Topic: Buddhism
Unit: Belief Systems
Introduction: Buddhism developed in India but later spread into other areas, such as China. Its
founder, a prince named Siddhartha Gautama, was born a Hindu in the 500s BCE.
Document #1: The Life of Siddharta
The founder of Buddhism was a Hindu prince named Siddharta Gautama. A
soothsayer (one who can predict the future) predicted that when Siddharta grew older and was
exposed to the sights of: a dead body, an aged person, a diseased person or an ascetic monk (one
who renounces the pleasures of the world in hope of finding enlightenment), he would become a
religious leader. His father did not want his only son to become a religious leader. He wanted
his son to become a prince so that the dynasty would continue. So, his father built three palaces
to shield his son from these four sights.
As a youth, Siddharta grew up surrounded by beauty and wealth. He had more than
anyone could desire. Yet Siddharta felt a pain inside his heart. He craved for more. He soon
escaped the palace walls. He then encountered a rotting corpse, a wrinkled and bent elderly
person, and five peaceful monks who had taken the vow of an ascetic. Everything that the
soothsayer predicted.
Siddharta cut off his hair and decided to join the ascetic monks. He gave up his clothes
and became a beggar. He practiced fasting, he is said to have eaten only a single grain of rice
each day. Still he was unhappy. One legend states that he ate his own feces. Yet, he was still
unhappy because he did not find enlightenment.
The turning point in Siddharta’s life was when he realized that he still had not found
happiness even after living a life of pleasures and a life sacrificing pleasure. So he went to a
nearby tavern to get food and drinks. After his meal, he began to meditate until he found
enlightenment. In his meditation he had a vision. It was revealed to him that desire causes karma
and karma chains humans to the endless cycle of reincarnation. In his first sermon, he preached
that neither the extreme indulgences (pleasures) of his princely life nor the extreme life of an
ascetic was an acceptable way to live. He felt that a person should avoid extremes and live the
middle-path.
Siddharta did not intend to form a new religion. He simply sought to reform Hinduism.
He opposed the Hindu caste system. Siddharta believed that any one of any caste could find their
own enlightenment in this lifetime without the help of deities (gods) or religious texts. Many
regard the teachings of Buddha as atheistic (the belief that there is no god). Buddha taught that
when one was finally freed from the cycle of reincarnation they did not become one with Brahma
as Hindus taught in the concept of Moksha. A person’s soul simply ceased to exist. He called
this Nirvana. From then on Siddharta became known as the Buddha, meaning enlightened one.
1. Describe the life of Siddharta Gautama and explain the two extreme paths he took.
2. Identify the turning point in his life.
3. Explain the middle-path.
Document #2: Buddha’s Teachings
Buddha delivered his first sermon in a deer park in the city of Sarnath. Once he truly understood
the cause of sorrow, he began to free people. He taught that all humans are caught in the Wheel
of Dharma. They go through lifetimes in a cycle of birth and death, creating situations, which
create consequences. Until an individual can free him or herself from the wheel, he or she will be
subject to the ups-and-downs of life. Buddha preached that the only way for someone to free
oneself, is to be free of desire. Thus, desire is the root of suffering. Then he taught his first
disciples, The Four Noble Truths.
1.
How does an individual free themselves from the Wheel of Dharma?
2.
According to this document can people create change within themselves and society?
Explain
Document #3: The Four Noble Truths
I.
Dukkha: The Noble Truth of Suffering
Life is full of suffering, full of sickness and unhappiness. Although there are passing
pleasures, they vanish in time.
II.
Samudaya: The Noble Truth of the Cause of Suffering
People suffer for one simple reason: they desire things. It is greed and selfcenteredness, which bring about suffering. Desire is never satisfied.
III.
Nirodha: The Noble Truth of the End of Suffering
It is possible to end suffering if one is aware of his or her own desires and puts an end
to them. This awareness will open the door to lasting peace.
IV.
Magga: The Noble Truth of the Path
By changing one’s thinking and behavior, a new awakening can be reached. This is
called the Middle Way and can be followed in the Eightfold Path.
1.
How do the Four Noble Truths change individual thought and Indian Society?
The Individual
The Society
.
Document #4: The Eightfold Path and The Five Precepts
The Eightfold Path, also called the Wheel of Law, contains eight steps for eliminating dukkha
(suffering). By following this path, one can bring an end to his or her own karma and be released
from continuous rebirth. This teaching is often symbolized by a wheel with eight spokes.
The Five Precepts represent the third set of laws governing Buddhist thought. Although these are
not “commandments” in the strict sense of the word, they are vows, which ensure right behavior.
The Eightfold Path
 Right Understanding
Strive to clearly understand the Four Noble Truths. Strive to understand the workings of your
own mind.
 Right Thought
Think kindly of others and avoid dwelling on the past or future.
 Right Speech
Speak kindly and truthfully.
 Right Action
Act kindly toward all living things. Do not be attached to the results of actions.
 Right Work
Have a vocation that does not harm others.
 Right Effort
Be determined to cleanse the mind.
 Right Mindfulness
Be fully aware of what you are doing, always with concern for others.
 Right Concentration
Intensely concentrate during meditation to focus on being one with any situation.
The Five Precepts
1. Do not harm any living thing.
2. Do not steal. Take only what is given.
3. Avoid over-stimulation.
4. Do not say unkind things.
5. Do not take alcohol or drugs.
1.
Are people creating change within themselves and society? Explain
Task: There are millions of Buddhists around the world trying to live in the spirit of the
Eightfold Path. Opportunities to live in the spirit of the path show themselves in many different
ways. Under each idea, write about how it might show up in your life. Think about school,
home, sports and hobbies.
1. Right Understanding
2. Right Thought
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Work
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration