Buddhism
The Life of Buddah
Buddha
Buddha the founder of the the religion Buddhism, was born in the 500s BC. He was the prince of a kingdom in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, Nepal. Sources say that Buddha lived a sheltered life that was free of suffering. Because of this, he was unaware that hardships existed in the world.
The Teachings of Buddha
Four Noble Truths
Buddha taught the ideas of the four central truths. These truths include: suffering is a part of human life, suffering comes from people's desires for pleasure and material goods, overcoming these desires during life eventually brings suffering to an end, and desires can be overcome by following the Eightfold Path.
Eightfold Path
Desires can be overcome describes the main idea of the Eightfold Path. The Eightfold Path is a series of steps that Buddhists believe lead to enlightenment and salvation.
*The picture to the left is the symbol, representing the Noble Eightfold Path.*
*The picture to the left is the symbol, representing the Noble Eightfold Path.*
Divisions of Buddhism
Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan
The three religions, Theravada, Mahayana, and Tibetan were the result of the division within Buddhism. Theravada is the oldest of the Buddhist religions. It is based on the oldest know Buddhist writings. Mahayana teaches that people can help each other find enlightenment and Tibetan shares many teachings with Mahayana.
*The picture to the left symbolizes the Buddhist religion of Theravada.*
*The picture to the left symbolizes the Buddhist religion of Theravada.*
The Spread of Buddhism
Buddhism Beyond India
Ashoka sent missionaries to help spread the religion of Buddhism. One of these places included Sri Lanka. Others went along the Himalayas and East into the lands of Southeast Asia.
*The map to the left shows Sri Lanka.*
*The map to the left shows Sri Lanka.*