Introduction to Buddhism
Overview
Buddhism is a non-theistic religion and philosophy that originated in India over 2,500
years ago. It is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha,
meaning “The Enlightened One.” Rather than focusing on worship of a god, Buddhism
emphasizes personal spiritual development, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of
enlightenment (nirvana)—freedom from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.
With over 500 million followers, Buddhism is practiced mainly in Asia, including Sri
Lanka, Thailand, Tibet, China, Japan, and Vietnam, but it has also spread globally.
Historical Origins
Siddhartha Gautama (c. 563–483 BCE)
Born a prince in Lumbini (modern-day Nepal), Siddhartha Gautama lived a sheltered
life until he encountered the Four Sights: an old man, a sick person, a corpse, and a
wandering ascetic. Realizing that suffering (dukkha) is inescapable, he renounced his
palace life and began a quest for truth.
After years of asceticism and meditation, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi
tree in Bodh Gaya, India. He spent the rest of his life teaching the path to liberation
from suffering.
Core Teachings
1. The Four Noble Truths
1. Dukkha – Life is full of suffering, dissatisfaction, and impermanence.
2. Samudaya – The cause of suffering is craving (tanhā) and attachment.
3. Nirodha – It is possible to end suffering.
4. Magga – The path to the end of suffering is the Noble Eightfold Path.
2. The Noble Eightfold Path
Divided into three categories:
Wisdom (Prajñā)
• Right View
• Right Intention
Ethical Conduct (Śīla)
• Right Speech
• Right Action
• Right Livelihood
Mental Discipline (Samādhi)
• Right Effort
• Right Mindfulness
• Right Concentration
Following this path helps one move toward nirvana—the cessation of suffering and the
cycle of rebirth.
Key Concepts
Samsāra
The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Beings are reborn based on their karma—
intentional actions that have consequences.
Karma
Moral cause and effect. Positive actions lead to beneficial results; negative actions
lead to suffering.
Anicca (Impermanence)
All things are constantly changing; nothing lasts forever.
Anattā (Non-self)
There is no permanent, unchanging self or soul. What we call the “self” is a
combination of changing physical and mental components.
Nirvāṇa
The ultimate goal: liberation from samsāra and the end of suffering. It is a state of
peace, wisdom, and freedom from desire.
Sacred Texts
Different Buddhist traditions have different scriptures:
• Theravāda Canon (Pāli Canon / Tipiṭaka): The oldest collection, consisting of:
o Vinaya Pitaka (monastic rules)
o Sutta Pitaka (teachings of the Buddha)
o Abhidhamma Pitaka (philosophical analysis)
• Mahayana Sutras: Include texts like the Lotus Sutra and Heart Sutra,
emphasizing compassion and universal salvation.
• Tibetan Kangyur and Tengyur: Canonical texts used in Tibetan Buddhism.
Major Schools of Buddhism
1. Theravāda ("Teaching of the Elders")
• Found mainly in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia
• Emphasizes monastic life and personal enlightenment (Arhat path)
• Uses the Pāli Canon
2. Mahāyāna ("Great Vehicle")
• Found in China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam
• Emphasizes bodhisattvas—beings who delay their own nirvana to help others
achieve liberation
• Includes schools such as Zen, Pure Land, and Nichiren
3. Vajrayāna ("Diamond Vehicle")
• Found mainly in Tibet, Mongolia, Bhutan
• Combines Mahayana philosophy with tantric rituals, mantras, and visualization
• Led by figures like the Dalai Lama
Practices and Rituals
• Meditation: Central to Buddhist practice; helps develop mindfulness,
concentration, and insight.
• Chanting: Recitation of scriptures or mantras.
• Puja: Offerings to images of the Buddha or bodhisattvas.
• Monasticism: Monks and nuns follow strict ethical rules and live simple,
disciplined lives.
• Pilgrimage: Sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar are significant for
Buddhists.
Ethical Teachings
Buddhism promotes the Five Precepts for laypeople:
1. Avoid killing living beings
2. Avoid taking what is not given
3. Avoid sexual misconduct
4. Avoid false speech
5. Avoid intoxicants
More precepts apply to monks and nuns, who aim to live lives of renunciation,
compassion, and wisdom.
Festivals and Observances
• Vesak (Buddha Day): Celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of the
Buddha.
• Asalha Puja: Marks the Buddha’s first sermon.
• Magha Puja: Celebrates spontaneous gathering of 1,250 enlightened monks to
hear the Buddha preach.
• Obon (Japan): Honors deceased ancestors.
Buddhism in the World Today
• Global Presence: Practiced in many countries beyond Asia due to migration and
interest in mindfulness and meditation.
• Social Engagement: Some Buddhists promote engaged Buddhism, addressing
social, environmental, and political issues.
• Modern Adaptations: Mindfulness practices derived from Buddhism are widely
used in secular contexts like therapy, education, and wellness.
Conclusion
Buddhism offers a profound path to inner peace and liberation by understanding the
nature of reality, letting go of desire and attachment, and cultivating compassion and
wisdom. With its diversity of schools and adaptability across cultures, Buddhism
continues to inspire spiritual seekers around the world.
