Buddhism What is Buddhism Buddhism is a major

Buddhism

What is Buddhism? • Buddhism is a major world religion (philosophy) • It is the 4 th largest religion of the world, and has about 300 million people living by it. • Provides a way of life that will lead to true happiness

The History of Buddhism • Began with Sidartha Gautama - a prince who lived 2500 years ago • Unhappy in his royal life, he journeys outside the palace where he discovers old age, death and illness (or, suffering) • After his long journey… – Became the Buddha=“enlightened one”, while meditating under a tree • He found the middle path, the key to human happiness – Nirvana

What Did Buddha Teach? • The 4 Noble Truths – Sum up Buddhism religion • The Noble Eight Fold Path – lead a moral life – Be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions – Develop wisdom and understanding

What are the Four Noble Truths? • #1 - Life is suffering • You can’t live without death, frustration, etc. • #2 - Suffering is caused by craving and aversion • Getting what you want doesn’t guarantee happiness, it deprives you of it • #3 - Suffering can be overcome, and true happiness attained • If we stop craving useless things, and live each day at a time (not living in the future) we will be happy and free. • #4 – The Noble Eight Fold Path leads to the end of all suffering

The Noble Eightfold Path • • To have a right understanding To have right thoughts To use right speech To do right actions To deal with right livelihood To give a right effort To have a right mindfulness To use the right meditation

The 5 precepts Moral Code of the Buddhists • Do not take the life of anything living • Do not take anything not freely given • Abstain from sensual overindulgence • Refrain from untrue speech • Avoid intoxication • Do not lose mindfulness

Bibliography • www. buddhanet. net/learning/5 mindbud. htm