2. Introductory to Buddhism It is a religion to approximately 300 million people worldwide. Buddhism is derived from the word “budhi”, meaning to awaken. Buddhism can be summarized with three main beliefs---lead an honorable life, think before you act through awareness, and progress through life with knowledge and comprehension. The Buddhism religion claims to have a path to happiness through the rejection of any type of materialistic gain. There are three main branches of Buddhism—Mahayana, Theravada, and Tibetan (also called Vajrayana).
3. Origin of Buddhism Siddhartha Gautama, born in Nepal around 563 BCE, founded Buddhism. When Gautama turned 29, he had an epiphany. He realized that wealth that did not result in sincere happiness, so we went on a quest to find the “middle path” and was enlightened. He went around teaching of his enlightenment for around half a century, until his death. Gautama, or as he might be called, “Buddha”, did not claim to be a deity.
4. Four Noble Truths The Four Noble Truths are basically pillars of the Buddha’s teaching First Noble Truth—This truth, teeming with realist views, declares that pain and suffering is a natural part of life. Second Noble Truth—This truth claims that suffering can be sourced to wanting or craving, because it distracts one from true happiness. Third Noble Truth—The Third Noble Truth sheds hope as it asserts that happiness and contentment are attainable and that suffering can be overcome. Fourth Noble Truth—The Noble 8 path (leading a morally sound life) is the answer to suffering.
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6. The idea of meditation in America, folding your legs and sitting on a cushion with your eyes closed and hands in their laps, came from Buddhist influence. Ron Artest , an NBA basketball player, changed his name to Metta World Peace, and Metta means state of mind in Buddhism.
7. Current State of Buddhism There are three main branches of Buddhism in today’s world Tibetan It is followed by 20 million people in Tibet, Nepal, Mongolia, and Himalayan India, which also includes the Dahlia Lama. It is also referred to as Vajrayana or “Diamond Vehicle” . Theravanda This is the dominant form of Buddhism throughout most of Southeast Asia—Thailand, Sri Lanka, Burma, Cambodia, and Laos. Thereavanda is the only remaining branch of the historical Nikaya branch. Mahayana It emphasizes universal compassion and the selfless idea of bodhisattva (enlightened views) It is followed in China, Japan, Vietnam, and Korea. Tibetan Buddhism
8. Can I Become a Buddhist? The teachings of Buddha can be undoubtedly undertaken by anyone because it comes from the individual, not outside influences. You must take accountability for all of your actions and be aware of the consequences that ensue. Buddhism also requires compassion which necessitates knowledge, and knowledge can only be gained through a path that is directed toward understanding and comprehension. Because of the principles of Buddhism are more broad than set and specific, it can be used in a personalized way, as long as the basic ideas are followed faithfully.
9. Sources Cited "laughing buddha." Photograph.pinkkiteboarding. Web. 15 Sep 2011. <http://www.pinkkiteboarding.com/pinkkiteboarding_lifestyle.htm >. "Buddhist Wallpaper." Photograph. Buddhist Tourism. Web. 15 Sep 2011. <http://www.buddhist-tourism.com/buddhist-wallpaper.html >. "Buddha Wallpaper." Photograph. devianart. Web. 15 Sep 2011. <http://radioactivesamurai.deviantart.com/art/Buddha-Wallpaper-84665004 >. "Buddha Wallpaper." Photograph. Byond.com. Web. 16 Sep 2011. <http://www.byond.com/members/IainPeregrine?command=view_post&post=34386 >. "Buddhism in the West." The Buddhist Wolrd. BuddhaNet, n.d. Web. 17 Sep 2011. <http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhistworld/to-west.htm>. "Ron Artest." Photograph. photobucket. First Last. Web. 17 Sep 2011. <http://media.photobucket.com/image/ron%20artest/bbwdreamsicle/ron_artest_sells_championship_ring.jpg>.
