1. Origins of Buddhism

2. Siddhartha Siddhartha Gautama is considered the founder of Buddhism
Born around 480 BCE and died around 400 BCE.
Perhaps the son of a prince?
Encountered the innate suffering of humanity and its endless repetition due to rebirth. He set out on a quest to end this repeated suffering.

4. Path to enlightenment
Siddhartha gave up all his possessions to follow his teachers
Next he tried asceticism
a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures
Finally, he found enlightenment by meditating under the Bodhi Tree

5. Teachings of Buddhism Four Noble Truths
Suffering and unhappiness are a part of human life. No one can escape sorrow. 1.
Suffering comes from our desires for pleasure and material goods. 2.
People can overcome desire and ignorance and reach nirvana, a state of perfect peace. 3.
People can overcome ignorance and desire by following an eightfold path that leads to wisdom, enlightenment, and salvation. 4.

6. The Eightfold Path Right Thought Believe in the Four Noble Truths
Right Intent
Act with goodness and kindness
Right Speech
Don’t lie or gossip
Right Action
Don’t hurt others
Right Livelihood
Don’t have a job that hurts others
Right Effort
Prevent evil and do good
Right Mindfulness
Control your thoughts and feelings
Right Concentration
Meditate and reach Nirvana

7. Challenging Hindu Ideas
Ancient Ways
The Buddha taught that following the Vedic texts was unnecessary.
Challenged the authority of Hindu priests
Changing Society
A more individualistic approach to enlightenment
Rebirth as a means to evolve
Caste System
Opposed caste system
The Eightfold Path could lead any individual to nirvana.
The Buddha’s teachings reached all classes.

8. Buddhism began in India and then became a major religion.
Buddhism branches out
Asoka, one of the most powerful kings in India, became a Buddhist and spread Buddhism in India and foreign lands.
Buddhist missionaries traveled the world to teach enlightenment.
Buddhism splits
Buddhism split into two main sects: Theravada and Mahayana.
Members of the Theravada followed the Buddha’s teachings exactly.
Members of the Mahayana believed that individual interpretation was important.

9. Early Spread of Buddhism