Buddhism The Enlightened One What does it mean

Buddhism

“The Enlightened One” • What does it mean to be “enlightened”? How might you become enlightened?

“The Enlightened One” • Siddhartha Gautama • Born a prince; isolated within palace • At 29 Siddhartha leaves the palace for the first time

“The Enlightened One” • Seeks enlightenment (wisdom) and how to escape human suffering • Tries many methods • Meditates under a fig tree for 49 days

“The Enlightened One” • Emerged from the tree with a new understanding of suffering • Became the “Enlightened One” or Buddha

Origins & Beliefs • Buddha begins to teach followers • Preaches 4 Noble Truths – basic philosophy of Buddhism

Origins & Beliefs The Four Noble Truths: 1. Life is filled with suffering & sorrow 2. The cause of ALL suffering is desire

Origins & Beliefs 3. To eliminate suffering one must eliminate desire 4. To eliminate desire one must follow the Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path (Middle Way) • By following the Eightfold Path, anyone could reach nirvana: –A perfect state of understanding –Release from selfishness/pain

The Eightfold Path • An 8 step guide to Buddhist behavior • One must master one step at a time

The Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path Practice meditation Say nothing to hurt others Know the truth Control your thoughts Resist evil Free your mind of evil Work for the good of others Respect life

Comparison to Hinduism • Similarities: • A belief in reincarnation, nirvana (moksha), karma, and dharma

Comparison to Hinduism • Differences: • Rejects the many gods of Hinduism • Rejects caste system…(who would this appeal to? ) • Eight-Fold Path is only path to nirvana

Spread of Buddhism • Buddhism spreads to other parts of Asia; never gains firm hold in India • Why? . . . Hinduism adopts Buddha as another path to moksha

Spread of Buddhism • Buddhism is spread by traders to Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Sumatra, China, Korea, Japan • Splits into two branches…

Two Branches Theravada: • View Buddha as a teacher • South & Southeast Asia Mahayana: • View Buddha as a savior/ divine being • China, Korea, Japan

So…who is that? ? ? • This is NOT the Buddha!!! • This is Pu-Tai or Hotei • A fertility symbol who was said to bring gifts to small children (think Santa Claus)