For the first time ever, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses children directly, sharing lessons of peace and compassion, told through stories of his own childhood.
Part of the 'World of Faiths' series, this book looks at Buddhism. It features its key beliefs, how it is practised around the world, religious buildings and places, key figures and leaders, and festivals and traditions.
Siddhartha Gautama is said to have been born in, what was then, India, but is now Nepal, in about 563 BC. Born as a wealthy prince, he gradually gave up worldly ways until, at age thirty-five, he attained supreme enlightenment and became the Buddha.
This book tells of the life of the Buddha, who he was and what he did. It explains how he found the Middle Way , what he taught his followers and about the holy books that contain his teaching.
Festivals, with their rich stories and colourful traditions, are an ideal way for children to learn about other cultures. A Year of Festivals introduces the main religious festivals as they occur through the year. The books include prayers, songs, quotations from religious writings, colourful photographs and fun activities to bring the festivals to life and help children join in the celebrations.
The teachings of the Buddha were passed down by word of mouth and not written down until around 400 hundred years later. They were compiled into three sets and written on long narrow leaves and stored in baskets, called the “Three Baskets” or Tripitaka.
The Buddha's first and most important teachings are the Four Noble Truths. The Buddha also told people to follow a special way of life called the Noble Eightfold Path.
Buddhists try to reach Nirvana by following the Buddha's teaching and by meditating. Meditation means training the mind to empty it all of thoughts. When this happens, what is important comes clear.
Buddhism began in northeastern India and is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. The religion is 2,500 years old and is followed by 350 million Buddhists worldwide. Buddhism is the main religion in many Asian countries. It is a religion about suffering and the need to get rid of it. A key concept of Buddhism is Nirvana, the most enlightened, and blissful state that one can achieve.
There are three Buddhist central beliefs. These are known as The Three Jewels as they are felt to be so precious:
Buddhist believe that there is a cycle of birth, life and death and rebirth. This goes on and on. They believe that unless someone gains Enlightenment, when they die they will be reborn. If a person can gain Enlightenment or Nirvana, they can break out of this cycle and be free of suffering.
Siddhattha Gautama meditating under the Bodhi tree
Image source: BBC Bitesize
The founder of Buddhism was a man named Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhattha Gautama was a prince who lived a life of luxury. When he was 29, Siddhattha went outside his palace and saw people suffering for the first time. He decided to leave his palace and live among holy men in search of truth. His search took him six years, but he became enlightened while meditating under a fig or Bodhi tree. He was later given the title of the Buddha, which means ‘enlightened one’.
Buddhists worship at home or at a temple. When visiting a temple, Buddhists will take off their shoes, put their hands together and bow to the image of the Buddha. Worshippers may sit on the floor to listen to monks chanting from religious texts and take part in prayers.
At home, Buddhist will often have a shrine or altar. There will be a statue of Buddha, candles, and an incense burner.
Buddha's Delight (Luo Han Jai) is a vegetarian dish usually eaten during Chinese New Year
Image source: tasteasianfood.com
Similar to the Hindus, many Buddhists are vegetarians who do not eat meat because of their respect for life or ahimsa, the belief to do no harm. However, there are also many Buddhists who eat meat. It is up to each individual to decide what this means for them and their diet. Many Buddhists will also avoid eating 'Five Pungent Vegetables' such as onions, garlic, green onions, chives, coriander and leeks as they are thought to cloud the ability to meditate effectively or throw the digestive system out of balance.
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The Wheel of Life (Dharma Wheel) which symbolises the cycle of life, death and rebirth.
The lotus flower which symbolises purity and divine birth.
The most universal and easily recognized buddhist symbol is the image of the Buddha seated in meditation.
Bathing the Buddha Ceremony on Vesak Day
Image source: jenchenblissculture.com
Vesak Day is the most important of the Buddhist festivals and is celebrated on the full moon in May. It celebrates the Buddha's birthday and for some Buddhists, also marks his enlightenment and death. It is also called Buddha Day. In many countries, Buddhists celebrate Vesak Day by visiting their local temple for services and teaching. The 'Bathing the Buddha' ceremony is also often included. Water is poured over the shoulders of the Buddha as a reminder to purify their own minds from greed, hatred and ignorance.
Click on the links below to find out more about festivals that Buddhists celebrate: