Buddhism

Buddhism is a major Indian religion and philosophy. It is also known as Buddha Dharma or Dharmavinaya.

This belief system is based on the teachings of the Buddha. He was a religious teacher and a śramaṇa. A śramaṇa is a type of wandering ascetic. Today, Buddhism is the world's fourth-largest religion. It has approximately 320 million followers. These followers are called Buddhists. They make up about 4.1% of the global population.

The core of Buddhist teaching focuses on the concept of dukkha. Dukkha is often translated as suffering, unease, or unsatisfactoriness. The Buddha taught that dukkha arises from attachment or clinging. This clinging keeps people caught in saṃsāra. Saṃsāra is the endless cycle of death and rebirth. To find liberation, the Buddha taught a path called the Middle Way. This path avoids extreme asceticism, which is severe self-denial. It also avoids sensory indulgence, which is seeking too much pleasure. Instead, followers use meditation and ethical precepts rooted in non-harming. The goal is to reach nirvana. Nirvana is described as the "blowing out" or extinguishing of passions.

There are several fundamental doctrines that guide Buddhist thought. One central teaching is the Four Noble Truths. These truths explain the nature of dukkha and how to end it. Another key framework is the Noble Eightfold Path. This path provides a guide for ethical and mental development. Buddhism also includes doctrines like dependent origination and karma. Karma refers to the law of cause and effect. The three marks of existence are also widely observed. Many followers also honor the Triple Gem. They may also take monastic vows or cultivate perfections.

The history of Buddhism begins in the 6th or 5th century BCE.

The Buddha was born in Lumbini, which is in modern-day Nepal. Some traditions say his father was King Suddhodana. His mother is often named Queen Maya. He grew up in Kapilavastu in the Ganges Plain. Before his awakening, he studied under two meditation teachers. These teachers were Āḷāra Kālāma and Uddaka Ramaputta. He later practiced severe asceticism through strict fasting. Eventually, he sat in meditation under a Ficus religiosa tree. This tree is now called the Bodhi Tree in Bodh Gaya. There, he attained "Awakening," or Bodhi.

After his awakening, the Buddha founded a Sangha. A Sangha is a monastic order of followers. He spent his remaining years teaching the Dharma. He died at the age of 80 in Kushinagar, India.

His teachings spread from the eastern Gangetic plain throughout much of Asia. By the early 2nd millennium, Buddhism was widely practiced in the Indian subcontinent. It also had presence in places like Afghanistan and Tajikistan. In the 20th century, the religion began spreading to the West. Today, the Buddhist canon is vast. It includes many different textual collections in languages like Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, and Chinese.

Scholars recognize two major extant branches of Buddhism. The first is Theravāda. This tradition emphasizes attaining an individual state of enlightenment. It is followed mainly in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. The second major branch is Mahāyāna. This is the largest branch of Buddhism. It emphasizes the Bodhisattva ideal. A Bodhisattva is someone who works for the liberation of all sentient beings. Mahāyāna is practiced in Nepal, Bhutan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. Within Mahāyāna, there are traditions like Zen, Chan, and Pure Land.

A third tradition is Vajrayāna. This branch incorporates esoteric tantric techniques. It is often viewed as a separate branch or part of Mahāyāna. Tibetan Buddhism is a form of Vajrayāna. It is practiced in the Himalayan states, Mongolia, and parts of Russia.

Buddhism has left a massive mark on global culture and spirituality. It is reflected in many historical sites and artworks. For example, the Kamakura Daibutsu is a large bronze statue in Japan.

The religion continues to connect people through its deep philosophical traditions.