Buddhism

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Information About Buddhism

What does one need to do in order to become a Buddhist? This is an often asked question that many people ponder.

Let's start off with some general knowledge of Buddhism. Buddhism is one of the older religions in the world. According to history, Buddhism was started around the fifth century BC by a man known as Siddhartha Gautama.

Siddhartha Gautama seemed to have everything he could ever want. He was a prince who didn't have to worry about money or any other material necessities. However, one day Siddhartha Gautama left his riches to discover the reasons why so many people around him suffered so much.

Siddhartha Gautama is said to have witnessed the horrors of disease and poverty, and this is what caused him to wonder why he did not have to suffer the same fate as some unfortunate souls. After seeing these horrors, Siddhartha chose to abandon his materialistic beliefs and meditate for a few weeks under a bodhi tree. Siddhartha then became enlightened and is now known as the Buddha, which means "Awakened One".

As for the Buddhist religion itself, there are three main branches. Theravanda or Southern Buddhism is the oldest and more popular of the three branches. The Mahayana branch teaches individuals about compassion and being selfless. The Vajrayana branch is quite similar to the Mahayana branch except that the Vajrayana branch emphasizes a wider range of spiritual knowledge. This spiritual knowledge supposedly aids individuals in attaining Buddhahood more rapidly.

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Blogs About Buddhism

Faith Q&A: What are the advantages of prayer?
Buddhism is a nontheistic religion; therefore prayers are not directed to a supreme being. Yet, all of us have wishes or aspirations that are often manifested through prayers. Lama Chuck Stanford, Rime Center & Monastery, Kansas City, Mo.
Head monk of Kyoto temple takes Buddhism into the community
In a country where the main function of Buddhist priests is seen as officiating at funeral rites or maintaining family burial rites, Kajita has opened his temple's doors wide to the public. Under his leadership, Honen-in now hosts more than 100 ...
Seeking the core of Korean Buddhism
The Belgian scholar, one of the leading academics in Korean studies, has been studying ancient Korean Buddhism for 20 years, particularly during the Goryeo Kingdom (918-1392) which was strongly attached to the political system of the time.
On Buddhist Tolerance
(skipping over much essential material) Lord Parekh then discussed tolerance in three major religions: Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Muslims see themselves in continuity with Judaism and Islam; with God simply needing to reveal himself anew, ...

The Four Noble Truths

1. Life means suffering.
2. The origin of suffering is attachment.
3. The cessation of suffering is attainable.
4. To end the suffering, you must follow the Eightfold Path.

The Eightfold Path

1. Right view.
2. Right intention.
3. Right speech.
4. Right action.
5. Right livelihood.
6. Right effort.
7. Right mindfulness.
8. Right construction.

Buddhism Trinkets

One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps by Kevin Griffin

One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps by Kevin Griffin

What would the Buddha say to an alcoholic or addict? more...0 points

Buddha Buddhist Amulet Silver Tone Pewter Pendant Necklace

Buddha Buddhist Amulet Silver Tone Pewter Pendant Necklace

Comes ready to wear with a jewelry black rope necklace more...0 points

ShalinCraft Meditating Buddha Statues Collectible Figurines Metal Craft India 5

ShalinCraft Meditating Buddha Statues Collectible Figurines Metal Craft India 5 " x4 " (bda009)

The Tara Buddha image portrays the traditional fig more...0 points

Sitting Buddha - Style 37910

Sitting Buddha - Style 37910

Captured in a classic position of meditation, a tr more...0 points

Tingsha, 8 Auspicious Signs

Tingsha, 8 Auspicious Signs

These embossed 8 auspicious symbols tingsha are em more...0 points

Buddhism for Mothers: A Calm Approach to Caring for Yourself and Your Children by Sarah Napthali

Buddhism for Mothers: A Calm Approach to Caring for Yourself and Your Children by Sarah Napthali

Addressing the often-overlooked spiritual needs of more...0 points

The Buddha in Your Mirror: Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self by Woody Hochswender, Greg Martin, Ted Morino

The Buddha in Your Mirror: Practical Buddhism and the Search for Self by Woody Hochswender, Greg Martin, Ted Morino

While the notion that "happiness can found within more...0 points

Zen Garden

Zen Garden

Clear your mind of chaos and achieve a greater sta more...0 points

Kitaro - Yakushiji

Kitaro - Yakushiji

TRACKLISTING 1. Monk's Instruction 2. Hazimari/Sozo more...0 points

The Pema Chodron Audio Collection: Pure Meditation:Good Medicine:From Fear to Fearlessness by Pema Chodron

The Pema Chodron Audio Collection: Pure Meditation:Good Medicine:From Fear to Fearlessness by Pema Chodron

Chodron demonstrates how effective the Buddhist point more...0 points

Interesting Fact

Source:
The origin of Buddhism in America can be traced to Chinese immigrants who began to appear on the West Coast in the 1840s. By 1852, around 20,000 Chinese were present in California, and within a decade, nearly one-tenth of the state's population was Chinese.

Pictures About Buddhism

Buddhist Temple, Fruitvale

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KUBI-JIZO

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Buddha (Ajanta)

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Bodhgaya, India - The Mandala Offering is one of four foundation practices of the Kagyu Lineage of Tibetian Buddhism, collectively called NGONDRO. The practice of mandala offering works with the energy of desire. Practitioners create a symbolic mandala ou

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Leshan Sights (BUDDHA/BUDDHISM/CHENGDU/SICHUAN/CHINA)

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cooking with solar energy

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INDIA-BUDDHISM-DALITS-CONVERSION

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A Symbol of Buddhism

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Tibetan Buddhism Protector. Vajrakila.

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cradle of buddhism

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Buddhism and Prayer Bells - fDSC00365

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temple of enlightenment

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Myanmar - Balloons over Bagan

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To attain enlightenment

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the path

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Buddhism [3]

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World's largest book

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The Divine Sacred - Emerald (The Three Jewels)

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Buddhism Videos

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Buddhism Art Dance (Thien Thu Thien Nhan) 0 points

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  • Debt_Man Jan 4, 2008 @ 10:49 am | delete
    Even though I am not Buddist I was always fascinated by the peacefullness of the religion, check out my lamb lion art lens
  • test1163 Jul 30, 2007 @ 2:02 pm | delete
    Hi Parable, I really enjoyed articles on this lens. This squidoo lens really rocks. One of my friend also love meditation and has built his own lens. He has added some great content. You can check out his lens by visiting. http://www.squidoo.com/daily-meditation-for-you/
  • PatinKC May 24, 2007 @ 3:49 pm | delete
    Welcome to the Buddhism Group!
  • spirituality May 24, 2007 @ 5:06 am | delete
    Good, basic information on Buddhism. Thanks.

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