ORIGINS OF BUDDHISM SIDDHARTHA Siddhartha Gautama is considered

ORIGINS OF BUDDHISM

SIDDHARTHA Siddhartha Gautama is considered the founder of Buddhism Born around 480 BCE and died around 400 BCE. Perhaps the son of a prince? Encountered the innate suffering of humanity and its endless repetition due to rebirth. He set out on a quest to end this repeated suffering.

PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT Siddhartha gave up all his possessions to follow his teachers Next he tried asceticism a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures Finally, he found enlightenment by meditating under the Bodhi Tree

TEACHINGS OF BUDDHISM Four Noble Truths 1. Suffering and unhappiness are a part of human life. No one can escape sorrow. 2. Suffering comes from our desires for pleasure and material goods. 3. People can overcome desire and ignorance and reach nirvana, a state of perfect peace. People can overcome ignorance and desire by following an 4. eightfold path that leads to wisdom, enlightenment, and salvation.

THE EIGHTFOLD PATH Right Thought Believe in the Four Noble Truths Right Intent Act with goodness and kindness Right Speech Don’t lie or gossip Right Action Don’t hurt others Right Livelihood Don’t have a job that hurts others Right Effort Prevent evil and do good Right Mindfulness Control your thoughts and feelings Right Concentration Meditate and reach Nirvana

CHALLENGING HINDU IDEAS Ancient Ways • The Buddha taught that following the Vedic texts was unnecessary. • Challenged the authority of Hindu priests Changing Society • A more individualistic approach to enlightenment • Rebirth as a means to evolve Caste System • Opposed caste system • The Eightfold Path could lead any individual to nirvana. • The Buddha’s teachings reached all classes.

BUDDHISM BEGAN IN INDIA AND THEN BECAME A MAJOR RELIGION. Buddhism branches out • Asoka, one of the most powerful kings in India, became a Buddhist and spread Buddhism in India and foreign lands. • Buddhist missionaries traveled the world to teach enlightenment. Buddhism splits • Buddhism split into two main sects: Theravada and Mahayana. • Members of the Theravada followed the Buddha’s teachings exactly. • Members of the Mahayana believed that individual interpretation was important.

EARLY SPREAD OF BUDDHISM