BUDDHISM"Behold, O monks, this is my last advice to you. All component things in the world are changeable. They are not lasting. Work hard to gain your own salvation." - The Buddha

Key Facts

● Arose in Northern India (Nepal)● 500 BCE; 6% of global religious

followers● Siddhartha Gautama is "The

Buddha" or "the enlightened one" ● Based on Hindu culture: Believes in

dharma, karma and reincarnation, but REJECTS all Hindu gods and the caste system.

Key Facts (Continued)

● Goal is to reach "NIRVANA" the "absence of want."

● Monastic Lifestyle: live simply, renounce material things.

● Meditation ● Martial Arts / Discipline ● Mind / Body Connection● HOLY BOOK: Tripitaka ● Holidays - Buddha's Birthday, New Year

The 4 Noble Truths

1. Suffering Exists2. Desire is the cause of suffering3. Suffering ends when desire ends4. To end suffering, follow the "8-Fold

Path"

Dalai Lama● Spiritual Leader of Tibetan

Buddhists (Tenzin G.)● In retirement politically; not

spiritually. ● Forced into exile by

Chinese communists.● Symbol of anti-communist

China. ● Predicts new Dalai Lama

will be born in Tibet. ● Global symbol of

enlightened living.