Buddhism

• 4th largest religion in the world

• About 500 million people follow Buddhism (half a billion)

• 6% of the world’s population

Buddhism

• Founded in 535 B.C. in India

• Started by Siddhartha Gautama-He is known as the Buddha-Buddha means “The Awakened One”

Siddhartha Guatama

• The Story of Buddha (Video)

The story of Siddhartha Gautama

• Born a prince, Siddhartha Gautama was never allowed outside of his palace– His father shielded him from suffering,

sickness, and death• During a parade, he saw old and sick

people for the first time and learned the 3 truths of life:1)Everyone gets old2)Everyone gets sick3) Everyone dies

Siddhartha becomes Buddha

• After seeing suffering, he dedicated his life to ending it

• As he was meditating, he was able to understand the whole universe, the end of suffering, and the way to inner peace

• At this moment he became the Buddha, which means “The Awakened One”

Bhuddism- The Four Noble Truths

1) Suffering Exists2) There is a cause for

suffering3) There is an end to

suffering4) To end suffering, one

must follow the “Eightfold Path”

Bhuddism- The Eightfold Path“How to end suffering and find inner peace”

1) Right Understanding2) Right Thinking3) Right Speech4) Right Conduct5) Right Livelihood6) Right Effort7) Mindfulness8) Right Concentration

WISDOM

ETHICAL CONDUCT

MENTAL DEVELOPMENT

Buddhist Principles

• Buddhism was based on several important principles:– Peace with others– Harmony with nature– Simple life (don’t need money or possessions)

• Buddhism did not require priests or gods• Anyone could achieve enlightenment and

inner peace by following the Eightfold path

Spread of Buddhism

• The Buddha would go on to spread his religion throughout Asia– Buddhism began in India, but spread to the north and east

• Today, Buddhism is mostly practiced in Southeast Asia:– China– Japan– Thailand– Cambodia– Vietnam