Buddhism

=Buddhism=

= =

Founder/ Leader:
Siddhartha Gautama, a Kshatriya family, (born in 563 B.C.E) who beacame Buddha or "Enlightned One."



Holy Book/ Writing:
The Buddha's teachings were only written down in the first century B.C.E. The oldest texts are Pall Canon or Tipitaka sacred to Theravada. Mahayanda Buddhists have their own text called Sutras.

=Both monotheistic and polytheistic=

Basic Tenets of The Belief system:
A moderate lifestyle characterized by quiet contemplation, thoughtful reflection and disciplined self-control would enable Buddhists to reduce their desires for material goods and other wordly attractions, eventually resulting in detachment from the world itself. In addition, by following the buddha's teachings, one achieves enlightenment and is freed from the cycle of reincarnation. They wanted to reach the state of Nirvana and Moksha, a release from reincarnation. Buddhists follow the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path, which are ways to end suffering. Buddhists also follow the //dharma//, Buddha's teachings.

Rituals and Practices:
Buddhism incorporates a variety of **rituals and practices**, which are intended to aid in the journey to enlightenment and bring blessings on oneself and others. The practice of meditation is central to nearly all forms of Buddhism, and it derives directly from the Buddha’s experiences and teachings.

Buddhists follow beliefs based on Buddha's teachings, or //dharma.// Buddhists are committed to the Three Jewels of Buddism, which are used as their guides through life. The follow the Five Precepts as well, which instruct Buddhists to not kill or harm the living, to not steal, to not lie, to abstain from sexual misconduct, and to avoid drugs and alcohol.

The Four Noble Truths are... The Eightfold Path contains Right View, Right Mindfulness, Right Meditation, Right Speech, Right Effort, Right Resolve, Right Livelihood and Right Conduct.
 * Truth relating to existence of suffering in cyclic existence.
 * Truth relating to cause of this suffering.
 * Truth relating to the cessation of suffering.
 * Truth relating to the path resulting in the cessation of suffering.

When it emerged and why:
At age 29 Siddhartha's experience of suffering changed his life. According to legend he was out on a chariot ride when he saw a sick man, old man, and dead man, who were without religion. He then saw a monk who, despite being poor and surrounded by sickness and misery, he was happy and content. Sidhartha Guatama considered this man a noble character for withdrawing from society and seeking his own peace with the world. Siddharta vowed to give up his privileged life and to follow the holy man's example. Around the 5th or 6th century BCE, he left his home, family, and comfortable life, and begin his search for the truth, thus beginning buddhism.

=Spread of Buddhism=

Long ago, Buddhism began to spread southwards from its place of origin in northern India to Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Indo-China and other South East Asian countries. It also moved northwards into the Himalayan kingdoms (Sikkim, Bhutan, Nepal), Tibet, Mongolia and other parts of Central Asia, and also into China, Korea and Japan.