The Book of the Dead: This Tibetan text describes the stages of death in detail.Sutras: There are more than 2,000 sutras, which are sacred teachings embraced mainly by Mahayana Buddhists.Tipitaka: These texts, known as the “three baskets,” are thought to be the earliest collection of Buddhist writings.In no particular order, the Eightfold Path of Buddhism teaches the following ideals for ethical conduct, mental disciple and achieving wisdom:īuddhists revere many sacred texts and scriptures. The Buddha taught his followers that the end of suffering, as described in the fourth Noble Truths, could be achieved by following an Eightfold Path. The truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga)Ĭollectively, these principles explain why humans hurt and how to overcome suffering.The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha).The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya).The Four Noble Truths, which Buddha taught, are: Specifically, all Buddhists live by five moral precepts, which prohibit: Dharmaīuddha’s teachings are known as “dharma.” He taught that wisdom, kindness, patience, generosity and compassion were important virtues. Some forms of Buddhism incorporate ideas of other religions and philosophies, such as Taoism and Bon. The term nirvana means “blowing out,” as a candle is blown out, thus ending all attachment and desire to achieve a state of pure enlightenment.Įach of these types reveres certain texts and has slightly different interpretations of Buddha’s teachings. Nirvana Buddhism is closely related to Theravada Buddhism, but the concept of nirvana is also central to many paths of Buddhism.It emphasizes simplicity and meditation-the word “zen” means meditation-in lieu of religious scripture, ceremonies or doctrines. Zen Buddhism is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that’s practiced in many of the same areas.Tibetan Buddhism: Prevalent in Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia, Bhutan, and parts of Russia and northern India.Mahayana Buddhism: Prevalent in China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and Vietnam.Theravada Buddhism: Prevalent in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos and Burma.The three main types that represent specific geographical areas include: Today, many forms of Buddhism exist around the world. Islam began to spread quickly in the region during the Middle Ages, forcing Buddhism into the background. In the sixth century, the Huns invaded India and destroyed hundreds of Buddhist monasteries, but the intruders were eventually driven out of the country. The thoughts and philosophies of Buddhists became diverse, with some followers interpreting ideas differently than others. Over the next few centuries, Buddhism began to spread beyond India. Buddhist monasteries were built, and missionary work was encouraged. In the 3rd century B.C., Ashoka the Great, the Mauryan Indian emperor, made Buddhism the state religion of India. Buddha’s teachings became the foundation for what would develop into Buddhism. When Gautama passed away around 483 B.C., his followers began to organize a religious movement. There is no single Buddhist symbol, but a number of images have evolved that represent Buddhist beliefs, including the lotus flower, the eight-spoked dharma wheel, the Bodhi tree and the swastika (an ancient symbol whose name means "well-being" or "good fortune" in Sanskrit).Buddhist monks, or bhikkhus, follow a strict code of conduct, which includes celibacy.Followers of Buddhism can worship in temples or in their own homes.Buddhists embrace the concepts of karma (the law of cause and effect) and reincarnation (the continuous cycle of rebirth).Buddha’s most important teachings, known as The Four Noble Truths, are essential to understanding the religion. ![]() Buddhism encourages its people to avoid self-indulgence but also self-denial.Some scholars don’t recognize Buddhism as an organized religion, but rather, a “way of life” or a “spiritual tradition.”.There are many philosophies and interpretations within Buddhism, making it a tolerant and evolving religion.Buddhists often meditate because they believe it helps awaken truth. The path to enlightenment is attained by utilizing morality, meditation and wisdom.The religion’s founder, Buddha, is considered an extraordinary being, but not a god.When followers reach this spiritual echelon, they’re said to have experienced nirvana. They instead focus on achieving enlightenment-a state of inner peace and wisdom. ![]()
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