Buddhism is the faith that has changed the lives of millions of people over the world. It all began in a small kingdom in North East India, in Sarkya. The founder of Buddhism was the Prince Siddhartha Gautama, now called Lord Buddha. Buddha means ‘enlightened one'. Siddhartha in his young age began a search for understanding the causes of sufferings. By the end of his life he not only earned the title Buddha but had also earned many followers by then.
History tells us that Siddhartha was born while his mother Maya was on her way to visit her parents. She died soon afterward. Saints then informed his father that he would become a great ruler or a Buddha. The thought that Siddhartha will leave the kingdom and become a holy beggar haunted his father. But eventually Siddhartha left the kingdom to search the true meaning of suffering.
When Siddhartha left the palace, the suffering he saw around him made him decide to become a holy man. He spent the next six years in spiritual learning and depriving himself of food and shelter. This eventually made him too weak for deep reflection, so he began to meditate below a tree and this is where he earned enlightenment. It is believed that when Siddhartha was meditating, a demon named Mara, sent his beautiful daughters to distract him from his chosen path.
[...] At the age of 80, Buddha ate stone food that was accidentally poisoned and died at a Kusinagara, India. Many people came there to pay homage to their Lord for the last time. He was buried and the remaining bones were kept under stone mounds that have since then it became one of the holy places of pilgrimage for Buddhist's. Buddhists believe that a person can be reborn after his death. This phenomenon is called reincarnation. Buddhism exists side by side with other religions. [...]
[...] The ‘Eightfold Path' teaches Buddhists that they should be correct in all aspects of life, namely, understanding, thought, speech, actions, means of livelihood, effort, recollection and meditation. Buddhist's also believe in the law of ‘karma'. The law states that ‘both good and bad actions will see fitting rewards or punishments in both this and next rebirth'. The simplicity followed among Buddhists can also be seen in their rituals and ceremonies. It usually begins with reciting extracts from Buddhist's scriptures followed by offerings to Lord Buddha. [...]
[...] Who have sacrificed their lives and devoted themselves for by preaching Buddha's teachings and setting an example for others. Life as monk Life as a monk involves lot of sacrifice, devotion, and faith. Here are few points on their lifestyle. The monks never get to stay with their families and avoid any personal possessions. They rely on offerings that people make and carry alms bowls into which people place their foods. Apart from leading a very strict life they also avoid entertainment like singing, dancing etc. [...]
[...] The followers or devotees in this form of Buddhism first aim to become an enlightened one without entering the ‘nirvana' phase. These devotees want to remain in this world to help others in achieving enlightenment. Mahayana are therefore seen placing high values on charities. Theravada Being dominant in regions like Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Laos, this form of Buddhism is closest to the teachings of Buddha himself. Devotees in this branch of Buddhism aim to become perfect saints by following the Noble Eightfold path. [...]
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