what exactly is buddhism

Buddhism (/ ˈbʊdɪzəm / BUU-dih-zəm, / ˈbuːd -/ BOOD-), also known as Buddha Dharma or Dharmavinaya (transl. "doctrines and disciplines"), is an Indian religion or philosophical tradition based on a series of original teachings attributed to Gautama

Buddha.

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How would you describe Buddhism?

Buddhism, in its purest forms, has no God per se, though like Christianity, followers have turned the original prophet into a god, and grafted many older gods and spirits onto it. Buddhism is the religion of ethics and transcendence, with disciplines and methods such as meditation designed to free the Buddhist from the worldly trappings of ego.

How do you explain Buddhism?

Buddhism (/ ˈ b ʊ d ɪ z əm /, US: / ˈ b uː d-/) is an Indian religion based on a series of original teachings attributed to Gautama Buddha.It originated in ancient India as a Sramana tradition sometime between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, spreading through much of Asia.

What best describes the origin of Buddhism?

c it was developed by siddhartha gautama as a reform of hinduism. d it was the religion of the early civilizations of the indus valley. The correct answer among the choices provided is option C. Buddhism was developed by Siddhartha Gautama as a form of Hinduism. He was trying to find a way to improve the lives of everyone.

What does the name Buddhism mean?

What is Buddhism? The name Buddhism comes from the word 'budhi' which means 'to wake up' and thus Buddhism is the philosophy of awakening. This philosophy has its origins in the experience of the man Siddhata Gotama, known as the Buddha, who was himself awakened at the age of 35.

What is the basic belief of Buddhism?

Buddhism is one of the world's largest religions and originated 2,500 years ago in India. Buddhists believe that the human life is one of suffering, and that meditation, spiritual and physical labor, and good behavior are the ways to achieve enlightenment, or nirvana.

Who do the Buddhist believe in?

Major Beliefs After six years of yoga, asceticism, deprivation, and days spent meditating under a tree, Buddha claimed to find enlightenment. The results of his experiment formed Buddhism. Although founded without belief in a higher power, some Buddhists now worship Buddha as a god and believe in his Four Noble Truths.

What are the 3 main Buddhist beliefs?

AdvertisementDukkha: Life is painful and causes suffering. Many people might say that Buddhism is pessimistic or negative. ... Anitya: Life is in constant flux. Anitya or "impermanence" means that life as we know it is in constant flux. ... Anatma: The self is always changing.

What are 5 beliefs of Buddhism?

The Five PreceptsRefrain from taking life. Not killing any living being. ... Refrain from taking what is not given. Not stealing from anyone.Refrain from the misuse of the senses. Not having too much sensual pleasure. ... Refrain from wrong speech. ... Refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind.

What is forbidden in Buddhism?

The precepts are commitments to abstain from killing living beings, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying and intoxication. Within the Buddhist doctrine, they are meant to develop mind and character to make progress on the path to enlightenment.

Can Buddhists drink alcohol?

Despite the great diversity of Buddhist traditions across various countries, Buddhism in general has restricted the consumption of alcohol since early times.

Can Buddhists eat meat?

Many Buddhists interpret this to mean that you should not consume animals, as doing so would require killing. Buddhists with this interpretation usually follow a lacto-vegetarian diet. This means they consume dairy products but exclude eggs, poultry, fish, and meat from their diet.

What is the main problem in Buddhism?

In Buddhism, desire and ignorance lie at the root of suffering. By desire, Buddhists refer to craving pleasure, material goods, and immortality, all of which are wants that can never be satisfied. As a result, desiring them can only bring suffering.

Who do Buddhists pray?

Worship in Mahayana tradition takes the form of devotion to Buddha and to Bodhisattvas. Worshippers may sit on the floor barefoot facing an image of Buddha and chanting. They will listen to monks chanting from religious texts, perhaps accompanied by instruments, and take part in prayers.

What can't Buddhists eat?

Conscious eating is followed among all Buddhists. Buddha advised monks to avoid eating 10 kinds of meat for self-respect and protection: humans, elephants, horses, dogs, snakes, lions, tigers, boars and hyenas.

