Buddha araa gacchmi. Dharma araa gacchmi. Sagha araa gacchmi. I take refuge in the Buddha.

I take refuge in the Dharma. I take refuge in the Sangha.

Presented by :

Chakshita Gupta
Class :VI-C Roll no.- 5

Who was Siddhartha Gautama?

If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way.

The Life of Buddha - Siddhartha is born

Buddha, the light of Asia, the founder of the Buddhist religion is called Buddha shakyamuni Shakya is the name of the royal family into which he was born and Muni means Able One. Buddha Skakyamuni was born as a royal prince in 624 BC in a place called Lumbini, which was originally in northern India but is now part of Nepal. His mothers name was Queen Maha Mayadevi and his fathers name was King Shuddhodana.

Queens dream
One night, Queen Mayadevi dreamed that a white elephant descended from heaven and entered her womb on that very night she had conceived a child who was a pure and powerful being. Later, when she gave birth to the child, instead of experiencing pain the queen experienced a special, pure and painless feeling.

The Kings Delight

When the king saw the child he felt as if all his wishes had been fulfilled and he named the young prince Siddhartha. He invited a Brahmin seer to make predictions about the princes future. There are signs that the boy could become either a chakravati king, a ruler of the entire world, or a fully enlightened Buddha. But within seven days of the birth of the child, Maya Devi died. The child, therefore, was placed under the care of its mothers sister, Maha Pajapati Gautama by name. According to her name, the name of the child was given as Gautama. That Gautama was Buddha in future.
In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.

The Life of Buddha - As a prince and his marriage

Siddhartha was born in a royal Hindu kshatriya family. According to tradition, Prince Gautama grew up in the palace of his father amid prosperity and pleasure. King Suddhodhana paid utmost attention to the happiness of his son. Although his father ensured that Siddhartha was provided with everything he could want or need, Buddhist scriptures say that the future Buddha felt that material wealth was not life's ultimate goal.

When he reached the age of 16, his father reputedly arranged his marriage to a cousin of the same age named Yashodhara. The net of attachment was tightened around him. Time was running fast. At the age of 29, a son was born to Gautama and Yasodhara, named Rahula. To Gautama it was yet another bond of worldly attraction. Without waiting further he decided to leave the palace and disappear into the unknown.

Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.

The Life of Buddha - Witnessing four realities of life

The boy in great luxury and shielded him from knowledge of religion and human suffering. The Prince reached the age of 29 with little experience of the world outside the walls of his opulent palaces. Finally the king allowed Siddhartha to go on short visits to the nearby town. Prince Siddhartha asked a charioteer to take him on a series of rides through the countryside. One day, as he driving the chariot through the beautiful Kapilavastu, his eyes fell only on old man with wrinkled face and bent body. Another day he came across a man, diseased and miserable, with his body writhing in pain. It was yet only another day, he came across the scene of dead body being carried only the bear towards funeral pyre. Finally, he came across yet another scene. One day on the streets of Kapilavastu he saw as Sanyasi walking without any fear or care, in absolute freedom from bonds of desires. On these journeys he was shocked by the sight of an aged man, then a sick man, and then a corpse. These encounters left a deep impression on his mind. Even the news that his wife Yasodhara had given birth to a son did not please him. The child was called Rahula, which means "fetter." The above four scenes brought a turning point in Gautamas life. He wanted to escape the chains of the world.
On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night. If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him.

The Life of Buddha - The great going forth

When he was twenty-nine years old, the prince had a vision in which seeing how all living beings are trapped in this vicious circle of suffering he felt deep compassion for them, and he developed a sincere wish to free all of them from their suffering. Prince Siddharthas Request to his parents I request your permission to leave the palace. When his parents heard this they were shocked, and the king refused to grant his permission. Prince Siddhartha said to his father Father, if you can give me permanent freedom from the sufferings of birth, sickness, ageing and death I shall stay in the palace; but if you cannot I must leave and make my human life meaningful. Prince Siddharthas Escape

It was also as night like every other night. But in the spiritual history of mankind, it was a night of incalculable significance. One night he wandered the palace alone. The luxuries that had once pleased him now seemed grotesque. When everyone in the palace was asleep, his wife and their newly born boy Rahula slept, while he made his escape from the palace with the help of a trusted aide. He was filled with loving-kindness towards them and promised himself that he would come back to see them. But first he had to understand why all creatures suffer, and find out how they could escape. For the sake of his father, his queen, his son, for the sake of all mankind, he would leave the world to seek a way to save the world from all suffering. This is the Great Renunciation.
Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.

