Chapter 16Learning About World Religions:

Buddhism

What are the main beliefs and teachings of Buddhism?

Prince Siddhartha’s Birth

The Prince’s Royal Life

The Prince Discovers Three Forms of Suffering—Aging,

Sickness, and Death

The Prince Becomes an Ascetic

The Prince Becomes the Buddha

The Buddha’s Teachings

The Buddha’s Teachings

What are the main beliefs and teachings of Buddhism?

• Buddhism is based on Siddhartha’s teachings. Born a prince, he became an ascetic to find enlightenment. Later, he followed a middle way to reach nirvana, state of happiness and peace. He became the Buddha and taught others how to seek enlightenment.• Buddha shared his discovery of the Four Noble Truths about the state

of suffering and the ways to end it. He believed that people could reach enlightenment by living according to the teachings of the Eightfold Path.