Buddhism: The religion based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha (ca 624544 bce). He refuted the idea of man's having an immortal soul and did not preach of any Supreme Deity. Instead he taught that man should seek to overcome greed, hatred and delusion and attain enlightenment through realizing the Four Noble Truths and following the Eightfold Path.

Prominent among its holy books is the Dhammapada. Buddhism arose out of Hinduism as an inspired reform movement which rejected the caste system and the sanctity of the Vedas. It is thus classed as nastika, "unbeliever," and is not part of Hinduism. Buddhism eventually migrated out of India, the country of its origin, and now enjoys a following of over 350 million, mostly in Asia.

See: Buddha.

(See also: Buddhism , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

For more dictionary entries, see » Buddhism dictionary

Definition and meaning of Buddhism

Buddhism - [World History]

Buddhism evolved from Hinduism in northern India and Nepal and diffused from this core area. The founder was Siddhartha Gautama (563 B.C.-483 B.C.) who left his rich Hindu existence to seek understanding. Buddha means "the Enlightened One." The Buddhist way to salvation is through self-discipline and poverty. It is a religion and philosophy of "Four Noble Truths": that suffering and misery are universal, that the cause of suffering is desire, that the end of suffering is realized when desire is controlled, and that the way to escape pain and suffering is to follow the Middle Way. Nirvana is the state of wanting nothing. The Middle Way is virtuous and marked by compassion for all living things. Today, Buddhism is practiced in different forms throughout the world. The largest concentrations of Buddhists occur in Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, Tibet, and Japan.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

Also see these pages:  Social Studies, Social Studies Sitemap, History, History Sitemap

For more dictionary entries, see » Buddhism dictionary

Definition and meaning of Buddhism

Buddhism - [World History]

Buddhism evolved from Hinduism in northern India and Nepal and diffused from this core area. The founder was Siddhartha Gautama (563 B.C.-483 B.C.) who left his rich Hindu existence to seek understanding. Buddha means "the Enlightened One." The Buddhist way to salvation is through self-discipline and poverty. It is a religion and philosophy of "Four Noble Truths": that suffering and misery are universal, that the cause of suffering is desire, that the end of suffering is realized when desire is controlled, and that the way to escape pain and suffering is to follow the Middle Way. Nirvana is the state of wanting nothing. The Middle Way is virtuous and marked by compassion for all living things. Today, Buddhism is practiced in different forms throughout the world. The largest concentrations of Buddhists occur in Southeast Asia, Sri Lanka, Tibet, and Japan.

(Source: The Social Studies Center at Texas University )

Also see these pages:  Social Studies, Social Studies Sitemap, History, History Sitemap

For more dictionary entries, see » Buddhism dictionary

At the time of the Buddha, he apparently predicted that his teachings would disappear after 500 years. According to the Sutta Pitaka, the "ten moral courses of conduct" will disappear and people will follow the ten amoral concepts of theft, violence, murder, lying, evil speaking, adultery, abusive and idle talk, covetousness and ill will, wanton greed, and perverted lust resulting in skyrocketing poverty and the ...

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Eschatology, Eschatology - Buddhism, Eschatology - Christianity, Eschatology - Hinduism, Eschatology - Islam, Eschatology - Judaism, Eschatology - Native American, Eschatology - Hopi, Eschatology - Mayans, Eschatology - Sioux, Eschatology - Norse mythology, Eschatology - Zoroastrianism, Eschatology - Prophetic movements, Eschatology - Other religions

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Buddhism, a religion and philosophy from ancient India, is based on the teachings of the Buddha, Siddhārtha Gautama, of the Shakyas. His lifetime is traditionally given as 566 to 483 BCE; it spread throughout the Indian subcontinent in the five centuries following his death. Missionaries would carry Buddhism throughout Central Asia, Sri Lanka, Tibet, as well as East Asian countries such as China, Korea, and Japan in the following two millenia. Buddhism is classified as an Ārya dharma ("Noble religion") and is one ...

Including:

• Buddhism - What is a Buddha?
• Buddhism - Origins
• Buddhism - Principles of Buddhism
• Buddhism - The Three Marks of Existence
• Buddhism - The Four Noble Truths
• Buddhism - The Noble Eightfold Path
• Buddhism - Practices of Buddhism
• Buddhism - Refuge in The Three Jewels
• Buddhism - The Five Precepts
• Buddhism - Meditation
• Buddhism - Buddha-dhatu Buddha-Principle Buddha-nature
• Buddhism - Other principles and practices
• Buddhism - Vegetarianism
• Buddhism - Buddhist religious philosophy and branches
• Buddhism - Buddhism after the Buddha
• Buddhism - Principal schools of Buddhist philosophy
• Buddhism - Scriptures
• Buddhism - Relations with other Eastern faiths
• Buddhism - Buddhism in the modern world
• Buddhism - Buddhism and the West
• Buddhism - Buddhism
• Buddhism - Related systems and religions
• Buddhism - References and Links
• Buddhism - References
• Buddhism - Footnotes
• Buddhism - External links

