Buddhism is the philosophical, religious and moral doctrine founded in India, during the 6th century BC by Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama). As such, Buddhism has as a precept the reincarnation of the human being so as to free him from material suffering.
The Buddhist world characterized by not having a beginning or an end, considers the Nirvana state as the ideal state reached by the individual when he is released from his bonds, achieving the cessation of suffering, being perceived by the individual himself at the end of his spiritual search.
That is why, Buddhism is oriented to show liberation through spiritual beliefs and practices, which seek to develop in the individual positive states such as calm, concentration, consciousness, emotions, among others.
Therefore, karma is a matter of prominence in Buddhism. The vicious cycle of suffering is called Samsara and is governed by the laws of karma, which is why Buddhism seeks, as designated by the doctrine “the middle way” of non-extremist practice both physically and morally.
However, Buddhists – a person who professes it – must keep in mind the Three Jewels, also known as Three Treasures, Three Shelters, which are the basis of Buddhist traditions and practices, in which they take refuge themselves:
- Have Buddha or Enlightened as a teacher.
- Dharma, follow the teachings of Buddhism.
- Sangha, participate in the Buddhist community.
Buddhism represents a behavior technique that invites its followers to detach themselves from everything that is transitory, or that results from a kind of spiritual self-sufficiency. The teachings of the Buddha, delivered in the park of the Benares cities, defined the paths to reach wisdom and equality, through “the four noble truths”:
- Life is suffering (duhkha)
- Suffering is the fruit of the desires of the human being (Tanha)
- Suffering ceases when its cause is extinguished.
- To eliminate suffering, it is necessary to follow the noble eightfold path, based on the constant cultivation of the mind and heart through meditation and full consciousness.
In English, the translation of the word Buddhism is Buddhism.
Tibetan Buddhism
Tibetan Buddhism, also designated Lamaism, is a practice that developed in Bhutan, Nepal, China and India. Tibetan Buddhism is considered a predominant religion in the Tibetan and Mongolian regions, which recognize the Dalai Lama as the highest spiritual master.
Zen Buddhism
Zen Buddhism is a type of meditation to work the spiritual side of the individual, in which it can be practiced by any person and not exclusive to believers of Buddhist doctrine.
Zen is a school that arose in India and was developed in China under the name of chán, both words derive from the Sanskrit expression dhiana which means “meditation.” This school was expanded by other countries like Korea, where calls are , and Vietnam named Thiền.
Origin of Buddhism
Siddharta Gautama, was born in 563. The life of the Buddha can be summed up in birth, maturity, renunciation, search, awakening, liberation, teaching and death. From an aristocratic family, he was shocked when he discovered the reality of his country, in misery, hunger.
In view of that, he scratched his head in a sign of humility, changed his fine clothes for a simple orange suit and went out into the world in search of explanations for the enigma of life. As a rookie in spiritual matters, he joined the ascetics to learn with them what is the best way to reach the higher truths, but he learned nothing and lost faith in the system.
Gautama chose the shadow of a tree and went on to meditate, staying that way until clarifying his doubts, and the spiritual awakening that he sought so much happened. Illuminated by a new understanding of all things in life, he went to the city of Benares, on the banks of the Ganges River, in order to convey what happened to others.
In the 45s he disseminated his doctrine throughout all regions of India, and summed up all his thoughts on: “All we are is the result of what we think.” In general, Buddhism was implemented in other countries until it became one of the greatest religions of humanity in terms of the number of followers.
Buddhism spread throughout the world where there are Buddhist temples in various countries in Europe, America and Australia. Buddhist leaders carry their life concepts around the world, adapting in each society.
