The Origins of Buddhism Key Terms Things to

The Origins of Buddhism Key Terms: Things to THINK -fasting -meditation -the Buddha ABOUT: 1. Think about how Buddhism is similar to Hinduism. 2. Think about how Buddhism is different than Hinduism. 3. Come up with at least 7 questions to ask yourself, and place them in the column to -Buddhism -nirvana -missionaries the left of your notes.

Siddhartha Gautama • Siddhartha Gautama was a Hindu, born to a rich family. • He saw many of his fellow Hindus suffer and decided to do something about it. • When he was 30, he traveled all over India searching for the meaning of life. How do you think “Sidd’s” fellow Hindus felt about his search for a better life? “Sidd” was a member of the Kshatriya varna. He was also a prince.

What did the Buddha decide was causing suffering? The Buddha • • 1. 2. 3. As “Sidd” traveled, he would fast and meditate. “Sidd” wandered India for 6 years. He finally realized the three things that cause suffering. Wanting what we like but don’t have. Wanting to keep what we like and already have. Not wanting what we dislike but have. When “Sidd’s” ideas began to spread, he became known as the Buddha.

Monks are Buddhist men who devote their lives to their religion. • • • The Teachings of Buddha The Buddha became popular in India, especially amongst merchants and artisans. Since the Buddha was raised Hindu, many of his teachings reflected Hindu ideas. For example, Buddhists believe in reincarnation too! Why was “Sidd” popular with merchants?

The Four Noble Truths BASICALLY! 1. Everyone suffers. It’s part of life. 2. Suffering comes from desiring things we don’t have. 3. People can overcome suffering by reaching nirvana, a perfect state of peace. 4. Nirvana is reached by following the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path to Nirvana Right Thought: Believe in the Four Noble Truths Right Speech: Avoid lies and gossip Right Intent: Be kind and good Right Action: Don’t steal or harm others Right Livelihood: Right Effort: Reject work that hurts others Prevent evil and do good Right Mindfulness: Control your thoughts and feelings Right Concentration: Meditate

The Buddha Brings New Ideas • The Buddha was against the caste system in India. • The Buddha believed that everyone had a chance to reach nirvana, despite their varna as long as they followed the Eightfold Path. • Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism made people believe they had the power to change their lives. The Buddha believed in reincarnation and that one would be reincarnated until they reach nirvana. What varnas do you think began to adopt Buddhism first? Why?

Describe what you think the day in the life of a Buddhist missionary would look like. Buddhism Spreads Missionaries are people who work to spread a religion. Where else did Buddhism spread? • Buddhism spread quickly throughout India. • Asoka, a powerful king in Indian history, converted and built Buddhist schools and temples throughout India. • Asoka also spread Buddhism throughout the rest of Asia through the use of missionaries.

Buddhism Changes Over the Years • Buddhism spread and began to change. • Eventually, Buddhism split into two main groups. • Theravada branch tried to follow the teachings of the original Buddha. • The Mahayana Buddhists interpreted teachings to help reach nirvana. T H E R A V A D A MAHAYANA Which branch do you think is most popular?