Download Buddhism Vocab (p. 103-107 can be used as a reference

Buddhism Vocab (p. 103-107 can be used as a reference)
Siddhartha Gautama – He grew up royalty, lived a life of luxury. When he was born, a prophet
predicted that he would one day be a powerful king or a religious leader. He was kept isolated in his
palaces his entire life by his father, the King. He never saw anything ‘bad’. When he was 29 he finally
left the palace, this was the first time he saw suffering. He would see an old man, a sick man and a
dead man. He was greatly affected by this and it bothered him that people had to suffer. The fourth
time he left the palace, he saw a holy man who was seeking enlightenment. The man had given up all
of the comforts in his life to find a way to overcome old age, disease and death. He decided then to
leave the comforts of the palace and his life of luxury and seek a cure for suffering. He had to sneak
out of the palace in the middle of the night (The Great Departure) because his father didn’t want him
to go. After years of wandering around and meditation, Gautama found enlightenment.
Enlightenment – Spiritual understanding. State of perfect understanding. Complete understanding of
the world around you.
Buddha (Enlightened One) – What Siddhartha Gautama was referred to as after he became
enlightened. It means ‘The Enlightened One’. He is known as the founder of Buddhism.
Tripitika & Dhammapada – Sacred texts. Sacred writings. Some of the teachings and writings of the
Buddha.
Karma – Lasting effects of good and bad deeds.
Four Noble Truths
1. Life is full of suffering.
2. People suffer because they have wants and desires.
3. We can overcome suffering by not having any wants or desires.
4. The way to do this is to follow the Eightfold Path.
Eightfold Path – A series of steps that Buddhists believe will lead to enlightenment (Nirvana). If you
follow the Eightfold Path you can achieve Nirvana.
1. Right views - accept the 4 Noble Truths as truths/fact
2. Right attitude - do everything in moderation
3. Right speech - don’t lie, brag, or say hurtful things
4. Right actions - treat others fairly
5. Right life - avoid types of jobs that hurt others
6. Right effort - constantly try to improve yourself
7. Right mindfulness - be aware of the world around you
8. Right concentration - ignore temptation and discomfort while meditating
The Middle Way – The proper way to live your life. Avoid extremes in your life. Don’t live too
comfortably, yet don’t live in discomfort. Find the proper middle ground.
Nirvana – The ultimate goal of existence. Achieving enlightenment. A state of perfect peace in which
the soul will be free from suffering forever. If you do not achieve nirvana, you will be reborn to live
through the cycle of suffering again. Buddhists teach that anyone can achieve nirvana, and it can be
achieved in one lifetime.
3 Main Branches of Buddhism
Theravada Buddhism – Based on the oldest known Buddhist writings. These writings are called the
Pali Canon, because they were written in the Pali language. Theravada teaches that the best way to
achieve nirvana is to become a monk or a nun and spend all of your time in meditation. In doing this,
each person must find their own path to enlightenment. Theravada Buddhists worship individually.
Mahayana Buddhism – This branch teaches that people can help each other find enlightenment. It
teaches that you don’t have to be a monk or a nun to reach nirvana. Anyone can do it, with some
help. People who have already achieved enlightenment but haven’t yet passed on to nirvana help
others find their way.
Tibetan Buddhism – This branch shares many teachings with Mahayana. Tibetan Buddhists believe
that they can use special techniques and use spiritual energies to achieve nirvana in one lifetime.