Buddhism

Introduction

Religion as a word sometimes used interchangeably with belief or faith system, but it differs from personal belief as it has a civic aspect. It is a collection of belief systems, cultural systems, and global views that narrate mankind to theology, and at times to moral values. Several religions have symbols, narratives, traditions and sanctified histories that give meaning to life and help to explain the origin of the universe and life. (Esptein, 2010)

Buddhism is a faith and the way of life native to the Indian subcontinent and includes a range of ethnicity, values, and practices mostly founded on the teachings credited to Siddhartha Gautama, who is generally known as the Buddha which means "the awakened one" in the Pali and Sanskrit language. During the 6th and 4th centuries in the eastern part of Indian subcontinent the Buddha taught and lived. Buddha was known with the terms enlightened, or the one awakened or the person who shares his wisdom and his insights to help the people end their longings, desires, ignorance and sufferings of needy beginnings, gain paradise and understand sunyata. The estimates of the followers are said to be from 350 to 500 million. Though Buddhism is said to be most popular Asia, throughout the world its branches are now found.

Discussion

Religion and way of life

Religion gives a platform to express ideas. It teaches a way of life. It gives an opportunity to come together and unite as a community. It provides a common foundation, which is essential for a final build up towards a decent life. Religion is the most important part of life that enables to channelize the thoughts and helps to act according to it.

The schools of Buddhism differ on the same nature of the way to freedom, the significance and importance of different teachings and methods, and particularly their relevant practices. The Dharma which means the teachings, the Buddha and the Sangha which mean the community are the basics of Buddhist custom and practice and are known as the “Three Jewels”. Taking shelter in the three jewel philosophy has conventionally been an announcement and obligation to being on the Buddhist pathway and in common differentiates a non-Buddhist from a Buddhist. (Esptein, 2010)

Additional practices might comprise of following moral teachings; support of the basic society; abandoning conservative existing and becoming an ascetic; the expansion of mindfulness and application of meditation; nurturing of elevated perception and judgment; learning of scriptures; devotional observance; rituals; and in the tradition of Mahayana, incantation of Buddha's and bodhisattvas. Many different forms have been assumed by Buddhism, but in every case effort have been made to extract learning's from the Buddha's life experiences that are the teachings and beliefs, and the "essence" or "spirit" of Buddha's teachings that are called dharma; as representation of the spiritual being.

Mysticism, Spirituality and Compassion

The experience and knowledge of existence or reality which is ahead of the perception of human and includes the communication with the ultimate being is known as Mysticism, whereas, Spirituality refers to an alleged or ...