Buddhism originated in India in the 5th century BCE when Siddhartha Gautama achieved enlightenment and insight into suffering under the Bodhi tree. He taught that devotion, meditation, and moral practices like non-violence could help end suffering and reach nirvana. Central to Buddhism are the Four Noble Truths about dukkha and the Eightfold Path to its cessation. Buddhism spread from India and has over 350 million followers worldwide today in various traditions.

1. Buddhism

2. Early Buddhist practicesDevotion was always apart of the Buddhist religion. The devotional practices included:BowingOfferingsPilgrimageChantingThese were intended to aid in the journey to enlightenment and bring blessings on to yourself and others. The practice of meditation is central to nearly all forms of Buddhism, and it derives directly from the Buddha’s experiences and teachings.

3. Practices

4. Sila:Sila: Virtue, good conduct, morality. Principle of equality: all living entities are equal.Principle of reciprocity: "Golden Rule" inChristianity -- do onto others as you would wish them to do onto you.

5. Concentration, meditation, mental development. Developing the mind is the path to wisdom which leads to personal freedom. Mental development strengthens and controls our mind; this helps maintain good conduct. Samadhi:

6. Discernment, insight, wisdom, enlightenment. This is the real heart of Buddhism. Wisdom will emerge if your mind is pure and calm. Prajna:

7. Buddhist Beliefs

8. 1st PreceptDo not kill and be kind to all creatures. One must not deliberately take the life of another living creature. Furthermore, one cultivates the attitude of loving kindness to all beings by wishing that they may be happy and free from harm.

9. 2. Do not Steal It is a respect to other's properties and the right to own property. If something is not given, one may not take it away by stealing, by force or by fraud. If an employee is lazy and neglects the duties or tasks assigned to him, he is, in a way, "stealing" time that should have been spent on his work. 2nd Precept

10. Do not lie, be honest and open.To keep from lying is to show respect for the truth. This includes telling half-truths that exaggerate or don’t explain the true facts. Once people begin to know that telling the truth is the right thing to do, fights will no longer be an issue. 3rd Precept

11. Do not misuse moral standards.Although moral standards vary in different societies and in different cultures, rape, adultery and other such behaviors that involve physical and mental injury to others is prohibited. 4th Precept

12. 5th PreceptDo not consume alcohol or recreational drugs.One of the important aspects of Buddhism is the respect and reliance on wisdom. Using intoxicants and drugs will dim our ability to use good judgment. These are also not good for our health.

13. Founder of BuddhismRegarded as the supreme Buddha (Awakened one or enlightened one)Siddartha Gautama

14. He sat himself under a Bodhi tree, determined not to move until he had found the answers he was looking for. His meditation was deep, and, on the night of the full moon in May, complete Enlightenment came to him. His mind became calm and clear and he understood the cycle of birth, death and the wheel of life. This was the end of his spiritual journey, and at that moment he became "the Buddha".how it happened:

15. Tripitaka (Pali Canon): the holy book for Buddhists.Holy Book

16. It first came to the U.S. with the first Asian immigrants back in the 1800s and then became somewhat of a trend in the 1960’s.In 2004 Buddhism was said to have had 1.5 million followers, while others have estimated twice thatCurrently there are 360 million followers of Buddhism.Popularity

17. Key Events time lineFirst Buddhist Council at Rajagaha (486) after the Parinirvana*, under the patronage of King Ajatasattu. (in 5th century) Buddhist Society of Great Britain, founded (1907). Life of Siddhartha Guatama, the historical Buddha: conventional dates: 566-486 B.C.E. In 1193 the Moslems attacked and conquered Magadha, the heartland of Buddhism in India, and with the destruction of the Buddhist Monasteries and Universities - in that area Buddhism was wiped out.

18. Avoid taking the life of beings. Avoid taking things not given. Avoid sensual misconduct. Refrain from false speech. Abstain from substances which cause intoxication.To abstain from taking food at inappropriate times. This would mean following the tradition of Theravadin monks and not eating from noon one day until sunrise the next.To abstain from dancing, singing, music and entertainments as well as refraining from the use of perfumes, ornaments and other items used to adorn or beautify the person.To undertake the training to abstain from using high or luxurious beds.Rules

19. Where is it found?

20. Buddhism is one of the oldest religions in the world. Gautama Buddha (563 BC-483 BC) laid the foundation of Buddhism after he gained Enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.The preaching of Lord Buddha revolves around attaining salvation from worldly sufferings, universal brotherhood, peace and non-violence. Origin:

21. - Buddha (563 BCE to 483 BCE) gave the original teachings of Buddhism- Buddha's teachings were written down in a series of councils that began three months after his death and continued for several centuries- Emperor Ashoka of India spread Buddhism to Southeast Asia (3rd century BCE). This became Theravada Buddhism.- Buddhism spread to China in the 1st century CE and from there to Japan and Korea- Buddhism spread to the West in the 20th century CETurning Points: