World Religions

World Religions

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June 27, 2010

Axia College of University of Phoenix

Siddhartha founded Buddhism, in northeastern India during the fifth century BCE. Siddhartha lived an extravagant lifestyle as a young prince. His father named King Suddhodana was the ruler of the Shakya people, who lived in Southern Nepal. According to custom, he married a young girl named Yasodhara at the age of 16. King Suddhodana made the decision that his son would live a secluded life, then one day Siddhartha ventured out into the world and was faced with the cruel reality of life and worldwide suffering.

At age of 29, he left his kingdom and newborn son to lead a simple, isolated life hoping to find a way to end the suffering of the world. For six years he meditated, but never attained full satisfaction. Then a young farm girl offered him a bowl of milk-rice, her name was Sujata. This was the start of his decision to take the path of the Middle Way, encouraging pursuing a path of equilibrium rather than extremism.

Basically the way to look at Buddhism is Hinduism with a reformed twist, which includes the foundations of Buddhist beliefs. These beliefs are known as the Four Noble Truths and are described below:

1. Dukkha: Suffering exists; which relates to sickness, failure, loss, and pain

2. Samudaya: Suffering origin; which relates to the desire to have and control all things

3. Nirodha: Suffering can cease; which means suffering ends with the final liberation of Nirvana

4. Marga: Extinguishing the cause which means one must follow the Eightfold Path (Fisher, 2005).

Buddha’s method of teaching moderation is what is known as The Eightfold Path. The Eightfold path is the most practical part to Buddhism. Basically this meant if you followed the path you would be capable of achieving nirvana. He also felt that you were able to live a perfect life that would keep you from having to continue in the samsara. The web site About the big view (2008) shows the...