BUDDISM

SYMBOL

Buddhism was formed in India, which is in South Central Asia.

The founding leader of Buddhism is Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha. Buddha was born as a prince in Lumbini, which is now part of Nepal. Buddha taught everyone how to live a happy and peaceful life. He lived between 563 and 483 B.C.

MAJOR HOLIDAYS

• Vesak (Buddha's Birthday)- Vesak is celebrated many different ways: Monks take part in a special ceremony, Buddhist devotees pour water on a sacred tree, Worshippers pray under lanterns, etc.
• Uposatha (Buddist Day of Observation)- Both unordained and ordained members of the Buddhism monastic community intensify their practice and deepen their knowledge through acts of lay-monastic cooperation.

MAJOR HOLIDAYS CONT.

• Makha Bucha (Sangha Day)- In the morning people wake up early to give charity to monks. In the evening people go to temples to listen to lectures. They will usually perform a ritual called the candle ceremony.
• Dharma Day- When you reflect on the qualities of the Buddha and you express gratitude for his teachings.
• Kathina Ceremony- When laypeople offer cloth for robes and other necessities to the monks and nuns (sangha).

MAJOR tRADITIONS

• Meditation- Deep thinking.
• Chanting- Speaking or singing words or sounds.
• Festivals- A day or period of celebration.

Buddhism was formed in the late 6th century.

There is no specific scared book in Buddhism religion, but sutras, are Buddhists scared scriptures.

Places of worship for Buddhism is usually a temple, or sometimes a shrine in your home.

Buddhism is a spiritual religion. Buddhists believe in the Eightfold path, and that by following it, you will reach a state of nirvana. Buddhism is also a nontheistic religion (philosophy). Beliefs and practices are based on the teachings from Buddha.

INTERESTING FACTS

• Buddha’s spot of enlightenment is still preserved to this day.
• Buddhists view Buddha as a teacher, not a god.
• Shoes are removed before entering a temple out of respect for Buddha.

INTERESTING FACTS CONT.

• Food is given to the Monks seeing as they own nothing of their own and Buddhists think that giving them food will help them reach Nirvana.
• In the 1830's Western scholars came up with the term Buddhism. Buddhists don’t actually refer to their religion as “Buddhism”.