Read more here: » Buddhism: Encyclopedia - Buddhism

List of holy cities - Tibetan Buddhism. More important then anything inherent to the places is the presence of the holiest leaders, the highest lamas, who are considered reincarnations of their predecessors. Lhasa, seat of the Dalai Lama (now in exile in Dharmsala, India) in the Potala palace, also national (and under Chinese rule regional) capital of Tibet Shigatse, seat of the Panchen Lama, also the country's second city Tsurphu, (later in exile Rumtek in Sikkim, India), seat of t ...

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List of holy cities, List of holy cities - Assyrio-Babylonian, List of holy cities - Ayyavazhi, List of holy cities - Bahá'í, List of holy cities - Buddhism, List of holy cities - Tibetan Buddhism, List of holy cities - Christianity, List of holy cities - Armenian Apostolic, List of holy cities - Roman Catholicism, List of holy cities - Eastern Orthodox, List of holy cities - Anglicanism, List of holy cities - Protestantism, List of holy cities - Latter-Day Saint Mormonism, List of holy cities - Confucianism, List of holy cities - Ancient Egypt, List of holy cities - Ancient Greece, List of holy cities - Hinduism, List of holy cities - Jyothirlingams Shaivism, List of holy cities - Kumbh Mela sites, List of holy cities - The Shankara Mathams, List of holy cities - Subrahmanya Kshetram's, List of holy cities - Ranganatha Kshetram's, List of holy cities - Islam, List of holy cities - Shia, List of holy cities - Sufism, List of holy cities - Jainism, List of holy cities - Judaism, List of holy cities - Shintoism, List of holy cities - Sikhism, List of holy cities - Taoism

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Within the Madhyamika school of Mahayana Buddhism, Candrakirti identifies the self as being: an essence of things that does not depend on others; it is an intrinsic nature. The non-existence of that is selflessness. -- Bodhisattvayogacaryācatuḥśatakaṭikā 256.1.7 Indeed the concept of Buddhist Emptiness, is the strong assertion that all phenomena are empty of any essence - demonstrating that anti-essentialism lies at the very root of Buddhist praxis. Therefore, within ...

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Essence, Essence - Buddhism, Essence - Essentiast

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Buddha predicted that his teachings would disappear after 500 years. According to the Sutta Pitaka, the "ten moral courses of conduct" will disappear and people will follow the ten amoral concepts of theft, violence, murder, lying, evil speaking, adultery, abusive and idle talk, covetousness and ill will, wanton greed, and perverted lust resulting in skyrocketing poverty and the end of the worldly laws of true dharma. During the Middle Ages, the span of time was expanded to 5,000 years. Commentators like Buddhaghosa predicted a step-b ...

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Eschatology, Eschatology - Buddhism, Eschatology - Christianity, Eschatology - Hinduism, Eschatology - Islam, Eschatology - Judaism, Eschatology - Native American, Eschatology - Hopi, Eschatology - Mayans, Eschatology - Sioux, Eschatology - Norse mythology, Eschatology - Zoroastrianism, Eschatology - Prophetic movements, Eschatology - Other religions, Eschatology - Philosophy

Read more here: » Eschatology: Encyclopedia II - Eschatology - Buddhism

Korean Buddhism is distinguished from other forms of Buddhism by its attempt to resolve what it sees as inconsistencies in Chinese Mahayana Buddhism. Korean Buddhist thinkers refined their Chinese predecessors' ideas into a distinct form. Korean Buddhism then went on to have strong effects on Buddhism in Japan and the West. Korean Buddhism consists mostly of the Seon lineage. Buddhist temples can be found in most parts of Korea and many are considered national treasures. ...

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Traditional Korean thought, Traditional Korean thought - Shamanism, Traditional Korean thought - Buddhism, Traditional Korean thought - Confucianism, Traditional Korean thought - Taoism

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The word Arya is very frequently used in Buddhist texts. Buddhist texts refer to this term much more often than do Hindu or Jain texts. Buddha's Dharma and Vinaya is the ariyassa dhammavinayo. The four noble truths are called the Arya Satyani (catvAri-Arya-satyAni), the noble eightfold path is called the Aryamarga (Arya-ashtANgika-mArga, in Pali:Ariyamagga). Buddhists themselves are called ariyapuggalas (Arya persons). In Buddhist texts, the Aryas are those who have the Buddhist "sila" virtue and are following the Buddhist path. Those who despise Bud ...

