Buddhism

Some key Buddhist beliefs include:

There is no single Buddhist symbol; rather, a number of images have evolved to represent Buddhist beliefs. This includes the lotus flower, the eight-spoked dharma wheel and the Bodhi tree. Another symbol associated with Buddhism is the swastika, whose name means “good fortune” or “being happy” in Sanskrit. The ancient symbol, also commonly used in the Hindu religion, was altered and adopted by Germany’s Nazi Party in 1920. (The Nazi version is a clockwise-rotating swastika set at a 45-degree angle.)

There are many philosophies and interpretations within Buddhism, making it a tolerant and evolving religion. Given this and Buddhism’s lack of a deity, some scholars consider it a way of life or a spiritual traditions rather than an organized religion.

The founder of Buddhism was Siddhartha Gautama, who later became known as “the Buddha.” Scholars debate when he lived, though the general consensus is sometime between the 6th century and 4th century B.C. Many sources state Gautama was born around 563 B.C., though others say it was as early as 623 B.C. or as late as 448 B.C.

Gautama was born into a wealthy family as a prince in present-day Nepal. Although he had an easy life, he was moved by suffering in the world. He decided to give up his lavish lifestyle and endure poverty. For nearly six years, he undertook fasting and other austerities, but these techniques proved ineffectual, and he abandoned them. He eventually promoted the idea of the “Middle Way,” which means existing between two extremes. Thus, he sought a life without social indulgences but also without deprivation.

After regaining his strength, he seated himself under a Bodhi tree in west-central India and promised not to rise until he had attained the supreme enlightenment. After fighting off Mara, an evil spirit who tempted him with worldly comforts and desires, Siddhartha reached the spiritual state of enlightenment, becoming a Buddha at the age of 35. He gave his first sermon in Sarnath, India, (just north of the Hindu holy city of Varanasi) and spent the rest of his life teaching others about how to achieve enlightenment.

When Buddha died around 483 B.C., his followers began to organize a religious movement. Buddha’s teachings, known as Dharma, became the foundation for what would develop into Buddhism. Dharma encompasses the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. Additionally, Buddha taught that wisdom, kindness, patience, generosity and compassion were important virtues.

In the 3rd century B.C., the Mauryan Indian emperor Ashoka the Great made Buddhism the state religion of India. Buddhist monasteries were built, and missionary work was encouraged. Over the next few centuries, Buddhism began to spread beyond India. The thoughts and philosophies of Buddhists became diverse, with some followers interpreting ideas differently from others.

Buddhism also faced challenges from outside cultures and other religions. Around the sixth century A.D., the Huns invaded India and destroyed hundreds of Buddhist monasteries, but the intruders were eventually driven out of the country. Then, during the Middle Ages, Islam began to spread quickly in the region, forcing Buddhism into the background. Nonetheless, Buddhism eventually spread to Central and Southeast Asia, China, Korea, Japan and, in the 20th century, to the West.

Today, many forms of Buddhism exist around the world. Each reveres certain texts and has slightly different interpretations of Buddha’s teachings. The three main types that represent specific geographical areas include:

Followers of Tibetan Buddhism believe their leading monk, the Dalai Lama, is a reincarnation of a past lama who has agreed to be born again to help humanity. The spiritual leader also governed Tibet until 1959 when China took control. To date, there have been 14 Dalai Lamas. The current Dalai Lama, Lhamo Thondup, was born in 1935.

Other sects exist, too. Zen Buddhism is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that is practiced in many of the same areas. It emphasizes simplicity and meditation—the word “zen” means meditation—in lieu of religious scripture, ceremonies or doctrines. Meanwhile, Nirvana Buddhism is closely related to Theravada Buddhism and emphasizes the concept of nirvana. 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.

Some forms of Buddhism incorporate ideas of other religions and philosophies, such as Taoism and Bon.

Despite some differences, all Buddhists live by five moral precepts that prohibit: killing living things, taking what is not given, sexual misconduct, lying and using drugs or alcohol.

The Buddha taught that there are Four Noble Truths that collectively explain why humans hurt and how to overcome suffering. The Four Noble Truths are:

The path described in the fourth Noble Truth is known as the Eightfold Path. The Eightfold Path outlines eight ideals for ethical conduct, mental discipline and the achievement of wisdom. The Buddha taught that following these principles, listed in no particular order, would end suffering:

Buddhists revere many sacred texts and scriptures. Some of the most important are:

Every year, Buddhists celebrate Vesak, a festival that commemorates Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death.

During each quarter of the moon, followers of Buddhism participate in a ceremony called Uposatha. This observance allows Buddhists to renew their commitment to their teachings.

They also celebrate the Buddhist New Year and participate in several other annual festivals.