Origins of Buddhism

The Philosophy of Siddhartha

Buddhism began in India and

became a major religion& philosophy of way of life

Main Ideas: Siddhartha Gautama searched for

wisdom in many ways The teachings of Buddhism deal with

finding peace Buddhism spread far form where it

began in India

Big Idea

Began in India Incorporated much of Hinduism in its

practices Both believe in reincarnation

Moksha as it is called in Hinduism Enlightenment as it is called in Buddhism

Origins of Buddhism

Founder Buddhism Indian prince who grew up in a lifestyle of

luxury & comfort When he encountered the poor & miserable in

the streets he questioned the meaning of life

Siddhartha Gautama

He left city & wondered through the land for 6 years,

experiencing pain, suffering, grief, & sickness- what all mankind experiences

He sat down under a tree near the Ganges River; fasted and meditated for 7 weeks there

Result- realized human suffering came from 3 things: Wanting what we like but do not have Wanting to keep what we like and already have Not wanting what we dislike but have

Quest for Answers

After 7 more weeks under the “Tree of

Wisdom” Then described his new ideas to five of his

former companions (First Sermon) At age 35, Siddhartha Gautama found

enlightenment He was called Buddha from that point on- “The Enlighten One” He spent the rest of his life traveling across northern India teaching his ideas

The Enlighten One

Gautam Buddha (4:26)

Siddhartha

Quest for Answers

Enlightenment

• Born a prince, but questioned the meaning of life

• Determined to find answers using:• Meditation• Fasting• Learning from

different teachers

• Found it under the Tree of Wisdom while meditating

• Called the Buddha (Enlightened One)

• Spent the rest of his life traveling and teaching his ideas

Textbook page 137

Teachings of Buddhism

Four Noble Truths:1. Suffering & unhappiness are a part of

human life. 2. Suffering comes from our desires for

pleasure & material goods3. People can overcome desire & ignorance &

reach nirvana4. People can overcome desire & ignorance

by following an eightfold path that leads to wisdom, enlightenment, & salvation

Textbook page 139: Eightfold Path Quick Facts

Textbook page 140

Early Spread of Buddhism

Never widely accepted in India where Buddhist teachings were incorporated(mixed in with) into Islam

Spread to Southeast Asia and East Asia during the Maurya Empire & Gupta Empire (became very prominent)

Spread through the Silk Road to China, Korea, & Japan

As far away as Syria and Egypt Missionaries actively seek to convert others &

taught millions of people

Ram Bahadur Bomjon, a Buddhist MonkMeditated for 10 months straight without food or water. To challenge this incredible claim, National Geographic filmed the boy for 5 straight days and nights. He never moved. Supports of Buddhism consider him to be the “reincarnation of the Buddha”

Origins Founder Principles Diffusion

Began in India

Incorporated much of Hinduism

Siddhartha Gautama

Desire is the cause of suffering- the only way to end suffering is to end desire

Teaches the concept of reincarnation, but not always accepted

Goal is to reach “Enlightenment”

Four Noble Truths

Eightfold Path

Spread through the Silk Road & missionaries to Southeast Asia & East Asia

As far as Syria and Egypt

Actively seeks to convert others

Not widely accepted in areas of India that tried to incorporate Buddhism with Islam