BUDDHISM

BACKGROUND INFO.

• More than just a religion- a way of life
• It started in India and spread to farther places in Asia
• Their spiritual leader is known as a monk
• They worship in a temple
• Human nature- no self or soul, just a combo of 5 components

BELEIFS

• They do not believe in a God that rules or creates the world
• Instead, the Buddha is their only master
• 4 noble truths taught by Buddha
• The truths teach then how to free themselves from suffering
• They ignore any God, the afterlife, or the nature of the universe

THE BUDDHA

• They follow in his example:
• To have compassion and kindness to all living things
• He was born 2,500 years ago and did not claim to be a God
• Even though he grew up rich, he found a new perspective on life
• He waited for a time of Enlightenment, which shows into the deepest parts of life

NORMAL LIFE

• Meditation- they believe it will bring them closer to Enlightment
• often include Buddha's birthday, Buddha's enlightenment, lunar quarters
• Pali religious book said to be the Buddahs words
• Tibetan Book of Death- details recarnation