The Life of Buddha-Living as a Monk

From Kapilavastu Gautama proceeded towards Rajagriha. There he tried to acquire knowledge from two learned pundits. But his inner thirst for truth could not been satisfied. He wanted to discover it himself.
From Rajgriha Gautama proceeded to the forests of Uruvilva near Gaya. There he began hard and painful penance. His body was reduced to skeleton for continuous fasting and self-torture (asceticism). For long six years he endured selfimposed sufferings. But he had got no answer to his eternal questions. Therefore, at last he gave upon the fruitless course. Taking as little food from the hands of Sujata, as village girl, Gautama sat down to mediate under as papal tree. And there he got the answers at last.

Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.

The Life of Buddha -Attaining Enlightenment

He seated himself beneath the papal tree in the meditation posture and vowed not to rise from meditation until he had attained perfect enlightenment. During his meditation period, so many distractions come on his way but he conquered all distraction. Siddhartha then continued with his meditation until dawn, when he attained the varja-like concentration. With this concentration, which is the very last mind of a limited being, he removed the final veils of ignorance from his mind and in the next moment became a Buddha, a fully enlightened being.

First, Siddhartha remembered his previous lives. Next, he saw how beings are reborn according to the law of cause and effect, or karma. He saw that good deeds lead away from suffering to peace and happiness and that bad deeds lead to more suffering. Then he saw that the origin of suffering is being greedy, which arises from thinking that we are more important than everybody else. Finally, he became completely free from thinking in this way. This freedom is called nirvana. So, at the age of 35, Siddhartha became the Buddha, The Supreme Enlightened One. From that moment, Gautama was the Buddha or the Enlightened One. The tree under which he got enlightment became famous as Bodhi Tree. And the place came to be known as Bodha Gaya.

Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.

The Life of Buddha - decided to teach (dharma)

After a long rest, the Buddha began to plan what to do in the future. He thought: Although the Dharma (teaching) is deep and will be difficult for most people to understand, there are some who only have a little craving. Such people may be able to accept the Dharma. They are like the lotuses that extend their stalks from the bottom of the pond up in the air, to receive sunshine. So I should not hold this radiant truth a secret. I should make it known everywhere, so that all people can benefit from it. From Bodh Gaya Buddha proceeded to Saranatha near Benares. There he preached for the first time before five Brahmins the truth of his discovery. The event became famous as the Dharma Chakra Pravartana or the turning of the Wheel of Law. Those five brahmins Kondanna, Bhaddiya, Vappa, Mahanama and Assaji became the first disciples of Buddha. Budhhas work as the preacher began. There, too, begin the Buddhist order of Monks or the Sangha.

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.

The Life of Buddha -last years of life

Buddha Preached until the end of his life. He visited as numbers of places himself. To every corner of India, he sent his disciples to preach. Within as short time his Sangha developed into one of the most powerful religious organizations ever. Buddha and his disciples preached in the simplest language so that common people should understand. The messages of Buddha as well as the examples of his personal life touched the tender corners of human heart. Kings and beggars, the learned and the illiterate, people of all sections and of all professions felt attracted towards the sayings of Buddha. He travelled until the age of 80. At last, at a place called Kusinara or Kusi Nagar, he attained his Nirvana. Knowing that his last moment was near, he advised his disciples to put to him their last questions. At last, he gave the following advice: Be thou as lamp unto thyself. Be thou as refuge to thyself. Betake thyself to no external refuge. Hold fast to the Truth as a lamp. Hold fast as a refuge to the Truth. Look not for refuge to anyone besides thyself. While uttering these words, he closed his eyes. The Nirvana of Buddha took place interest year 486B.C. The story of his life has been ever remained as source of spiritual inspiration to millions. In a world of sufferings, he suffered himself to know the means of eternal happiness. And he leaved to teach man the meaninglessness of worldly affairs. Buddhas own life was as life of supreme dedication.

I never see what has been done; I only see what remains to be done.

