Buddhism

Buddhism

Budh• Root of the Buddha’s

name• “wake”• Buddha = one who has

awakened

Life of the Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama• Born a kshatriya prince• Siddhartha = “one who will accomplish his

goal”

• Mother died in childbirth• Raised by this aunt

Life of the Buddha

Siddhartha• Receives traditional hindu education• Trains as a warrior• Sheltered from the outside world• Sees “the four sights”

Life of the Buddha

Siddharta• The four sights

– Old man– Dead man– Sick man– Sadhu

• Pivotal moment in his life; decides to leave the palace and become a sadhu

• Decides he is going to get out of samsara

Life of the Buddha

Ascestic practice• Learns from teachers

in the forest• Finds their ways will

not lead to enlightenment

Life of the Buddha

Bodh Gaya (the deer park)• Travels to Bodh Gaya• Meditates on his own for many days• He is tempted to give up• He thinks back on his past meditations,

the sun begins to rise

Life of the Buddha

Bodh Gaya• Earth-touching

gesture• Attains

enlightenment• Decides to stay

in samsara to teach others

Life of the Buddha

Teaches first sermon• Four noble truths• Eightfold path

Establishes the sangha (monastic order)

Four Noble Truths

• Life is suffering• Suffering is caused by desire

– Attachment to pleasure brings pain• Quiet the desire• Follow the Eightfold Path

Eightfold Path

• 1. Right view • 2. Right intention• 3. Right speech

4. Right action5. Right livelihood6. Right effort7. Right mindfulness8. Right concentration