The Teachings of the Buddha

What is Buddhism?

Buddhism is a major world religion.

It is the 4th largest religion

of the world, and has about 300,000,000 followers.

It helps people by providing a way of life that will lead to true happiness.

The History of Buddhism It was founded by Buddha, a prince,

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.

Buddhists in the world

China, 85.00% USA 12%

Japan 96.00% Germany 6%

Thailand 95.00% France 2%

India 10% Canada 1.10%

Sri Lanka 70.00%

Cambodia 95.00%

What Did Buddha Teach?

He taught the 4 Noble Truths which sum up Buddhist beliefs.

He also taught the Noble Eightfold Path.

He taught people to lead moral lives. He taught his followers to be aware of thoughts and actions. To develop wisdom and understanding.

Four Noble Truths Life is filled with suffering. Frustration and pain are a

part of life.

Suffering is caused by people's wants and material goods.

Suffering can be overcome if people stop wanting things, like more pleasure or more power. Desire can be overcome. Nirvana is a perfect peace

The Eightfold Path is the middle way between desire and denying oneself pleasure. The Eightfold Path leads to the end of all suffering.

The Noble Eightfold Path

1. To have a right thought

2. To have a right intent

3. To have a right speech

4. To have a right action

5. To have a right livelihood

6. To have a right effort

7. To have a right mindfulness

8. To have a right concentration

Believe in the nature of existence as suffering

Incline toward goodness and kindness

Avoid lies and gossip

Don’t steal from or harm others

Reject work that hurts others

Prevent evil and do good

Control your feelings and thoughts

Practice proper meditation

Symbols of BuddhismThe wheel of life which symbolizes the cycle of life, death and rebirth.The eight spokes remind people that the Buddha taught about eight ways of life.

The lotus flower symbolizes purity and divine birth.The lotus flower grows in mud at the bottom of a pool, but rises above the surface to become a beautiful flower. Buddhist say this is how people should rise above everything which is dukkha. A flower may be very beautiful and have a wonderful scent, but it soon withers and dies. This shows that nothing in life is perfect.

Statues of Buddha include lots of symbols:

Any of these symbols can be used on statues. A bump on the top of his head - a symbol that he

had special talents. A round mark on his forehead, which is his third

eye - a symbol to show that he could see things ordinary people cannot see.

Long ears from the weight of his princely earrings-now missing because he renounced his worldly life and to hear the cries of the world suffering.

Starving Buddha

Nirvana means a state of bliss or peace.