Hi kids,

The most important religion in Laos is Buddhism. Click on this link. Funny video’s and texts tell you more about Buddhism.

Buddhism doesn’t have a God. Buddhists believe that after you die, you come back to the world in another body. After you’ve lived well, you can reach Nirvana (ultimate spiritual level).

About 2500 years ago, a rich prince named Siddharta was very unhappy. During his life he thought up how a person should live in order to be happy. He found the solution and he was enlightened. He had reached Nirvana! After that Siddharta was called Buddha. 

This is what Buddha discovered:

The four truths:

1. To live is to suffer. This is because we try to surround ourselves with pretty things and lots of friends.

2. We’re always busy doing this and worrying about it.

3. If our wishes aren’t fulfilled, we’re unhappy and mad, we suffer.

4. But that suffering can end. Our greed has to end and then we will feel content and happy.

Buddha has eight tips (or steps) to stop the desire.

1. You must know what REALLY makes you happy in life.

2. You must be a good person, not someone who is jealous and wants things done his way.

3. Tell good things, don’t gossip and don’t lie.

4. Do good things for humans and animals.

5. Choose a profession that doesn’t hurt people.

6. Be strong and keep going on.

7. Think deeply about every single thing you do.

8. Choose for good; don’t let yourself be distracted from that.

Reach enlightenment!

That’s the state of mind that a Buddhist wants to reach. You see and understand more of life. Your soul won’t return to earth anymore because you’ve reached Nirvana. That’s not a place or a kind of heaven. It’s a happy state of mind where you soul is rested and doesn’t have to worry anymore. Your soul finds peace forever.

Three baskets

The lessons of Buddha were written on palm leaves. These were kept in three baskets. Click on the link in the ‘Learning’ section.

Meditation

You sit on the ground with your legs crossed over each other, concentrate on your breathing and try not to think of anything. Read more about this in the ‘Meditation’ section.