EACS 21 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Four Noble Truths, Human Beings In Buddhism, Noble Eightfold Path
Document Summary
Founder of buddhism was a nepalese prince siddhartha gautama born 2500 years ago. Wandered in forest/jungle practicing meditation + yoga. Profound religious experience at age 35 that changed his life (enlightened) Buddha: one who is woken up from dream to reality/truth. Became a teacher & wandering homeless monk. Wandering + being homeless seen/respected as legitimate means of spiritual aspiration. Roots of indian buddhism are in the sramana movement of 6th century b. c. e. Opposed dominant religio-social order of the brahmana priests. Most characteristics of indian religions formed by interactions of brahmin & sramanas. Appearance of 2 major sramanic religions (jainism & buddhism) marked the end of brahmin cultural dominance. Considered rebels of sorts (naked men w/dreadlocks clothed by ashes) Rejected values of lay life, & especially the caste system. Lifestyle designed to lead to religious realization & a form of social protest. All retire from society to live in forests, etc. Believed certain of conduct lead to purity & liberation.
