Download History of Buddhism

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!