Buddhism

Ancient Population Estimates

3000 BC-14 million (formation of city states in Mesopotamia)

2000 BC-27 million (Possible time of Abraham)

1000 BC-50 million (Kingdom of Israel)

400 BC-162 million 1 AD-400 million 2009-6.7 billion

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Theravada Oldest surviving type of Buddhism Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam

Vajrayana Mongolia, Southern China, Northern

India, Nepal, Tibet Most recent derivation of Buddhism

Mahayana Largest Buddhist tradition China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam

Symbols of Buddhism

The wheel of life which symbolizes the cycle of life, death and rebirth.The eight spokes remind people that the Buddha taught about eight ways of life.

The lotus flower symbolizes purity and divine birth.The lotus flower grows in mud at the bottom of a pool, but rises above the surface to become a beautiful flower. A flower may be very beautiful and have a wonderful scent, but it soon withers and dies. This shows that nothing in life is perfect.

Images of BuddhaStatues of Buddha include lots of symbols. There are 32 symbols in Buddhism which show that the Buddha was a special person. Any of these symbols can be used on statues.

Three essential Buddhist beliefs

Belief in Buddha Belief in dharma—the teachings of

Buddha The Sangha-Buddhist community-both

monks, nuns and lay people. Purpose is to help others so to become less selfish and move toward nirvana

Where do Buddhists worship:

At home or in a temple Worshippers sit on the floor before a

statue of Buddha, chant and listen to monks chanting from religious texts

Many homes have shrines with a statue of Buddha, candles and an incense burner

How do Buddhists worship?

Worship is called puja Worshippers chant to show their love

for Buddha They make offerings of flowers, water,

incense and candles at a shrine When worshipping alone, usually read

from holy books and meditate

People remove their shoes Bow three times before statue with

their hands together-the bows stand for the three essential beliefs

Prayer flags and wheels are sometimes used in prayer– Flutter of flag and turn of wheel represent

prayers

Every month, most Buddhists have special religious days. These are often days when there is a full moon.

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Rites for the deadThe early Buddhists followed the Indian

custom of burning the body at death. The Buddha’s body was cremated and this set the example for many Buddhists, even in the West. After death, while the dead person is being prepared for the funeral fire, the monks continue to chant in order to help the dead one’s good energies to be released from their fading personality.

When someone is dying in a Buddhist home, monks come to comfort them by chanting verses to them, such as:

"Even the gorgeous royal chariots wear out; and indeed this body too wears out. But the teaching of goodness does not age; and so Goodness makes that known to the good ones."

The monks come with the family to the funeral. The family and all their friends give food and candles to the monks. Goodwill is created by these gifts and it is believed that the goodwill helps the lingering spirit of the dead person.

Stupas

Columns

Cliff sculpture in China

Potala Palace-Lhasa