The Origins of Buddhism
Key Terms:
Things to THINK
ABOUT:
-fasting
-meditation
-the Buddha
1.
Think about how
Buddhism is similar to
Hinduism.
2.
Think about how
Buddhism is different
than Hinduism.
3.
Come up with at least 7
questions to ask
yourself, and place
them in the column to
-Buddhism
-nirvana
-missionaries
the left of your notes.
Siddhartha Gautama
• Siddhartha Gautama
was a Hindu, born to a
rich family.
• He saw many of his fellow
Hindus suffer and decided
to do something about it.
• When he was 30, he
traveled all over India
searching for the meaning
of life.
How do you think “Sidd’s” fellow Hindus felt
about his search for a better life?
“Sidd” was a
member of the
Kshatriya varna.
He was also a
prince.
What did the
Buddha decide
was causing
suffering?
The Buddha
•
•
1.
2.
3.
As “Sidd”
traveled, he
would
fast and
meditate.
“Sidd” wandered
India for 6 years.
He finally realized
the three things that
cause suffering.
Wanting what we like but
don’t have.
Wanting to keep what we
like and already have.
Not wanting what we dislike
but have.
When “Sidd’s” ideas began to spread,
he became known as the Buddha.
Monks are
Buddhist men
who
devote their
lives to their
religion.
•
•
•
The Teachings of
Buddha
The Buddha became
popular in India,
especially amongst
merchants and artisans.
Since the Buddha was
raised Hindu, many of his
teachings reflected Hindu
ideas.
For example, Buddhists
believe in reincarnation
too!
Why was
“Sidd” popular
with merchants?
The Four Noble Truths
1.
EvEryonE suffErs. It’s part
of life.
2.
Suffering comes from desiring
things we don’t have.
3.
People can overcome suffering
by reaching nirvana, a perfect
state of peace.
BASICALLY!
4.
Nirvana is reached by following
the Eightfold Path.
The Eightfold Path to
Nirvana
Right Thought:
Believe in the Four Noble Truths
Right Speech:
Avoid lies and gossip
Right Intent:
Be kind and good
Right Action:
Don’t steal or harm others
Right Livelihood:
Right Effort:
Reject work that hurts others
Prevent evil and do good
Right Mindfulness:
Control your thoughts and feelings
Right Concentration:
Meditate
The Buddha Brings New
Ideas
• The Buddha was against the
caste system in India.
• The Buddha believed that
everyone had a chance to reach
nirvana, despite their varna as
long as they followed the
Eightfold Path.
• Unlike Hinduism, Buddhism
made people believe they had
the power to change their lives.
The Buddha
believed in
reincarnation and
that one would
be reincarnated until
they reach nirvana.
What varnas do you think began to adopt Buddhism first? Why?
Describe what you think the day in the life of a Buddhist missionary would look like.
Buddhism Spreads
Missionaries are
people who work
to spread a
religion.
Where else
did
Buddhism
spread?
• Buddhism spread quickly
throughout India.
• Asoka, a powerful king in
Indian history, converted
and built Buddhist schools
and temples throughout
India.
• Asoka also spread
Buddhism throughout the
rest of Asia through the
use of missionaries.
Buddhism Changes Over
the Years
• Buddhism spread and
began to change.
• Eventually, Buddhism
split into two main groups.
• The Theravada branch
tried to follow the
teachings of the original
Buddha.
• The Mahayana Buddhists
interpreted teachings to
help reach nirvana.
T
H
E
R
A
V
A
D
A
MAHAYANA
Which branch
do you think
is most popular?