Name: ___________________________ Date: ________________________ Class period: 1 2 3 5 6 7
Unit 7, Lesson 3
Buddhism Origins and Beliefs
I. Aim Questions: What are the origins of Buddhism? How is Buddhism similar or different to
Hinduism?
II. Content Knowledge
Origins of Buddhism/ Founder
Another major religion, called Buddhism will begin in India as well. Buddhism is based on the
teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. According to tradition,
Siddhartha was born in 563 B.C. He was a prince who lived
a life of luxury in what is now Nepal.
Siddhartha enjoyed his life, until the age of 29, he came
across an old man, a sick man, a dead man, and a holy man
who was poor but very happy. These men made
Siddhartha think about suffering brought on by old age,
disease, and death and wonder what had made the holy
man so happy. Siddhartha gave up his wealth, his wife, and
his child to search for the answer to this question. Then,
after six years of wandering, he meditated beneath a tree
and finally understood how to be free from suffering. Because of this revelation, or
understanding of truth, Siddhartha came to be known as the Buddha, or “Enlightened One.”
Buddhist Beliefs
The Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching what he had learned. Much of
what he taught is contained in a set of guidelines called the Four Noble
Truths. The Four Truths are as follows:
1. All life is suffering
2. The cause of suffering is desire
3. The end of desire means the end of suffering
4. Following the Eightfold Path can end suffering.
The Eightfold path is also called the Middle Way because it promotes a life balanced between
happiness and self- denial. The Eightfold Path of Buddhism
teaches the following ideals for ethical conduct, mental
disciple, and achieving wisdom.
The Eightfold path is as follows (in no particular order):
1. Right understanding/ view: seeking and knowing the
truth
Name: ___________________________ Date: ________________________ Class period: 1 2 3 5 6 7
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2. Right Intent: Freeing your mind from evil and hurtful thoughts
3. Right Speech: Don’t tell lies, say nothing that is hurtful to others
4. Right Action: Help others, live honestly, don’t harm living things, take care of the
environment
5. Right livelihood: Obtain peace legally, don’t use weapons, drugs.,
6. Right Effort: Give your best in everything, avoid temptations, be moral
7. Right Mindfulness: Keep your mind on pure things, be present/ aware in where you are
8. Right Concentration: Practice meditation and focus on the right things
Like Hindus, Buddhists believe in reincarnation. Buddha taught that following the Eightfold path
would lead to nirvana, a state of bliss or the end of suffering caused by the cycle of rebirth. The
Buddha’s teachings are known as the dharma. He taught that wisdom, kindness, patience,
generosity, and compassion were important virtues. The Buddha also taught that a person of
ANY CASTE could attain nirvana, and he also promoted nonviolence.
When Gautama (Buddha) passed away, his followers began to organize
a religious movement. Buddha’s teachings became the foundation for
what would develop into Buddhism. His teachings were gradually
written down from what people remembered. The Tipitaka, also known
as the “three baskets,” is a collection of Buddha’s sayings, his thoughts
about them, and rules for Buddhist monks. In the 3rd century B.C.,
Ashoka the Great, the Mauryan Indian emperor, made Buddhism the
state religion of India. Buddhist monasteries were built and missionary
work was encouraged. Over the next few centuries, Buddhism began to
spread beyond India.
There are over 500 million Buddhists today,
After Buddha’s death, some of his followers
had some differences of opinion which
eventually led to their breaking away and
forming separate kinds of Buddhism. There
are two main types, (1) Theravada, which
spread to Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand,
Cambodia, and Laos, (2) Mahayana which
spread to Nepal, Vietnam, China, Korea,
and Japan, and (3) Tibetan, prevalent in
Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia, Bhutan, and parts
of Russian and northern India.
Name: ___________________________ Date: ________________________ Class period: 1 2 3 5 6 7
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Buddhist Holidays
Every year, Buddhists celebrate Vesak, a festival that commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment,
and death. During each quarter moon, followers of Buddhism participate in a ceremony called
Uposatha. This observance allows Buddhists to renew their commitment to their teachings.
Check for Understanding
1. Who founded the religion Buddhism? ______________________
2. After meditating under a tree, who did Gautama become known as?
3. What are the Four Noble Truths?
1.
2.
3.
4.
4. What is the Eight-fold Path?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
5. What is the sacred text (holy book) of Buddhism?
6. What do Buddhists have in common with Hindus?
7. What is Nirvana?
8. What are the Buddha’s views on the Caste System?
9. What are some Buddhist holidays?
10. What are the three types of Buddhism?