Introduction to Buddhism

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• Buddhism: one of the oldest religions, began 2500 years ago in India.
• World's fourth-largest religion with over 520 million followers (7% of humanity).

The Life of The Buddha

Siddhartha Gautama

• Born around 480 BCE in modern-day Nepal.
• Son of a powerful Hindu ruler; sheltered from human suffering due to a prophecy.
• Lived a life of luxury but felt deep dissatisfaction.

Turning Point

• At age 29, saw an old man, sick man, and corpse, leading to an existential crisis.
• Encountered a homeless monk, decided to abandon princely life for a search for answers.
• Spent 6 years pursuing extreme fasting and meditation.
• Realized starvation clouded his thinking and moved towards a Middle Way.

Enlightenment

• Meditated under the Bodhi Tree until he found the cause of suffering.
• Concluded that ending desire could end suffering.
• Achieved Enlightenment, known as a Buddha, meaning "Awakened One."

The Four Noble Truths

1. Life is Dukkha: Life involves suffering or dissatisfaction.
   • Dukkha refers to dissatisfaction from clinging to temporary things.
2. Cause of Dukkha: Desire leads to suffering.
   • Humans cling to possessions, relationships, and life.
3. End of Dukkha: Suffering can be ceased.
   • Although we cannot change events, we can change our responses.
4. Path to End Dukkha: The Eightfold Path guides to the end of suffering.

The Noble Eightfold Path

• Think of it as a wheel with 8 interconnected spokes:
  1. Right View: Acceptance of the Four Noble Truths.
  2. Right Thought: Cultivating positive thoughts over negative ones.
  3. Right Speech: Use words positively; avoid gossip and lies.
  4. Right Action: Follow the principle of ahimsa (non-violence).
  5. Right Livelihood: Avoid occupations that cause harm; be a supportive person in relationships.
  6. Right Effort: Nurturing good thoughts and removing bad ones.
  7. Right Mindfulness: Being present and aware without judgment.
  8. Right Concentration: Focus during meditation to gain insight.

Core Buddhist Beliefs

Karma

• Karma means action; actions have consequences.
• It influences circumstances and future rebirths but is not deterministic.
• Intention matters; accidental harm does not generate karma, while intentional harm does.

Samsara

• Cycle of birth, suffering, and death.
• Desire and karma perpetuate this cycle.
• Nirvana (Enlightenment) is the escape from this cycle and is a state of mind.

The Teachings of the Buddha

• Buddhas teach to escape suffering through self-help not divine punishment.
• Focus on teachings that work for individual circumstances.

Branches of Buddhism

1. Theravada: Oldest branch, focuses on original texts (Pali Canon), emphasizes personal enlightenment. Found in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, etc.
2. Mahayana: Younger branch, includes more texts and the concept of Bodhisattvas (enlightened beings helping others). Practiced in East Asia.
   • Vajrayana: Tibetan Buddhism, emphasizes rituals and teachings from lamas.

Conclusion

• Buddhism is complex; this overview is just an introduction.
• For deeper understanding, explore additional resources.
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