Buddhism

World HistoryMrs. Davies

Ms. Krall

Unlike Christianity or Hinduism: Buddhists do not believe in the idea of an eminent

being, such as God. They believe, instead, that the path to enlightenment

is a cycle of reincarnation where the soul moves from birth to death and back to birth until it reaches Nirvana.

In order for a person to achieve Nirvana, the body must be detached from all human needs and desires.

Buddhism was founded in 535 BC

Spread of Buddhism

Buddhists believe that there are 10 qualities that humans have that must be perfected:

Generosity Morality Renunciation Wisdom Energy Patience

Truthfulness Resolution Loving-Kindness Equanimity

The Story of Buddhism Life of Prince Siddhartha Gautama Born the son of a king in 563 BCE in foot-hills of

Himalayas (Nepal) Prediction: Ruler of World or Savior of the World Siddhartha’s royal upbringing: sheltered from suffering

until his 29th year.

Becoming Buddha (the enlightened one)

Leaving the palace, Prince Siddhartha sees four signs: old age, illness, death, and a monk.

The Prince decides to leave the palace and to find a way beyond suffering.

For six years he practiced asceticism (renouncing earthly pleasures)

Becoming Buddha Discovery of the Middle Way Meditation under the Bodhi Tree on the full moon of May In spite of attacks by Lord Mara, the god of desire,

Siddhartha breaks through to nirvana. The earth is his witness.

“The Enlightened One”

The Four Noble Truths Suffering Exists Humans are pre-occupied with self-

centeredness. This leads to pain, misery, sorrow, and unfulfillment.

Desire Causes Suffering We suffer because our ego dupes us into believing that we need that which is not permanent

Ending of Desire Brings the end to Suffering One must see things as they really are, not simply as they are for ourselves. We need a universal compassion toward all living creatures. This is not a belief, it is an action.

Ending of Desire Is Found Through the Eightfold Path: The observance of the truths of the Eightfold Path is at the heart of the Buddhist life.

Different versions of the Buddha! Thai Buddha

Japanese Buddha

Chinese Buddha

Korean Buddha

Indian Buddha

Laotian Buddha

Tibetan Buddha

Vietnamese Buddha

Balinese Buddha

Indonesian Buddha

Mongolian Buddha

Sri Lankan Buddha

The Noble Eightfold Path

Wisdom (Panna)

1. The Right View2. The Right Thoughts

(know the truth and resist self-centeredness)

Morality (sila)

3. The Right Speech4. The Right Action

5. The Right Livelihood

(refrain from unkind, negative speech, respect all life and work for the good of others)

Meditation (Samadhi)

6. The Right Effort7. The Right Mindfulness

8. The Right Contemplation

(freeing the mind of evil, elevate one’s thoughts beyond the haze of emotion and mood, practice the discipline of meditation)

Nirvana

Although Buddha’s immediate goal was to eliminate the cause of suffering, his ultimate goal was to become liberated from the cycle of death and rebirth.

This was to be accomplished by teaching how we can let go to our existence here on earth.

Once successful, karma no longer matters. We have reached enlightenment and therefore have experienced Nirvana.

The Wheel of Samsara (or Life)

According to Buddhism, the following things interfere with a person’s ability to achieve

Nirvana: Self-Delusion Doubt Clinging to Ritual Sensuous Lust Ill Will Greed for material existence

Greed for nonmaterial existence Conceit Restlessness Ignorance

Activity! In pairs, Take the Story of Buddha, his quest for

enlightenment, the four noble truths, and the noble eightfold path and create a children’s story.

Create at least 5 illustrations (pictures) with your book. These pictures will be of your OWN creation.

Your book should have a cover/title page Your book should be at least 15 pages long. Objective: To teach children about Buddha’s life and the

importance of following the four nobles truths/eightfold path. Story can be typed or NEATLY Handwritten Make sure you proofread. Watch your grammar and spelling!