather a human teacher Each believer responsible for acquiring merit through- meditation, devotion, good works Only way to end rebirth and attain nirvana=become monk or support temple Strict monastic rules “the Greater Vehicle” Popularized and less demanding Many sects, some saw Buddha as a god Devotion to Buddha and charity Bodhisattva (boe-dih-SUT-vuh) Saint who postponed salvation to help others achieve it

Questions for Reflection: Who was Siddhartha Gautama? Why did Siddhartha leave his palace? Explain the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. What is samsara? Define nirvana. How does Buddhism differ from Hinduism?