Download Buddhism also began in India and is centered on the teachings of

Buddhism
Buddhism also began in India and is centered on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as
Buddha.
Life of Buddha
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Born a prince, he was shielded from any of life’s hardships.
o Never saw poor, sick, and suffering
At age 29, he rode out by himself and saw pain and suffering in the world.
o He gave up all of his earthly belongings to search for truth and inner peace.
After studying for 5 years, he had found no answer. After meditating under a tree for 49 days he
reached enlightenment, a state of perfect wisdom.
 He becomes known as “Buddha” or “the enlightened one”
 Understands why people suffer and how to break free of suffering
 Would travel and teach his beliefs for the next 45 years until his death.
Buddhist Beliefs
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Core Beliefs
o “Self” exists, not a permanent soul
o No God
o Karma is more important than caste
-
Four Noble Truths- allows Buddhists to understand suffering.
o All life involves suffering
o Suffering is caused by selfish desires
o The way to end suffering is to overcome selfish desires
o The way to overcome the selfish desires is to follow the Eightfold Path
Eightfold Path
1.
2.
3.
4.
Right Belief
Right Purpose
Right Speech
Right Conduct
5.
6.
7.
8.
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Meditation
Belief and understanding of the Four Noble Truths
Spiritual growth is the purpose of life
Avoid lies and hurtful words
Understand and improve your behavior; no killings, stealing, lying, or
hurting others
Occupation promotes spiritual growth and does not harm others
Effort to hold only good thoughts
Control emotions, rather than being controlled by them.
Practice deep meditation that can lead to “enlightenment”. “Awaken
from a dream to experience a new reality”.
Nirvana- state of blissful peace without desire and suffering
-
Freed from reincarnation, will not be reborn. Nirvana can be reached during your lifetime
which will end the cycle of reincarnation
Spread of Buddhism
-
Missionaries spread Buddhism throughout Asia.
400 Million Buddhists today, most live in Asia.
Buddhism began in India, however found a home in Asia.
Comparing and Contrasting the Religions:
Reincarnation:
•
Hinduism- A person is reincarnated because they had not eliminated pain, fear, and want
from their lives. They are reincarnated based on their karma as a promotion or demotion.
•
Buddhism- A person is reincarnated because they have not eliminated want and suffering
from their life. This life is another chance to grow spiritually closer to Nirvana by following the
Eightfold Path.
Life:
•
Hinduism- Dharma is the most important part of life as following it brings good Karma. Doing
the right thing based on your age, position, and caste are pivotal for good Dharma. Since caste
is important, so is Dharma.
•
Buddhism- The Eightfold Path is not caste dependent and applies to all people as these
practices provide guidelines to every person (regardless of caste) on how to break
reincarnation. Since caste is meaningless, there is no purpose for Dharma in Buddhism. Karma
is however, very important.
Afterlife:
•
Hinduism believes in MOKSHA, where the soul becomes pure and becomes one with
Brahman. It is a state of pure happiness that is reached after the death in their last life.
•
Buddhism believes that NIRVANA can be reached during your lifetime when you free yourself
from want. Reaching Nirvana will free you from reincarnation. Therefore, you can be alive and
reach Nirvana.