Buddhism

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Buddhism
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Founding

• Also began in India
• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama
• Born c. 563 BC to a wealthy prince
• Lived his entire life in the palace
• He didn't go outside until he was 29 years old!!
• Amazed and shocked at the suffering
• Vowed to find the reasons behind human suffering

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Becoming Buddha

• Siddhartha left everything behind in order to
  search for the truth
• Six years later...
• He has a revelation becomes the Buddha
• Spent the rest of his life teaching how to find
  enlightenment

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Teachings

• Borrowed some Hindu teachings, but not all
• No Hindu gods
• Actions matter
• Anyone of any caste could reach Nirvana
• Said the Vedas were not sacred
• Salvation came from knowing the Four Noble
  Truths and by following the Eightfold Path
• Taught ethics more than ceremonies
• Importance of selflessness

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Four Noble Truths

1. All human life involves suffering
2. The desire for a life of pleasure and material
   gain causes suffering
3. Renouncing desire frees people from suffering and
   helps their souls attain Nirvana
4. The Eightfold Path leads to the denial of desire
   and the attainment of Nirvana

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Eightfold Path
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Spread of Buddhism

• Buddha gained a few followers in his lifetime
• Weakened in India ? spread elsewhere
• Split into TWO
• groups...

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Divide

• Theravada
• Traditional beliefs
• Buddha
• Great teacher
• Spiritual leader

• Mahayana
• Elaborate ceremonies
• Buddha
• God and savior

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Quickwrite

• Directions Think of a problem you are now having
  or recently had. This could be any problem.
• Reflect on this for a moment and then write out
  how you are suffering and what is the cause of
  your suffering.
• Then write out that you understand there is a way
  to end the suffering (third noble truth).
• Finally write about which of the eightfold path
  you might work on in your life to help end your
  suffering.