What is Buddhism?
Well to be plain it is a combination of a religion, and a philosophy. It relates closer to a philosophy, however, because it is more a way of life than a doctrine to follow. It is not truly a religion due to the fact that every one person is deciding for themselves what this teaching means and learns their own way. It’s a lesson to be learned that isn’t something as most religions where you have to believe it in it’s entirety. It can be summed up by saying it is composed of the four noble truths and the noble eightfold path.
Buddha himself said not to believe his words just because he said them but to discover the truth within yourself. Problems are solved when we look within us, not outside ourselves. It is a belief system, or teaching, that is as follows:
To simplify the beliefs I will start with the 4 noble truths. The first being in life you will have to suffer and ultimately you will die. This is pretty basic and easy to understand. The second is suffering comes from trying to change others to our wants, to get others to like us, or just not getting what we want. It is based by saying instead of struggling to get something, change what you want; simple right? The third states if we stop trying to look back on the past and looking to the future, and instead take everything one day at a time, we can be happy and free. The fourth, and final truth,is that the eightfold path is how you can end your suffering.
The eightfold path, in a quick overview is being very aware of our actions and words; by using the principles above to gain compassion for the world.
Buddhism is observed by approximately 300 million people. The name for this religion stems from the word “budhi” which means to awaken. If your asking about origins, it comes from person 2,500 years ago. His name is Siddhartha Gotama, and he is known as the Buddha, which came about when he himself believed he was enlightened at 35. Buddhism does not state that other religions are wrong, and in fact, accepts and tolerates all religions. They simply seek to teach anyone who wants to learn.
I apologize for the lengthy answer, I hope it covers any questions you had about this religion, and if not feel free to comment any additional questions.
‘Buddha’ is a title, not a name of an individual. The individual known to us as ‘The Buddha’ is based on the life of Siddharta Gautama. The title ‘buddha’ refers to one who is enlightened. Therefore, Buddhism is a philosophy that seeks to achieve enlightenment for the adherent. It resembles a religion in that the philosophy encompasses doctrines, rituals and ways-of-conforming to pre-defined systems. There is also a pantheon of gods, goddesses and demons described, studied and illustrated in the belief system. It is a derivation of the Hindu religion and Philosophy, translated and migrated from the Indian sub-continent.
