Buddhism

Abstract

Religions define the norms and behaviors of individuals and societies. Buddhism is one of the oldest religions of the world and the fourth largest. Its origin is in Indian subcontinent and covers a variety of ethical and moral values and beliefs.

Buddha was a man born in the riches, and it has been the known legend that it was predicted at the time of his birth that he would go against the usual norms of life. Himself experienced the difficult life of a common man and wandered into jungles to understand the severity. It was at that time that he sat under a tree and meditated and woke up as an enlightened one. The one who is awakening to the realities of life. He understood that everyone is equal, and everyone has a right to happiness and liberty, and he made it his life's mission to teach people the way to save themselves from misery and to gain happiness in their lives.

Buddhism has a majority of his followers in the subcontinent, who range from 350 - 550 million. The followers strictly follow the teachings of Buddha and the experiences he had in his life. The teachings mainly focus on how to gain success and to treat everyone equally.

Introduction

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.

Theravada which means the school of the Elders and Mahayana which mean the great vehicles are the two basic branches of Buddhism. Mostly people in Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka followed Theravada, however; throughout in East Asia Mahayana is found. This includes the civilization of Zen, Pure Land, Nichiren Buddhism, Shingon, Tiantai (Tendai), Tibetan Buddhism, and Shinnyo-en. In some descriptions, Vajrayana is experienced mostly in Mongolia and Tibet, and neighboring parts of Russia and China. It is accepted as a third branch of the religion, while some describe it as a part of Mahayana. Yanas or Vehicles also have other categorizations 'as well'. (Robinson et.al, 1989, pp.275)

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. 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 ...