Buddhism

 Buddhism

What is Buddhism?

How did it becomes a religion which is followed by 535 million people around the world?

Who founded Buddhism?

Why did a born prince, Siddhartha Gautam become a wonderer and founded a religion?

How his teachings founded one of the major religions of the world?

Does Buddhism believe in god?

What are the major beliefs in Buddhism?

What is Buddhism?

Buddhism is one of the world's major religions followed by around 540 million people which is 8% -10% of the world's total population. It is considered that it is founded in India in 550-450 B.C.E. by the Lord Buddha, (vaishnavite sect of Hinduism believe Gautama Buddha to be the ninth and most recent incarnation of the god Vishnu) born with the name Siddhartha Gautama, who was a teacher, philosopher, and spiritual leader. But it was only his teachings that became the foundation of Buddhism and later it became state religion by the Indian emperor Ashoka the great In the 3rd century B.C., and the teachings of the buddha spread to Asia and the rest of the world now several countries have a very high percentage of Buddhism followers.

Most Buddhist traditions share the goal of overcoming suffering and the cycle of death and rebirth, either by the attainment of Nirvana or through the path of Buddhahood.

The following is an overview of the history of Buddhism from

its origins to the present day:

Ancient Buddhism (5th century BCE to 1st century CE):

Buddhism originated in ancient India, in a region that is now modern-day Nepal

and northern India. Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, was born into

a royal family and lived a privileged life until he left his palace and

encountered suffering for the first time. He then spent several years seeking

enlightenment, until he finally achieved it under a bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. He

spent the rest of his life teaching others about his discoveries, and his

teachings were later compiled into the Tripitaka, the Buddhist canon.

Early Buddhism (1st century CE to 5th century CE):

After the Buddha's death, his followers continued to spread his teachings throughout

India and beyond. During this time, different schools of Buddhism emerged, each

with its own interpretations of the Buddha's teachings. One of the most

influential schools was Theravada, which emphasized the Buddha's original

teachings and focused on individual liberation from suffering.

 

Mahayana Buddhism (5th century CE to 10th century CE):

In the 5th century CE, a new school of Buddhism emerged called Mahayana, which

focused on the idea of the bodhisattva, or a being who seeks enlightenment not

just for themselves but for the benefit of all sentient beings. Mahayana

Buddhism also placed greater emphasis on the role of compassion and kindness in

achieving enlightenment.

 

Vajrayana Buddhism (8th century CE to present day):

Vajrayana is a form of Buddhism that emerged in Tibet and the Himalayan

regions, which incorporates elements of Mahayana Buddhism as well as Tibetan

shamanism and Bon. Vajrayana emphasizes the importance of gurus, or spiritual

teachers, and the use of rituals and mantras to achieve enlightenment.

 

Buddhism in Southeast Asia (11th century CE to present day):

Buddhism spread to Southeast Asia in the 11th century CE, where it became a

major religion in countries like Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia. The form of

Buddhism practiced in these countries is predominantly Theravada.

 

Buddhism in East Asia (1st century CE to present day):

Buddhism also spread to East Asia, where it became a major religion in

countries like China, Korea, and Japan. The form of Buddhism practiced in these

countries is predominantly Mahayana, although there are also elements of

Vajrayana and Theravada.

Buddhism in the West (19th century CE to present day):

Buddhism began to spread to the West in the 19th century, as a result of

increased trade and travel between the East and West. Today, Buddhism is

practiced by millions of people around the world, with significant communities

in the United States, Europe, and Australia.

The caste system has been a part of Hinduism for centuries,

but not all Hindus practice or support it. Buddhism emerged as an alternative

for people who faced social oppression due to the caste system. The Bhagavad

Gita does not explicitly endorse or reject the caste system, but emphasizes the

importance of fulfilling one's duties and promoting equality. Currently, there

are movements within Hinduism to eradicate the caste system and promote social

justice, while Buddhism has its own hierarchy within the monastic order.

 Overall, Buddhism has evolved and adapted over the centuries,

with different schools and traditions emphasizing different aspects of the

Buddha's teachings. However, at its core, Buddhism remains focused on the goal

of ending suffering and achieving enlightenment.

Timeline

Life of Siddhartha Gautama

The Buddha is also known as  Buddha Shakyamuni, Tathagata, or Siddhārtha Gautama. Siddhartha Gautama was born in a royal family. His father Suddhodana was the Saka ruler.

Born in 563 BC on the full moon day (Vaishakha Poornima) at Lumbini (near Kapilavastu, a region in modern-day Nepal)

His mother (Mahamaya, of the Kosala dynasty) died after 7 days of his birth. Brought up by stepmother Gautami.

His father provided him every possible luxury and pleasure and kept him away from every type of sorrow, pain, and suffering. because at his birth a soothsayer predicted that he might become a sage.

