Pd4Buddhism_D

 All About Buddhism  Founder: Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama in approximately 535 B.C. Religious Leaders: The Dalai Lama is the main religious and spiritual leader. The first Dalai Lama was born 600 years ago. There have been 14. Other leaders are Bodhisattvas. Bodhisattvas are people that have already become enlightened but they postpone their entry into nirvana to help others get there.

 Place of Worship: Buddhists worship in temples or at shrines in their houses. Monks and nuns worship and live in monastaries.

 Origin of Buddhism: Buddhism began in Northern India. It is practiced today in China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

 Religious Beliefs: Buddhists believe that after a person dies they return to earth in a higher or lower form according to good or bad deeds. The noble eightfold paths are like rules that they follow everyday. They believe Nirvana is a place free from all suffering.

 Gods: Buddhists do not believe in a personal creator or God. Their Buddha did not claim to be a God.

 Sacred Writing: The Sutras are sacred texts and writing of Buddhists. The Tripitaka is also one of their sacred writings. The word Tripitaka means three baskets.

 Religious Practices: Buddhists worship and meditate alone and in groups. The sit barefoot on the floor often in the lotus position. They burn incense, light candles, and repeat portions of Buddhist holy books.

 Religious Festivals: Wesak is the most important of the Buddhist festivals. It celebrates Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. O-bon is another festival to honor spirits.

 Symbols:   The wheel of life represents the universe. The lotus flower represents enlightenment. The bodhi tree is where Prince Siddhartha's sat when he became enlightened.

<span style="color: rgb(0, 128, 0); font-size: 150%;">By: Rachel F.