Indus Valley

Front 1

Four Noble Truths: The buddha's message

Back 1

1) pain and suffering are an ugly, but inseparable part of life
2) suffering and anxiety are caused by human desires and attachment
3) people can understand these weaknesses and triumph over them
4) this triumph is made possible by following a simple code of conduct

Front 2

Eightfold Path: the code of conduct, set forward by the buddha in his 1st sermon

Back 2

1) Right Understanding- understanding/believing in the 4 noble truths
2) Right Thought- think kindly of others and avoid dwelling on bad thoughts
3) Right Speech- be polite, speak kindly and truthfully
4) Right Action- act kindly towards all living things
5) Right Liveliness- have a job that doesn't harm others or involve illegal things
6) Right Effort- be determined to cleanse the mind
7) Right Mindfulness- be fully aware of your actions and thoughts
8) Right Concentration- meditation where you completely detach yourself

Front 3

Nirvana

Back 3

a state of blissful nothingness and freedom from reincarnation

Front 4

Ascetic

Back 4

a person who dedicates his or her life to a pursuit of contemplative ideals and practices extreme self-denial or self-mortification for religious reasons.

Front 5

Sutras

Back 5

the written teaching of the Buddha, first transcribed in the second or first century B.C.E.

Front 6

Mahayana

Back 6

the “Great Vehicle,” a tradition of Buddhism that aspires to be more exclusive. It drew on a set of discourses allegedly given by the Buddha that had been hid by his followers.

Front 7

Bodhisattvas

Back 7

buddhas-to- be who stayed in the world after enlightenment to help others on the path to salvation.

Front 8

Ashoka

Back 8

One of India's greatest kings who supported peace and never neglected his duties. He was a buddhist. He ruled for 37 years.

Front 9

Ashokan Pillar

Back 9

A pillar inscribed with accounts of King Ashoka's political achievements and his instructions to his subjects on proper behavior.