Buddhism

So…what is Buddhism?

Goes beyond religion as more as philosophy, or “way of life”

Originated 2,500 years ago

Main goals: Lead a moral life Be mindful/aware of thoughts and actions Develop wisdom and understanding

Believes in: Middle Way Eightfold Path Four Noble Truths Karma Rebirth

Who was the Buddha? Siddhartha Gautama born as prince 563 to King

Shuddhodhana Prophecy that he would be great warrior/religious

leader shielded from religion and world suffering

Kapilvastu was were he was born Considered holy pilgrimage by Buddhists to visit there

The Buddha

At age 29, Sickened by sight of old man, sick man, and a corpse

Shaved his head, disguised as a beggar, and searched for enlightenment

Sat under sacred fig tree (Bodhi Tree) and meditated Realized enlightenment and became Buddha Found happiness in the “middle way”

(I COULD NOT FIND A DECECENT PICTURE OF THE TREE)

so imagine this one 5000 times huger.

Teachings of the Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama began teaching people about his enlightenment until he was 80 years old Wheel of Life Four Noble Truths Eight Fold Path Dharma

First Noble Truth Truth of Suffering

Portrays physical suffering such as pain, getting old, disease, and death as realistic parts of life

It also states psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger as part of life

Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy

Second Noble Truth

Suffering is caused by craving and aversion

Getting what you want does not guarantee happiness

Craving to continue to exist creates a powerful energy which causes the individual to be born. Causes us to be reborn

Third Noble Truth

Suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained lf we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a

time

Nirvana can be attained

Nirvana is the supreme state free from suffering and individual existence

Fourth Noble Truth

Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering.

THE 8-FOLD PATH: being moral (through what we say, do and our

livelihood) focusing the mind on being fully aware of our

thoughts and actions developing wisdom by understanding the Four

Noble Having compassion towards others

Dharma

Differs on branch of Buddhism

2 main meanings Universal Law of Nature

Teachings of Buddha that lead to enlightenment Understanding the characterizes of elements

Idols

sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, but do not worship images or ask for favors

Statues of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile are to remind people of peace and love within themselves. Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude

for the teaching

Other Symbols/Idols

Mantra words or phrases that are chanted out loud or

internally as objects of meditation Buddhists memorize these chants and say them

mediation

Wheel of Life symbolizes the Buddhist perspective on life and

contains numerous symbols of Buddhist themes and teachings

Six realms

A Growing Religion

Stupas were constructed in early days of Buddhism. mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics,

typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship.

represent the enlightened mind of the Buddha Birth Enlightenment

Turning of the Wheel

Miracles

Today there are about 350 million BuddhistsThis would be 6% of the world’s population, making Buddhism the fourth most popular religion

News Articles

Buddhist offering honors those

affected by 9/11

Melanie Foerschler, who's organizing the event, will perform a Tsock (powerful ritual) to bless Americans on 9/11

Link

Some Texas inmates learn

from meditation

inmates at Beaumont's Mark Stiles state prison practice meditation weekly

Link 2

Other Current Happenings Indonesian government's "panchashila" policy says

all religions must assert belief in God “Adibuddha” is the omniscient creator of all

appearances, beyond time, words and other limitations Buddhism is accepted

Buddhism is still considered the enemy of the statein Vietnam Many monks still put in jail there

Some Buddhist Funerals in Nepal spread ashes down Ganges River Ganges River is considered sacred by some buddhists

http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm

http://www.netplaces.com/world-religions/buddhism/the-four-noble-truths-buddhas-moral-doctrine.htm