Overview of Buddhism

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to Buddhism, including its founder, fundamental beliefs, and important teachings.

Siddhartha Gautama Sakya

The founder of Buddhism, born in what is now Nepal in the 6th century BCE.

The Great Renunciation

The pivotal moment when Siddhartha Gautama renounced his worldly life to seek spiritual enlightenment.

The Four Passing Sights

The experiences that led Siddhartha to become the Buddha, including seeing an elderly man, a sick man, a corpse, and an ascetic.

The Middle Path

The balanced approach to life recommended by the Buddha, avoiding extremes of self-indulgence and self-denial.

Nirvana

The ultimate goal of Buddhism, characterized as the extinguishing of desire and suffering.

Ahimsa

The principle of non-injury and non-violence in Buddhism.

Parinirvana

The final stage of enlightenment, marking the death of the Buddha when he fully entered nirvana.

Samsara

The cycle of rebirth that is a major concept in both Hinduism and Buddhism.

Karma

The law of actions and their consequences, influencing future rebirths in Buddhism.

Non-theistic

A belief system where the existence of a creator god is rejected; in Buddhism, the Buddha is not viewed as divine.