What is the Buddhist religion?

Origins of Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion that has its origins in India in the 6th century BC. It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as Buddha. Buddha was a prince who left his life of luxury to seek the truth about suffering and the reality of life. After achieving enlightenment, he began to teach his discoveries, and Buddhism was born.

Buddhism is distinguished by its philosophy based on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. These teachings aim to help followers achieve awakening and liberation from suffering.

The Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths are the foundation of Buddhist philosophy. They are as follows:

- The truth of suffering: life is suffering, and suffering is inevitable.

- The truth of the origin of suffering: suffering is caused by desire and attachment.

- The truth of the cessation of suffering: it is possible to end suffering by freeing oneself from desire and attachment.

- The truth of the path leading to the cessation of suffering: the Noble Eightfold Path is the path to follow to achieve awakening and liberation from suffering.

The Noble Eightfold Path

The Noble Eightfold Path is composed of eight aspects that followers of Buddhism must cultivate:

- Right vision: having a correct understanding of reality.

- The right intention: having positive and benevolent intentions.

- The right word: expressing yourself in an honest and caring way.

- Right action: acting in a moral and caring manner.

- Fair means of existence: choosing a profession that does not cause suffering.

- Right effort: cultivate positive qualities and abandon negative qualities.

- Right attention: being fully aware of your thoughts, words and actions.

- Right concentration: develop deep concentration to achieve awakening.

The different schools of Buddhism

Buddhism has developed into different schools over time. Here are two of the main ones:

Theravada Buddhism

Theravada Buddhism is often considered the oldest and most orthodox form of Buddhism. It is practiced mainly in Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar. Followers of this school seek to achieve awakening and liberation from suffering through their own individual effort and meditation practice.

Theravada Buddhism is based on the teachings of the Buddha as preserved in the ancient texts of the Pali canon. Monks and nuns play a central role in this tradition, and the main goal is to achieve the state of arhat, a person who has achieved ultimate enlightenment.

Mahayana Buddhism

Mahayana Buddhism developed from Theravada Buddhism and is practiced primarily in East Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Followers of Mahayana Buddhism believe in the possibility for all beings to achieve enlightenment and freedom from suffering.

This school emphasizes compassion and service to others. Bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who choose to delay their own awakening to help others achieve theirs, are important figures in Mahayana Buddhism. The most common practices in this tradition are meditation, sutra recitation and rituals.

Buddhism in the modern world

Buddhism continues to spread in the modern world, beyond the traditional borders of Asia. It attracts more and more people in search of wisdom, inner peace and liberation from suffering.

Buddhism in the West

Buddhism began to spread in the West from the 19th century, mainly through the interest of intellectuals and scholars. Today it is practiced by many people in Europe, North America and other parts of the Western world.

Buddhism in the West has adapted to the culture and needs of the people who practice it. There are different Buddhist traditions and schools that reflect this diversity. Some people also adopt Buddhist practices in their daily lives, such as mindfulness meditation, to cultivate inner peace and manage stress.

Buddhism and science

Buddhism has also attracted the interest of scientists who study its meditation methods and the effects of Buddhist practice on the brain and well-being. Research has shown that Buddhist meditation can have positive effects on mental health, reducing stress and improving concentration.

These studies have helped to integrate certain Buddhist practices into alternative therapies and personal development programs. The dialogue between Buddhism and science continues, opening new perspectives for understanding human consciousness and the nature of reality.

Even though Buddhism is a complex religion with many schools and variations, its essence remains that of the search for enlightenment and liberation from suffering. It offers a path to wisdom, compassion and inner peace, and continues to inspire many people around the world.