Buddhism

Buddhism

The Life of Gautama Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha, was born into the warrior caste . His father ruled over a small region of northern India. Siddhartha led a pampered life, but the Four Passing Sights ( an old man, a diseased man, a corpse, and a mendicant), caught his attention and disturbed him. Siddhartha discovered the Middle Way, the central teaching of Buddhism. This way rejects both extremes of sensual indulgence and asceticism. He and his followers formed the sangha, or Buddhist community.

Three Marks of Existence Anatta - there is no ultimate reality, no essence underlying existence, nothing exists beyond the present moment. The essence of Buddhism is that there is no essence. Anicca - The world is constantly changing - “impermanence” Dukka - suffering is part of the human condition and the first of the Four Noble Truths

The Dharma Buddhist teachings may be difficult to understand, but because they are based on the insights of a human being, they are potentially understandable to anyone. Buddhism emphasizes the development of wisdom rather than faith. Buddhism reacted against Hinduism in some respects: philosophical speculation was rejected as was the institutional form of Hinduism. Also, the teachings of Buddhism were written available in an accessible language rather than solely in Sanskrit.

Three Rafts to Cross the River Theravada Buddhism - focuses on the teachings of the Buddha rather than on the Buddha himself. Adherents of Theravada practice the Noble Eightfold Path, which emphasizes meditation. Arhats are the ideal type in Theravada, whom all strive to imitate. Mahayana Buddhism - focuses on the Buddha himself, celebrating him as a divine savior. Salvation comes through the infinite grace of the compassionate Buddha. Vajrayana Buddhism - “fights fire with fire.” It harness the energy of desire and turns it against itself to propel the individual towards enlightenment. Tibetans practice this.

What is Buddhism? Buddhism is a major world religion, or in a better sense, philosophy. It is the 4th largest religion of the world, and has about 300,000,000 people living by it. It explains the purpose of life, injustices and inequality around the world. It also helps people by providing a way of life that will lead to true happiness.

The History of Buddhism It was all started by Buddha, who was a prince in Lumbini, 2500 years ago. He was very unhappy in his royal life, so he set off on a 6 year journey, exploring other religions. After his long journey and much meditation he was finally “enlightened”. He found the middle path, the key to human happiness. For the rest of his life he wandered Asia, preaching his new religion.

What Did Buddha Teach? He taught the 4 Noble truths which sum up Buddhism religion He also taught the noble eight fold path He taught to lead a moral life, be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions and to develop wisdom and understanding He also taught the 5 precepts

What are the Four Noble Truths? The first was that life is suffering You can’t live without death, frustration, etc. The second is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion Getting what you want doesn’t guarantee happiness, it deprives you of it The third is that suffering can be overcome, and true happiness attained If we stop craving useless things, and live each day at a time (not living in the future) we will be happy and free. The fourth is that the Noble eight fold path leads to the end of all suffering

FIRST NOBLE TRUTH: LIFE INEVITABLY INVOLVES SUFFERING: Illness Hateful Imperfect Illness Hateful Separation

SECOND NOBLE TRUTH: THE ORIGIN OF SUFFERING IS OUR DESIRES: Grasping for pleasure Grasping for becoming Grasping for sensual delight Grasping for what we don’t have

THIRD NOBLE TRUTH: SUFFERING WILL STOP WHEN DESIRES ARE STOPPED: When the ‘grasping’ stops Elimination of passions

FOURTH NOBLE TRUTH: THERE IS A WAY TO GET TO THIS POINT: THE EIGHTFOLD PATH

The Noble Eightfold Path It taught 8 simple rules: To have a right understanding To have right thoughts To use right speech To do right actions To deal with right livelihood To give a right effort To have a right mindfulness To use the right meditation

The 5 precepts Do not take the life of anything living Do not take anything not freely given Abstain from sensual overindulgence Refrain from untrue speech Avoid intoxication Do not lose mindfulness This is the moral code of the Buddhists