Introduction to Buddhism

By Fatima Dawood

Buddhism is a religion and philosophy

surrounding a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices largely based on teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as “Buddha", meaning the awakened one.

It is the forth largest religion of the world. It is 2500 years old tradition.

What is Buddhism?

It was all started by Siddhartha Gautama, a young

prince born in lumbini in modern day Nepal, around the year 563 BCE.

He was raised in great luxury to be king. But, at the age of 29 he rejected his luxurious life

to seek enlightment and the source of suffering. He lived a strict ascetic life for six years. Then he rejected this extreme, sat in meditation

under the Bodhi tree and found Nirvana. Thus, became the “Enlightened One”.

Devoted rest of his life in preaching Buddhism.

History of Buddhism

The four sights which prompted Gautama to abandon the royal life and take up a spiritual quest were: Old man-aging. Sick people-disease. Corpse-death. Ascetic holy man- with drawl. he learned the suffering of the people and went to explore the answer of the question: “how may suffering be ended?”

The Four Sights

Buddhist concepts

Samsara : the continual repetitive cycle of birth and death.

Karma : the force that derives samsara.

Rebirth : the process whereby the beings go through succession.

Buddhist concept of life

The truth of Dhukka: There is suffering in the world,to live is to suffer. The truth of cause of Dhukka: The cause of suffering is self-centered desire and attachment's.(Tanha) The truth of stopping Dhukka: The solution is to eliminate desire and attachments.(Nirvana) The truth leading to the path of stoppage of Dhukka: To reach Nirvana, one must follow the Eight fold path.

Four Noble Truths

The eight fold path when developed, lead to cessation of Dhukka. Right view Right thought Right speech Right action Right livelihood Right effort Right Mindfulness Right concentration

Eight Fold Path

To refrain from taking life.

To refrain from taking that which is not given.

To refrain from sensual misconduct.

To refrain from lying.

To refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness.

Five Percepts

Impermanence.

Suffering.

Not-self.

Three marks of Existence

I take refugee in the Buddha.

I take refugee in the Dharma (8 fold path).I take refugee in sangha (community).

The three Jewels(vows)

There are two major branches of Buddhism.1. Theravada Buddhism (the way of Elders) founded in southern Asia. focuses on wisdom and meditation.

2. Mahayana Buddhism (the great vehicle) founded in northern Asia. Buddhism for masses.

Branches of Buddhism

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