Buddha Teaching -Four Noble Truths or Arya Satya

Buddha got his enlightment with the knowledge of four things.

Four Noble Truths or Arya Satya

1. Life is suffering; 2. Suffering is due to attachment; 3. Attachment can be overcome; 4. There is a path for accomplishing this.

The three universal truth:

1. Nothing is lost in the universe 2. Everything Changes 3. Law of Cause and Effect

Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely

Buddha Teaching- The Noble Eightfold Path

The Noble Eightfold Path 1. Right View. The right way to think about life is to see the world through the eyes of the Buddha--with wisdom and compassion. 2. Right Thought. We are what we think. Clear and kind thoughts build good, strong characters. 3. Right Speech. By speaking kind and helpful words, we are respected and trusted by everyone. 4. Right Conduct. No matter what we say, others know us from the way we behave. Before we criticize others, we should first see what we do ourselves. 5. Right Livelihood. This means choosing a job that does not hurt others. The Buddha said, "Do not earn your living by harming others. Do not seek happiness by making others unhappy." 6. Right Effort. A worthwhile life means doing our best at all times and having good will toward others. This also means not wasting effort on things that harm ourselves and others. 7. Right Mindfulness. This means being aware of our thoughts, words, and deeds. 8. Right Concentration. Focus on one thought or object at a time. By doing this, we can be quiet and attain true peace of mind.
It is a man's own mind, not his enemy or foe, that lures him to evil ways.

Buddhism - As a religion
Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from 'budhi', 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35. To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha (Pali/Sanskrit "the awakened one").

The Buddha lived and taught in the eastern part of Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. He is recognized by Buddhists as an awakened or enlightened teacher who shared his insights to help sentient beings end ignorance (avidy) of dependent origination, thus escaping what is seen as a cycle of suffering and rebirth . . It is a philosophy because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
(1) to lead a moral life, (2) to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and (3) to develop wisdom and understanding.
It is better to travel well than to arrive.

Types of Buddhism

Two major branches of Buddhism are recognized:

Theravada ("The School of the Elders")

Mahayana ("The Great Vehicle"). Theravada has a widespread following in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Mahayana is found throughout East Asia and includes the traditions of Pure Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Shingon, Tanat (Tendai) and Shinnyo-en. In some classifications Vajrayanaas practiced mainly in Tibet and Mongolia, and adjacent parts of China and Russia is recognized as a third branch, while others classify it as a part of Mahayana. There are other categorizations of these three Vehicles or Yanas

In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.

FOLLOWING THE BUDDHA'S TEACHINGS

THE TRIPLE JEWEL The Buddha knew it would be difficult for people to follow his teachings on their own, so he established the Three Refuges for them to rely on as follows: The Buddha is the guide. The Dharma is the path. The Sangha is the teachers or companions along the way. THE FIVE PRECEPTS All religions have some basic rules that define what good conduct is and what kind of conduct should be avoided. In Buddhism, the most important rules are the Five Precepts. These have been passed down from the Buddha himself. 1. No killing 2. No stealing 3. No sexual misconduct 4. No lying 5. No intoxicants Respect for life Respect for others' property Respect for our pure nature Respect for honesty Respect for a clear mind

However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?

THE WHEEL OF LIFE Buddhists do not believe that death is the end of life. When one dies, one's consciousness leaves and enters one of the six paths of rebirth. Heavenly Beings Humans Asuras are beings who have many good things in life, but still like to fight. They appear in the heavens or on earth as people or animals. Hungry ghosts are beings who suffer from constant hunger. Hell-beings

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.

BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES, SYMBOLS

BUDDHIST SCRIPTURES BUDDHIST SYMBOLS:

Buddha Images There are many different kinds of Buddha and Bodhisattva images that show different qualities. For example, a statue of the Buddha with his hand resting gently in his lap reminds us to develop peace within ourselves. A statue with the Buddha's right hand touching the ground shows determination.
Dharma Instruments Bells- give signals in ceremonies and meditation Drums-announces ceremonies and keeps rhythm Gongs- announces ceremonies and activities Wooden fish-keeps rhythm while chanting Lotus Flower Stupas and Pagodas The Bodhi Tree The Buddhist Flag
Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.

The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood.

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. ~ Buddha ~ Live every act fully, as if it were your last. ~ Buddha ~