Buddhism
What is it?
Background info
Buddhism is not just a religion, but a way of life. Buddhism is unique because the people don't have a god, they don't go to prey, but to pay respect to the Buddha, bowing is usually what they do.
How popular is buddhism?
Buddhism consists of about 376 Million people. Buddhism is mainly located in China, but there are many people in other parts of the world that believe in it.
Country Number of Buddhists:
China 102,000,000
Japan 89,650,000
Thailand 55,480,000
Vietnam 49,690,000
Myanmar 41,610,000
Sri Lanka 12,540,000
South Korea 10,920,000
Taiwan 9,150,000
Cambodia 9,130,000
India 7,000,000
Source: Ash, Russell. The Top 10 of Everything, DK Publishing, Inc.: New York (1997), pg. 160-161.
Who was the Buddha?
The Buddha was a man called Siddhartha Gautama. he was born as a prince in 563 BC. when he was 29, he thought that his wealth did not make him happy. He went looking around at different religions and teachings. After 6 years of looking and meditating, he found a thing he called 'the middle path', He was enlightened. for the rest of Siddhartha's life he taught the ways of Buddhism. Buddhism was called the Truth, or the Dhamma, Sadly Siddhartha died when he was 80
What does Buddhism teach?
Buddhism is a religion that mainly shows happiness, Buddhism teaches the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold path.