2. BUDDHISM
Established in 6th Century and based on the teachings of the Indian prince, Siddhartha Gautama.
One of the top 5 world religions, more prevalent among Asian populations.
China has the highest population of Buddhists, as of 2020 this was almost 20%, over 250 million people.
Contributions to society come in the form of good deeds by followers.
Buddhism is seen as a peaceful religion.
There are many types of Buddhism, but all are non-theistic, they do not believe in a creator.
Buddhism is a singular path that each follower must undertake for himself.
Buddha means “Awakened One”.
Anyone can reach Awakening or Nirvana by following the eightfold path.
Buddha is not a singular person and any follower can become Buddha by attaining Nirvana.
3. BUDDHISM IN AMERICA
About 1% of the US practices Buddhism, this is around 4 billion people*.
About 1% of Ohioans practice Buddhism, this is around 1200 people*.
Hawaii has the largest Buddhist population, averaging 8%, or around 100,000 people*.
Brought to the US with immigrants in the 1800’s.
Current immigration rates have not had a major impact on this religion.
Buddhism practiced in the US is not the same as in other countries.
Over half of practicing Buddhists in the US are converts, not raised in the religion.
The majority of Buddhists in the US are liberal and do not believe in reincarnation.
Buddhism is tolerated in the US and is largely ignored due to its peaceful nature.
Americans have adopted the word “Nirvana” as a synonym to “heaven”.
*As of 2020
4. FOUNDATIONS OF
BUDDHISM
Four Noble Truths
• Life is suffering
• The cause of suffering is craving
• The end of suffering comes with an end to craving
• There is a path which leads one away from craving
and suffering
Lotus Flower
5. FOUNDATIONS OF
BUDDHISM
Eightfold Path
• Right View
• Right Intention
• Right Speech
• Right Action
• Right Livelihood
• Right Effort
• Right Mindfulness
• Right Concentration
Buddha Statue
6. FOUNDATIONS OF
BUDDHISM
Wheel of Becoming
• Round Shape – This symbolizes the perfection of the
Buddha’s teachings.
• Rim – This signifies a Buddhist’s ability to take in all the
teachings of Buddha through concentration and meditation.
• Hub – This signifies moral discipline. The swirls represent the
Three Treasure Jewels of Buddhism, Dharma, Buddha, and
Sangha.
• Cyclical Movement of the Wheel – This represents the
cycle of life, known as Samsara. It incorporates birth, death, and
rebirth.
Dharma Wheel
7. NIRVANA
The goal of every Buddhist is attaining Nirvana, the state of being
Enlightened or Awakened.
This is done by completing the eightfold path and being free of the
three poisons
Greed or Raga
Aversion or Dvesha
Ignorance or Moha
The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, or Samsara, will be
ended once Nirvana is reached.
Nirvana is the cessation of suffering and can only be reached in
death.
Inside of Buddhist Temple - China
Alexander Newman
8. WORKS CITED
“Basics of Buddhism.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, https://www.pbs.org/edens/thailand/buddhism.htm.
Buddhist Countries 2022, https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/buddhist-countries.
“The Buddhist Review.” Tricycle, https://tricycle.org/.
“Religion in America: U.S. Religious Data, Demographics and Statistics.” Pew Research Center's Religion &
Public Life Project, 9 Sept. 2020, https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/religious-
tradition/buddhist/.
“Religions - Buddhism: The Four Noble Truths.” BBC, BBC, 17 Nov. 2009,
https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/beliefs/fournobletruths_1.shtml.
