Buddhism World Population approx 376 million followers Buddhism

Buddhism

World Population -approx. 376 million followers Buddhism is the 4 th largest religion in the world.

Buddhism: world distribution

Basic Information: • Began in India • Branched off and developed from Hinduism • Goal of Buddhism is to reach enlightenment (nirvana) • points to a way of life that avoids selfindulgence and self-denial. • no supreme god or deity—it is neither Polytheistic or Monothesitc • Founder is: Siddhartha Gautama (BUDDAH)

founder • Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha which means “enlightened one” • lived in the 5 th century BC • born into the Warrior Caste-led a luxurious lifestyle. • Became troubled by the human misery that he saw around him everyday. • He believed that desire was the root cause of all suffering • Focus is on Peace & Harmony • not considered a god by his followers

What is the fundamental cause of all suffering? Desire! ] Therefore, extinguish the self, don’t obsess about yourself.

**Major Beliefs of Buddhism** • The 1 st major belief is: The Four Noble Truths • The 2 nd major belief is: The Eightfold Path • The 3 rd belief is: Reincarnation • The 4 th belief is: Karma

Eightfold Path Nirvana ] Being at one with the ultimate spirit. ] Escape from the cycle of rebirth (reincarnation).

There are two main Everyday practices to follow: 1. Live by a moral code: – Do not kill – Do not steal – Do not lie 2. Meditation: – training the mind to empty all of it’s thoughts. When this happens what is important becomes clear

Spiritual leaders • Monks • Significant leader today: Dalai Lama (Tibetan Buddhism)

The Many images of Buddha • Statues of Buddha may include up to 32 symbols. • Any # of these symbols can be used on statues. • (For example, the Buddha is often shown with a bump on on the top of his head. This is a symbol that he had special talents. He is often seen with a round mark on his forehead, which is his third eye. This is a symbol to show that he could see things ordinary people cannot see. He may be shown with curled hair, which is a symbol that he was a very holy man. Sometimes he has long ears, which is a symbol that he came from an important family, and also that he could hear things that other people could not.

Buddha – 19 c Thailand

Buddha’s head : Pakistan

Review… • Who is the founder of Buddhism? • What are the 4 Noble Truths? • Who is considered “God” in Buddhism?