Buddhism
Britney McGovern
How did Buddhism spread?
Buddhism was spread originally in India and Sri Lanka by the Magadhan Empire. Buddhism was also spread when many the expansive Mauryan Empire. They had to foght many bloody battles to extend it boundaries of control. Ashoka was one King that was troubled by these battles, so he converted to Buddhism and adopted the nonviolence ways into his ruling practices. Ashoka sent out Monks to neighboring territories to spread the teachings of Buddha. Buddha himself also went around spreading his beliefs.
Where is Buddhism most influential today?
Buddhism today is most influential in Southeast Asia.
How many follow Buddhism worldwide?
Approximately 350 million people follow Buddhism worldwide today. Most of them are concentrated in China and Asia.
Monotheistic or Polytheistic?
Buddism is actualy neither monotheistic or polytheistic. Buddhism is more like a spiritual path based on the teachings of Buddha, who was a man who reached nirvana.
Who is the main diety in Buddhism?
There is no main deity in Buddhism. Buddhist worship the teachings of Buddha.
Who and when was Buddhism founded?
Siddharhta Gautama or "Buddha is the one who founded Buddhism. It was founded in the 5th century B.C.E.
What do Buddhist call their holy book?
Buddhist call their holy book the Tipitaka. This book is written in Pali which is a similar language that Buddha spoke.
How is the religious leadership organized?
It is hard to determine the leadership organization in Buddhism because it varies fro sect to sect and from region to region. Their are the Buddhist clergy though. Also some of the leadership organization have cental governing bodies and others do not.
The Basic Belifs of Buddhism
The basic belifs of Buddhism are summarized in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths are Dukkah; suffering exists, Samudaya; there is a cause for suffering, Nirodha; There is an end to suffering, Magga; in order to end suffering you must follow the Eightfold Path.
What sects are there of Buddhism?
Their are three major branches that the different sects can be didvided into. One is Theravada, two is Mahayana, and three is Vajrayana.