Buddhism

Buddhism

Who is Buddha? What exactly is Buddhism? Learn about the quest for Enlightenment that intrigued people throughout history and learn about the Four Noble Truths of Buddhism. Meditation played a significant role in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, who left his princely lifestyle to find the meaning of true nature. Buddhism has continued to change the lives of people today who follow the path towards enlightenment. What is so special about the Bodhi tree? Discover more about the peaceful religion that worships no God and believes in a spiritual journey based on karma.

History of Buddhism

The start of Buddhism begins in 563 BC, with the birth of Buddha Shakyamuni, or known as Siddhartha Gautama.

Buddha Shakyamuni was born as a royal prince in Lumbini, Nepal. Originally a part of northern india.

Buddhism and its beliefs

Buddhists do not worship any gods or God. People outside of Buddhism often think that Buddhists worship the Buddha. However, the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama) never claimed to be divine, but rather he is viewed by Buddhists as having attained what they are also striving to attain, which is spiritual enlightenment and, with it, freedom from the continuous cycle of life and death. Most Buddhists believe a person has countless rebirths, which inevitably include suffering. A Buddhist seeks to end these rebirths. Buddhists believe it is a person's cravings, aversion and delusion that cause these rebirths. Therefore, the goal of a Buddhist is to purify one's heart and to let go of all yearnings toward sensual desires and the attachment to oneself.

Buddhists follow a list of religious principles and very dedicated meditation. When a Buddhist meditates it is not the same as praying or focusing on a god, it is more of a self-discipline. Through practiced meditation a person may reach Nirvana -- "the blowing out" of the flame of desire.

Buddhism provides something that is true of most major religions: disciplines, values and directives that a person may want to live by.