BUDDHISM

History of Siddharta Gautama

Siddharta Gautama was born 2500 years ago in Kapilavastu, Nepal.

He was of royal family on the Nepalese border of northern India.

Siddharta Gautama that means wish fulfilled or one who has accomplished his goal.

Buddha is a title that means Enlightenment.

Was very kind to people, animal and other living things.

Was the wisest and the only one who asked questions from his teachers and elders.

Gautamas father tried to prevent him from seeing suffering. He was kept in the royal
palace and its park.

He married to Yasodhara at the age of 20 and had a son named Ranula.

At the age of 29, he went to the neighbouring villages and saw an old man, a sick man, a
corpse being carried in a funeral procession and a holy man.

He first times faced the reality of old age, sickness and death.

He then decided to leave home to seek religious enlightenment.

He went into the forest and learnt about meditation with some famous teachers such as
Alara Kalama and Uddaka Ramaputta.

There was large possibility he used Upanishad but he refuted Hinduism and a large
portion of Brahmanism.

He tried to learn about the true nature of life and how to be freed from sufferings.

Beliefs

He believed that DESIRE and IGNORANCE are the causes of suffering and rebirth.

His findings/observation is called the 4 Noble Truths.

The 4 NOBLE TRUTHS

1)

It is impossible to separate suffering from existence of life. Life is therefore full of

sorrow and sufferings.

2)

The cause of suffering is desire and ignorance.

3)

There is a way to overcome desire, stopping desire would stop sufferings.

4)

The 8 FOLD PATH is the best way to stop sufferings.

The 8 FOLD PATHWAY

1)

The right belief

2)

The right aim and intention

3)

The right speech

4)

The right action

5)

The right livelihood

6)

The right effort

7)

The right mind/mindfulness

8)

concentration

5 Hindrances
1)

Laziness

2) Pride

3) Evil

4) Sexual desires

5) Suspicion

Sources as the basis of Buddhism Teachings

Tripika or 3 baskets
1)

abidharma pitaka Buddhism believe based on philosophy and metaphysical doctrine.

2)

Vinaya Pitaka (laws and rules) used by monks. Focuses on how man can attain
perfection and one of the ways is to leave society and become a monk.

3)

Sutta Pitak high virtues. Avoid wasting time such as gossip, back biting etc. man
must have high morals.

10 Rules to be observed
1) Do not kill

2) Do not steal

3) Do not commit adultery

4) Do not lie

5) Do not drink alcohol

6.

Not allowed to watch drama or any musical performances

7.

Not allowed eating after lunch. Drinks permissible.

8.

Not allowed grooming themselves or applying make-up and perfumes.

9.

Not allowed sleeping on a broad bed.

10.

Not allowed to own possession.

The first 5 rules to be obeyed by normal Buddhism followers. The last 5 rules to be observed
by monks.