World’s Major ReligionsBuddhism

This presentation was made by Kozyreva Victoria form 10

Buddhism is the most ancient world religion which appeared in India VI-V centuries B.C. The religion is followed by about 400 million Buddhists worldwide. The religion is recognized by many people with absolutely different traditions.

Buddhism is the main religion in many Asian countries. Followers occupy regions of Central, Southern and South East Asia.

Buddhism is a religion about suffering and need to get rid of it. A key concept of Buddhism is Nirvana, the most enlightened, blissful state one can achieve, a state without suffering. Buddhism is not centered on the relationship between humanity and God.

The founder of Buddhism is Siddhartha Gautama. He was born around the year 580 B.C. in Nepal. He found the path to Enlightenment and became known as the Buddha or «awakened one».

The symbol of Buddhism is the wheel of life. Statues of Buddha include a lot of symbols. Buddha is often seen with a round mark on his forehead which is his third eye. This is a symbol to show that he can see things ordinary people cannot see.

Tripitaka is the Holy Book of Buddhism, where a lot of ancient texts based on the teachings of Buddha are collected. Tripitaka is divided into three parts.

All Buddhist temples contain an image of a statue of Buddha.

Buddhists worship at home or at a temple. They may sit on the floor barefoot facing an image of Buddha and chanting. It is very important that their feet face away from the image of Buddha.

Every month most Buddhists have special religious days. These are often days when there is a full moon. Buddhists believe that there is a cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth. This goes on and on. But if a person can gain Enlightenment, they can break out of this cycle.

Breaking out of the cycle is called Nirvana. It is perfect peace, free of suffering. Buddhists try to reach Nirvana by following the Buddha's teaching and by meditating.

Meditation means training the mind to empty it of all thoughts. When this happens what is important comes clear.