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Buddhism- The Search for Nirvana

Buddhism- The Search for Nirvana. Origins. Began in India in 400 BCE Founded in the teachings of the leader, Buddha or “the enlightened one”- was once a Prince Prince Saddhatta lived a sheltered life inside his palace walls Emerged from palace to see four things An old man A sick man

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Buddhism- The Search for Nirvana

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  1. Buddhism- The Search for Nirvana

  2. Origins • Began in India in 400 BCE • Founded in the teachings of the leader, Buddha or “the enlightened one”- was once a Prince • Prince Saddhatta lived a sheltered life inside his palace walls • Emerged from palace to see four things • An old man • A sick man • A funeral procession • A holy man • Decided to give up all his worldly possessions and his family to experience suffering

  3. Origins- continued • The Prince left his palace to seek the truth about human suffering and achieve the peace of mind like the holy man he had seen • He wanted to escape the cycle of suffering, death and rebirth (reincarnation) • He tried many things such as starving himself, cutting all his hair off (a sign of vanity in India), and slept outdoors – nothing worked • Finally he meditated under the “Bodhi” tree at Bodh Gaya (NE India) and after 3 days and nights, he found ENLIGHTMENT • ENLIGHTMENT means free from the fear of suffering and and the cycle of death and rebirth • He meditated alone for several weeks and then left to teach others how to find enlightment

  4. Buddha taught:Beliefs- The Four Noble Truths • Suffering:all life is suffering • The cause of suffering:desire and craving • To end suffering:To stop craving and desires • The way to end suffering: The Noble Eightfold Path.

  5. Beliefs- Noble Eightfold Path • See the world as it really is • Have the right intentions • Speak kindly, warmly, respectfully • Do not kill, harm or steal • Avoid jobs that harm the environment and creatures • Control dangerous desires • Be aware of your thoughts and feelings • Achieve a state of inner calm through meditation

  6. Beliefs- Bodhisattvas • Bodhisattvas- deities are supernatural beings who provide rainfall, good crops, wealth, etc. • These BODHISATTVAS are people who have achieved enlightment, but who have postponed nirvana to help others find enlightment • Some Buddhists think that by praying to a deity their prayers will be answered

  7. Beliefs- Karma • Buddhists believe that a person’s actions give them good or bad karma • If a Buddhist does not reach ENLIGHTMENT in their lifetime, they will be reborn into one of the six realms on the Wheel of Samsara • You can be reborn into everything from a god to hell • The best is to be reborn into a human so you have a chance to reach nirvana again

  8. Scriptures • There are many but best known is: • Pali Canon • Text is carved onto wooden blocks and paper is rubbed over them • Three parts: • Explains the rules, explanations and stories for nuns and monks • 10,000 sayings from Buddha and his followers • Info on Philosophy, science and religious beliefs

  9. Temples Laughing Buddha in Richmond (there are lots of buddhas- those who have reached Nirvana are a Buddha Richmond

  10. Prayer Wheels in Tibet Tibet Temple- watching you! Or meditation?

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