1. S U M M I T A C A D E M Y C H A R T E R S C H O O L
Mr. Stephan
Bridging the GAP … Reaching New HEIGHTS
The Enlightened One
In 532 B.C., an Indian prince named Siddhartha Gautama left his family and life of luxury to find the reasons
for life and death. During his search for truth, Gautama practiced the mental and physical disciplines of yoga. He tried
fasting and self-sacrifice to better control his mind and body.
Gautama endured this hard life for six years. Then, one day, enlightenment came. Gautama felt that he
understood the true meaning of life. He became the “Enlightened One,” or “Buddha.” And spent the rest of his life
teaching the Way of Life.
The teachings of Gautama Buddha require people to know the Four Noble Truths to follow the Middle Way.
These are the Four Noble Truths:
1. All human life is filled with pain and sorrow 2. Pain and sorry is caused by desire for pleasure and
possessions
3. By giving up all desires, a [person may be free from pain. The soul then reaches nirvana. Nirvana means
perfect peace.
4. Nirvana may be reached by following the Middle Way.
The Middle Way is to follow the Eightfold Path, eight guides to good conduct, good thoughts, and good speech.
Buddha taught people to be unselfish and to deal kindly and honestly with one another. Gautama’s teachings are called
Buddhism. Belief in Buddhism has spread throughout the world. Today millions of people are Buddhists.
Name: ______________________________ Period: ______
Do Now: Buddhism
1. According to the passage above, why was Guatama called the “Enlightened One”? _________________
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2. Describe the steps to achieve happiness according to Buddhism: _________________________________
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2. S U M M I T A C A D E M Y C H A R T E R S C H O O L
Mr. Stephan
Bridging the GAP … Reaching New HEIGHTS

3. S U M M I T A C A D E M Y C H A R T E R S C H O O L
Mr. Stephan
Bridging the GAP … Reaching New HEIGHTS

4. S U M M I T A C A D E M Y C H A R T E R S C H O O L
Mr. Stephan
Bridging the GAP … Reaching New HEIGHTS

5. S U M M I T A C A D E M Y C H A R T E R S C H O O L
Mr. Stephan
Bridging the GAP … Reaching New HEIGHTS

6. S U M M I T A C A D E M Y C H A R T E R S C H O O L
Mr. Stephan
Bridging the GAP … Reaching New HEIGHTS
Name: __________________________________ Period:______
1. Identify the major beliefs of Buddhism: _______________________________________________________
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2. How does following the Four Noble Truths allow one to achieve nirvana? ____________________________
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3.Describe at least one difference between Buddhism and Hinduism using textual evidence from today’s lesson.
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Name: __________________________________ Period:______
1. Identify the major beliefs of Buddhism: _______________________________________________________
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2. How does following the Four Noble Truths allow one to achieve nirvana? ____________________________
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3.Describe at least one difference between Buddhism and Hinduism using textual evidence from today’s lesson.
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