Buddhism

Buddhism BasicsFounder: Prince Siddhartha Gautama

Year: around 550 BCE

Origin Region: India

God(s): none (some “worship” Buddha)

Sacred Writing(s): Three Baskets

Place of Worship: Temples

Buddha

History of Buddhism• When Prince Siddhartha was born, a holy man

prophesied the Prince would be either a great military leader or a great religious teacher

• His father wished him to be a leader, so Prince Siddhartha grew up in his palace protected from any kind of suffering

• As an adult, he ventured outside the palace gates and saw pain and suffering

• He saw a holy man meditating and trying to achieve enlightenment

• He realized his calling and left his wife and child to find a religious solution to human suffering and find true happiness

History of Buddhism• Prince Siddhartha learns to meditate and then joins

other religious men fasting and meditating• After six years, Prince Siddhartha experiences

Enlightenment; “Middle Way” -- moderation• As Lord Buddha, he preaches his first sermon to

other religious men and travels around northern India for years, spreading the Buddhist teachings

• Buddhism spreads throughout Asia and branches out into different forms

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Main Teachings and Beliefs4 Noble Truths

1) Life is full of pain and suffering2) Suffering is caused by desire3) Suffering can be overcome by emptying yourself of

all desire4) This can be achieved by following the “Middle Way”

Main Teachings and Beliefs

Eight Fold Path – Middle Way

1) Right Understanding -- know the 4 Noble Truths2) Right Thought -- think kindly of others and focus

on the present3) Right Speech -- speak kindly and truthfully4) Right Action -- act kindly toward all living things5) Right Work -- have a job that doesn’t harm others6) Right Effort -- cleanse the mind; positive thoughts7) Right Mindfulness -- have concern for others8) Right Concentration -- concentrate during meditation

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Main Teachings and Beliefs• Goal is to reach Nirvana -- total state of emptiness

(no desire or suffering)

5 Precepts (Morals):1) Do not kill 2) Do not steal 3) Abstain from sexual misconduct and sensual overindulgence. 4) Do not lie5) Do not consume alcohol or other drugs

Buddhist Celebrations• Vesak - joyful celebration marking Buddha’s birth,

Enlightenment and passing away; full moon in May; houses decorated in flags and flowers; people bring food, candles and flowers to the monks; and monks read the teachings of Buddha.

Buddhist Celebrations• Asalha - commemorates Buddha’s first sermon to

his first five disciples after attaining Enlightenment; full-moon of the 8th lunar month (July); festivities include a colourful procession, ceremonial food offerings, sports competitions, and musical & cultural performances.