The Teachings of the Buddha

What is Buddhism?

• Buddhism is a major world religion.

• It is the 4th largest religion

of the world, and has about 300,000,000 followers.

• It helps people by providing a way of life that will lead to true happiness.

The History of Buddhism

• It was founded by Buddha, a prince, 2500 years ago.

• He was very unhappy in his royal life, so he set off on a 6 year journey, exploring other religions.

• After his long journey and much meditation he was finally “enlightened”.

• He found the middle path, the key to human happiness. For the rest of his life he wandered Asia, preaching his new religion.

Buddhists in the world

• China, 80.00% USA 2%

• Japan 96.00% Germany 1.1%

• Thailand 95.00% France 1.2%

• India 3.25% Canada 1.10%

• Sri Lanka 70.00% Africa .02%

• Cambodia 95.00%

• Total Buddhists in the world1,595,485,458

• Year 2010

What Did Buddha Teach?

• He taught the 4 Noble Truths which sum up Buddhist beliefs.

• He also taught the Noble Eightfold Path.

• He taught people to lead moral lives. He taught his followers to be aware of thoughts and actions and to develop wisdom and understanding.

What are the Four Noble Truths?1. Life will include suffering. Frustration

and pain are a part of life.

2. Suffering comes from desires for pleasure and material goods.

3.Desire can be overcome. Nirvana is perfect peace.

4. The Eightfold Path is the middle way between desire and denying

oneself pleasure. The Noble Eightfold path leads to the end of all suffering.

The Noble Eightfold Path

8 simple rules:• To have a right

understanding• To have right thoughts• To use right speech• To do right actions • To deal with right

livelihood• To give a right effort• To have a right

mindfulness• To use the right

meditation

Nirvana means a state of bliss or peace.