Download What is Buddhism - mrmazonwikipage

Buddhism Guided Notes
Date:
Name:
Homeroom:
Understanding World Religions: What is Buddhism? DVD. Schlessinger Media.
2006.
INTRODUCTION –What is Buddhism
# of Buddhist’s around the world __360 million people__, which is 6% of the worlds population.
The two biggest countries that contain Buddhism are: __China__ and __Japan___.
The founder of Buddhism is called the ____Buddha____, of the Enlightened One.
HISTORY
Buddhism was founder by a man named Siddhartha Gautama. He was a prince located the
modern day country of ___Nepal___. He was a prince that was overly protected during his youth
by his father. When he escaped his life being a prince, four things will change his life:
1. He will see an old man. He sees that all people will grow old.
2. He sees a sick man. Realized there is sickness and pain in the world.
3. He sees a funeral profession. Realized that living things died.
4. He sees a religious man who has given up all his worldly possessions, but is happy.
What will Siddhartha do once coming to these realizations?
He decides to live his life as the religious man did in extreme poverty. So he gave up his noble
title, left his wife and kids, and decided to live a life as a monk. He lived this life for six years, but
still was not satisfied with it. He still was trying to find out why humanity continued to suffer.
What is the “Middle Path” according to video?
He settled on what he called the Middle Path. The Middle path was a life of moderation. He has
seen the extreme at both ends, a life of wealth as a prince and a life of poverty. He realized that
through a path of moderation one could overcome suffering.
Meditation does what (according to Buddhism?) He came to his Middle path conclusion through
meditation, or reflecting.
According to the Buddha suffering is caused by __desires (our wants and needs)____. When a
person realizes this and understand it, then you are safe to say that you are on the path to
Enlightenment. The first realization of this is called the _____Great Enlightenment __.
BELIEFS/PRACTICES
What are the 4 Noble Truths?
1. Suffering is a part of life (people die, get sick, get mistreated or bullied)
2. Suffering comes from out desires, wants and needs. (seek power, wealth, etc)
3. There is a way to end our suffering.
4. To end suffering the Buddha says people need to follow the Eightfold Path. Sooo…..
What is the Nobel Eightfold path? (Describe/Summarize)
1. Right Understanding: Having Faith in the Buddhist view of the universe.
2. Right Intention: Making a commitment to practice Buddhism
3. Right Speech: Avoiding lies and mean or abusive speech.
4. Right Action: Not taking life, not stealing, not hurting others. Do not steal, cheat, or be
intoxicated.
5.Right Livelihood: Rejecting jobs and occupations that conflict with Buddhist Ideals
6. Right Effort: Avoiding bad attitudes and developing good ones.
7. Right Mindfulness: Being aware of your bodies, feelings, and thoughts. (aware of your actions)
8. Right Concentration: Thinking deeply to find answers to problems. (mediate)
According to Buddhism, how are you supposed to treat other people?
With kindness and respect. You would treat them as you would want to be treated, with care and
compassion.
The 4 Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are followed ____daily_____. (times a day)
BRANCHES OF BUDDHISM
The two main branches of Buddhism are: __Theravada _____ and ____Mahayana____. How are
they different?
Theravada Buddhists follow the traditional ways of the Buddha and believe that anyone can
become enlightened on their own through meditation and following the 4 Noble Truths and the
Eightfold path.
Mahayana Buddhists also follow the traditional ways of the Buddha, but believe people need help
to reach Enlightenment. The Buddha’s and Bodhisattvas help the laity reach enlightenment.
___Bodhisattvas__ are people who are partially enlightened and Buddha’s have reached
Enlightenment. In Mahayana Buddhism the Bodhisattvas and Buddha’s help the laity reach
enlightenment.
BELIEFS
Buddhists are similar to Hindu’s in many ways.
Buddhists and Hindu’s both believe in the idea of ____reincarnation___ , or rebirth. Depending on
your __Karma___, you will come back as a human or perhaps a weaker living being. (such as a
penguin).
___Nirvana___ is a place where there is no more suffering or rebirth, you have reached
Enlightenment. The Buddha was the 1st person to achieve this stage of Enlightenment.
SPIRITUAL LEADERS
__Dalai Lama____ is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan Buddhists who follow Mahayana
Buddhism. Each time the leader reincarnates he takes on the soul of the previous leader.
__Sangha___ made of monks, nuns, and laity are part of the Buddha’s followers.
TRADITIONS
Describe and list Buddhist Monastic life: (bullet point)

Buddhist Monks live usually in more isolated places, seek a peaceful place of worship.

They are examples for the laity to follow and have 221 rules to follow. Twice a month they
gather to express and confess their sins from the rules they have broken. They do not harm
any living being, they do not steal or speak unkindly to other people are just some of the
rules.

The laity will often provide food and basic needs to the monks.

Buddhist monks and nun are responsible for translating the text and spreading their beliefs
to help others reach Enlightenment.
SACRED WRITINGS
___Sutras______ are Buddhist sacred writings. The original writings were written on palm tree
leaves. They contain the Buddha’s guidelines for living a happy and successful life.
SPIRITUAL PLACES – Describe the following
Dharma Wheels: Wheels that they spin when they pray. As they turn it is believed that the prayer
and the blessings of the sacred text come out of the wheel.
Prayer Flags: Flags with prayers on them. Usually seen outside a temple or home.
Shrine: a place set aside for prayer inside a persons home. Has usually a statue of the Buddha.
Temple: A place of worship for Buddhists.
Bodhi Tree: usually common to see in Buddhist’s temples as this is the tree the Buddha is said to
have discovered enlightenment when sitting under
Incense: Usually burned when inside a temple or shrine. It is to symbolize concentration.
Lotus Flower: the flower symbolizes enlightenment. The Buddha usually is seen sitting on top of
one.
Relics and Stupas: When the Buddha died his bones and the sacred writings are all considered
relics. Today his bones and other sacred writings are housed inside temples in what they call
Stupas (containers of the relics).