Buddhism Word Web

Buddhism Word Web

1. Development

   • The founder of Buddhism was Siddhartha Gautama
   • Started around 530 BCE.
   • Spreads in Asia.
   • Becomes prominent religion in China.

2. Doctrine

   • Two types of Buddhism:
     • Mahayana (“Great Vehicle”): The focus is on reverence for Buddha and for bodhisattvas, enlightened persons who have postponed nirvana to help others attain enlightenment.
     • Theravada (Way of the Elder): Remains close to the original principles set forth by the Buddha; it downplays the importance of gods and emphasizes austerity and the individual’s search for enlightenment.
   • Believes in the Four Noble Truths:
     • 1. People suffer and know sorrow
     • 2. People suffer because they desire
     • 3. People can end suffering by eliminating their desires
     • 4. People can eliminate their desires by following the Eight-Fold Path
   • Eight-Fold Path:
     • 1. Know the Truth
     • 2. Resist evil
     • 3.. Say nothign to hurt others
     • 4. Respect Life
     • 5. Work for the good of others
     • 6. Free you mind of evil
     • 7. Control your thoughts
     • 8. PRactice meditation
     • Following this path would lead to nirvana

3. Dissemination

   • Ashoka, Chandragupta Maurya's grandson, spread Buddhism
   • Spread into China from India
   • Silk roads help spread the idea ofd Buddhism.
   • Therevada: Spread to Sri Lanka and Central asia
   • Mahayana: Spread to China, Japan, and Vietnam
   • Spread to Southeast Asia via indian Ocean Trade

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