1. Buddhism

2. Buddhism
Buddhism is a tradition that focuses on personal spiritual development striving for a deep insight into the true nature of life but does not worship gods or deities.

3. Buddhism Origins: Founded in India around 500 BC
Later spread to East Asia
Founded by the Buddha

4. Buddhism Origins: Does not believe in a supreme being or god
Venerate Buddha, believing that he embodies attributes of perfected man

5. Buddhism Buddha: Born named Siddartha Gautama
Lived the secluded life of a prince until one day when he left the family compound
Outside, he saw for the first time:
An old man, a diseased man, & a corpse
Learned that these are realities of life

6. Buddhism Buddha: Began to meditate & study
Came to an abrupt realization:
In human life good is always mixed with bad. The problem is that human beings naturally want only to embrace the comfortable or desirable parts of life and ignore the rest.
Began to teach others how to escape suffering – took the name “Buddha” or “Enlightened One”

7. Buddhism Beliefs: Based on beliefs of Hinduism
Accepted ideas of karma, dharma, reincarnation
Rejected ideas of social hierarchy & a supreme god
Overarching belief in morality, equality, reciprocity, mental development, & wisdom

8. Buddhism Beliefs: Live in harmony with events & course of life
Live the “Middle Way”
Ex: Joy & sorrow, Life & death
Must cling to neither extreme
Human problems stem from unnecessary mental attachments
Ex: ego, other people, material objects

9. Buddhism Beliefs: Four Noble Truths All life is suffering;
Suffering is caused by desire;
There can be an end to desire;
Follow the eightfold path

10. Buddhism Beliefs: Eightfold Path Right understanding Right resolve
Right speech
Right action
Right livelihood
Right effort
Right contemplation
Right meditation

11. Buddhism
Beliefs:
Through the Eightfold Path, the cycle of rebirth can end
the state of nirvana - reaching enlightenment

12. Buddhism
Practice:
Very personal religion that can be practiced at home or in temples
Meditation
a way of taking control of the mind so that it becomes peaceful, focused and more aware
done through body & mind, for example breathing

13. Buddhism Practice: Other Common practices: Venerating Buddha
Exchanging gifts
Pilgrimage
Ordination
Mandalas

14. Buddhism
Practice:
Ordination: Buddhist Monk

15. Buddhism
Practice:
Mandalas:

16. Buddhism Facts: Fourth largest religion
Practiced mostly in E & SE Asia
Theravada vs. Mahayana branches
Dalai Lama