Buddhism

Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion or philosophy inspired by tbe 5th century B.C. teachings of Siddhartha Gautama (also known as Gautama Buddha "tbe enlightened one"). Buddhism focuses on tbe goal of spiritual enlightenment centered on an understanding of Gautama Buddha's Four Noble Truths on tbe nature of suffering, and on tbe Eightfold Path of spiritual and moral practice, to break tbe cycle of suffering of which we are a part. Buddhism ascribes to a karmic system of rebirth. Several schools and sects of Buddhism exist, differing often on tbe nature of tbe Buddha, tbe extent to which enlightenment can be achieved (for one or for all) and by whom (religious orders or laity). 

Basic Groupings 

Theravada Buddhism: The oldest Buddhist school, Theravada is practiced mostly in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Burma, and Thailand, with minority representation elsewhere in Asia and tbe West. Theravadans follow tbe Pali Canon of Buddha's teachings, and believe that one may escape tbe cycle of rebirth, worldly attachment, and suffering for oneself; this process may take one or several lifetimes. 

Mahayana Buddhism, including subsets Zen and Tibetan (Lamaistic) Buddhism: Forms of Mahayana Buddhism are common in East Asia and Tibet, and parts of tbe West. Mahayanas have additional scriptures beyond tbe Pali Canon and believe tbe Buddha is eternal and still teaching. Unlike Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana schools maintain tbe Buddha-nature is present in all beings and all will ultimately achieve enlightenment. 

Hoa Hao: a minority tradition of Buddhism practiced in Vietnam that stresses lay participation, primarily by peasant farmers; it eschews expensive ceremonies and temples and relocates tbe primary practices into tbe home.