Transcript Buddhism
Buddhism And the 8-Fold Path to Enlightenment Basics • Origin: India around 6-4th century BCE • Spread to Asia, now found worldwide. • Evolved from Hinduism, based on teaching of Siddhartha Gautama. The Buddha • Siddhartha Gautama was a prince, born on the border of India and Nepal. • Lived luxurious life • One day, he saw an old man, sick man, dead man, and holy man (4 sights) • Seeks enlightenment, Becomes the Buddha – teaches others. The Four Noble Truths 1. All life is suffering. 1. Suffering is caused by attachment. 1. Suffering can be overcome. 1. There is an 8-fold path leading to the end of suffering. The Eightfold Path 2) Right Intention • Committing to self mental and ethical self-improvement • “The Will to Improve” WISDOM 1) Right View • Understand the world is impermanent • Understand the 4 noble truths • Understand the concept of karma 3) Right Speech • No False Speech (Don’t Lie) • No Slanderous Speech (Don’t Gossip) • No Harsh Speech (Don’t be a hater ) • No Idle Chatter (Speak with Purpose) 4) Right Action • Don’t harm others • Don’t steal from Others • Avoid sexual misconduct 5) Right Livelihood • Earn your living in an ethically “Good” way (Buddhist principals) ETHICS The Eightfold Path The Eightfold Path 7) Right Mindfulness • To see things clearly and as they are. 8) Right Concentration • To be mentally focussed. • Wholesome thoughts and actions. • Often achieved through meditation. MENTAL DEVELOPMENT 6) Right Effort • Requires mental effort to keep yourself wholesome and on the right path. Key Words Buddha: the enlightened one Stupa: a structure that holds the relics of the Buddha Nirvana: the end of 8 fold path (goal of Buddhism) Sangha: the Buddhist community HOMEWORK (250 words) Try to follow the 8 Fold Path. Explain which steps you achieved and how easy or difficult was it to follow on the path.