Buddhism

Defining qualities: Buddhism is split into two major divisions, Theravada & Mahayana Buddhism. Subsects within these may range from atheistic humanism to polytheism. Most sects (but not all) strive to attain nirvana through nonattachment.
Founded when: 6th century BC
Founded by: Siddhartha Gautama (also called Buddha)
Holy book(s): Tripitaka (the original canon of scripture, which was transmitted orally and then written down 400 years after Buddha’s death) / Vinayana (law & rules for monastic Buddhism)/ Others, depending upon sect
Range: A decreasing number live in India; however, sects of Buddhism may be found throughout Asia and a growing number in Western nations. The Mauryan emperor Ashoka was the primary figure responsible for spreading it the Buddhist faith to a larger world.

Temple of Dip Tse-Chok Ling Gompa in Hamachal Pradesh

Story of Buddha

Long ago, around 560 BC, a young Kshatriya (warrior/ruler) named Siddhartha Gautama was born in India to a Hindu rajah. His life was filled with plenty and happiness. He lacked for nothing. Even while he was still young, Siddhartha was blessed to marry a princess as lovely as her name: Yasodhara, which means bearer of glory. Soon they would have a son, Rahula, to carry on the family line and care for them in old age.

All seemed well in this life of indulgence and pleasures. But they were living in a world of illusion...maya...and they were blind to the presence of suffering all around them.

(Read more about the life of Buddha.)

Key Buddhist Teachings

Integral to Buddha’s doctrine is the problem of suffering, as revealed to him in the Four Passing Sights. It clearly shook him, and the majority of Buddhist teaching is constructed around this central problem.

The Four Noble Truths state that:

1) All of life is suffering.

2) Attachment / desire is the root cause of this suffering (lust, cravings, attachment to things and relationships, desire to live).
3) To escape from suffering, it’s necessary to break all attachments, the good as well as the bad.
4) The way to escape suffering and achieve nirvana is by following the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path

1) Right belief
2) Right intention
3) Right speech
4) Right action
5) Right livelihood
6) Right effort
7) Right mindfulness
8) Right concentration

Contrasting Solutions to Suffering

Despite occasional comparisons between Buddha (particularly the Buddha of legend) and Jesus Christ, it is also in regards to this issue that we run up against one of the primary differences between Buddhism and the so-called “Western” faith of Christianity. Those who suffered were noticed and addressed in both faiths—but the solutions were very different.

Other Key Concepts

1) Don’t kill (not even insects).
2) Don’t steal.
3) Don’t commit adultery.
4) Don’t lie.
5) Don’t drink alcoholic beverages or take drugs.

Despite the range of difference between the various sects, these basic principles should be followed by the vast majority of Buddhists, although some groups do make exceptions or find loopholes in the core beliefs. In fact, it’s worth noting that there can be more radical difference between two Buddhist sects than between two entirely different religions.

Major Buddhist Holidays & 2010 Dates

Return from Buddhism Page to India Religion Home Page

footer for Buddhism page