Presentation on theme: "Buddhism. Started out as a philosophy Now considered a religion, but is “nontheistic” – No central god or deity Founder: Siddhartha Gautama – B. 563 B.C."— Presentation transcript:
Started out as a philosophy Now considered a religion, but is “nontheistic” – No central god or deity Founder: Siddhartha Gautama – B. 563 B.C – D. 487 B.C. (80 years old) – “The Buddha” – means “awakened” or “enlightened”
Background Born in region along India/Nepal border Father was a raja (king) “Seers” or astrologers predicted he was someone great but would reject his legacy So…his father kept him sheltered in the palace Marries, has son Finally leaves palace and encounters realities of life as an adult
The Great Renunciation Encounters: poverty, old age, sickness, and death. After meeting a holy man, he decides to start to try to find the meaning of life – Renounces royal title, all material belongings, left palace, wife and kids – Wanders around, experiences enlightenment and becomes “the Buddha.” Shares his teachings =Buddhism
Buddha’s Teachings The Four Noble Truths: 1.Life is subject to sorrow. 2.Sorrow is caused by our cravings or desires, which come from being ignorant. 3.Sorrow can be eliminated by eliminating cravings/desires. 4.The way to eliminate cravings/desires is to follow the Eightfold Path or “Middle Way.”
Eightfold Path 1.Right views 5. Right Livelihood 2.Right intentions 6. Right effort 3.Right speech 7. Right mindfulness 4.Right action 8. Right concentration By following the Eightfold Path, the ultimate goal is to eliminate sorrow and achieve “nirvana” or true enlightenment.
On a sheet of paper: If everyone followed the 4 Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, would it bring and end to sorrow and suffering? Explain your opinion in a paragraph. How is Hinduism similar to and different from Buddhism? Make a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting the 2 religions.