Married at 16 to Yashodhara. Enjoyed married life for 13 years and had a son named Rahula.

He once went on a series of four chariot rides where he first saw the more severe forms of human suffering: old man, illness, and death (a corpse), as well as an ascetic.

He decided to become a wanderer and left his palace at 29 in search of truth (The Great Renunciation, also called ‘Mahabhinishkramana’ ) for 6 years.

Attained ‘Enlightenment’ at 35 at Gaya in Magadha (Bihar) under the Pipal tree. Delivered the first sermon at Sarnath where his five disciples had settled. His first sermon is called ‘Dharmachakrapravartan’ or ‘Turning of the Wheel of Law’ Attained Mahaparinirvana (The death of the Buddha) at Kushinagar in the Malla republic (identical with village Kasia in Deoria district of UP) in 483 BC at the age of 80.

 The following are some details of Buddhism:

The Four Noble Truths: The Buddha's teachings are based on the Four Noble Truths, which are: (1) the truth of suffering, (2) the truth of the cause of suffering, (3) the truth of the cessation of suffering, and (4) the truth of the path to the cessation of suffering. These truths are central to understanding the nature of existence and achieving enlightenment.



The Eightfold Path: The Eightfold Path is the Buddha's prescription for achieving enlightenment. It consists of right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.



Karma and Rebirth: Buddhism teaches that all actions have consequences, and that these consequences will affect us in this life and in future lives. This is known as the law of karma. Buddhism also teaches that when we die, our consciousness continues on and is reborn into another body, based on our karma from previous lives.



Nirvana: Nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhism, and is a state of complete liberation from suffering and the cycle of rebirth. It is achieved through the practice of the Eightfold Path and the cultivation of wisdom and compassion.



The Three Jewels: The Three Jewels of Buddhism are the Buddha, the Dharma (the Buddha's teachings), and the Sangha (the community of Buddhist practitioners). These are considered the most important aspects of Buddhism, and taking refuge in them is a central part of becoming a Buddhist.



Different Schools of Buddhism: There are many different schools and traditions of Buddhism, each with its own unique practices and interpretations of the Buddha's teachings. Some of the major schools of Buddhism include Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.



Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation is a central practice in Buddhism, and involves focusing one's attention on the present moment in a non-judgmental way. This practice is said to develop concentration, insight, and compassion.



Overall, Buddhism is a rich and complex religion and philosophy that offers a path to liberation from suffering through the cultivation of wisdom and compassion. It has had a profound influence on the world, and continues to be a major religion in many countries around the globe.

Buddhist Councils First Council: At Rajgriha, in 483 BC under the Chairmanship of Mehakassaapa (the `king was Ajatshatru). Divided the teachings of Buddha into two Pitakas-Vinaya Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka. Second Council: At Vaishali, in 383 BC under Sabakami (King was Kalasoka). Followers divided into Sthavirmadins and Mahasanghikas. Third Council: At Pataliputra, in 250 BC under Mogaliputta Tissa (King was Ashoka) the third part of the Tripitaka was coded in the Pali language. Fourth council: At Kashmir (Kundalvan), in 72 AD under Vasumitra (King was Kanishka, Vice-Chairman was Ashwaghosha). Divided Buddhism into Mahayana and Hinayana sects.

Buddhist Literature Buddhist Literature: In Pali language. Vinaya Pitaka: Rules of discipline in the Buddhist monasteries. Sutta Pitaka: Largest, contains a collection of Buddha's sermons. Abhidhamma Pitaka: Explanation of the philosophical principles of the Buddhist religion Types of Buddhist The Buddhism after the death of Gautam Buddha was divided into 3 parts Hinayana They believe in the real teachings of Gautam Buddha of attaining Nirvana. They do not believe in idol worship and the Pali language was used in the Hinayana text. Mahayana They believe that Nirvana is attained by the grace of Gautam Buddha and not by following his teachings. They believe in idol worship and Sanskrit was used in the Mahayana text Vajrayana They believe that Nirvana is attained with the help of magical tricks or black magic.

When did Buddha attain enlightenment?

Lord Budhha attained ‘Enlightenment’ at the age of 35 at Gaya in Magadha (Bihar) under the Pipal tree. December 8 is celebrated as Bodhi Day by Buddhists around the world. It commemorates the day when Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, attained enlightenment.




Definition :


Vaishnavite also called Vishnuism or Vaishnavism, one of the major forms of modern Hinduism, is devoted to the god Vishnu and his incarnations (avatar like Shri Ram, Shri Krishna ...etc).


Nirvana is the state of peace and happiness achieved after giving up personal desires.


Enlightenment is the process of gaining knowledge and understanding something or making somebody understand something clearly.


Mahaparinirvana usually refers to the final state of Nirvana (highest peace and happiness) entered by Buddha at the moment of physical death.