Buddhism

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Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion started sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BC. by Shakyamuni Siddhartha Gautama.

[Shah-ky uh-moo n-ee][S ih d-dh aa r-th uh]Gaw-tuh-muh, gou-]

What is Buddhism?

A young girl named Maya married king Suddhodana the ruler of Sakya, (which is now modern day Nepal).

How It Began

His mother had a vision foretelling her pregnancy with Buddha.

The Dream

Elephants were a symbol of greatness in India.

Queen Maya gave birth to Buddha in 563 BC.It is said that when the queen was going

home for the birth, She decided to go for a walk in a beautiful flower garden, and gave birth to Buddha under a Sal tree

The queen had no birth pains as a blessing for carrying Buddha, or Siddhartha (which means, “He who has accomplished his goal).

Buddha's Birth

It is said that Buddha was born with unique marks on his feet.

Buddha's Birth

Most Buddha literature says that Maya died seven days after the birth of her son, leaving him in the care of his aunt and father. Buddhist believe that Maya was reborn in heaven, and is depicted as a beautiful goddess.

Maya's Death

When Buddha was just a young child, a fortune teller prophesied that the prince would be a great ruler or king, or a holy man.

The Prophecy

The king wanted his son to take after himself, and be a great ruler or king, so he did all he could to direct the prince in that way.

The King's Wish

At age 29 Buddha secretly went on four small journeys, his servant has his guide. Buddha observed a different sign on each journey, called the Four Noble Truths. These truths are the essence of Buddha’s teachings.

The Four Noble Truths

#1 The truth of suffering.

First Noble Truth

#2 The truth of the cause of suffering.

Second Noble Truth

#3 The truth of the end of suffering.

Third Noble Truth

#4 The truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering.

Last Noble Truth

After his four journeys, Buddha ran away leaving his wife and child to pursue a spiritual life of meditation.

Buddha's Eacape

After six years he attained enlightenment, under a Bodh tree in Gaya, India.

The Enlightened One