Buddhism

The Origin of Buddhism

• Around 500 BC, Hinduism was the primary religion in India, but not everyone agreed with its principles, leading to the rise of Buddhism.
• Siddhartha Gautama, a young prince, questioned Hindu rituals and beliefs, and his search for answers eventually led him to become the Buddha.

The Four Noble Truths

• The Buddha's teachings, known as the Four Noble Truths, serve as the basis for all Buddhist beliefs.
• The Four Noble Truths state that:
  • Life is suffering.
  • Suffering is caused by selfish desires (Craving).
  • Suffering can be ended by eliminating selfish desires (Experience of Enlightenment).
  • The path to end suffering is the Middle Way or Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path

• The Eightfold Path is a guide to help followers understand the Four Noble Truths and reach nirvana.
• The Eightfold Path consists of:
  • Right Understanding.
  • Right Thought.
  • Right Speech.
  • Right Action.
  • Right Work.
  • Right Effort.
  • Right Mindfulness.
  • Right Concentration.

The Middle Path

• The Buddha believed that people should practice moderation in their lives, avoiding extreme poverty or wealth.
• He called this manner of living "the Middle Path".

Spread of Buddhism

• Buddhism quickly attracted many followers, and missionaries helped spread the beliefs throughout India.
• From India, Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, and other Southeast Asian countries, as well as the Himalayan kingdoms and parts of Central Asia.
• Buddhism was popular among many groups because it rejected the caste system.

Branches of Buddhism

• There are several branches of Buddhism, including:
  • Theravada.
  • Mahayana.
  • Tibetan.