Buddhism

• Buddhism began in the 5 shares many beliefs with Hinduism – • th century BCE in Northern India and Buddhists believe in reincarnation and their goal is to escape the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth by attaining nirvana Nirvana is a state of perfect understanding of the world in which a person experiences no negative emotions • Somebody who attains nirvana will not be reborn, but it is unclear what happens when they die – Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment and became the Buddha, and preached how others could do the same – There are gods in Buddhism, but they do not matter • Gods are just another level to which somebody can be reincarnated – In order to achieve enlightenment, one must follow the Four Noble Truths: 1.

Life is suffering 2.

3.

4.

Suffering is caused by desire Suffering can be ended by freeing oneself from desire One can be freed from desire by thinking and acting according to the teachings of the Buddha

Video

Watch the video and answer the following questions 1. Where did Buddhism begin?

2. Why did Siddhartha Gautama leave his home?

3. What are the similarities between Hinduism and Buddhism?

4. What is meditation?

5. What is the Tripitaka?

6. What is the relationship between monks and the regular community?

7. What are the two main sects of Buddhism?

8. What are the three jewels of Buddhism?