Introduction

The religion based on the teachings of the Buddha is known as Buddhism. The Buddha was born
with the name Siddhartha Gautama and lived sometime in the 6th to the 4th century BCE(3). He
became enlightened, meaning that he found a way to free himself from the cycle of desire and
suffering. The Buddha taught his followers how to achieve this too.
Buddhism began in India and spread to central and southeastern Asia, China, Korea, and Japan.
Today some people in the Western world also follow Buddhism. At present, Buddhism is the
fourth-largest religion in the world, with about 500 million followers.(9)
Beliefs and Practices

Buddhism is based on the Buddha’s teachings, which are called the Four Noble Truths（6）. The
first truth is that life is made up of pain and suffering. The second is that all suffering is caused by
one’s desires. The third is that one can be free of these desires. The freedom from desire is called
nirvana. The fourth truth is the Eightfold Path, which explains eight ways to achieve nirvana.
The Eightfold Path is also called the Middle Path. It teaches that people should not indulge in too
much luxury and pleasure（7）. But they should also not harshly deny themselves all comforts.
Instead, people should take a middle, or balanced, course in their behavior.
Buddhism has three main parts. These parts are called the Triratna, or “the three jewels.” They
are: the Buddha (the teacher); the dharma (the teaching); and sangha (the community of
believers.)(10) Buddhist monks believe the jewels protect them. This is expressed in the Buddhist
prayer, “I take refuge in the Buddha. I take refuge in the dharma. I take refuge in the sangha.”
Divisions

Many years after the Buddha’s death two major groups appeared among his followers(4). One
group followed a branch known as Theravada, meaning “Way of the Elders.” It is the older and
more conservative branch of Buddhism. Many people in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos,
and Cambodia belong to this group.
The other group is called Mahayana. This form of Buddhism is popular in Mongolia, Tibet, China,
Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and Nepal. Zen Buddhism comes from Mahayana Buddhism.
Theravada Buddhists concentrate on reaching nirvana by improving their own lives. Mahayana
Buddhists believe they can achieve enlightenment through a life of good work for others.
Festivals

Buddhists celebrate many festivals, but these festivals are often celebrated differently by
Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists. The three major events of Buddha’s life—birth,
enlightenment, and death—are commemorated in every Buddhist country but not always on the
same day. Buddhists celebrate New Year’s and harvest festivals according to local customs and
traditions. In many Buddhist countries, followers observe the Ullambana Festival to remember
dead ancestors and to help the dead who have no peace.(1)
History

The Buddha began teaching his philosophy after receiving enlightenment. One day he sat down
under a tree in Bodh Gaya (the bodhi tree) and began meditating. On the 49th day, he achieved
enlightenment and so was freed from suffering.(2) He became known as the Buddha, which
means, “enlightened one.”
According to tradition, the Buddha lived and taught for 45 years after his enlightenment. The
Buddha preached in Pali, which was the language of the common people(8). He believed his
teachings were for everyone and not just scholars. However, he did not write down his teachings.
The Buddha’s followers shared his teachings with other people by word of mouth. These teachings
were not put in writing until many years after the Buddha’s death.
The Buddha established a religious order known as the sangha. Many of its members were
wandering monks, as the Buddha himself had been(5). After the Buddha’s death, these monks
helped spread Buddhism through northern India. In the 200s bce Buddhism gained a powerful
sponsor. Ashoka, the ruler of an empire that spanned most of South Asia, embraced and
promoted the religion. He built many Buddhist monuments and monasteries. Buddhism later
declined somewhat in India. But from India, Buddhism spread to Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia as
well as through Central Asia and Tibet and into China, Korea, and Japan.

QUESTIONS RELATED TO BUDDHISM

For each ‘answer’ you’ve highlighted (number after highlighted information) write the question that
would elicit that answer. Remember that sometimes several pieces of factual information come
together to explain something, so don’t ONLY write factual questions. Think about what the author
is trying to teach you. Answer in QIA (complete sentence) where possible.

Directions:
a. Highlight the important information regarding Practices, Festivals and History on your own
b. Label each question as Factual or Conceptual.
c. (In brackets state what kind of information the answer provides i.e. definition/ explanation/
distinct feature/ numerical detail or…or…)

1. Why do followers observe the Ullambana Festival?(Factual explanation)

2. When did the Buddah receive enlightenment?( Factual Time)
3. How long did the Buddah live?(Factual time)
4. What major groups of Buddhism are there? (Factual number)
5.Who are the most of Buddhas’s followers?( Factual type)
6. What is Buddhism based on?(Factual distinctive feature)
7. What does the eightfold path teach?( Factual explanation)
8. What language did the buddha preach in?(Factual fact)
9. How many people follow Buddihsm?( Factual number)
10.What are the 3 main parts of Buddhism called?(Factual names)