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The Teachings of the Buddha
What is Buddhism?
• Buddhism is a major
world religion.
• It is the 4th largest
religion of the world, and
has about 300,000,000
followers.
• It helps people by
providing a way of life
that will lead to true
happiness.
The History of Buddhism
• It was founded by Buddha, a prince, 2500
years ago.
• He was very unhappy in his royal life, so he
set off on a 6 year journey, exploring other
religions.
• After his long journey and much meditation
he was finally “enlightened”.
• He found the middle path, the key to human
happiness. For the rest of his life he
wandered Asia, preaching his new religion.
Buddhists in the world
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
China, 80.00%
USA 2%
Japan 96.00%
Germany 1.1%
Thailand 95.00%
France 1.2%
India 3.25%
Canada 1.10%
Sri Lanka 70.00%
Africa .02%
Cambodia 95.00%
Total Buddhists in the world1,595,485,458
• Year 2010
What Did Buddha Teach?
• He taught the 4 Noble
Truths which sum up
Buddhist beliefs.
• He also taught the
Noble Eightfold Path.
• He taught people to
lead moral lives. He
taught his followers to
be aware of thoughts
and actions and to
develop wisdom and
understanding.
What are the Four Noble Truths?
1. Life will include suffering. Frustration
and pain are a part of life.
2. Suffering comes from desires for
pleasure and material goods.
3. Desire can be overcome. Nirvana is
perfect peace.
4. The Eightfold Path is the middle way
between desire and denying oneself
pleasure. The Noble Eightfold
path leads to the end of all
suffering.
The Noble Eightfold Path
8 simple rules:
• To have a right
understanding
• To have right thoughts
• To use right speech
• To do right actions
• To deal with right
livelihood
• To give a right effort
• To have a right
mindfulness
• To use the right
meditation
Nirvana means a state of bliss or peace.