BuddhismNotes


 * //Origin://**

Founder: Siddhartha Gautama: A Hindu, becomes the Buddha -"The Enlightened One"


 * //Basic Beliefs of Buddhism://**

The Four Noble Truths


 * 1) All life is full of suffering, pain, and sorrow.
 * 2) The cause of suffering is the desire for things that are actually illusions, such as riches, power, and long life.
 * 3) The only cure for suffering is to overcome desire.
 * 4) The way to overcome desire is to follow the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path Final Goal: Nirvana: become one with the Universe and to be released from the Samsara
 * 1) Right Understandings
 * 2) Right Thought
 * 3) Right Aspirations or Concentrations
 * 4) Right Speech
 * 5) Right Conduct or Action
 * 6) Right Livelihood
 * 7) Right Effort
 * 8) Right Mindfulness


 * //Similarities between Buddhism and Hinduism://**

Both believe in Karma, Dharma, and Moksha - (liberation from cycle of death)

Both believe in Ahimsa - (non-violence)


 * //Differences between Buddhism and Hinduism://**

Buddhism: Individuals seek enlightenment through meditation

Reject the caste system


 * //Learning Centers//**

Followers set up monasteries and convents for study and meditation - later these places become centers of learning.


 * //Sacred Text://**

__The Tripitaka:__ collected sayings of the Buddha.


 * //The Two Major Divisions of Buddhism://**

__Theravada Buddhism:__ closely follows original teachings of Buddhism in that it requires a life devoted to spiritual work. The main difference of T.B. from original Buddhism is that only the most dedicated seekers reach Nirvana ie: monks, nuns. This form of Buddhism is most popular in Sri Lanka and South East Asia.

__Mahayana Buddhism:__ deify the Buddha and other holy beings. These beings help others in achieving salvation. This religion contains vivid descriptions of the after-life. This form of Buddhism is most popular in China, Korea, and Japan.

__Tibetan Buddhism:__ Has elements that relate most closely to those of Mahayana Buddhism.