User:Kristinotto

Buddhism By Kristin Ottonello Buddhism (also known as Buddha Dharma) was founded by Gautama Siddartha, the Buddha (c.5th-4th century BCE), in India. Buddhism is a religion, as well as a way of life and a philosophy. It is the fifth largest religion in the world today, with an estimated 300-500 million followers. Buddhism is divided into three traditions: Theravada, Mahayana and Vajravana, although some argue that today only the Theravada and Mahayana traditions exist. The point of Buddhist practice is to put an end to suffering, or the stresses of the point of life. As Buddha himself puts it, he teaches “one thing and one thing only: suffering and the end of suffering." This end to suffering is called Nirvana. In order to reach Nirvana, one must follow the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

Contents [hide]

1 Gautama Siddartha

2 History of Buddhism

3 The Four Noble Truths

4 The Eightfold Path

5 Nirvana

6 See Also

7 References

Gautama Siddartha

The Four Noble Truths 1.	Suffering exists 2.	Suffering arises from attachment to desires 3.	Suffering ceases when attachment to desire ceases 4.	Freedom from suffering is possible by following the Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path

1. Right View 2. Right Thought 3. Right Speech 4. Right Action 5. Right Livelihood 6. Right Effort 7. Right Mindfulness 8. Right Meditation

Nirvana

See Also

Nirvana Four Stages of Enlightenment Four Noble Truths Noble Eightfold Path Dharma Buddha History of Buddhism Buddhist Terms and Concepts List of Buddhists

References

1. http://www.colby.edu/rel/guide/list.html 2. http://www.buddhaweb.org/ 3. http://www.religioustolerance.org/buddhism.htm 4. http://www.ship.edu/~cgboeree/buddhaintro.html 5. http://www.buddhanet.net/

Category: Religion