What do Buddhist believe happens after death?

Generally, Buddhist teaching views life and death as a continuum, believing that consciousness (the spirit) continues after death and may be reborn. Death can be an opportunity for liberation from the cycle of life, death and rebirth.

Are there sins in Buddhism?

The term “sin” does not have any special connotation in Buddhism, as it has in major theistic religions like Christianity, Judaism, or Islam. In all these religions, the general belief is that sins are individual actions which are contrary to the will of God or to the will of the Supreme Being.

Who is the main god for Buddhism?

Followers of Buddhism don't acknowledge a supreme god or deity. They instead focus on achieving enlightenment—a state of inner peace and wisdom. When followers reach this spiritual echelon, they're said to have experienced nirvana. The religion's founder, Buddha, is considered an extraordinary being, but not a god.

Who are the 3 gods of Buddhism?

The three Buddhist deities Vajrapāṇi, Mañjuśrī and Avalokiteśvara.

Who do Buddhist believers worship?

Worship in Mahayana tradition takes the form of devotion to Buddha and to Bodhisattvas. Worshippers may sit on the floor barefoot facing an image of Buddha and chanting. They will listen to monks chanting from religious texts, perhaps accompanied by instruments, and take part in prayers.

What are the four noble truths?

The Four Noble Truths 1 Ordinary human existence is filled with suffering. For Buddhists, "suffering" doesn't necessarily refer to physical or mental agony, but rather to pervasive feeling of being dissatisfied with the world and one's place in it, and a never-ending wish for something different than what one currently has. 2 The cause of this suffering is longing or craving. The Buddha saw that the core of all dissatisfaction was the hope and desire for more than we have. Craving for something else is what prevents us from experiencing the joy that is inherent in each moment. 3 It is possible to end this suffering and dissatisfaction. Most people have experienced moments when this dissatisfaction ceases, and this experience tells us that the pervasive dissatisfaction and longing for more can be overcome. Buddhism is therefore a very hopeful and optimistic practice. 4 There is a path to end the dissatisfaction. Much of Buddhist practice involves the study and repetition of tangible activities that one can follow to end the dissatisfaction and suffering that comprises human life. Much of the Buddha's life was devoted to explaining the various methods for awaking from dissatisfaction and craving.

Why do we suffer from longing?

The cause of this suffering is longing or craving. The Buddha saw that the core of all dissatisfaction was the hope and desire for more than we have. Craving for something else is what prevents us from experiencing the joy that is inherent in each moment.

How to be a Buddhist?

There are two parts to being a practicing Buddhist: First, it means that you agree with certain basic ideas or tenets that are at the core of what the historical Buddha taught. Secondly, it means that you regularly and systematically engage in one or more activities in a way that is familiar to Buddhist followers. This can range from living a devoted life in a Buddhist monastery to practicing a simple 20-minute meditation session once a day. In truth, there are many, many ways to practice Buddhism—it is a welcoming religious practice that allows for a great diversity of thought and belief among its followers.

What is the proper effort of Buddhists?

Proper effort for Buddhists means a balanced "middle way," in which correct effort is balanced against relaxed acceptance. Right Mindfulness. In Buddhist practice, right mindfulness is best described as being honestly aware of the moment.

What do Buddhists put on their altars?

Many lay Buddhists maintain a home altar. Exactly what goes on the altar varies from sect to sect, but most include an image of the Buddha, candles, flowers, incense, and a small bowl for a water offering. Taking care of the altar is a reminder to take care of practice.

What do Buddhists believe?

Buddhists believe that the normal way we see and interpret the world is not the correct way, and that liberation comes when we see things clearly. Right Intent. Buddhists believe that one should have the goal of seeing the truth, and acting in ways that are non-harmful to all living things.

What is the right action of Buddhism?

Right Action. Buddhists attempt to live from an ethical foundation based on principles of non-exploitation of others. Right action includes five precepts: not to kill, steal, lie, to avoid sexual misconduct, and to abstain from drugs and intoxicants. Right Livelihood.

Basic Buddhist Beliefs

The Four Noble Truths

The Eight-Fold Path

How to "Practice" Buddhism