Buddhism summary

• Siddhartha realised that the true path to enlightenment lay between indulgence and deprivation
• Siddhartha became the Awakened One, the Buddha, at 35 years of age
• The 5 ascetics became the first members of the Sangha, the Buddhist Monk Community
• Right Speech


  Avoid hurting people with words, deceiving, obscuring the truth, or gossiping
• Right Action


  Strive to do good, following the 5 Precepts
• Right Intent


  Actions done out of love and compassion will remove suffering
• Right Action

  1. Always strive to do good in your actions

  2. Do not act in a way that is negative

  3. Covers the 5 Precepts: Do not harm living creatures, Do not steal, Do not engage in sexual misconduct, Do not lie or harm people with words, Do not take intoxicating substances
• Beliefs in Theravada Buddhism

  • Nothing is permanent
  • Life is suffering
  • There is no self
• Right Concentration

  1. Focus on a single object or concept

  2. Helps focus your mind and see things how they truly are
• Mahayana Buddhism is considered more accessible to normal people and emphasizes inclusivity
• Right Effort

  1. Always go about your life with a positive attitude and enthusiasm

  2. Want to improve who you are
• Monks are believed to be the ones who can truly reach enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism
• By following the 8 fold path, you can reach Nirvana, the state of enlightenment the Buddha reached under the tree
• Mahayana Buddhism has more emphasis on idols and god-like beings
• Right Livelihood

  1. Earn your living in an ethical way

  2. Avoid involvement in arms or drugs trading or careers that involve hurting animals or people
• Right Mindfulness

  1. Pay attention

  2. Live entirely in the present by being mindful
• Theravada Buddhism is considered more orthodox and focuses on using meditation to reach enlightenment
• Right Speech

  1. Be truthful and clear

  2. Do not speak through muddy language or take part in gossip
• Mahayana Buddhism believes enlightenment can be achieved in a single lifetime and that being a monk is not necessary
• Mahayana Buddhism has Bodhisattvas, people who have achieved enlightenment but delay Nirvana to help others