Buddhism: 4th largest religion in the World: 350

million people; 6% of world

•Founded in Northern India by Siddhartha Gautama•Currently practiced primarily in various parts of Asia-particularly China

Who is Siddhartha Gautama?

Prince of the aristocratic warrior caste near the HimalayasRaised to be HinduMarried young and had everythingLeft his palace and saw suffering-

inspired him to find a spiritual solutionLeft his family to find this solution

Seeking a solution…

First tried meditation-couldn’t last foreverPracticed breath control and fastingStill sought a better way to achieve Nirvana:

a state of liberation and freedom from suffering

Attaining EnlightenmentSpiritual breakthroughs at 35-underwent a series of understandings:

Recall his previous reincarnationsSee the effects of good and bad deeds on reincarnationOfficially attained nirvana- he would never again be reincarnated into a future life

Became a “savior” and assumed the title “Lord Buddha” meaning one who has been awakened and achieved enlightenment

After EnlightenmentTaught all who would listen - died 45 years laterAfter he died a collection of his works was created called the Tripitaka or Sutras

Core beliefs of Buddhism

Reincarnation: people are reborn after dying and go through cycles in life from birth to deathRebirth is separate each time - an individual comes back but in a completely different form; no rebirth is the sameIf a person releases their attachment to desire and self they can then attain Nirvana

Buddha’s 4 Noble Truths

Life is full of sufferingPeople suffer because of worldly things and desiresWay to end suffering is to stop those desiresOnly way to stop desires is to follow the Eightfold Path

8 Fold Path:

1. Understand the 4 noble truths2. Give up worldly things and do no

harm3. Tell the truth, do not gossip, and do

not speak badly of others4. Do not commit evil acts- killing,

stealing, or living unclean life5. Do rewarding work6. Work for good and oppose evil7. Make sure your mind keeps your

senses under control8. Meditate

Buddhism v. Hinduism

Both stress non-violence and believe in karma, dharma, moksha, and the cycle of rebirthBuddhists reject priests, some rituals, the caste system, and many gods of HinduismBuddhism applies to all regardless of birth and emphasizes enlightenment.