Buddhism
By Abby Spencer
6% of the World's Population Practices Buddhism
Originated in India, Buddhism is a religion with no god but a man, Siddartha Guatama (Buddha), that founded it and created the ultimate goal in life, Nirvana.
Founder
Buddha, the "Enlightened One," was born in 563 B.C. His family was of high class in a small kingdom in the foothills of Himalaya. While meditating, Buddha reached enlightenment to the meaning of life. He then spent the rest of his life teaching what he found, not in an attempt to create a new religion but to reform Hinduism.
How to Achieve Nirvana
4 Noble Truths
- Ordinary life is full of suffering
- Suffering is caused by our desire to satisfy ourselves
- The way to end suffering is to end desire for selfish goals and to see others as extensions of ourselves
- The way to end desire is to follow the Middle Path
The Middle Path
- Right View
- Right Intention
- Right Speech
- Right Action
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Concentration
Buddhism Today
Buddhism today is still practiced and is popular in those looking for less stress, that being achieved through meditation. Holidays are celebrated such as the Buddhist New Year but they have different variations based on the country.