The Teachings of the Buddha
What is Buddhism?

Buddhism is a major
world religion.

It is the 4th largest
religion of the world, and
has about 300,000,000
followers.

It helps people by
providing a way of life
that will lead to true
happiness.
The History of Buddhism

It was founded by Buddha, a prince,
2500 years ago.

He was very unhappy in his royal life, so he
set off on a 6 year journey, exploring other
religions.

After his long journey and much meditation
he was finally “enlightened”.

He found the middle path, the key to human
happiness. For the rest of his life he
wandered Asia, preaching his new religion.
Buddhists in the world

China, 85.00%
USA 12%

Japan 96.00%
Germany 6%

Thailand 95.00%

India 10%

Sri Lanka 70.00%

Cambodia 95.00%
France 2%
Canada 1.10%
What Did Buddha Teach?

He taught the 4 Noble
Truths which sum up
Buddhist beliefs.

He also taught the Noble
Eightfold Path.

He taught people to lead
moral lives. He taught his
followers to be aware of
thoughts and actions. To
develop wisdom and
understanding.
Four Noble Truths

Life is filled with suffering. Frustration and pain are a part
of life.

Suffering is caused by people's wants and material
goods.

Suffering can be overcome if people stop wanting
things, like more pleasure or more power. Desire can be
overcome. Nirvana is a perfect peace

The Eightfold Path is the middle way between desire and
denying oneself pleasure. The Eightfold Path leads to
the end of all suffering.
The Noble Eightfold Path
1.
To have a right thought

Believe in the nature of existence as suffering
2.
To have a right intent

Incline toward goodness and kindness
3.
To have a right speech

Avoid lies and gossip
4.
To have a right action

Don’t steal from or harm others
5.
To have a right livelihood

Reject work that hurts others
6.
To have a right effort

Prevent evil and do good
7.
To have a right mindfulness

Control your feelings and thoughts
8.
To have a right concentration  Practice proper meditation
Symbols of Buddhism
The wheel of life which symbolizes the cycle
of life, death and rebirth.
The eight spokes remind people that the
Buddha taught about eight ways of life.
The lotus flower symbolizes purity and
divine birth.The lotus flower grows in mud at
the bottom of a pool, but rises above the
surface to become a beautiful flower.
Buddhist say this is how people should rise
above everything which is dukkha. A flower
may be very beautiful and have a wonderful
scent, but it soon withers and dies. This
shows that nothing in life is perfect.
Statues of Buddha include lots of
symbols:

Any of these symbols can be used on statues.

A bump on the top of his head - a symbol that he
had special talents.

A round mark on his forehead, which is his third eye
- a symbol to show that he could see things ordinary
people cannot see.

Long ears from the weight of his princely earringsnow missing because he renounced his worldly life
and to hear the cries of the world suffering.
Starving Buddha
Nirvana means a state of bliss or peace.