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Arya, Arya - Religious and spiritual uses, Arya - Buddhism, Arya - Arya in the Epics, Arya - Ramayana, Arya - Mahabharata

Read more here: » Arya: Encyclopedia II - Arya - Buddhism

Gautama Buddha spoke of four holy sites that followers may seek. Lumbini birth place Sarnath (formally Isipathana) where he delivered his first teaching Bodh Gaya place of Enlightenment Kusinara (now Kusinagar, India) where he passed away Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimages include: Lhasa, capital of Tibet and traditional home of the Dalai Lama Mou ...

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Pilgrimage, Pilgrimage - Antiquity, Pilgrimage - Bahá'í Faith, Pilgrimage - Buddhism, Pilgrimage - Christianity, Pilgrimage - Hinduism, Pilgrimage - Islam, Pilgrimage - Hajj, Pilgrimage - Ziarah, Pilgrimage - Jainism, Pilgrimage - Judaism

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Faith (saddha/ sraddha) is an important constituent element of the teachings of the Buddha - both in the Theravada tradition as in the Mahayana. While not of the “blind” variety and on occasion linked with insight (prajna), Buddhist faith (as advocated by the Buddha of the various scriptures) nevertheless requires a degree of trusting confidence and belief primarily in the spiritual attainment and salvational knowledge of the Buddha. Faith in Buddhism centres on belief in the Buddha as a supremely Awakened being, on his unexcelled role a ...

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Faith, Faith - Religious Faith, Faith - Christianity, Faith - Islam, Faith - Buddhism, Faith - Rastafari, Faith - Neurobiological findings, Faith - Notes, Faith - Classic reflections on the nature of faith, Faith - The Reformation view of faith

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This ordination of women is currently and historically practised in some Buddhist regions and not in others. The tradition of the ordained monastic community (sangha) began with Buddha, who established orders of Bhikkhu (monks) and later, after an initial reluctance, of Bhikkuni (nuns). The stories, sayings and deeds of some of the distinguished Bhikkhuni of early Buddhism are recorded in many places in the Pali Canon, most notably in the Therigatha. However, not only did the Buddha lay down more rules of discipline for the bhikkhuni (311 compared to the bhikkhu's 227), he also ...

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Ordination of women, Ordination of women - Christianity, Ordination of women - Roman Catholic Church, Ordination of women - Eastern Orthodox, Ordination of women - Anglican Communion, Ordination of women - Other communions, Ordination of women - Judaism, Ordination of women - Islam, Ordination of women - Buddhism, Ordination of women - Thailand

Read more here: » Ordination of women: Encyclopedia II - Ordination of women - Buddhism

Buddhism, known in ancient India as Buddha Dharma, originated in northern India in what is today the state of Bihar. It rapidly gained adherents during the Buddha's lifetime. Up to the 9th century, Indian followers numbered in the hundreds of millions. While the exact cause of the decline of Buddhism in India is disputed, it is known that the mingling of Hindu and Buddhist societies in India and the rise of Hindu Vedanta movements began to compete against Buddhism. Many believe that Hinduism's adaptation to Buddhism resulted in Buddhism's ra ...

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Religion in India, Religion in India - Hinduism, Religion in India - Buddhism, Religion in India - Jainism, Religion in India - Christianity, Religion in India - Islam, Religion in India - Ayyavazhi, Religion in India - Zoroastrianism, Religion in India - Sikhism, Religion in India - Judaism, Religion in India - Bahá'í Faith

Read more here: » Religion in India: Encyclopedia II - Religion in India - Buddhism

The first lay precept in Buddhism prohibits killing. Many see this as implying that Buddhists should not eat the meat of animals. However, this is not necessarily the case. The Buddha made distinction between killing an animal and consumption of meat, stressing that it is immoral conduct that makes one impure, not the food one eats. In one of the Pali sutras belonging to the Theravada lineage of Buddhism, the Buddha says that vegetarianism is preferable, but as monks in ancient India were expected to receive all of their food by begging they ...

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Vegetarianism and religion, Vegetarianism and religion - Hinduism, Vegetarianism and religion - Buddhism, Vegetarianism and religion - Abrahamic religions, Vegetarianism and religion - Judaism, Vegetarianism and religion - Christianity, Vegetarianism and religion - Islam, Vegetarianism and religion - Jainism, Vegetarianism and religion - Taoism, Vegetarianism and religion - Bahá'í Faith, Vegetarianism and religion - Sikhism, Vegetarianism and religion - Rastafari, Vegetarianism and religion - Ayyavazhi

Read more here: » Vegetarianism and religion: Encyclopedia II - Vegetarianism and religion - Buddhism

Main article: Buddhism in China Buddhism was introduced from India during the Han dynasty and has been very popular among Chinese of all walks of life, admired by commoners, and sponsored by emperors. Estimate of Buddhists in China range from 70 million to 150 million. ...

