Do Now: Do Now: Write down a few words about the images below and be prepared to share you thoughts with the class…

Do Now:Do Now:Write down a few words about the images below and be prepared to

share you thoughts with the class…

World Religions Comparative Chart

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Siddhartha GautamaThe Buddha, began his life as a prince in India. He was born into the wealthy warrior caste.

ChildhoodHis mother died shortly after his birth. His father lavished him with wealth so he would never want to leave the palace. He was completely sheltered from the outside world.

The Three Visions

Siddhartha grew up never knowing much about the outside world. He married young and had a son.

When he was in his 20’s he went outside the palace and experienced three visions which changed his life.

1. The saw someone in advanced old age.

2. He saw a very sick person

3. He saw a dead body.

Siddhartha had never before been aware of human suffering.

He felt his life was a lie and abandoned it to become an ascetic, or a wandering holy man in an attempt to find a

way to end human suffering.

EnlightenmentSiddhartha decided that he would meditate until he discovered the way to end human suffering.

Bodhi Tree: He sat under a Bodhi tree and said that he would not get up until he had achieved enlightenment.

He mediated for 40 days amidst temptation, and at the end said that he was “awake” – he had achieved, Nirvana, or Enlightenment. This is when he became the Buddha, or the ‘Enlightened One.’

Teachings of the BuddhaThe Buddha taught that in order to reach Nirvana (enlightenment), one must understand the Four Noble Truths

Four Noble Truths

1. All life is full of suffering

2. We suffer because we desire things – we want material possessions (aka attachments)

3. The way to end suffering is to overcome our desire

4. To do that one must follow the Eightfold path, or Middle Way

The Eightfold Path (The Middle Way)1. Right view

One must understand the four noble truths2. Right intention Know what you really want3. Right speech

Speak truth and speak well of others4. Right action Do not kill, steal, lie, be unchaste, or take drugs or

alcohol5. Right livelihood Don’t do a job that harms others6. Right effort

Do your best, always7. Right mindfulness Keep control of yourself and your urges8. Right concentration One must meditate to understand the world

Laughing BuddhaLaughing BuddhaThe laughing Buddha reminds us that to be happy we need to have a loving heart. A big heart gives you tolerance. It helps you to greet each day with joy and all people with gladness.

Buddha says that the best way to solve a problem we might have with someone else is to have a warm and loving heart. By not being resentful, by not bearing grudges, only then are we able to smile like the Buddha - only then can we be truly happy.

Buddhism is…Buddhism is…

• A philosophy, religion, and spiritual practice followed by more than 300

million people

• Non-theistic: Buddha is not the Buddhist God – he is just a revered

teacher

What do Buddhists believe?

• Rebirth (reincarnation) results from attachment (karma)

• Nirvana is a peaceful, detached state of mind

• Achieving Nirvana means escape from the cycle of rebirth

Reincarnation: The Buddha taught the belief of Samsara, or Reincarnation. As long as one is tied to material possessions of this earth and does not achieve enlightenment then one will have suffering.

Nirvana: The ultimate goal of Buddhism – to be released from the cycle of death and rebirth.

Buddhist Buddhist Beliefs:Beliefs:

Teachings

• Caste System: The Buddha rejected the caste system. He said all people were capable of achieving enlightenment in one lifetime. However, since not everyone did, Buddhism does believe in reincarnation.

• Ahinsa: Taught non-violence, same as Hinduism.

• Meditation: Taught that one should meditate. Yoga and Martial arts are seen as a form of mediation.

Spread of BuddhismConvents and Monasteries: The Buddha had many followers, both men and women. He did not discriminate based on gender.

Within two centuries after the Buddha died, Buddhism began to spread north and east into Asia.

By the 13th Century, Buddhism had essentially disappeared from India.

Scriptures: His teachings were collected in the Tripitika, or three baskets of wisdom.

Stupa: A shrine that houses Buddhist relics

Pagodas, also associated with Buddhism evolved from Stupas.They are usually Buddhist temples or shrines.

How does Buddhism differ from Hinduism?

Buddhism rejects…

• The authority of the Vedas• The caste system• The Hindu deities• The concept of Brahman

Independent PracticeIndependent Practice

• Read the Buddhism article• Answer the question• Ask for help when/if needed

Exit SlipExit Slip

Identify:

1. One similarity between Hinduism and Buddhism

2. One difference between Hinduism and Buddhism

World Religions Comparative Chart

Religion Hinduism Buddhism Judaism Christianity Islam

Place of Origin

Founder

Sacred Text

Ultimate Goal

Worship

Major Beliefs

Religions Founded in India