Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion and dharma. It encompasses a variety of traditions, beliefs and spiritual practices mostly based on teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha, commonly known as the Buddha (“the awakened one”). According to tradition, the Buddha lived and taught in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent. It was sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE in ancient Magadha kingdom. He is recognized by Buddhists as an awakened, divine, or enlightened teacher. The Buddha shared his insights to help sentient beings end their suffering through the elimination of ignorance and craving. Buddhists believe that this is accomplished through the direct understanding and perception of dependent origination and the Four Noble Truths.

Branches of Buddhism

Two major extant branches of Buddhism are generally recognized by scholars: Theravada  (Pali: “The School of the Elders”) and Mahayana  (Sanskrit: “The Great Vehicle”). In Theravada Buddhism, the ultimate goal is the attainment of the sublime state of Nirvana. It is achieved by practising the Noble Eightfold Path (also known as the Middle Way), thus escaping what is seen as a cycle of suffering and rebirth. Theravada has a widespread following in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia.

Mahayana Buddhism is found throughout East Asia. It includes the traditions of Pure Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Shingon, and Tiantai (Tendai). Rather than Nirvana, Mahayana instead aspires to Buddhahood via the bodhisattva path. It is a state in which one remains in the cycle of rebirth to help other beings reach awakening.

Vajrayana, a body of teachings attributed to Indian siddhas, may be viewed as a third branch or merely a part of Mahayana. Tibetan Buddhism preserves the Vajrayana teachings of eighth century India. It is practised in regions surrounding the Himalayas, Mongolia and Kalmykia. Tibetan Buddhism aspires to Buddhahood or rainbow body.

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