Buddhism is a major global religion and philosophy that developed from the doctrines of Siddhartha Gautama, who is believed to have lived from 566 to 480 BCE
. It is based on the teachings of the Buddha, who is considered the founder of Buddhism
. The religion is characterized by its focus on meditation, spiritual and physical labor, and good behavior as means to achieve enlightenment or Nirvana
. Key aspects of Buddhism include:
- Suffering : Buddhists believe that human life is one of suffering, and they strive to overcome it through meditation and other spiritual practices
- Enlightenment : The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to achieve enlightenment, or Nirvana, a transcendent state free from suffering and the worldly cycle of birth and rebirth
- Noble Eightfold Path : This is a method for attaining the end of suffering, which involves right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration
- Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha : These are the three jewels of Buddhism, which Buddhists take refuge in. The Buddha represents the teacher, the Dharma represents the teachings, and the Sangha refers to the monastic community of monks and nuns who follow Gautama Buddha's monastic practices
- Meditation : Buddhist practices, such as meditation, are means of changing oneself to develop qualities of awareness, kindness, and wisdom
Buddhism is a path of practice and spiritual development that leads to insight into the true nature of reality. It addresses itself to all people irrespective of race, nationality, caste, sexuality, or gender, and offers practical methods for personal growth and spiritual enlightenment
