Path to Nirvana: The Wisdom of Buddhism

1. 10/10 Focus: • Buddhism teaches that people can escape the suffering of the world by following the teachings of the Buddha • Do Now: • Describe the ultimate goal of Hinduism • How might the concept of reincarnation control people’s social behavior?

2. 10/14 Focus: • Buddhism developed in India but later spread into other areas, such as China. • Important Terms: • Enlightenment, Nirvana, 4 noble Truths, Eightfold Path • Do Now: • What judgment would someone who practiced Hinduism make about the past life of an untouchable?

3. Buddhism

4. Buddhism • Developed in India • Spread to other parts of Asia • Approx. 2,500 years old • Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha)

6. Siddhartha Gautama • Founder of Buddhism • Born a Hindu prince in N.E. India • Nepal today • Approx. 500 BC • Lived a sheltered life in great luxury • At the age of 29 he became of aware of the hardships in life

7. Siddhartha Gautama • Leaves his kingdom to seek enlightenment and source of suffering in the world • Lives an ascetic life for 6 years • Rejected all material things; begged for food; lived in the forest • Studies with gurus and monks • Rejects this approach and goes on his own • Sits under the Bodhi tree and meditates • Becomes enlightened • The Buddha • “The Enlightened One”

8. The Four Noble Truths • All Life is Suffering • Buddha discovered this when he left his sheltered world and saw death and suffering in others

9. The Four Noble Truths • Suffering is caused by self centered desire and attachment for things that are illusions

10. The Four Noble Truths • The way to eliminate suffering is to eliminate desire

11. The Four Noble Truths • Desire can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path • “The Middle Way” • Moderation in all things

12. The Eightfold Path • Series of steps that lead to enlightenment and Nirvana • Nirvana • Union with the universe • Release from the cycle of reincarnation

14. The Eightfold Path • Right Understanding • Accepting the reality of the four noble truths • Right intention • Rid yourself of qualities you know are wrong or immoral • Right speech • Avoiding lies, boasts, hurtful words • Right Action • Treating others fairly • Right livelihood • Avoiding jobs that bring harm to others • Right effort • Try to abandon wrong and harmful thoughts, words, and actions • Right mindfulness • Awareness of the world around you • Right Concentration • Ignoring temptation and discomfort during meditation

15. Mandala

16. Types of Buddhism • Theravada • The best way to achieve nirvana is to become a monk and devote your life to mediation • “The small vehicle” • Southern Asia • Mahayana • Not necessary to be a monk or nun • Northern Asia and Japan • “The Great Vehicle” • Bodhisattvas • People who have found enlightenment • Tibetan Buddhism • Mix of Theravada and Mahayana • Led by the Dali Lama

18. 10/15 Focus: • In Buddhism, the Eightfold Path provides a way to reach nirvana. • The Eightfold Path is also known as the “middle way”. • Do Now: • Identify one of the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism.

19. Buddhism and Hinduism Similarities Differences Buddhists don’t accept Hindu Gods, priests, and rituals Buddhism rejects the caste system " Birth does not make one a priest or an outcaste. Behavior makes one either a priest or an outcaste". Goal of Buddhism is nirvana Goal of Hinduism is moksha • Karma • Dharma • Reincarnation

20. Closure • What is the series of steps that Buddhists believe lead to enlightenment? • Why is the referred to as the “middle way”?