by littlebuddha
Buddhism
Mar 30 2010 in Buddhism Basics by littlebuddha
Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices considered by most to be a religion and is based on the teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as “The Buddha” (the Awakened One), who was born in what is today Nepal. He lived and taught in the northeastern region of the Indian subcontinent and most likely died around 400 BCE.
Buddhists recognize him as an awakened teacher who shared his insights to help sentient beings end their suffering by understanding the true nature of phenomena, thereby escaping the cycle of suffering and rebirth (saṃsāra), that is, achieving Nirvana. Among the methods various schools of Buddhism apply towards this goal are: ethical conduct and altruistic behaviour, devotional practices, ceremonies and the invocation of bodhisattvas, renunciation of worldly matters, meditation, physical exercises, study, and the cultivation of wisdom.
Buddhism is broadly recognized as being composed of two major branches:
- Theravada, which has a widespread following in Southeast Asia
- Mahayana (including Pure Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Shingon, Tibetan Buddhism and Tendai), found throughout East Asia. It should be noted that in some methods of classification, Vajrayana is considered a third branch.
While Buddhism remains most popular within these regions of Asia, both branches are now found throughout the world.
Buddhist schools disagree on what the historical teachings of Gautama Buddha were, so much so that some scholars claim Buddhism does not have a clearly definable common core. Significant disagreement also exists over the importance and canonicity of various scriptures.
Various sources put the number of Buddhists in the world between 230 million and 500 million. While formal conversion or membership varies between communities, basic lay adherence is often defined in terms of a traditional formula in which the practitioner takes refuge in The Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha), and the Sangha (the community of Buddhists).
Many many thanks for the excellent article.
Though I am not a Buddhist by religion, I admire Gautam Buddha and his teachings very highly. He presented a complete life style for the human being and showed the way we can keep peace in this world. It is really unfortunate that there are fractions among the followers of this great religion. Many great Buddhist scholars like Atish Dipankar were born after Buddha in South Asia. Now, it is high time Buddhists need to be united, forgetting all their previous disagreements, and follow what Gautam Buddha said in order to achieve Nirvana.
can any one explain the jewish star and whats its significance with Buddhism and Hindu?
Hi Mark, I am not aware of any significance of the Jewish star in Buddhism, and I am not familiar enough with Hinduism to comment. In Buddhism, it just is what it is, that being a star. The one on the main page is part of a mandala, Buddhist art created with sand by monks.
im calling it a Jewish star, im not sure of what the original name is. yes the one on the main page, i heard it has something to do with the creation of life?, i know that alot of hindu hag it from their door.