Introduction to Buddhism
1. Buddhists look to Buddha as an example of a higher being. But he is not looked at as a God. Buddhists see him as a role model.
2. Tripitaka is seen as an important text. The 5 Precepts are important + the 5 more for monks and nuns.
3. Buddhists worship in temples, OR at home. Buddhists do not need to go to the temple to worship.
4. Mahabodhi Temple. This place is significant because of events in Buddha’s life. It is where he achieved enlightenment. Its not necessary to visit though.
5. Visakha Puja Day: (Look at it like the everything day) it celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Asalha Puja Day: Happens on a full moon and celebrates the teachings of Buddha. It is believed that his teach-ings occurred on Full Moons.
6. The Statue of Buddha. Lotus Flower, (it grew where Buddha stepped as a baby), The Four Sights (old man, sick man, corpse, ascetic monk)
7. Siddhartha Gautama, (later Buddha)8. Meditation, Yoga, they believe in being nice and not making war or violence,
Karma ~ good actions lead to good things, bad actions lead to the bad9. Not enjoy killing, don’t over-indulge but also not to deprive yourself of things
(asceticism) no sexual misconduct, this is called the Middle Way.10. Inner peace for yourself, finding enlightenment, the point is to end human suf-
fering 11. Monks, nuns, and the Dalai Lama12. Monks, nuns, and the Dalai Lama
1. Accept all religions2. They don't believe in blind faith3. Buddha is called the enlightened one4. Buddha was a prince5. Rubbing Buddha’s stomach brings you good luck
6. Buddhism is one of the fastest growing religions7. They don't believe in gods coming to save them8. Buddha was born hindu, and the religion shares some aspects with Hinduism
1. 2500 years ago (500 BCE)2. Siddhartha Gautama3. 563 BCE4. Kshatriyas Caste5. He was born in what is now Nepal. Kingdom of Shakya (India at the time)6. King Shuddhodana7. Queen Maya
The Early Life Of Buddha
1. He descended from heaven in the form of a White elephant into his mother. After he was born, he took 7 steps and said “this is my last birth”. Also there was a wise man who predicted Greatness for Siddhartha in the form of either a Holy man or a King. (his father wanted him to be a king).
2. This meant that he was reincarnated for the last time3. The King wanted him to take over his rule. But he wasn't happy he wanted to
become a holy man. The King never left him leave the kingdom so that he wouldn't witness human suffering.
4. Old man, sick man, dead man, and the ascetic monk5. Find the solution between luxury and asceticism 6. Left his life of comfort, MEDITATION, CONTROLLED BREATING, REDUC-
ING FOOD INTAKE (fasting)7. He discovered the middle way through meditation8. Started to meditate (for 49 days) he saw all his past lives and he removed all
the cravings and wants in his life, finding nirvana. He stayed in this state for 7 days or 7 weeks (depending on who answers)
9. An understanding of the truth of life and the freedom from ignorance.10. a state of total supreme realization and serenity.
