16 Questions
Where did Buddhism begin?
Northern India
What does the word 'Buddha' mean?
The enlightened one
What is the Buddhist view of God?
Buddhists do not believe in a God who created the world
Who is Siddhartha Gautama?
The man who became known as the Buddha
What did Siddhartha see when he left the palace for the first time?
Old age, sickness, and death
What did the Buddha achieve at the age of 35?
He was Enlightened
What is the first of Buddhism's Four Noble Truths?
Life always involves suffering
What is the Eightfold Path?
A way to live a life of simplicity and balance
What is the purpose of meditation in Buddhism?
To clear the mind and calm the body
What is the symbol of enlightenment in Buddhism?
The lotus flower
What is the purpose of the Eightfold Path?
To live a life free from harm and selfishness
Why do some Buddhists choose to live as monks or nuns?
To dedicate their lives to sharing the teachings of the Buddha
What is the purpose of prayer flags in Buddhism?
To spread messages of love and kindness through the wind
What is the significance of the Right Speech in Buddhism?
To speak kind and helpful words
What is the purpose of prayer wheels in Buddhism?
To release prayers and mantras to the world
What is the typical attire of Buddhist monks and nuns?
Orange robes and shaved heads
Study Notes
Buddhism
- Buddhism originated in India around 2,500 years ago and is the fourth-largest religion in the world.
The Buddha
- The word "Buddha" means "the enlightened one" or "the one who knows".
- Buddhists do not believe in a God who created the world and everything in it.
- The Buddha was a man named Siddhartha Gautama (or Siddattha Gotama) who was born in northern India (modern-day Nepal).
- Siddhartha lived as a prince and was protected from the sadness and suffering of life by his father, the king.
- At the age of 35, Siddhartha sat under a bodhi tree by a full moon, meditating, and became Enlightened.
The Buddha's Teachings
- The Buddha's teachings are known as dharma.
- The Four Noble Truths are:
- Life always involves suffering (dukkha).
- Suffering happens because people are greedy and not satisfied with what they have.
- Greed and selfishness can be overcome.
- The way to overcome them is to follow the Eightfold Path.
- The Eightfold Path is a way of life that includes:
- Right viewpoint (accepting the Buddha's teachings)
- Right values/thought (using the power of the mind in the right way)
- Right speech (making sure that your words are kind and helpful)
- Right actions (treating yourself and others well)
- Right livelihood (having a job that does not harm others)
- Right effort (doing good things and avoiding bad things)
- Right mindfulness (training the mind to see things in the right way)
- Right meditation (learning to concentrate and calm the mind)
Buddhist Practices
- Meditation is a very important part of Buddhism, used to calm and clear the mind.
- People show their love of Buddha by meditating, lighting candles, and making offerings of flowers and incense.
- Buddhists worship at shrines at home and in temples and monasteries (viharas).
- Some Buddhists chant mantras or sacred words as part of their meditation.
- Some Buddhists write mantras and prayers on coloured prayer flags or prayer wheels in temples.
Buddhist Monks and Nuns
- Some Buddhists choose to leave their families and live as monks (if they are men) or nuns (if they are women) and dedicate their lives to sharing the Buddha's teachings.
- Buddhist monks and nuns wear orange robes and shave their heads.
- In some Buddhist countries, it is common for boys to spend a few months or years living as monks when they are growing up.
Learn about the origins of Buddhism, its beliefs, and the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who became known as the Buddha. Discover the core principles of this ancient religion practiced by millions worldwide.
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