T3: Lesson 2 - The Origins of Hinduism & Buddhism -- Text 3: The Buddha's Key Teachings

What are the Four Noble Truths that the Buddha taught in his first sermon after reaching enlightenment?

-- All life is full of suffering, pain, and sorrow. -- The cause of suffering is rooted in evils such as greed, desire, and hatred. -- The only cure for suffering is to overcome desire and other evils. -- The way to overcome desire and other evils is to follow the Eightfold Path.

How did Buddhism differ from Hinduism?

-- The Buddha rejected the priests, formal rituals, and the existence of the many gods of Hinduism. -- Instead, the Buddha urged each person to seek enlightenment through meditation. -- Buddhists also rejected the Indian caste system as practiced at that time. -- Buddhism offered the hope of nirvana to all regardless of birth.

GRAPHIC Central Beliefs of Buddhism What are the Four Noble Truths?

1. All life is full of suffering, pain and sorrow. 2. The cause of suffering is nonvirtue, or negative deeds and mindsets. 3. The only cure for suffering is to overcome nonvirtue. 4. The way to overcome nonvirtue is to follow the Eightfold Path.

GRAPHIC Central Beliefs of Buddhism What are the Eightfold Path?

1. Right views (which include knowing the Four Noble Truths). 2. Right aspirations (which include knowing the Four Noble Truths). (3 - 8 require knowing the Eightfold Path) 3. Right speech 4. Right conduct 5. Right livelihood 6. Right effort 7. Right mindfulness 8. Right contemplation

What did the Buddha see the Eightfold Path as?

A middle way between a life devoted to pleasure and one based on harsh self-denial.

What is one way that Buddhism differs from Hinduism?

Buddhism urges each person to seek enlightenment through meditation.

What was Gautama's life like?

His life is known through mostly traditional stories. He was born into a high ranking family around 563 B.C. His mother had a dream that a radiant white elephant descended to her from heaven. This sign led a prophet to predict Gautama would someday become a wondering holy man. To stop that from happening, his dad kept him in the family palaces. He married a beautiful woman, had a son, and enjoyed a happy life.

How did Buddhism grow?

Just like Hinduism did, out of the Vedic religious traditions.

What did the Buddha stress?

Moral principles such as honesty, charity, and kindness to all living creatures.

What is the final goal for the Buddhist?

Nirvana

What is the Eightfold Path?

The Buddha describes it as the "right views, right aspirations, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right contemplation."

What steps did a person have to do as part of the steps for the Eightfold Path?

The first two steps involved understanding the Four Noble Truths and committing oneself to the Eightfold Path. Next, a person had to live a moral life, avoiding evil words and actions. Through meditation, a person might at last achieve enlightenment.

What are the similarities between Buddhism and Hinduism?

Both accepted the law of karma, dharma, and a cycle of rebirth. Ahimsa, or nonviolence, was central to both religions.

What does the Buddha's facial expression show on the ancient statue of the Buddha in a meditating pose in Sri Lanka? (from the graphic)

Contentment - His eyes are closed and a smile on his face.

What is the story of how Gautama gained enlightenment and became the Buddha?

He wandered for years, seeking answers from scholars and holy men but nothing satisfied him. He tried fasting and meditating. Eventually, he sat down under a giant Bodhi tree, determined to stay until he understood the mystery of life. For weeks, evil spirits tempted him to give up his meditations. Then suddenly he believed understood the cause of and cure for suffering and sorrow. When he rose up, he was no longer Gautama. He was the Buddha, or "Enlightened One."

Who was Siddhartha Gautama? (sih DAHR tuh gow TUH muh)

He was a reformer who founded the religion of Buddhism. His teachings eventually spread across Asia to become the core beliefs of one of the world's most influential religions.

When happened to make Gautama eventually leave the palace and never return?

He wondered out beyond the gardens and for the first time, he saw an old person, a sick person, and a dead body. He suddenly realized human suffering. Deeply disturbed, he said goodbye to his family, left and never returned.

How did Brahmin priests acquire great power during the warring time in India?

They insisted they alone could perform the sacred rites to bring victory in battle or ensure adequate rainfall.

What did reformers believe?

They rejected Brahmin domination and offered other paths to truth.

What did Gautama set out to discover when he left the palace for good?

To discover "the realm of life where there is neither suffering nor death."

What is nirvana?

Union with the universe and release from the cycle of rebirth.