Buddhism

Background

Buddhism developed in India, and is based on many of the core concepts of Hinduism..

The Basics

• Founder-Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha, which means "enlightened one."
• Siddhartha Gautama Geographic Origin-Developed in India.
• Currently Practiced-Most common in Southeast Asia and Japan..
• Significant Writings-Tripitka, or Three Baskets of Wisdom.
• Places of Worship-Buddhism may be practiced individually, but temples and monasteries do exist.
• Significant Religious People-The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan sect of
• Buddhism, and is considered to be the reincarnation of the bodhisattva, or "Buddha-to-be."
• Buddhist monks can be identified by their traditional orange robes.

Teachings and Beliefs

Siddhartha was born into the Brahmin caste, and by all account led a luxurious lifestyle. However, he was troubled by the human misery that he saw around him everyday. Upon reflection, he deduced that desire was the root caused of all suffering. This idea has been recorded as the Four Noble Truths.

Four Noble Truths

Siddhartha's philosophy of the nature of human suffering and its relation to desire is articulated by these four statements:

1. Life is full of pain and suffering.
2. Human desire causes this suffering.
3. By putting an end to desire, humans can end suffering.
4. Humans can end desire by following the Eightfold Path.

Eightfold Path

The Wheel of Life is one of the most important symbols of Buddhism, as it represents the endless cycle of life through reincarnation and because each of its eight spokes represents one of the teachings of the Eightfold Path.

Wheel of Life

1. Know that suffering is caused by desire.
2. Be selfless and love all life.
3. Do not lie, or speak without cause.
4. Do not kill, steal, or commit other unrighteous acts.
5. Do not do things which promote evil.
6. Take effort to promote righteousness.
7. Be aware of your physical actions, state of mind, and emotions.
8. Learn to meditate.

Reincarnation

Buddhists believe in an endless cycle of reincarnation, or samsara, which is similar to beliefs of Hinduism. However, Buddhists do not believe that deities are responsible for the phenomenon. In addition, the Caste System is rejected by Buddhists who believe instead that one is reincarnated until they can achieve nirvana, best described as spiritual enlightenment.

The concept of reincarnation can best be illustrated using an infinity symbol: