Buddhism Ch. 5, Less. 4
Goals of this lesson… • • • •
What IS Buddhism? Where did it come from? What do Buddhists believe? Buddhism today
Who cares!? • • • •
350 million Buddhists worldwide main religion in many Asian countries Asoka! Dalai Lama
Who Was the Buddha? • • • • • • • • •
6th Century BC (600-501 BC) Buddha means “Enlightened One” Siddartha Gautama South of the Himalayas in Nepal Wealthy King or teacher? Confined Married, had a child Saw suffering – discomfort
Whaddaya know!? According to Buddhist tradition, what was the Buddha’s original name?
And the answer is‌ Siddartha Gautama
Whaddaya know!? What does the term Buddha mean?
And the answer is… “Enlightened One”
Jataka Tales • • • • •
~550 stories Buddha’s life stories as various life forms message of justice good triumphs over evil http://www.jatakkatha.com/
The Buddha’s Travels • • • • • • • • • •
Joined a group Seeking understanding & a simple life Fasted – 6 yrs To understand the spirit Meditated – to clear the mind Under a tree in Bodh Gaya Morning star – Aha! Taught & traveled – 50 yrs ANYONE can become enlightened Peace and tolerance
Whaddaya know!? How are Buddhist beliefs different from Hindu beliefs?
And the answer is… Hinduism… • is one of the world’s oldest religions. • is based on the Aryan writings known as the Vedas. • teaches belief in one universal being, Brahman. • encourages living good lives according to seven essential truths. • teaches that the goal of a good life is to become one with Brahman.
Buddhism… • is not as old as Hinduism. • is based on the teachings of Siddartha Gautama, the Buddha. • does not teach belief in a personal creator or God. • shows people a peaceful, tolerant way of looking at the world. • teaches that the goal of Buddhists is to achieve Enlightenment, a state of pure goodness.
Hinduism and Buddhism are different in all these ways EXCEPT‌ A. One teaches belief in one universal being, Brahman. The other does not teach belief in a personal creator or God. B. One teaches that teaches that the goal of a good life is to become one with Brahman. The other teaches that the goal of life is to achieve Enlightenment, a state of pure goodness. C. One is based on the Aryan writings known as the Vedas. The other is based on the teachings of Siddartha Gautama. D. One encourages living a good life according to seven essential truths. The other shows people a way of living that makes you better than everyone else and more able to control the world around you.
Discuss‌ How do Buddhist beliefs compare to what your family believes?
Whaddaya know!? What are the three most important facts about Siddartha Gautama?
Possible answers… • He was the founder of Buddhism. • He believed all people could control whether or not they suffered. • He traveled and taught for nearly 50 years.
Which is the least important fact about Siddartha Gautama? A. He was the founder of Buddhism. B. He was married and had a child. C. He believed all people could control whether or not they suffered. D. He traveled and taught for nearly 50 years.
The Four Noble Truths • About human suffering 1. Dukkha - Suffering is just part of life for EVERYONE. 2. Samudaya - People suffer because they WANT. 3. Nirodha - Stop WANTING, and you will stop suffering. 4. Magga - To stop suffering, follow the Eightfold Path.
Whaddaya know!? List the Four Noble Truths in your own words.
And the answer is‌ 1.Everyone suffers. 2.People suffer because they WANT things. 3.If you could just stop yourself from wanting things, you wouldn’t suffer! 4.You could stop yourself from wanting things (and suffering) by following eight simple guidelines. (The Eightfold Path)
Which is NOT one of the Four Noble Truths? A. B. C. D.
If you suffer, it is because you deserve it. Everyone suffers. People suffer because they WANT things. If you could just stop yourself from wanting things, you wouldn’t suffer! E. You could stop yourself from wanting things (and suffering) by following eight simple guidelines. (The Eightfold Path)
The Eightfold Path • relief from suffering • Three important qualities: – Wisdom – Good morals – Meditation
Three Qualities
Wisdom (panna)
Eightfold Path Right View (understanding) (based on the Four Noble Truths)
Right Thought (compassion rather than selfishness).
Morality (sila)
Right Speech (Don't tell lies, avoid harsh, abusive speech, avoid gossip.) Right Action (Help others, live honestly, don't harm living things, take care of the environment.) Right work (Do something useful; avoid jobs which harm others.)
Meditation (samadhi)
Right Effort (Encourage good, helpful thoughts, discourage unwholesome destructive thoughts.)
Right Mindfulness (Be aware of what you feel, think and do.)
Right Contemplation (concentration) (calm mind, practice meditation which leads to nirvana).
Whaddaya know!?
Which of these is NOT one of the Four Noble Truths? A) Suffering is a part of life for rich people and priests.
B) People suffer because they want so many things.
C) If people just stopped wanting things, they would no longer suffer.
D) Following the Eightfold Path can help you to stop wanting things.
And the answer is... A) Suffering is a part of life for rich people and priests.
B) People suffer because they want so many things.
C) If people just stopped wanting things, they would no longer suffer.
D) Following the Eightfold Path can help you to stop wanting things.
Which of these is NOT one of the Four Noble Truths? A. Suffering is a part of life for rich people and priests. B. People suffer because they want so many things. C. If people just stopped wanting things, they would no longer suffer. D. Following the Eightfold Path can help you to stop wanting things.
Whaddaya know!? What tells Buddhists they should follow the Eightfold Path?
And the answer is… The Four Noble Truths
The Four Noble Truths tell Buddhists that they should follow the Eightfold Path. A. True B. False
Quiz Question‌ Which of these is NOT a quality recommended by the Eightfold Path? A) wisdom
B) meditation
C) suffering
D) morality
And the answer is‌
A) wisdom
B) meditation
C) suffering
D) morality
Which of these is NOT a quality recommended by the Eightfold Path? A. B. C. D.
Wisdom meditation Suffering morality
Interactive Wheel of Life
Rahula Leads the Way
The Monkey's Heart