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History of Buddhism Buddhism was founded in the late 6th century B.C.E. by Siddhartha Gautama (the "Buddha") and is an important religion in most of the countries of Asia. Siddhartha Gautama was the warrior son of a king and queen. According to legend, at his birth a fortune-teller predicted that he might leave the life of a noble (withdrawing from a privileged life). To prevent this, his father provided him with many luxuries and pleasures. But, as a young man, he went on a series of four chariot rides where he first saw the more severe forms of human suffering: old age, illness, and death (a corpse), as well as someone who lived in great poverty. The contrast between his life and this human suffering made him realize that all the pleasures on earth where temporary, and could only mask human suffering. Leaving his wife -- and new son, he took on several teachers and tried surviving without material needs in the forest until the point of near-starvation. Finally, realizing that this too was only adding more suffering, he ate food and sat down beneath a tree to meditate. By morning (or some say six months later!) he had attained Nirvana (Enlightenment), which is a state of liberation and freedom from suffering. This provided Siddhartha with both the true answers to the causes of suffering and permanent release from it. Now the Buddha ("the Enlightened or Awakened One") began to teach others these truths out of compassion for their suffering. The most important lessons he taught included the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path. Followers of these lessons are considered to be Buddhist. The Four Noble Truths: Buddha’s Four Noble Truths explore human suffering. They may be described (somewhat simply) as: 1. Suffering exists. 2. There is a cause for suffering. 3. There is an end to suffering. 4. In order to end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path. The Eightfold Path: As mentioned above, the Eightfold Path is a way to end suffering. Following it will help lead one to Nirvana. 1. Right view 2. Right Intention 3. Right Speech 4. Right Action 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Concentration Those who call themselves Buddhist often celebrate Buddha's birthday, Buddha's enlightenment, and lunar quarters (moon cycles). Buddhists often worship on their own sometimes in natural settings. Questions: 1. What was Siddharta looking for that caused him to leave a life of luxury? 2. After spending time in the forest and nearly starving, what lesson did he learn? 3. Why did Siddharta decide to share his enlightened lessons with others? 4. What does it mean to reach a state of Nirvana? 5. In the Eight Fold Path it mentions using Right Effort. What do you think this means? Relate this to your effort in class!