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Buddhism. So…what is Buddhism?. http://www.buddhanet.net/lineart/symbols/images/knot01.jpg. Goes beyond religion as more as philosophy, or “way of life” Originated 2,500 years ago Main goals: Lead a moral life Be mindful/aware of thoughts and actions Develop wisdom and understanding
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So…what is Buddhism? http://www.buddhanet.net/lineart/symbols/images/knot01.jpg • Goes beyond religion as more as philosophy, or “way of life” • Originated 2,500 years ago • Main goals: • Lead a moral life • Be mindful/aware of thoughts and actions • Develop wisdom and understanding • Believes in: • Middle Way • Eightfold Path • Four Noble Truths • Karma • Rebirth
Who was the Buddha? • Siddhartha Gautama born as prince 563 to King Shuddhodhana • Prophecy that he would be great warrior/religious leader • shielded from religion and world suffering • Kapilvastuwas were he was born • Considered holy pilgrimage by Buddhists to visit there
The Buddha • At age 29, Sickened by sight of old man, sick man, and a corpse • Shaved his head, disguised as a beggar, and searched for enlightenment • Sat under sacred fig tree (Bodhi Tree) and meditated • Realized enlightenment and became Buddha • Found happiness in the “middle way” (I COULD NOT FIND A DECECENT PICTURE OF THE TREE) so imagine this one 5000 times huger.
Teachings of the Buddha • Siddhartha Gautama began teaching people about his enlightenment until he was 80 years old • Wheel of Life • Four Noble Truths • Eight Fold Path • Dharma
First Noble Truth • Truth of Suffering • Portrays physical suffering such as pain, getting old, disease, and death as realistic parts of life • It also states psychological suffering like loneliness frustration, fear, embarrassment, disappointment and anger as part of life • Buddhism explains how suffering can be avoided and how we can be truly happy
Second Noble Truth • Suffering is caused by craving and aversion • Getting what you want does not guarantee happiness • Craving to continue to exist creates a powerful energy which causes the individual to be born. • Causes us to be reborn
Third Noble Truth • Suffering can be overcome and happiness can be attained • lf we give up useless craving and learn to live each day at a time • Nirvana can be attained • Nirvana is the supreme state free from suffering and individual existence
Fourth Noble Truth • Noble 8-fold Path is the path which leads to the end of suffering. • THE 8-FOLD PATH: • being moral (through what we say, do and our livelihood) • focusing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions • developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble • Having compassion towards others
Dharma • Differs on branch of Buddhism • 2 main meanings • Universal Law of Nature • Teachings of Buddha that lead to enlightenment • Understanding the characterizes of elements
Idols • sometimes pay respect to images of the Buddha, but do not worship images or ask for favors • Statues of the Buddha with hands rested gently in its lap and a compassionate smile are to remind people of peace and love within themselves. • Bowing to the statue is an expression of gratitude for the teaching
Other Symbols/Idols • Mantra • words or phrases that are chanted out loud or internally as objects of meditation • Buddhists memorize these chants and say them mediation • Wheel of Life • symbolizes the Buddhist perspective on life and contains numerous symbols of Buddhist themes and teachings • Six realms
A Growing Religion • Stupas were constructed in early days of Buddhism. • mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship. • represent the enlightened mind of the Buddha Birth Enlightenment Turning of the Wheel Miracles
Today there are about 350 million Buddhists This would be 6% of the world’s population, making Buddhism the fourth most popular religion
News Articles Buddhist offering honors those affected by 9/11 Some Texas inmates learn from meditation inmates at Beaumont's Mark Stiles state prison practice meditation weekly Link 2 • Melanie Foerschler, who's organizing the event, will perform a Tsock (powerful ritual) to bless Americans on 9/11 • Link
Other Current Happenings • Indonesian government's "panchashila" policy says all religions must assert belief in God • “Adibuddha” is the omniscient creator of all appearances, beyond time, words and other limitations • Buddhism is accepted • Buddhism is still considered the enemy of the statein Vietnam • Many monks still put in jail there • Some Buddhist Funerals in Nepal spread ashes down Ganges River • Ganges River is considered sacred by some buddhists
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm • http://www.netplaces.com/world-religions/buddhism/the-four-noble-truths-buddhas-moral-doctrine.htm