Buddhism

Founder: Siddhartha Gautama

Early Life

• Prince; born around 566 B.C.E.
• Prophecy: He would either become a great leader or a wise religious teacher Buddha)
• Father kept him locked away; given anything he could ever want

Four Sites

• Siddhartha wants to see outside world; leaves palace 4 times
• First 3 Sees: An Old Man, a Sick Man, and death.
• 4th See: Monk who tells him to give up everything

Siddhartha Gautama gives up everything to live as an ascetic (someone who sacrifices luxuries in life)

He meditates under the "Bodhi Tree", when we becomes "The Buddha" and "The Enlightened One"

Four Noble Truths

• Life is Suffering
• Suffering is caused by wants
• Suffering can end once people stop wanting things
• To stop wanting things: follow the Eight Fold Path

The Eightfold Path

Buddhists also believe in "rebirth" based on Karma (like Hindus)

This cycle of rebirth may be broken after enlightenment, and the soul reaches Nirvana

Buddhism becomes a major religion in India and China after Asoka Maurya sends missionaries to spread its teachings