Buddhism Facts

Buddhism is the fourth largest religion of the world. Founded by Gautam Buddha, it is a path of spiritual development that helps a person in finding the true nature of life. Buddhism emphasizes on experiencing, rather than teaching or learning. It considers meditation as the means to enlightenment and is based on a number of principles. The followers of Buddhism do not worship any God and follow the noble eightfold path to lead a meaningful existence.

In the following lines, we have provided some quick information on Buddhism in a brief form. Read on to know some facts about Buddhism…

Meaning: System taught by the Buddha
Founded In: 6th Century BC
Place founded: North India
Founder: Siddhartha Gautama ("the Buddha"), an Indian prince
Followers: 376 million
Size: Fourth largest religion in the world
Main locations: China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia
Main Sects: Theravada and Mahayana
Sacred texts: Pali Canon (Tripitaka), numerous Mahayana sutras
Original language: Pali
Spiritual leader: Monk (lama in Tibetan Buddhism)
Place of ritual: Temple, meditation hall.
Theism: Varies - Theravada is atheistic; Mahayana is more polytheistic.
Ultimate reality: None, Nothing is permanent.
Holidays: Buddha's birthday, Buddha's enlightenment and lunar quarters

Three Jewels/Three Refuges:

• The Buddha
• The Sangha (monastic community)
• The Dharma (truth or teachings)

Four Noble Truths:

• All of life is marked by suffering
• Suffering is caused by desire and attachment
• Suffering can be eliminated
• Suffering is eliminated by following the Noble Eightfold Path

Five Dhyani (Wisdom) Buddhas:

• Vairochana
• Akshobhya
• Ratnasambhava
• Amoghasiddhi

Noble Eightfold Path:

• Right beliefs
• Right aspirations
• Right speech
• Right conduct
• Right livelihood
• Right effort
• Right mindfulness
• Right meditational attainment