Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion, philosophy and way of life originating in India around 527 BC. Its founder is Siddhartha Gautama. After achieving His enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama obtained the title "Buddha" which means the Awaken One, i.e., the One who knows. The aim of Buddhism is to reach enlightenment, or awakening.
The enlightenment of Buddha can be described as direct insight into the Truth which is hidden behind all the manifested phenomena of the world. This can be done by overcoming anger, desires and ignorance, and finally by reaching a state of Nirvana. This at the same time indicates breaking the circle of reembodiments, or breaking the Samsara. The Noble Eightfold Path of Gautama Buddha describes the way to the end of suffering and attaining Nirvana. The Eightfold path consists in the correct ethical and mental development summarized in the following important points: Right View,Right Intention,Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism talk about (i) suffering, (ii) the origin of suffering (iii) the cessation of suffering and (iv) the path to the end of suffering.
Buddhism today can be divided into 3 main branches:
- Theravada
- Mahayana
and
- Vajrayana
The number of adherents to Buddhism today is estimated to be between 30 do 500 million, with the most accurate estimate of about 350 million Buddhists around the world.
|
Easily accessible, concise, well categorized resources about Buddhism. Understand the main concepts and the big picture of the world as presented to you in Buddhism.
http://www.thebigview.com/buddhism/
|
|
Several translations of the famous "Heart of Prajnaparamita Sutra".
http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/heartsutra.html
|
|
|
Good neighborhood