NATIBuddhism-Alison

=__BUDDHISM__ = The meaning of Buddhism is "the system taught by Buddha."


 * Q.Who was the founder of Buddhism? ** A. The founder of Buddhism was Prince Siddhartha in the year 540 B.C. The moment he found it was "The Enlightned Moment."

A. The Dalai Lama is the leader of Buddhism.
 * Q. Who are the religious leaders? **

A. The main places of worship are shrines, temples, or Vihara. A. Buddhism was founded in India and is mainly practiced in China, Japan, and South Asia.
 * Q. What is the place of worship in Buddhism? **
 * Q. Where did Buddhism begin and where is it practiced today?**

**Q. What are the main beliefs of Buddhism?** A. Wanting causes suffering __**Karma-**__ what you do in this life will effect you next life __**Reincarnation-**__ Death and rebirth 1.) right belief 2.) right aim 3.) right speech 4.) right action 5.) right work 6.) right effort 7.) right thinking 8.) right concentration
 * __Eightfold Path-__**

__**4 Noble Truths**__ 1.) Suffering is a part of life 2.) Suffering comes from desire 3.) The way the to aviod suffering is to renounce desire 4.) The formula for renouncing desire is the eight fold path

**Q. Does Buddhism have a God?** A. No, but Buddha is the enlightened one. A. Tipitakas are sacred writings that were writen long ago and are still being written today. A. Pray at shrines and temples Meditate Don't speak unkindly Don's harm any living things Don't steal Don't take drugs or drink alcohol A. Wesak- Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Wesak involves candles, bells, and drums.
 * Q. What is the sacred writings of Buddhism?**
 * Q. What are the religious practices of Buddhism?**
 * Q.What are the religious festivals?**

Kathina- celebration when rainy season is over

O-bon- Buddhist custom to honor the deceased spirits of one's ancestors A. The 40 different positions of the Buddha statues
 * Q. What are the main symbols of Buddhism?**

White Elephant- Birth of Prince Siddhartha



The Bodhi Tree- Buddha was enlightened under the bodhi tree



Buddha's Eyes (Wisdom Eyes)- These eyes are on almost every shrine in Nepal, they look out in every direction to show Buddha's all seeing. The swirly question mark where Buddha's nose should be symbolizes unity of all the things as well as the one way to reach enlightenment—through the Buddha's teachings.

Eight Auspocious Symbols- are a group of lucky Buddhist symbols that appear on many Buddhist textiles, objects and paintings. Each symbol represents an aspect of Buddhist teaching and when they appear together, their powers are multiplied. Parasol (Umbrella)- Above the mountain is the dome of the sky. This is symbolized by the umbrella, whose important function is to cast a shadow, the shadow of protection. It symbolizes royalty and spiritual power. Golden Fishes- The golden fish symbolize good fortune, fertility, salvation and happiness. They are 2 fish that face inwards towards each other. The Treasure Vase- The Treasure Vase is a fat-bellied vessel with a short, slim neck. On top, at the opening, there is a large jewel indicating that it is a treasure vase. It symbolizes spiritual and material abundance. Lotus Flower- The lotus flower represnents mental and spiritual purity. The colors mean different things like: White Lotus- Represents the state of spiritual perfection and total mental purity. Pink Lotus- The pink lotus is a supreme lotus, it is associated with the Great Buddha himself. Red Lotus- Shows the purity of the heart. Blue Lotus- Represents wisdom.

Conch Shell- Represents Buddha's teaching

Endless Knot- Shows the infinte wisdom and compasion of Buddha Victory Banner- Represnt victory of the Buddha's teachings and wisdom over ignorance

Wheel of Law- 8 spokes because of eight fold path. The circle also represents the neverending circle of life.