Introduction: Buddhism, an eminent global faith, finds its roots in the heart of South Asia, emerging during the 5th century B.C.E. The visionary behind this spiritual movement was Siddhartha Gautama. In the course of centuries, Buddhism expanded its influence far beyond Asia’s boundaries. Its fundamental tenets revolve around the notions of anguish and reincarnation, with the ultimate aspiration being the attainment of enlightenment, often referred to as nirvana, to break free from the ceaseless cycle. Siddhartha Gautama, the enlightened one, is venerated as the Buddha. Buddhism, in contrast to theistic religions, does not subscribe to the belief in a deity or god, though it does acknowledge the presence of supernatural entities that influence the path to enlightenment.

Siddhartha Gautama, born in close proximity to the contemporary Nepal-India border, was a prince in the 5th century B.C.E. He, confronted with the profound human suffering, forsook his opulent existence. After periods of asceticism and destitution, he unveiled the “Middle Path,” an equilibrium in life. It was beneath the sacred Bodhi tree in Bihar, India, that he attained enlightenment, or nirvana, rendering this site, now housing the Mahabodhi Temple, a hallowed destination for pilgrims.

What are Four Noble Truths?

The Buddha disseminated his teachings through the Four Noble Truths.

• The first of these, “Suffering (dukkha),” posits that every individual grapples with the tribulations of life.
• The second truth, “Origin of suffering (samudāya),” establishes a connection between all suffering and desire (tanhā).
• The third truth, “Cessation of suffering (nirodha),” presents the prospect of ending suffering and achieving enlightenment.
• The fourth truth, “Path to the cessation of suffering (magga),” delineates the Middle Way as the pathway to enlightenment.

At the core of Buddhism lies the concepts of reincarnation and karma. Karma elucidates how actions from one’s past or previous lives, whether virtuous or malevolent, impact one’s future encounters.

Division of Buddhism and Schools

Buddhism is categorized into three primary schools:

1. Mahayana
2. Theravada
3. Vajrayana

School wise Expansion in the World

Mahayana Buddhism enjoys widespread adherence in regions like China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. This is placing significant emphasis on bodhisattvas, enlightened beings who return to guide others.

Theravada Buddhism predominates in nations such as Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar. It is underscoring monastic life and meditation as the means to enlightenment.

Vajrayana takes precedence in regions including Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and Mongolia. This offers a swifter path to enlightenment when compared to Mahayana or Theravada.

Spiritual Leader

The Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and the traditional head of Tibet, sought refuge in India following the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959. Numerous Tibetan Buddhists continue to resist Chinese authority. The present Dalai Lama, widely recognized as the 14th reincarnation of his lineage, has engendered speculation concerning his future reincarnation.

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