Transcript Buddhism
Buddhism By: Tanner S. What is Buddhism? • Buddhism is a major world religion, or in a better sense, philosophy. • It is the 4th largest religion of the world, and has about 300,000,000 people living by it. • It explains the purpose of life, injustices and inequality around the world. • It also helps people by providing a way of life that will lead to true happiness. The History of Buddhism • It was all started by Buddha, who was a prince in Lumbini, 2500 years ago. • He was very unhappy in his royal life, so he set off on a 6 year journey, exploring other religions. • After his long journey and much meditation he was finally “enlightened”. • He found the middle path, the key to human happiness. For the rest of his life he wandered Asia, preaching his new religion. What Did Buddha Teach? • He taught the 4 Noble truths which sum up Buddhism religion • He also taught the noble eight fold path • He taught to lead a moral life, be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions and to develop wisdom and understanding • He also taught the 5 precepts What are the Four Noble Truths? • The first was that life is suffering • You can’t live without death, frustration, etc. • The second is that suffering is caused by craving and aversion • Getting what you want doesn’t guarantee happiness, it deprives you of it • The third is that suffering can be overcome, and true happiness attained • If we stop craving useless things, and live each day at a time (not living in the future) we will be happy and free. • The fourth is that the Noble eight fold path leads to the end of all suffering The Noble Eightfold Path • It taught 8 simple rules: • To have a right understanding • To have right thoughts • To use right speech • To do right actions • To deal with right livelihood • To give a right effort • To have a right mindfulness • To use the right meditation The 5 precepts • • • • • Do not take the life of anything living Do not take anything not freely given Abstain from sensual overindulgence Refrain from untrue speech Avoid intoxication • Do not lose mindfulness • This is the moral code of the Buddhists Bibliography • www.buddhanet.net/learning/5mindbud.htm