Buddhism: Difference between revisions
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Buddhism is a | Buddhism is a spiritual tradition based primarily on the teachings of the [[India|Indian]] [[kshatriya or nobleman]] named [[Siddhartha Gautama]] (common referred to as "[[buddha|Buddha]].") 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]], [[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." There are several major branches of Buddhism, each with notable differences in teachings. | ||
== Influences == | == Influences == |
Revision as of 16:01, 4 November 2007
Buddhism is a spiritual tradition based primarily on the teachings of the Indian kshatriya or nobleman named Siddhartha Gautama (common referred to as "Buddha.") 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, 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." There are several major branches of Buddhism, each with notable differences in teachings.
Influences
Although it is known that Siddhartha Gautama studied under monks of other religions, attempting to find Bodhi, awakening or enlightenment, little is known about their religions. It is believed that some elements may have been borrowed from or influenced by the Vedic religions, and later, by Daoism, Confucianism and Islam, all of which were in turn influenced in some way by 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 countributed to its international growth.
See also
- Branches of Buddhism:
- Noble Eightfold Path
- Asanga