BUDDHISM

Beginnings of Buddhism Year 563 B.C.

Birth of Siddharta Gautama of the Sakyas Royal upbringing Model family and wealth Siddharta, age 20: serious discontent with

position and power Totally broke with his position and worldly estate

Search for Enlightenment

Monkhood in the forest learned raja yoga and theories of Hinduism joined group of ascetics left ascetics and wondered alone practicing

raja yoga Middle Way

Enlightenment: the truth or meaning of life

The Four Noble Truths Four Noble Truths: The truths of life;

patterns and observations about life1. Life is dukkha2. Reason for suffering is tanha3. The cure for selfish cravings lies in the

overcoming of those cravings4. Eightfold Path

How to Achieve Enlightenment: The Eightfold Path

Right Views Right Intent Right Speech Right Conduct Right Livelihood Right Effort Right Mindfulness Right Concentration

Reincarnation and Nirvana in Buddhism

Reincarnation: different bodies only tangentially connected Karma

After multiple cycles of death and rebirth, one can achieve Nirvana (after Enlightenment)

Buddhism vs. Hinduism

•Rejects caste system•Rejects the “fanciful ceremonies” of the Brahmans•Because rejected caste system, was very much a religion of the lower classes (though it did have upper class followers)

•Uses caste system•Brahmans still controlled much of the religion and ceremonies•Was a “selective” religion, differentiated between different occupations and wealth

Karma

The Emperor Asoka 270 BCE: Coronation of Emperor Asoka of

the Mauryan Empire Kalinga War and loss of life Conversion to Buddhism

Conversion of both nobles and commoners How does this affect his reign?