World Religions:Buddhism

What is Buddhism?

• Buddhism is a major world religion.

• It is the 4th largest religion of the world

• 300,000,000 followers • It explains the purpose of

life, injustices and inequality around the world.

• It also helps people by providing a way of life that will lead to true happiness.

The History of Buddhism

• Started 2500 years ago by a prince named Buddah.

• He was very unhappy in his royal life, so he set off on a 6 year journey, exploring other religions.

• After his long journey and much meditation he was finally “enlightened”.

• He found the middle path, the key to human happiness.

• For the rest of his life he wandered Asia, preaching his new religion.

What Did Buddha Teach?• He taught the 4 Noble

truths which sum up Buddhism religion

• He also taught the noble 8 Fold Path

• He taught people to lead a moral life, be aware of thoughts and actions, and to develop wisdom and understanding

• He also taught the 5 Precepts

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

• It taught 8 simple rules:1.To have a right

understanding2.To have right thoughts3.To use right speech4.To do right actions 5.To deal with right

livelihood6.To give a right effort7.To have a right

mindfulness8.To use the right meditation

The 5 precepts

• This is the moral code of the Buddhists

1.Do not take the life of anything living

2.Do not take anything not freely given

3.Abstain from sensual overindulgence

4.Refrain from untrue speech

5.Avoid intoxication• Do not lose mindfulness