Download
1 / 16
160 likes | 170 Views
Buddhism. A Path to Enlightenment. What is Buddhism?. Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of the Buddha, or the “ Awakened One. ” The Buddha was a man who lived between 563 to 483 B.C.E. This man was a young prince called Siddhartha Gautama. Buddhism Vs. Hinduism?.
E N D
Buddhism A Path to Enlightenment
What is Buddhism? • Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of the Buddha, or the “Awakened One.” • The Buddha was a man who lived between 563 to 483 B.C.E. • This man was a young prince called Siddhartha Gautama.
Buddhism Vs. Hinduism? • Buddhism is not based on complicated rituals and the belief in many gods. • Buddhism embraced people of all the castes. • Buddhism teaches that enlightenment or happiness comes from the knowledge of deep truth. • Once a person reaches nirvana, that they would not be reborn again and again.
Siddhartha Gautama • Siddhartha was born around 563 B.C.E. to a powerful king and his queen. • Prior to his birth, his mother had a vision, that was interpreted by the Brahmins to mean that her son will be a great man.
Early Life • Siddhartha lived a very sheltered life. • His father protected him from the horrors of the world and allowed him to live in a world of beauty and health. • He married when he was 16 and had became a father when he was 29.
Siddhartha discovers suffering • After the birth of his son, Siddhartha is allowed more freedom to travel outside of the palace. • On his trips out of the palace, Siddhartha discovers sickness, aging, and death. • These discoveries trouble him.
He becomes an Ascetic • Troubled by what he has discovered, Siddhartha meets a man who is a glow with inner peace and calm. • This man was an Ascetic. • An ascetic is a person who has given up all worldly possessions, such as shelter and money.
Siddhartha finds his life at the palace too empty and unfulfilling. • He leaves the palace, cuts his hair, puts on a simple robe, and heads out with only a bowl from which to receive alms. • Alms are goods given to the poor.
Siddhartha follows the ways of self denial, the ascetics did. • He becomes very thin due to lack of food and still has not found enlightenment.
Siddhartha found that the harsh ways of the ascetics did not bring enlightenment. • Instead, he decides to seek a “middle way” to achieve enlightenment.
On his 35th birthday, Siddhartha meditated under the Bodhi (means enlightenment) tree. • A wicked god named Mara tries to scare him and tempt him during his meditation.
ENLIGHTENMENT • After meditating through the night, Siddhartha, reaches the state of Nirvana, or true happiness and peace and becomes Buddha. • During this meditation he also discovers what would become the basis of Buddhism.
The Foundations • THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS: • Suffering is present in all things and nothing lasts forever. • Suffering is caused by cravings (desires and wants). • The way to end suffering is to give up all cravings. • The way to give up all cravings is to live life according to the eightfold path.
The Eightfold Path • Represented by a wheel. • The eightfold path is the way to achieve true enlightenment. • The eight parts of the path are not to be understood as a sequence of single steps. • Instead they are principles that have to be seen in relationship with each other.
The Path • Wisdom: • 1. Right view • 2. Right intention • Ethical conduct: • 3. Right speech • 4. Right action • 5. Right livelihood • Mental discipline: • 6. Right effort • 7. Right mindfulness • 8. Right concentration
BUDDHISM • Buddhists, do not believe in the concept of a soul or a creator God. • Karma is what continues lifetime after lifetime. • Life is continual change and that a person should see themselves as part of the flow, part of the changes, and interconnected to everything else. • Once a person can give up all desires and overcome ignorance, they will reach the goal of enlightenment.
