Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of
traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings
attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha
(Pali/Sanskrit "the awakened one"). The Buddha lived and taught in
the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and
4th centuries BCE. He is recognized by Buddhists as an awakened or
enlightened teacher who shared his insights to help sentient beings
end suffering (or dukkha), achieve nirvana, and escape what is seen
as a cycle of suffering and rebirth. Two major branches of Buddhism
are recognized: Theravada ("The School of the Elders") and Mahayana
("The Great Vehicle"). Theravada-the oldest surviving branch-has a
widespread following in Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. Mahayana is
found throughout East Asia and includes the traditions of Pure
Land, Zen, Nichiren Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Shingon, Tendai and
Shinnyo-en. In some classifications Vajrayana-a subcategory of
Mahayana practiced in Tibet and Mongolia-is recognized as a third
branch. While Buddhism remains most popular within Asia, both
branches are now found throughout the world. Estimates of Buddhists
worldwide vary significantly depending on the way Buddhist
adherence is defined. Lower estimates are between 350-500 million.
Buddhist schools vary on the exact nature of the path to
liberation, the importance and canonicity of various teachings and
scriptures, and especially their respective practices. The
foundations of Buddhist tradition and practice are the Three
Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma (the teachings), and the Sangha (the
community). Taking "refuge in the triple gem" has traditionally
been a declaration and commitment to being on the Buddhist path and
in general distinguishes a Buddhist from a non-Buddhist. Other
practices may include following ethical precepts, support of the
monastic community, renouncing conventional living and becoming a
monastic, the development of mindfulness and practice of
meditation, cultivation of higher wisdom and discernment, study of
scriptures, devotional practices, ceremonies, and in the Mahayana
tradition, invocation of buddhas and bodhisattvas.
General
Imprint: |
Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
June 2011 |
First published: |
June 2011 |
Authors: |
Dwight Goddard
|
Dimensions: |
279 x 216 x 7mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback - Trade
|
Pages: |
134 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-4636-4307-2 |
Categories: |
Books >
Humanities >
History >
General
Books >
History >
General
Promotions
|
LSN: |
1-4636-4307-1 |
Barcode: |
9781463643072 |
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