Founder, Sacred Text & Branches
Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gotama, also known as Siddhartha Gautama in Sanskrit. He is referred to as the Buddha, meaning “awakened one.” Firm dates for his life cannot be established from historical information. Conventional sources say he lived from 566–486 BCE, while recent research suggests 490–410 BCE.
Sacred Texts
Buddha’s discourses are collected into four divisions: Digha Nikaya, Majjhima Nikaya, Anguttara Nikaya, and Samyutta Nikaya. Other important writings include the Dhammapada and the Jataka.
Branches
The major branches include Mahayana, known as the “Greater Vehicle,” practiced predominantly in north Asia, including Tibet, China, and Japan; and Theravada, also called “original teaching,” practiced predominantly in south Asia, including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
Core Beliefs of Buddhism
Supreme Being
Buddhism is non-theistic because Buddha did not address the issue of the existence of a supreme being. It cannot be called atheistic because it does not hold that there is no God. Buddhism also includes belief in the existence of gods and spirits.
Nature of Man
Man has no soul.
Reality
Reality consists of both the material and spiritual worlds.
Humanity’s Main Problem
The primary problem faced by people is suffering, which is caused by desire.
Afterlife
The goal of Buddhism is nirvana, a complete cessation of existence and the end of the cycle of rebirth. Reincarnation is central to Buddhism, and the process of repeated rebirth is known as samsara, or “endless wandering.”
Proposed Solution
The solution is found through the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Path, which teach that suffering can end if desire is ceased and a person follows the middle way.
The Four Noble Truths
- Suffering — man’s primary problem is suffering, sorrow, or misery.
- The origin of suffering — suffering arises from desire or craving.
- Restraint of suffering — suffering can end if desire is ceased.
- The way that liberates from suffering — the Eight-Fold Path.
The Eight-Fold Path
- Right view
- Right aim
- Right speech
- Right action
- Right living
- Right effort
- Right mindedness
- Right meditation
Worship, Rituals & Holidays
Place of Worship
The communal practice of Buddhism takes place in a temple or center.
Rituals
Meditation is a central practice in Buddhism. Buddhists meditate at temples or centers and in their homes. Buddhist lay people commonly give food, flowers, and incense to a Buddhist temple.
Major Holidays
- Kathina: An annual festival in which Buddhist followers give material to monks for their robes.
- Magha Puja Day: A day to show appreciation to Buddhist monastics for their dedication and practice.
- Vesak / Buddha Day: The most sacred holy day of Theravada Buddhism, observing the birth, enlightenment, and death of the historical Buddha.
Key Terms
Dharma
The teaching of Buddha. Dharma also means “protection.”
Karma
A moral act a person does. Good karma leads upward in the realms of rebirth; bad karma leads downward.
Monastery
A place where Buddhist monks live.
Monk
A person who devotes his life to Buddhist principles and practices.
Nirvana
A complete cessation of being and the supreme goal of Buddhist endeavor.
Parinirvana
The complete ending of rebirth, cessation of suffering, and perfection of happiness.
Realms of Rebirth
Six realms: gods, humans, titans, ghosts, animals, and hell.
Samsara
The cycle of rebirth, literally meaning “to wander.”
Sutra
A teaching of Buddha.
Sources
Adherents.com — www.adherents.com
Buddhanet — www.buddhanet.net
Smith, Huston. The World’s Religions. New York: Harper One, 1991.
Lama Surya Das, The Big Questions. New York: Rodale, 2007.
Damien Keown, Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press, 1996.
Pushpesh Pant, Buddhism. New Delhi: Roli Books, 1997.