Buddhism
Buddhism (/ˈbʊdɪzəm/ BUU-dih-zəm, /ˈbuːd-/ BOOD-), also known as Buddha Dharma and Dharmavinaya (transl. ”doctrines and disciplines”), is an Indian religion or philosophical tradition based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. It originated in present-day North India as a śramaṇa–movement in the 5th century BCE, and gradually spread throughout much of Asia via the Silk Road. It is the world’s fourth-largest religion, with over 520 million followers (Buddhists) who comprise seven percent of the global population.
The Buddha taught the Middle Way, a path of spiritual development that avoids both extreme asceticism and hedonism. It aims at liberation from attachment or clinging to that which is impermanent (anitya), incapable of satisfying (duḥkha), and without a lasting essence (anātman). A summary of this path is expressed in the Noble Eightfold Path, a training of the mind through observance of Buddhist ethics and meditation, with the intention of ending the cycle of death and rebirth (saṃsāra). Other widely observed practices include: monasticism; “taking refuge” in the Buddha, the dharma, and the saṅgha; and the cultivation of perfections (pāramitā).
Theravada and Mahayana
A hundred years after the Buddha passed away, his followers had different opinions interpretating the Buddha’s teachings. One group insisted they remain true to the Theravada, which means “the way of the elders.” The Buddha had taught, they said, that each man must find his own way to nirvana. No one can help him, not even the gods or spirits.
Another group said that the Theravada was only a part of the Buddha’s teachings. He taught these “lesser ideas” first, but to those able to understand them he gave a greater teaching called Mahayana, which means “the greater vehicle.” Mahayana Buddhists refer to Theravada teachings as the Hinayana, “the little vehicle.”
Buddhism in the world today
It is said that there are more than 60 different Buddhist groups in Japan. Some of the Buddhists combine their local culture and beliefs such as spirits and demons. The others talked little about gods and spirits such as Zen Buddhists of Japan.
Majority of the Buddhists live in Asia such as Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, Tibet, China, Japan and Taiwan. Only a few people practicing Buddhism in Europe and America.
Buddhism is one of the world’s important and major religions and teachings nowadays.
Sources and references:
- Grolier Incorporated. (1998). The book of Knowledge: Buddha and Buddhism.
- Wikipedia. (2023). Buddhism. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism