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Understanding the Foundations of Buddhism: Teachings of Siddhartha Gautama

Buddhism, founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as The Buddha, emphasizes the path to enlightenment and the cessation of suffering. Born into nobility in northern India, Gautama witnessed the world's suffering and embarked on a quest for truth. His insights led to the formulation of the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, guiding followers toward Nirvana. Key concepts include Karma, rebirth, and the roles of various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The two major schools, Theravada and Mahayana, shape contemporary Buddhist practice globally.

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Understanding the Foundations of Buddhism: Teachings of Siddhartha Gautama

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  1. Buddhism Harrison Martin 10/13/10 Rutsky- 7th Scholar’s Bowl

  2. Foundations • Buddhism came into being through the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, THEBuddha… • Traditionally believed to have lived between 560’s- 480’s B.C.E. • Gautama was born into nobility within northern India • As a young man, Siddhartha witnessed the sufferings of the world, and journeyed forth from the bosom of royal privilege

  3. Foundations • Gautama endeavored to end the sufferings he saw… • Wanted to understand the dharma, “truth” of his surroundings • Began to meditate to find these answers • After 49 days of meditation beneath what has become known as the Bodhi Tree (India), Siddhartha is said to have achieved enlightenment • Thenceforth, Gautama became known as The Buddha, or “The Enlightened or Awakened One” • Proceeded to instruct others for the remainder of his life

  4. Major Tenets • Four Noble Truths: Essence of the Buddha’s teachings • 1. Suffering exists • 2. Suffering has a cause • 3. Suffering has an end • 4. A certain path will lead to the end suffering • Essence is not negative as it would seem • Derides materialism- “Desire” • Truth 4 encompasses the…

  5. Major Tenets • Noble Eightfold Path • Path to the end of suffering • Divided into three themes, with several “folds” per theme • 1. Right Thought 5. Right Livelihood • 2. Right Understanding 6. Right Effort • 3. Right Speech 7. Right Mindfulness • 4. Right Action 8. Right Concentration

  6. Major Tenets • Rebirth (reincarnation) • Buddhists hold that all beings are subjected to a cycle of rebirth into one of six planes of existence • LOWER PLANES • 1. Hell • 2. Ghosts • 3. Animals • HIGHER PLANES • 4. Humanity- IMPORTANT- able to reach Nirvana!! • 5. Demi-gods • 6. Gods

  7. HOW????

  8. Major Tenets • Karma! • Good actions vs. Bad actions • Sow the seeds… Five karmic factors: frequent, repetitive action; determined, intentional action; action performed without regret; action against extraordinary persons; and action toward those who have helped one in the past

  9. Major Tenets • Nirvana: What is it, exactly? • Enlightenment • Freedom from earthly desires, causes of pain • Highest plain of spiritual being, no generation of new negative karma therefore it’s effects are nulled

  10. Major Tenets • Buddha-hood • Gautama not the only Buddha- term simply denotes one who has attained synchronization with the dharma, enlightenment: Nirvana. • Three Classifications of Buddha: • 1. Samyaksambuddha- One who is enlightened through their own efforts, and teaches • 2. Pratyekabuddha- one who does not teach • 3. Śrāvakabuddha- one who is taught

  11. Major Tenets • Buddha-hood • Bodhisattvas- Those who are, for all intents and purposes, enlightened, yet refrain from achieving Nirvana and obtaining Buddhahood to aid others • Varying importance placed on their role in practice of Buddhism

  12. Major Texts Dhammapada- words attributed to the Buddha Buddhavacana- original sayings of the Buddha Pali Canon- Ancient Theravada scriptures Various Sutras- Mahayana works

  13. Schools • Two major divisions within Buddhism that you NEED to know: • Theravada- Oldest surviving sect, prominent in Sri Lanka and southeast Asia. • Mahayana- Larger denomination with a smattering across Asia, “the vehicle”, seeking enlightenment of all beings; includes Zen Buddhism • Tibetan Buddhism: Titular country; led by 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso

  14. The End

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