Buddhism is a major global religion that has a complex history and system of beliefs. It has centered in the Easter world, but experienced an increase of popularity throughout the West in the last century. There are many different expressions of Buddhism today that has a variety of beliefs, but information about the religion, such as history, size, and location, is an important aspect to understand Buddhism's beliefs and practices.
The meaning of Buddhism is a system taught by Indian prince, Siddhartha Guatama; commonly known as the "Buddha." Founded 520 B.C.E. in Northeastern India, the religion is practiced to about 300 million people around the world. Buddhism explains a purpose to life, and shows the apparent injustice and inequality around the world. It provides a code of practices/way of life that leads to true happiness for an individual. China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast are some major locations where Buddhism is practiced.
Beliefs in Buddhism include: there is no ultimate reality because nothing's permanent; human nature has no self or soul, and human existence is nothing more than a combination of five impermanent components (khandas); nirvana, which is simply seen as the cessation of suffering by some or a "heavenly paradise" to others; three jewels -- the Buddha, the Sangha, and the Dharma.
The meaning of Buddhism is a system taught by Indian prince, Siddhartha Guatama; commonly known as the "Buddha." Founded 520 B.C.E. in Northeastern India, the religion is practiced to about 300 million people around the world. Buddhism explains a purpose to life, and shows the apparent injustice and inequality around the world. It provides a code of practices/way of life that leads to true happiness for an individual. China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast are some major locations where Buddhism is practiced.
Beliefs in Buddhism include: there is no ultimate reality because nothing's permanent; human nature has no self or soul, and human existence is nothing more than a combination of five impermanent components (khandas); nirvana, which is simply seen as the cessation of suffering by some or a "heavenly paradise" to others; three jewels -- the Buddha, the Sangha, and the Dharma.
What is Buddhism? about.com. web. Accessed March 1, 2015.
An Overview of Buddhism. religiousfacts.com. web. Accessed March 1, 2015.
A Five Minute Introduction. buddhanet.net. web. Accessed March 1, 2015.