BUDDHISM
The origin of Buddhism was in Northern India. It has three hundred fifty million followers. Buddhism was formed in the 6th century B.C. It is one of the oldest religions in the world. The founder of Buddhism is Buddha. The main locations of Buddhism are China, Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Siddhartha Gautama
Siddhartha Gautama was an Indian prince. He had everything given to him. His father kept him from going to the outside world because he was afraid that if he did, he would become a religious leader instead of following his footsteps and rule as a king. Siddhartha later became known as the Buddha. He became Buddha by becomg the first person to reach enlightenment.
Buddha
Buddha was a teacher and a spiritual leader. He is also referred to as "enlightened one". Buddha is the one most influential figures to Buddhists. He founded the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Paths.He lived about 2,500 years ago.
Four Noble Truths
1. Everyone suffers
2. Suffering is caused by desire: peoples' greed, hatred, and ignorance.
3. People can be freed from suffering
4.People must overcome their desires by following the eight fold paths.
2. Suffering is caused by desire: peoples' greed, hatred, and ignorance.
3. People can be freed from suffering
4.People must overcome their desires by following the eight fold paths.
Noble Eightfold Paths
1. Know the truth.
2. Say nothing to hurt others.
3. Practice Meditation.
4. Control your thoughts.
5. Resist Evil.
6. Free your mind of evil.
7. Work for the good of others.
8. Respect life.
2. Say nothing to hurt others.
3. Practice Meditation.
4. Control your thoughts.
5. Resist Evil.
6. Free your mind of evil.
7. Work for the good of others.
8. Respect life.
Classification
Buddhism is a nontheistic religion. That means they don't believe in a god, cbut they do believe in deities.
Key Figures
A key figure in Buddhism are monks. Monks are holy people who live a simple life and dedicate everything to reach the goal of Nirvana.
Religious Book
The sacred book that the Buddhists have is called Tipitaka. It is written in an ancient language. The ancient language that the book is written in is called Pali. Tipitaka is a very massive book.
Goals
The main goal for Buddhists is to reach Nirvana.
Guidelines for daily life
Buddhists practice religion everyday. They meditate at least once a day. Buddhists practice the Eightfold Paths and the Four Noble Truths.
Concept of Higher Power
Buddhists do not believe in a higher power. They don't believe in a god.
Key Holidays
A major holiday for Buddhists is Vesak. Vesak celebrates the enlightenment, birth, and death of Budda. A festival is held on this day. The festival is held in May or June. Another holiday that Buddhists celebrate is Magha Puja. Magha Puja is celebrated in Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. It takes place usually in March.
Symbols
Two symbols in Buddhism are the Lotus Flower and the Dharma Wheel. The Lotus Flower represents a symbol of fortune. Lotus flowers grow in muddy water. The Dharma Wheel is one of the oldest symbols in Buddhism. The symbol represents Buddhas teachings.
Sites
Some holy sites include Bodh Gaya and The Bodhi Tree. The Bodh Gaya is the place where Buddha achieved enlightenment. It is located in the state of Bihar. It is the most important place to the Buddhists. The Bodhi Tree is where Buddha meditated until he reached enlightenment. The tree is located in Bodh Gaya, India.
Branches
The main branches of Buddhism are Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, and Vajrayana.