Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, in India in the 6th century BCE. Buddhists worship at home or in temples, keeping their feet facing away from Buddha images. The religion's major branches are Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana. Buddhism has spread internationally to many regions including Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and Tibet. Key beliefs include the four noble truths about suffering and its end, following precepts of non-harming and virtue, and practicing meditation and wisdom. Major texts include the Pali Canon and Tibetan Book of the Dead. Festivals include Asalha Puja and Dharma Day.
2. Place of worship
Buddhists worship at home or at a temple. It is very important
that their feet face away from the image of Buddha. They listen
to religious texts and they take part of prayer.
3. Founder/ Founded
Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Pali.. He was born in
the 6th century bce, Lumbini, near Kapilavastu. This is now
one of the major religions in the world. The religion was
founded in the 6th century bce.
4. Where Buddhism
began
India Siddharta Gautama was a prince in a kingdom near the
India and Nepal border. Buddha was born in Lumbini or
present day Nepal. The Sramanas movement originated in
India. It was a big time for social change. There were many
philosophical traditions in India. This includes the Charvaka
school, Buddhism, and its sister religion, Jainism.
5. Geographically, where
has it spread
Buddhism has spread internationally. The religion is
influenced the most in Ceylon, Burma, Nepal, Tibet, Central
Asia, China, and Japan are just regions where the middle
path was greatly accepted.
6. Branches of the
religion
Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana are the branches of Buddhism.
Theravada is the dominant form in Buddhism in South east Asia. It
claims around 100 million adherents in the world.
Mahayana is the dominant form of Buddhism in China, Japan, Korea,
Tibet, And Vietnam.
Vajrayana is the Tantric tradition of Buddhism.
7. Sacred writings
The Tibetan Book of the Dead are the major
noncanonical Buddhist texts. The Pali Canon
incorporates the teachings of his pupils.
8. Asalha Puja Day- Theravada Buddhist festival which typically
takes place in July, on the full moon of the eighth lunar
month.
Dharma Day- One of the most important dates in the
Buddhist calendar. This is because it marks the day the
religion was established. It is celebrated with readings from
the Buddhist scriptures, and is an opportunity to reflect deeply
on their content.
Uposatha- Observing day- There are actually four holy days
on the new moon, full moon, and there are quarter noon days
every month.
9. Major beliefs
Sila- virtue, good conduct, and morality
Samadhi- Concentration, meditation, and mental
developments
Prajna- Discernment, insight, and wisdom.
Do not kill
Do not steal
Do not consume alcohol or drugs.
The four noble truths
Dukkha ( suffering exists)
Sanudaya ( There is a cause for suffering)
Lvirodha- ( There is an end to suffering)
Magga ( In order to end suffering, you must follow the Eightfold
path.)