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Religion in China, Religion in China - Buddhism, Religion in China - Taoism, Religion in China - Islam, Religion in China - Christianity, Religion in China - Judaism, Religion in China - Recent sects, Religion in China - Falun Gong, Religion in China - Way of Former Heaven, Religion in China - Mainland China, Religion in China - External link

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According to Buddhism, individuals' past acts bear a heavy influence on what they experience in the present; present acts, in turn, become the background influence for future experiences (the doctrine of karma). Intentional action by mind, body or speech have a reaction. This reaction, or repercussion, is the cause of conditions and differences we come across in the world. Buddism teaches that all people experience substantial suffering (dukkha), which suffering primarily originates from past negative deeds (karmically), or just from ...

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Religious views of suicide, Religious views of suicide - Buddhism, Religious views of suicide - Buddhist view on life, Religious views of suicide - Christianity, Religious views of suicide - Early Christianity, Religious views of suicide - Modern Catholicism, Religious views of suicide - Modern Conservative Christianity, Religious views of suicide - Hinduism, Religious views of suicide - Islam, Religious views of suicide - Judaism

Read more here: » Religious views of suicide: Encyclopedia II - Religious views of suicide - Buddhism

In the Buddhist tradition, an incarnation is a person believed to be the next rebirth of someone deceased, in most cases a lama or other important master/teacher. This concept differs however from reincarnation, since Buddhist teachings imply that there is no fixed soul that could move from one life to another. See also: Rebirth (Buddhist) ...

See also:

Incarnation, Incarnation - Ayyavazhi, Incarnation - Buddhism, Incarnation - Christianity, Incarnation - Importance of the doctrine, Incarnation - Hinduism, Incarnation - Rastafari

Read more here: » Incarnation: Encyclopedia II - Incarnation - Buddhism

Read more here: » Karma

The desired purpose of each meditation technique is to channel our awareness into a more positive direction by totally transforming one's state of mind. To meditate is to turn inwards, to concentrate on the inner self.

There are many forms of meditation. While the forms of meditation vary, they all use concentration techniques, which help us to becoming a witness of our thoughts. Indulge in the articles on this site and you will find the path that is just right for you.

Sub topics

• Meditation for beginners, Meditation Techniques, Meditation and Health, Meditation Obstacles, Benefits Of Meditation
• Meditation and Concentration (Dhayana), Meditation and Relaxation, Meditation and Visualisation, Meditation and Stress
• Meditation and Prayer

Types of Meditation

• Sitting Meditation (Zazen), Walking Meditation (Kinhin), Breathing Meditation (Pranayama), Chanting, Dance Meditation, Laughter Meditation, Meditation and Prayer
  
• Mantra Meditation (Mantra, Mantra Yoga), Vipassana Meditation (Vipassana), Kundalini Meditation (Kundalini, Kundalini Yoga), Yantra Meditation (Yantra, Yantra Yoga), Chakra Meditation (Chakra, Chakra Yoga), Object Meditation (Trataka)
  
• Sivananda Meditation (Sivananda), Patanjali Meditation (Patanjali), Osho Meditation (Osho), Transcendental Meditation (Maharishi)
  
• Nadabrahma Meditation, Gourishankar Meditation, Golden light meditation
• Vipassana, Samatha, Zazen, Kinhin, Simran, Hong Sau, Surat shabd yoga, Baguazhang, Pa Kua Chang

Traditions

• Buddhism Meditation (Samatha, Jhana, Vipassana)
• Tibetan Buddhism Meditation (Samatha)
  
• Zen Buddhism Meditation (Zazen, Kinhin)
  
• Sikhism Meditation (Simran)
  
• Christian Meditation
• Jewish Meditation (Kabbala)
  
• Hindu Meditation (Dhyana, Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Samadhi).
  
• Muslim Meditation (Sufism)
• Taoism Meditation (Baguazhang, Pa Kua Chang)

Meditation Experiences

• Mystic Experience in Meditation, Siddhis, Anahata Sounds

Related

• Yoga, Mudras, Bandhas
  
• Affirmations, Visualisation

Read more here: » Meditation

A selection of articles related to Reincarnation including dictionary entries and links to related topics.

Please note that all words in GREY, like "Reincarnation, After Life, Karma, Death and Dying, Consciousness etc" are hyperlinks to related archives.

Read more here: » Reincarnation

The ancient Yogis recognised long ago that in order to accomplish the highest stage of yoga, which is the realisation of the self, or God consciousness, a healthy physical body is essential. For when we are sick, our attention is seldom free enough to contemplate the larger reality, or to muster the energy for practice.

The masters of yoga also teach us that personal growth is possible only when we fully accept our embodiment and when we truly understand that the body is not merely skin and bones but a finely balanced system of energies.

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