The Origins of Buddhism

1
The Origins of Buddhism
Key Terms -fasting -meditation -the
Buddha -Buddhism -nirvana -missionaries

• Things to THINK
• ABOUT
• Think about how Buddhism is similar to Hinduism.
• Think about how Buddhism is different than
  Hinduism.
• Come up with at least 7 questions to ask
  yourself, and place them in the column to the
  left of your notes.

2
Siddhartha Gautama
Sidd was a member of the Kshatriya varna. He
was also a prince.

• Siddhartha Gautama was a Hindu, born to a rich
  family.
• He saw many of his fellow Hindus suffer and
  decided to do something about it.
• When he was 30, he traveled all over India
  searching for the meaning of life.

How do you think Sidds fellow Hindus
felt about his search for a better life?
3
The Buddha
As Sidd traveled, he would fast and meditate.
What did the Buddha decide was causing suffering?

• Sidd wandered India for 6 years.
• He finally realized the three things that cause
  suffering.
• Wanting what we like but dont have.
• Wanting to keep what we like and already have.
• Not wanting what we dislike but have.

When Sidds ideas began to spread, he became
known as the Buddha.
4
The Teachings of Buddha
Monks are Buddhist men who devote their lives to
their religion.
Why was Sidd popular with merchants?

• The Buddha became popular in India, especially
  amongst merchants and artisans.
• Since the Buddha was raised Hindu, many of his
  teachings reflected Hindu ideas.
• For example, Buddhists believe in reincarnation
  too!

5
The Four Noble Truths
BASICALLY!

• Everyone suffers. Its part of life.
• Suffering comes from desiring things we dont
  have.
• 3. People can overcome suffering by reaching
  nirvana, a perfect state of peace.
• 4. Nirvana is reached by following the
  Eightfold Path.

6
The Eightfold Path to Nirvana
Right Intent Be kind and good
Right Thought Believe in the Four Noble Truths
Right Speech Avoid lies and gossip
Right Action Dont steal or harm others
Right Livelihood Reject work that hurts others
Right Effort Prevent evil and do good
Right Concentration Meditate
Right Mindfulness Control your thoughts and
feelings
7
The Buddha Brings New Ideas
The Buddha believed in reincarnation and that
one would be reincarnated until they reach
nirvana.

• The Buddha was against the caste system in India.
  
• The Buddha believed that everyone had a chance to
  reach nirvana, despite their varna as long as
  they followed the Eightfold Path.
• Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism made people believe
  they had the power to change their lives.

What varnas do you think began to adopt Buddhism
first? Why?
8
Buddhism Spreads
Describe what you think the day in the life of a
Buddhist missionary would look like.

• Buddhism spread quickly throughout India.
• Asoka, a powerful king in Indian history,
  converted and built Buddhist schools and temples
  throughout India.
• Asoka also spread Buddhism throughout the rest of
  Asia through the use of missionaries.

Missionaries are people who work to spread
a religion.
Where else did Buddhism spread?
9
Buddhism Changes Over the Years
T H E R A V A D A

• Buddhism spread and began to change.
• Eventually, Buddhism split into two main groups.
• The Theravada branch tried to follow the
  teachings of the original Buddha.
• The Mahayana Buddhists interpreted teachings to
  help reach nirvana.

MAHAYANA
Which branch do you think is most popular?