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Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, an Indian prince, who lived between
600-400 (BC). He had been kept away from most of the world, by his father, because at an early age, a priest
predicted that he would become a holy man, who would wander the country.
When he was 29, he managed to get outside his palace walls. What he saw disturbed him. He witnessed
sickness, poverty, old age, and death, and it troubled him deeply. He left his wife, and children, and went out in
the world, to learn more. For six years he lived a life of strict asceticism (rejecting worldly things), while he
searched for spiritual guidance.
Finally, starving, he sat under a Bodhi tree (fig tree), to contemplate his search. He realized that his six years of
suffering had done nothing for him. He had been unhappy when he was rich, and he was unhappy being hungry
and poor. What he also understood, was that the Middle Way (Middle Path) was the right way. Siddhartha
found the enlightenment he sought, when he realized the Middle Way. It is then that he became Buddha (the
Enlightened One).
Siddhartha came to understand what he called the "Four Noble Truths." These were:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Life consists of suffering (Dukkha).
Suffering comes from people wanting things (desire, or craving), and through ignorance.
People can put an end to suffering, by casting aside worldly desires.
People must seek the path to end suffering.
He then listed the ways in which people could seek to end suffering in their lives. This direction is called the
"Eightfold Path." It consists of:
1. Right view.
2. Right intentions.
3. Right speech.
4. Right actions.
5. Right livelihood
6. Right efforts
7. Right mindfulness.
8. Right concentration.
Buddha believed that each person was responsible for ending their own suffering, and finding their own way to
happiness. In Asia, Buddha is considered more a physician, than a religious person, because he wished to cure
the suffering in his people. Also, curing oneself relies on the person taking the measures they need, in order to
be healed. There is no belief in a spiritual being.
Buddha had become disenchanted with the teachings of the Brahmins, and the intense rituals and prayers that
had to be given, in order to bless, bury, or praise someone. In each case, a Brahmin had to be called, and then
rituals given, many times in Sanskrit. Buddha, also, didn't like the system of castes, in India, even though he
was a warrior caste (Kshatriya) himself. He believed that all should be capable of reaching nirvana (the end of
reincarnation).
Buddhists believe, like Hindus, in reincarnation, and the effects of karma. They also believe in the beneficial
effects of meditation, and yoga.
Buddhism Vocabulary
Buddhism - Religion begun in India that started with the teachings of Siddhartha
Gautama.
Nirvana - In the Buddhist religion, it is breaking the cycle of reincarnation.
Dukkha - Suffering. It is mentioned in the "Four Noble Truths."
Buddha - "The Enlightened One."
Sanskrit - Ancient writing.
Asceticism - Leaving behind all worldly things, including food, money, clothing, &
desires.
Middle Way - The path between rich and poor, that one should take, to seek
enlightenment, or Nirvana.
"Eightfold Path" - The eight "Right" steps to take, to seek Nirvana.
"The Four Noble Truths" - Life is suffering. Suffering is caused by desires, and
ignorance. Suffering ends by casting aside desires. People must seek to end
suffering by following the "Eight-fold Path."
Dharma - The collective teachings of the Buddha.
Enlightened - Having spiritual knowledge and understanding.