Buddhism Origin Founded by Siddhartha Gautama 563 483

Buddhism

Origin �Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (563 -483 B. C. E. ) �Spurred on by the erosion of class structures, growing middle class, and urban development. � How does Hinduism (traditional Indian religion) fit into this new cultural reality?

Hinduism �Vedic- Sacred Text � Samsara- Ideology presented in Vedic that describes the endless round of death and birth. � Moksha- Identification with the universal spirit or world.

Life of Buddha (“enlightened one”) �Born Siddhartha Gautama �Said to be born miraculously: descended from Tushita Heaven. �Born to a King. Lived his early life in the lap of luxury.

Path to enlightenment �Wise old man told the King his son would either be a king or an old man. � Sheltered. �Journey of enlightenment started with a single step outside the palace gates. � Age � Disease � Death

The Final Step �The Ascetic

Teachings �First sermon proclaimed “Middle Way” or “Path”: road between sensuous indulgence and senseless mortification � Sound familiar? �Four noble truths: � Suffering and pain exist. � Pain and suffering caused by our attachments/desires. � One can be freed from suffering. � Freedom can be gained by following the eightfold path.

Eightfold Path �Wisdom � Right belief- understand how the world works. � Right resolve- rid yourselves of immoral qualities.

Eightfold Path �Ethical Conduct � Right speech- be kind and honest with your words. � Right behavior- don’t bring harm to oneself or others. � Right occupation- should not harm living beings

Eightfold Path �Concentration � Right effort- continuous effort to abandon wrong-doing. � Right mindfulness- stay alert to what is around you. � Right concentration- meditation.

Spread of Buddhism �Ashoka: Emperor and big supporter of Buddhism flourished under his reign. �“Originally antiauthoritarian, antiritualistic, and nontheistic, some followers now view Buddhist doctrine as a form of authority, practice Buddhist ritual, and believe the Buddha to be a savior”

Do Now �“Desiring liberation in a world subject to destruction, I seek that happy indestructible abode, -- isolated from mankind, with my thoughts unlike those of others, and with my sinful passions turned away from all objects of sense. ” � From Ashvaghosha’s The life of Buddha. Pali. �Take five minutes to respond to this quote however you would like: is this possible? Is this quote relevant today? What would this look like?