Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who lived in the fifth century B'C'

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Buddhism

• Buddhism is based on the teachings of Siddhartha
  Gautama, who lived in the fifth century B.C.
• The teacher lived in India.
• The name Buddha means Enlightened One

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Beliefs
Beliefs

• The Triptaka is the Canon of the Buddhists
• The authorship is directly or indirectly ascribed
  to Buddha himself

• Buddhists believe that people can attain
  enlightenment (nirvana) by meditating and by
  doing the right thing

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Practices
Practices

• Weddings in Buddhist nations are secular affairs,
  although the couple may seek the blessings of a
  monk.
• For Marriage and Death information, visit
  httpwww.buddhanet.net/funeral.htm

• Funerals are important and require monks. Most
  Buddhists are cremated, but not immediately.
  Prayers and good deeds in the name of the
  deceased may continue as long as a year before
  cremation.

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Holidays
Holidays

• Buddhist holidays abound , from Buddha Day to
  Buddhist New Year to Elephant Festivals to the
  Festival of the Tooth.

• Most (not Japan) Buddhists use the Lunar Calendar
  and the dates of the celebrations vary from
  country to country according to traditions.

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Vesak or Visakah Puja Buddha Day

• Buddhas birthday is the major Buddhist festival
  of the year. It celebrates the birth,
  enlightenment, and death of Buddha.
• The name Vesak comes from the Indian name for the
  month of the celebration, which is generally in
  May.

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Other Festivals

• There are many holy days, celebrated by the
  Buddhists in differing parts of the world. Some
  are exclusively for Tibet, others for Japan,
  others for other countries.
• For a listing of many Buddhist festivals and
  special days, please yisit http//www.buddhanet.ne
  t/festival.htm

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Sacred Places
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Symbols
Symbols

• Buddhists have Eight Auspicious Symbols
• Right-coiled White Conch
• Precious Umbrella
• Victory Banner
• Golden Fish
• Dharma Wheel
• Auspicious Drawing
• Lotus Flower
• Vase of Treasure
• For a description and explanation of each, please
  visit http//www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history
  /b8symbol.htm

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Other Symbols

• Lotus http//www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/
  b_lotus.htm
• Thunderbolt http//www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/hi
  story/bud_vajra.htm
• Beeds http//www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/
  b_beeds.htm
• Prayer Wheel http//www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/h
  istory/b_prayer.htm
• Symbolic Hand Gestures http//www.buddhanet.net/e-
  learning/history/mudras.htm
• Seed Symbol http//www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/hi
  story/bud_om.htm

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Other Symbols