Founding Story
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The prince Siddhartha Gautama was locked away in his home but he had everything that was good. Yet he was curious to what was out in the world so he ran away and saw an old man, a sick man , and finally a corpse. He wanted to know how the world could come to such a terrible end. He began to meditate to try to find the answer.During this time, he had to overcome Mara, an evil demon, who challenged his right to become the Buddha and after a month of meditating under a tree he found the answer;Enlightenment. ( a state of bliss in which human desire, ego, and suffering are extinguished) He would teach his ways to those who became his disciples. He became the Buddha which means teacher.
Classification:
Buddhism is a non-theistic religion. Although they believe that Brahman talked to Siddhartha Gautama about preaching his knowledge to others, Buddhists do not believe in any gods or goddesses. They believe in being at peace with yourself;To reach enlightenment with oneself. They believe that following the 4 Nobel truths and the eighth-fold path they can reach that enlightenment,
The Buddha taught that before we can understand life and death we must understand the self. Although Mahayana Buddhists believe in Quasi-deites, these are people that seem "god like" because they have reached enlightenment and they help others who have not. They are not gods or goddesses but are praised and look upon.
The Buddha taught that before we can understand life and death we must understand the self. Although Mahayana Buddhists believe in Quasi-deites, these are people that seem "god like" because they have reached enlightenment and they help others who have not. They are not gods or goddesses but are praised and look upon.
Key figures:
Siddhartha Gautama ( the Buddha) was a very important key figure for Buddhism. He is the one that mediated under a tree and found enlightenment. He taught his disciples everything he had learned and started the evolution of Buddhism.
Bodhisattva are also key figures to Mahayana Buddhists. They are seen as "god like" people, and are asked on help to reach enlightenment.
Bodhisattva are also key figures to Mahayana Buddhists. They are seen as "god like" people, and are asked on help to reach enlightenment.
Religious Authority:
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In Buddhism , there is n single collection of writings in which all Buddhists follow. The writings that do exists are separate. One of the most important writings is the Tipitka. There are two versions , the Pali Canon and Sanskrit Canon. The Pali Canon is an old Indian language (native language of Buddha). The sanskirt was also in an old Indian language, but it was only useful to Buddha He used the Pali Canon writings to teach others because he believed the Sanskrit writings were only for intellectuals. When talking to common people, he believed that the Pali Canon writings were the most comprehensible. The Pali Canon is divided into three sctions Vinaya Pikata( teaches discipline to the Buddhists), Sutta PIkata(teaches about dharma and Buddha's disciples), and Abhidhamma Pikata(Contains writings that explain Buddha's teachings).
Core Beliefs:
Buddhists believe in Karma, Dharma, Samara , and Enlightenment.
Karma is action, seen as bringing upon oneself inevitable results, good or bad, in reincarnation.
Dharma is conformity to religious law, custom, duty, or one's own quality or character .
Samsara is the transmigration or rebirth of a person
Wealth, race, gender and family background were ignored, and the only thing that was important was the desire to reach enlightenment.
Buddhists believe in the eight fold path which is eight aspects of life, all of which are to be integrated in everyday life. Thus the environment is created to move closer to the Buddhist path. The eight-fold path is at the heart of the middle way, it encourages us to seek the simple approach.
Karma is action, seen as bringing upon oneself inevitable results, good or bad, in reincarnation.
Dharma is conformity to religious law, custom, duty, or one's own quality or character .
Samsara is the transmigration or rebirth of a person
Wealth, race, gender and family background were ignored, and the only thing that was important was the desire to reach enlightenment.
Buddhists believe in the eight fold path which is eight aspects of life, all of which are to be integrated in everyday life. Thus the environment is created to move closer to the Buddhist path. The eight-fold path is at the heart of the middle way, it encourages us to seek the simple approach.
Beliefs about Afterlife:
Buddhists believe in Samsara (the transmigration or rebirth of a person). Karma will affect our path to reaching enlightenment. The more positive Karma you have, the closer you get to understanding oneself and reaching complete enlightenment. Buddhism promotes self-discovery.
Rules/Guidelines for daily life:
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Buddhists follow the four Noble Truths:
All life is suffering(dukkha), The source of suffering is desire, greed, and jealousy (samudaya)
,to stop suffering you must rid yourself of desire and ego(nirhodha) , and follow the eightfold path( magga) ;
Eight fold path:
1.Right view . Right view means seeing the world and everything in it as it really is, not as we believe it to be or want it to be .
2 Right intention meaning the Eightfold Path is Right Intent. This is the step where we become committed to the path. Shows us what life really is and what life’s problems are composed of, It urges us to decide what our heart wants.,
3 right speech meaning to underestimate the power of the spoken word, and regret words . Each of us has experienced the disappointment associated with harsh criticism, and we also are likely to have felt good when kind words encouraged us.
4 right action meaning considering others and the world.Includes not taking what is not given to us, and having respect for everything.
5 right livelihood,Buddhism promotes the principle of equality of all living beings and respect for all life. ,
6 right effort meaninga positive attitude in a balanced way ,
7 right mindfulnessmeans being aware of the moment, and being focused in that moment and
8 right concentration meaning once the mind is uncluttered, it may then be concentrated to achieve whatever is desired.
As well as following the four Nobel truths, meditating is a big thing to Buddhists, If you're a monk you don't get power like most holy people do .Monks have to renounce everything ( including their hair )
Siddhartha encouraged people to follow a path of balance instead of one of extremism, which he called the Middle Way.
He believed in peace. He wanted to lead others to and along the path of enlightenment, and when he died, it is said that he told his disciples that they should follow no leader.
All life is suffering(dukkha), The source of suffering is desire, greed, and jealousy (samudaya)
,to stop suffering you must rid yourself of desire and ego(nirhodha) , and follow the eightfold path( magga) ;
Eight fold path:
1.Right view . Right view means seeing the world and everything in it as it really is, not as we believe it to be or want it to be .
2 Right intention meaning the Eightfold Path is Right Intent. This is the step where we become committed to the path. Shows us what life really is and what life’s problems are composed of, It urges us to decide what our heart wants.,
3 right speech meaning to underestimate the power of the spoken word, and regret words . Each of us has experienced the disappointment associated with harsh criticism, and we also are likely to have felt good when kind words encouraged us.
4 right action meaning considering others and the world.Includes not taking what is not given to us, and having respect for everything.
5 right livelihood,Buddhism promotes the principle of equality of all living beings and respect for all life. ,
6 right effort meaninga positive attitude in a balanced way ,
7 right mindfulnessmeans being aware of the moment, and being focused in that moment and
8 right concentration meaning once the mind is uncluttered, it may then be concentrated to achieve whatever is desired.
As well as following the four Nobel truths, meditating is a big thing to Buddhists, If you're a monk you don't get power like most holy people do .Monks have to renounce everything ( including their hair )
Siddhartha encouraged people to follow a path of balance instead of one of extremism, which he called the Middle Way.
He believed in peace. He wanted to lead others to and along the path of enlightenment, and when he died, it is said that he told his disciples that they should follow no leader.
Concept of a higher power:
Buddhists do not believe in a higher power. They do not worship gods or goddesses. Instead, they believe in reaching enlightenment; to be at peace with oneself.
Key Holidays:
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Buddhists use the lunar calendar to determine when the holiday happens
-Vesak: Buddha's Birthday is known as Vesak and is one of the major festivals of the year.
-Magha Puja Day takes places on the full moon day of the third lunar month (March). This holy day is observed to commemorate an important event in the life of the Buddha. This event occurred early in the Buddha's teaching life.
-Weska- recognizes the birthday, enlightenment and death. It is the mot important day to Buddhists. The holiday starts off in the morning with a peal of bells and drums beatinf and it continues till the night with a candle-lit process.
-Buddhist New Yea: Occurs at different times depending on the country it's being celebrated in. Southeast Asian nations it is celebrated in April. In northern Buddhist countries , the holiday is celebrated on January 1.
-Vesak: Buddha's Birthday is known as Vesak and is one of the major festivals of the year.
-Magha Puja Day takes places on the full moon day of the third lunar month (March). This holy day is observed to commemorate an important event in the life of the Buddha. This event occurred early in the Buddha's teaching life.
-Weska- recognizes the birthday, enlightenment and death. It is the mot important day to Buddhists. The holiday starts off in the morning with a peal of bells and drums beatinf and it continues till the night with a candle-lit process.
-Buddhist New Yea: Occurs at different times depending on the country it's being celebrated in. Southeast Asian nations it is celebrated in April. In northern Buddhist countries , the holiday is celebrated on January 1.
Sites and Symbols:
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- Lotus flower. Representing purity and enlightenment.
- Endless knot, or, the Mandala. Representing eternal harmony
- Eight Spoked Wheel and theBodhi Tree, but also the Buddha's Footprints, an Empty Throne, aBegging Bowl and a Lion are used to represent Siddhartha Guatama ( Buddha)
- Lumbini: birthplace of Buddha
- Bodh Gaya: the place of his Enlightenment (in the current Mahabodhi Temple,Bihar, India).
- Sarnath: (India)first teaching.
- Kusinara: ( India) where he died
- Stupas are to most sacred places to Buddhists. Buddha's ashes and other ashes from enlightened ones are scattered throughout theses Stupas. Some contain copies of important and holy texts .
- Temples honor Buddha and Buddha "saints". They also showcase the architectural skills of the past. Some temples contain classrooms, gardens and other things to honor Buddha,
Sects and or branches
Theravada - This particular group is mostly in Southeast Asia. They look to the Pali Canon scriptures of the Tipitaka meaning they study the original teachings of Buddha. They believe he was just a man , and they shall reach enlightenment alone. They do not pray to Buddha in worship rituals. Most men want to become monks and join a monastery.
Mahayana - These Buddhists believe that they need to help others in order to have positive karma and achieve enlightenment. The process of reincarnation makes them think that others could be reincarnated relatives, friends, etc so they should help everyone (including criminals). They pray and ask help for Bodhisattva. These are people who have reached enlightenment ( or stopped attempting to) to help others reach their enlightenment. Often these Buddhists create Quasi-deities. These Bodhisattvas are seen as "god like" ( they are not gods or goddesses) but are reached and prayed to like ones.
Mahayana - These Buddhists believe that they need to help others in order to have positive karma and achieve enlightenment. The process of reincarnation makes them think that others could be reincarnated relatives, friends, etc so they should help everyone (including criminals). They pray and ask help for Bodhisattva. These are people who have reached enlightenment ( or stopped attempting to) to help others reach their enlightenment. Often these Buddhists create Quasi-deities. These Bodhisattvas are seen as "god like" ( they are not gods or goddesses) but are reached and prayed to like ones.