Introduction to Buddhism

Buddhism focuses on personal spiritual development and the attainment of insight into ones true nature.

• Buddhism was founded over 2500 years ago by Siddhartha Gautama in India
• Siddharta Gautama never claimed to be a God. He was a human being who became enlightened
• The word ‘Buddha’ means ‘one who is awake’
• There are over 400 million followers worldwide and a growing number of them are westerners
• Buddhists can worship at home or in a temple
• Buddhist meditation techniques encourage and develop concentration, clarity and emotional positivity
• Buddhism has no creator god and does not teach belief in one god
• Buddhism has no single authority or single holy book
• There are many forms of Buddhist worship

Beliefs

Key beliefs are contained in ‘The Four Noble Truths’;

• All living beings suffer
• The origin of suffering is desire and greed
• Suffering can be overcome
• The Noble Eightfold path is the way to finding the solution to suffering and bring it to an end

Major festivals

Wesak

The most important Buddhist festival is celebrated on the full moon in May.

Paranirvana Day

Celebration of the death of Buddha. The day is an opportunity to reflect on one’s future death and on the life of people who have recently died.