Buddhism: Difference between revisions
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There are several major [[Buddhism#See also|branches of Buddhism]], each with notable differences in teachings. | There are several major [[Buddhism#See also|branches of Buddhism]], each with notable differences in teachings. | ||
== | == The original context of Buddhism == | ||
Although it is known that Siddhartha Gautama studied under [[monk]]s of other religions in his search for spiritual revelation, little is known about those religions. It is believed that some elements may have been borrowed from or influenced by | Although it is known that Siddhartha Gautama studied under [[monk]]s of other religions in his search for spiritual revelation, little is known about those religions. It is believed that some elements may have been borrowed from or influenced by [[Vedic religion]], and later, by [[Taoism]], [[Confucianism]] and [[Islam]], all of which were in turn influenced in some way by Buddhism. | ||
== The growth of Buddhism == | |||
In turn, Buddhist teachings have spread far beyond their original borders, growing into a diverse family of religions. Buddhism does not make [[religious conversion]] or [[evangelism]] a requirement, and its [[pacifism|pacifist]] nature made it non-threatening to most [[government]]s, both factors which have contributed to its international growth. | In turn, Buddhist teachings have spread far beyond their original borders, growing into a diverse family of religions. Buddhism does not make [[religious conversion]] or [[evangelism]] a requirement, and its [[pacifism|pacifist]] nature made it non-threatening to most [[government]]s, both factors which have contributed to its international growth. | ||
== Buddhist doctrine == | |||
Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like 'Christian', 'Moslem', 'Hindu' or 'Buddhist'; that is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, only explain if an explanation is sought. | Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like 'Christian', 'Moslem', 'Hindu' or 'Buddhist'; that is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, only explain if an explanation is sought. | ||
== Buddhist practice == | |||
== Buddhist scripture == | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
Revision as of 10:17, 11 April 2008
Buddhism is a spiritual tradition based primarily on the teachings of the Indian yogin Siddhartha Gautama, or Buddha. Buddhism has its origins about 2,550 years ago when Buddha himself attained enlightenment.
Although its teachings are stark -- a common Buddhist phrase used to explain the faith is "Life is suffering" -- it is also optimistic, valuing and promoting charity, compassion, self-control, and self-knowledge. The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to attain bodhi and then nirvana -- the latter literally meaning "a blowing out of suffering."
Buddhism is a philosophy or 'way of life', the Buddhist paths are simply:
- to lead a moral life
- to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions
- to develop wisdom and understanding
There are several major branches of Buddhism, each with notable differences in teachings.
The original context of Buddhism
Although it is known that Siddhartha Gautama studied under monks of other religions in his search for spiritual revelation, little is known about those religions. It is believed that some elements may have been borrowed from or influenced by Vedic religion, and later, by Taoism, Confucianism and Islam, all of which were in turn influenced in some way by Buddhism.
The growth of Buddhism
In turn, Buddhist teachings have spread far beyond their original borders, growing into a diverse family of religions. Buddhism does not make religious conversion or evangelism a requirement, and its pacifist nature made it non-threatening to most governments, both factors which have contributed to its international growth.
Buddhist doctrine
Buddhism is also a belief system which is tolerant of all other beliefs or religions. Buddhism agrees with the moral teachings of other religions but Buddhism goes further by providing a long term purpose within our existence, through wisdom and true understanding. Real Buddhism is very tolerant and not concerned with labels like 'Christian', 'Moslem', 'Hindu' or 'Buddhist'; that is why there have never been any wars fought in the name of Buddhism. That is why Buddhists do not preach and try to convert, only explain if an explanation is sought.
Buddhist practice
Buddhist scripture
See also
- Branches of Buddhism:
- Eightfold Path
- Four Noble Truths