Buddhism

1. Buddhism What are the world’s major religions and who were their founders? [6.1.3]

2. QuestforAnswers • Siddhartha Gautama • Grew up as a prince but still struggled with the meaning of human life. • After wandering for five years he found enlightment. • After enlightment he as known as the Buddha. • “Enlighted One” • Spent his life spreading his ideas

3. Enlightment • Human suffering comes from 3 things: • Wanting what we like but do not have • Wanting to keep what we like and already have • Not wanting what we dislike but have.

4. 4 Noble Truths • Were the four guiding principles of Buddahism.

5. 1. Suffering and unhappiness are a part of human life. No one can escape sorrow. 2. Suffering comes from our desires for pleasure and material goods. People cause their own misery because they want things they cannot have.

6. 3. People can overcome desire and ignorance and reach nirvana; a state of perfect peace. Reaching nirvana frees the soul from suffering and from the need for further reincarnation. 4. People can overcome ignorance and desire by following an eight-fold path that leads to wisdom, enlightment, and salvation.

7. EightfoldPath • Middle way between human desires and denying yourself. • Believed in being reasonable- not starve your body or cause unnecessary harm. • Anyone who followed this path would reach nirvana.

8. Buddhism & Hinduism • Some of Buddha’s ideas challenged traditional Hindu ideas. • Challenged Hindu priests. • Was opposed to the caste system. • Did believe in reincarnation • People who failed to reach nirvana would be reborn until they achieved it.