Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes form 'budhi", 'to awaken". It has its origins about 2,500 years age when Siddhartha Gotama, knows as the Buddha, was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35.
Siddhartha...
Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 B.C.E. At 29, he realized that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path' and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism -- called Dhamma, or Truth -- until his death at the age of 80.
Basic Concepts...
To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
1. to lead a moral life,
2. to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
3. to develop wisdom and understanding.
The buddha taught these concepts in the in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. (To learn more check out the Basics of Buddhism website link at the bottom of this page.)
The Spread of Buddhism form India to China...
Buddhism originated in ancient India during the second half of the first millennium B.C.E. It was brought to China and the surrounding area via merchants along the Silk Road. (For more information on this topic revisit the PowerPoint Spread of Buddhism under the PowerPoint tab.)
Reincarnation...
Buddhists believe in a concept known as reincarnation. Reincarnation can best be described as the rebirth of the soul or the spirit after the death of the physical body. According to Buddhists, the soul is reborn as a human, animal, plant , or insect depending upon their karma (their actions and deeds). The idea is that the soul continues this cycle of birth, death, and rebirth until it has perfected itself. This state of perfection is called nirvana. Even the Buddha is reincarnated repeatedly in human form to lead the Buddhist community, this person is referred to as the Dali Lama.
Websites...
The Basics of Buddhism
Buddhism for Kids
More Buddhism for Kids
Buddhist History for Kids
The Spread of Buddhism Along the Silk Road
The dali Lama's Homepage
Siddhartha...
Siddhartha Gotama was born into a royal family in Lumbini, now located in Nepal, in 563 B.C.E. At 29, he realized that wealth and luxury did not guarantee happiness, so he explored the different teachings religions and philosophies of the day, to find the key to human happiness. After six years of study and meditation he finally found 'the middle path' and was enlightened. After enlightenment, the Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism -- called Dhamma, or Truth -- until his death at the age of 80.
Basic Concepts...
To many, Buddhism goes beyond religion and is more of a philosophy or 'way of life'. It is because philosophy 'means love of wisdom' and the Buddhist path can be summed up as:
1. to lead a moral life,
2. to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions, and
3. to develop wisdom and understanding.
The buddha taught these concepts in the in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. (To learn more check out the Basics of Buddhism website link at the bottom of this page.)
Buddhism originated in ancient India during the second half of the first millennium B.C.E. It was brought to China and the surrounding area via merchants along the Silk Road. (For more information on this topic revisit the PowerPoint Spread of Buddhism under the PowerPoint tab.)
Buddhists believe in a concept known as reincarnation. Reincarnation can best be described as the rebirth of the soul or the spirit after the death of the physical body. According to Buddhists, the soul is reborn as a human, animal, plant , or insect depending upon their karma (their actions and deeds). The idea is that the soul continues this cycle of birth, death, and rebirth until it has perfected itself. This state of perfection is called nirvana. Even the Buddha is reincarnated repeatedly in human form to lead the Buddhist community, this person is referred to as the Dali Lama.
Websites...
The Basics of Buddhism
Buddhism for Kids
More Buddhism for Kids
Buddhist History for Kids
The Spread of Buddhism Along the Silk Road
The dali Lama's Homepage
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